R&B superstar Beyonce is to reportedly set swap her urban sound for a more dance-oriented feel on her next studio album. According to Female First, members of the singer’s team have approached dance duo The Freemasons – who remixed her recent hits ‘Deja Vu’ and ‘Beautiful Liar’ – to help Knowles achieve a more ‘international sound’ on the CD – which is slated for a summer 2008 release. The change in musical direction is being largely being attributed to the poor performance of Knowles’ sophomore album ‘B’Day’ – in comparison to her debut. {Source}
With the news last month that Timbaland had been enlisted to produce the majority of the album, this new info is hardly surprising. I feel the whole switching up of her sound as being much needed. Here’s hoping she doesn’t stray too far from her current sound, as, for all it’s shortcomings, ‘B’ Day’ had a few solid tracks i.e. ‘Get Me Bodied’ and ‘Upgrade U’.

Your thoughts?
While R&B songstress Brandy continues work on her 5th studio album, an unreleased track of hers has surfaced. At time of writing, it’s unknown the origins of the track and whether or not it’ll feature on the new release. About the track, I’m really feeling it; Brandy’s harmonies are as-ever on-point and the production isn’t bad either. Brandy’s currently untitled new LP is set to be released next year.

 

Hit or Miss?

{Link Removed As Requested}


Rapper Da Brat, real name Shawntae Harris, was reportedly arrested early this morning for attacking a waitress in Jermaine Durpi’s Studio 72 club with a rum bottle. Local police spokeswoman Mekka Parish confirmed that the 33 year old rapper got into a ‘an altercation involving pushing’ with the waitress. Check out the report below via Access Atlanta:

“According to witnesses, after the pushing, the waitress walked away, and a short time later, that’s when Harris picked up a bottle and hit the waitress in the face with it,” Parish said.

Parish said the rum bottle broke, causing a “deep laceration” to the 23-year-old woman’s cheek. The waitress also had swelling to her forehead, and was taken by friends to a local hospital.

Haven’t heard from ‘Brat tat tat’ in a minute and now this. A mess.

Your thoughts?
R&B star Chris Brown has stormed to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart with current single ‘Kiss Kiss’. The song, which features T-Pain, has seen a steady increase in digital downloads which allowed for it’s move into the top spot from #2 the week prior. Brown’ new album ‘Exclusive’ hits stores November 6th.

This must come as a relief to his camp, as there inevitably would have been alot of worry after the first single ‘Wall to Wall’ pretty much tanked. Though ‘Kiss Kiss’ is an improvement on that track, I’m kinda surprised why the label went with both songs as singles as there is better material on the album. Be on the lookout for a review of ‘Exclusive’ later this week or early next.


Your thoughts?

The King of Pop Michael Jackson is set to feature in the latest issue of Ebony magazine as part of a tribute to ‘Thriller’ – his record breaking album which turned 25 this year. US readers will be able to watch ‘Access Hollywood’ tonight who were on the set of the shoot and interviewed Michael. {Thanks Belinda}

Any thoughts?

The video for the first single from Bow Wow and Omarion’s joint album ‘Face Off’ premiered yesterday. Considering I had my preconceptions about the album, I must say that I am liking this song and video; nothing great, but still pretty good. ‘Face off’ hits stores December 4th.

What do you think of the video?
Check out the exclusive cover of Mary J. Blige’s eagerly anticipated new album ‘Growing Pains’ which is set to be released on December 11th. Mary looks great!

What do you think of the cover?
It was announced a couple of months back that rapper Bow Wow and R&B singer Omarion are set to release a collaboration album titled ‘Face Off’ on December 4th. The cover art for the CD has just surfaced and I must say that I’m liking it – the split face effect is kinda cool. There is potentially a feature with the guys on the site soon, so watch this space.

What do you think of the cover?

MTV News caught up with 50 Cent and Akon on the set of the G-Unit leader’s latest video ‘I Still Will’ – also known as ‘I Still Kill’ from the ‘Curtis’ album. Be on the lookout for the Jessy Torrero directed video in the weeks ahead.

Your thoughts?

It’s been a LONG wait and thanks to those that have bared with me. The interview will be posted tomorrow, so be sure to check back 🙂

With Mario gearing up for the release of his new album ‘Go!’ (due November 27th), the R&B singer is cranking up the promotion for the CD – this time dropping by AOL Sessions to perform current single ‘Crying Out For Me’. I’ve liked the track for the longest time and am rooting for Mario with this CD, but the performance just wasn’t good enough. A few off-notes in the middle I could let slide, but the way he messed up the end with the bad adlibbing didn’t do him any favours.

What do you think of the performance?

Nicole Scherzinger’s record label Interscope have confirmed that the release of the singer’s debut solo album has been delayed until 2008. At time of writing, no reason has been given for the push back. {Source}
This really comes as no surprise. Both singles ‘Whatever You Like’ and ‘Baby Love’ were complete and utter garbage – failing miserably on the charts on both sides of the Atlantic. Nicole’s team are reportedly ‘rethinking’ their next move – with more studio time not being ruled out. I say she should scap the entire album and start afresh. Better still, go back to the Pussycat Dolls and hope we forget this whole mess (her album) ever happened.

Any thoughts?
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