In news that is sure to disappoint Mya’s fans, the singer has once again pushed back her new album ‘Liberation’. The CD, which was due to hit stores on August 14th, will now drop on September 18th -as confirmed by her label Universal/Motown.

This is almost becoming pathetic. Whereas before I assumed the delays were caused by the label trying to get things right, it’s evident that the project has no sense of direction. The album’s first single ‘Lock U Down’ is under-performing and a follow-up single -‘Walka Not A Talka’- has already been lined up. Yet with the album being released in September (if not pushed back again…), a third single will be due by then. My interest in the album and Mya in general is waning. A mess.

Will you be buying ‘Liberation’ whenever it drops?
As the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, preps his comeback album, former collaborator Quincy Jones has stated that he will not be working on the project. According to Jones – who masterminded the ‘Off The Wall’, ‘Thriller’ and ‘Bad’ albums – he and Jackson have had conversations about the possibility of collaborating again but he isn’t interested. Jones had the following to say: ‘Man please, I’ve got enough to do. We already did that. I have talked to him about working with him again but I’ve got too much to do. I’ve got 900 products. I’m 74 years old. Give me a break.’
On the one hand, Quincy working on the CD looks good on paper-mainly for nostalgia. Yet, I can’t remember the last thing he’s produced. I think Michael should just stick with confirmed producers Will.i.Am, Rodney ‘Darkchild’ Jerkins and Ne-Yo and hurry with that album. The currently untitled CD is slated to drop toward the end of the year.

Will Michael Jackson’s Comeback Be a Success?
Ever since hearing about the ‘amicable’ split between Teairra Mari and Roc-A-Fella Records, I have been wondering where the Detroit singer has been. After having some success with hits ‘Make A Girl Feel’ and ‘No Daddy’ back in 2005, Mari kinda disappeared. When she debuted, Def Jam president Jay-Z touted her as the ‘Princess of The Roc’; so many were surprised when the label quietly released her in October 2006 – especially since her sophomore album ‘Second Round’ was already completed. Since then, Mari has signed a deal with Interscope Records and is set to release her 2nd album in the summer. The first single from the set is scheduled to drop anytime from now.Though many criticised Teairra’s first album for being too sexually suggestive i.e. ‘Make A Girl Feel’ (she was 17 when it was released), I enjoyed the CD. Aside from the singles, tracks like the Darkchild produced ‘Stay in Ya Lane’ were hot. I’m hoping she does well this time around as there are less-talented artists out now who are selling.

Will you be checking for Teairra?

R&B star Kelly Rowland is the feature model on the cover of the July issue of KING magazine. After hearing Kelly would be doing the cover, I was anxious to see how it turned out; and for the most part, I’m liking it. She manages to keep it sexy, yet classy. It’s good to see Kelly getting on that promotional trail in preparation for the release of her ‘Ms Kelly’ album (due July 3rd). The issue hits newsstands June 5th.

What do you think of the cover?

The video for Common’s first single ‘The Game’ from his upcoming album ‘Finding Forever’ premiered yesterday. I’m liking this Kanye West produced track, but the video is kinda blah. I can’t complain too much though as it’s good to have the Chicago rapper back; it’s been a while since he dropped his last album ‘Be’ back in 2005. Common’s latest LP- his seventh- ‘Finding Forever’ drops July 31st via GOOD Music/Geffen.

What do you think of the video?

Justin Timberlake has announced that he is to launch his own record label – Tennman Records – a joint venture with Interscope Records. The ‘My Love’ singer will function as the Los Angeles-based company’s CEO and chairman. International distribution will be handled by Interscope Geffen A&M. Speaking on the label, Timberlake said ‘We are all excited about the talent we have to offer already on our roster and I cannot wait to introduce the world to my new discoveries’. New signings to the label will be revealed in June.
As Justin joins the host of artists who own their own labels, I’m left wondering whether it will work or not. Most of these artists either use it as a means of increasing their own popularity i.e. 50 Cent or simply can’t cut it in their role; in both cases the new signee’s end up suffering. Time will tell if it ends up being a success.
R&B singer Brandy has broken her silence regarding the various ‘wrongful death’ lawsuits levelled against her. The complaints were made by the family members of a 38 year old woman -Awatef Aboudihaj- who died in a four-car collision on December 30th last year in LA – a collision they claim was caused by the singer. However, in court documents filed this Wednesday, Brandy, though remorseful, ‘specifically denies each and every allegation in the wrongful death complaints filed against her’. The ‘Boy Is Mine’ singer is requesting the case be brought before a jury to prove her innocence in the accident.
Prosecutors are unlikely to file criminal charges against the ‘Mosesha’ star, 28, seeing as there was no evidence of alcohol/substance use or cell distraction. Yet, this hasn’t stopped relatives of the deceased, including her parents and husband, filing ‘wrongful death’ claims (3 in total) – which, if they win, Brandy will have to financially compensate them.
It’s always unfortunate when someone dies under such circumstances, but damn give Brandy a break! I mean 3 lawsuits for what was clearly an accident is not right at all. You would think she did it intentionally – which isn’t even what’s being argued here- considering the way she’s been made out to be a villain . It appears that the family are using a tragic situation to capitalize on Brandy’s fame and fortune. I just hope she manages to overcome all this and is able to continue with her life.

