Confused about what exactly Teairra Mari is and isn’t releasing these days? With the numerous push-back’s, EP, mixtape, and new LP talk, so were we. However, the much needed clarification has come via the singer’s label, Warner, who have confirmed that the 22year old is to release both a mixtape (click here for details) and an EP titled ‘Sincerely Yours’ – the cover of which was unveiled today.
The digital-only release (which hits online outlets on August 17th) features a mixture of previously ‘leaked’ material from Mari’s now-scrapped ‘At That Point’ LP, and unheard songs too.
Kanye West’s highly anticipated video for ‘Power’ has finally debuted. The production was directed by Marco Brambilla to support the 1st single from his upcoming studio album which hits stores on September 14th. To date, ‘Power’ has climbed to #22 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Check out the video below:
The Joseph Khan-directed clip for Eminem’s smash hit ‘Love The Way You Lie (Ft. Rihanna)’ has been unveiled. The track has been dominating the Billboard Hot 100 for 3 consecutive weeks at #1. Check out the video below:
A very pregnant Alicia Keys was spotted on her honeymoon recently. The singer was alongside her new husband Swizz Beatz and close friend Queen Latifah on a yacht in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France.
Pop starlet Katy Perry is set to première the video for new single ‘Teenage Dream’ on August 10th. Ahead of the clip’s debut, you can now check out a sneak peak of what the quirky singer will be serving up with the video…
Soulful songstress Fantasia looks set to follow-up the Urban chart success of ‘Bittersweet’ with new single ‘Man of the House’. The song is the second release to be lifted from the American Idol alum’s third studio LP ‘Back to Me’, which hits stores on August 24th via J Records. {Source}
Take a listen to ‘Man of the House’ (which has grown on us immensely since first listen), in HQ below…
Nelly has finally set an official release date for his new album. ‘Nelly 5.0’ will hit stores via Universal Motown on November 16th and will feature writing and production contributions from Jim Jonsin, Rico Love, Dutch, Dr. Luke, Polow Da Don, Don Vito and Smash Factory. Furthermore, expect Diddy, T.I. and Akon to have guest spots on the record along with Kelly Rowland who will be featured on ‘Gone’ which is being billed as part 2 to their smash hit ‘Dilemma’.
The racy video for Tank‘s new single ‘Sex Music’ premièred a few moments ago on VIBE.com. Peep the video for the song, the lead from the crooner’s ‘Now or Never’ LP, after the jump…
Trina has released the official video for ‘My Bitches’. The track stands as the 3rd official single to be lifted off her ‘Amazin’ LP which debuted at #13 on the Billboard 200 on May 4th. Check out the video below:
Check out the official cover of Teairra Mari’s ‘Point of No Return’ EP. The mixtape, which is a collaborative effort with DJ Drama, will be available on August 6th.
This week’s Best You Never Heard feature returns this week with little known gems by Whitney Houston & Deborah Cox, Jill Scott, The-Dream and Cherish.
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Whitney Houston & Deborah Cox – Same Script, Different Cast
For a collaboration of such magnitude, it’s surprising to note that so little has been made of Whitney Houston and Deborah Cox’s 2000 duet ‘Same Script, Different Cast’. Lifted from Houston’s multi-Platinum ‘Greatest Hits’ LP, the stirring ballad sees the divas soar to new vocal heights, over a soulful reinterpretation of Beethoven’s ‘Für Elise’
In an age where the beauty of great lyrics is almost entirely confined to the past, this is a potent reminder that an engaging story can skilfully be conveyed via song. Indeed, the track features Houston playing the former lover of Cox’s current boyfriend, warning Cox of his hurtful ways. Yet Cox refuses to acknowledge it, accusing Houston being jealous. A divas clash of epic proportions!
If ‘The Boy Is Mine’ had a sassier, older sister, this would be she! Awesome track. (SAM)
Listen:
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Jill Scott – The Real Thing
Serving as the title track from her 2007 release, ‘The Real Thing: Words and Sounds Vol. 3’, Jill Scott’s ‘The Real Thing’ demonstrates her versatility as both a songwriter and vocalist. The powerhouse singer gives the listener the opportunity to hear the restrained yet gritty side of her renowned voice while unleashing a wave of lyrical fire over the live instrumental.
Scott spits rhymes in the second verse with the precision of the most talented MCs; combining her Neo-Soul roots with her poetic skill. When it comes to being a true artist, Scott is definitely ‘the real thing’. (TRENT)
Listen:
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The-Dream – Put It Down
Despite his inability to perform live, The