Is Brandy Really to Blame?

Bajan singer Rihanna continues her European promo blitz, this time appearing on German TV show ‘Viva Live’. The pics above show a rock-inspired Rihanna arriving/performing on the show to support the release of her latest album ‘Good Girl Gone Bad’ (due June 4th in Europe and June 5th in the US). I’m not sure about this ‘new look’ of hers; she has nailed it, but it kinda comes across forced and contrived. I prefer the more demure looking Rihanna of the not-so-distant past. Anyway, check out her performance of hit single ‘Umbrella’ on the show:

What do you think of the pics /performance?

Chris Brown Lands Major Acting Roles
After a brief stint in teen drama The OC and a role in dance movie ‘Stomp The Yard’ , Chris Brown is taking his burgeoning acting career to new heights. The teen R&B singer is reportedly set to star in ‘Shrek The 4th’ as a Gingerbread pimp – which is apparently a major role. The film is rumored to hit screens in 2010. Before then, Brown, 18, will star in basketball movie ‘Phenom’. The storyline of of the film sees Brown’s character – a high-school basketball player- take on his father’s team in the NBA playoffs. More power to him.

The Baddest B*tch Is Back

After a brief hiatus, Trina is prepping the release of the follow-up to her 2005 album ‘Glamorest Life’. Set to hit stores in August, the rapper’s latest offering has been titled ‘Baddest B*tch II’. Speaking on the new album – the sequel to her 2000 debut ‘Da Baddest B*tch – Trina told Billboard ‘I put 150 percent into this album. I’m stepping my game up like 10 notches..I have a thousand different emotions and feelings and I show it all in this project. I didn’t want to be sad, just happy and high spirited, so people can see Trina really grew up’. Producers on the CD are set to include Scott Storch, Cool and Dre, and Red Spyder. ‘Baddest B*tch II’ will drop August 14th via Slip-N-Slide/EMI.

Considering the fact that I really enjoyed Trina’s last CD, I’ll be checking for this one. I’m hoping she doesn’t exploit her relationship with Lil’ Wayne, as I didn’t care much when they were together and still don’t now. It seems that’s the route she’s going down – the scheduled first single is called ‘I’m Single Again’….

Mariah & Bone Thugs Set To Film New Video

Fresh from the success of their single ‘I Tried’- which peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100- Bone Thugs N’ Harmony are set to film the video for their next single ‘Lil L.O.V.E’ along with Mariah Carey. The shooting is to take place in New York City on June 4th & 5th.

I’m pleased they decided to go with ‘Lil L.O.V.E’ as the 2nd single from their ‘Stength & Loyalty’ album. The track is hot and real radio-friendly too. I’m anxious to see Mariah in the video, as it’s been some time since the multi-octave beauty has been in the limelight.

Prior to hearing this new track, I had been wondering where Cherish have been for sometime now. After their hit ‘Do It To It’ blew up the charts and clubs alike, they seemingly disappeared into music obscurity – with their follow-up single ‘Unappreciated’ tanking. However, it has been reported that the girls are working on their sophomore CD and this new track ‘Keep It Fresh’ will apparently be featured on the set. I’m definitely liking this one; it’s a cool summer uptempo jam. The production and vocal arrangements remind me of an urban nursery rhyme – in a good way. I’m waiting on that 2nd album, as the first – which was certified Gold- was pretty decent and this track is great.

What do you think: Hit or Miss?

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A couple of weeks ago, both Kelly Rowland and Mya gave performances at the ‘Fashion Cares 2007’ event in Canada. Check out the videos:

Kelly Rowland Performing Dilemma

I liked this performance; it seems Kelly has improved on her live vocals. The Patti Labelle ‘Love, Need and Want You’tie-in (the song Dilemma samples) was a nice touch. Although, it didn’t help that the crowd was almost completely dead. {LOL at the mess dressed in white..’Watch It’}

Mya Performing ‘I Am’

Watching this performance made me realise how much I actually like the song – why isn’t this a single? Anyway, the performance was pretty good. Mya’s vocals were on-point and the song works well live. As was with Kelly, the lack of crowd response slightly took away from the overall performance. I don’t understand why people go to these shows to sit silent and unresponsive.

What did you think of Kelly & Mya’s performances?

Rapper 50 Cent covers the July issue of VIBE magazine. Upon first seeing the cover, I thought it was a joke – but it really is genuine. If Mary J Blige thought her cover was bad, she hasn’t seen this yet. 50 looks constipated…not a good look. The issue hits newstands in the next few weeks.
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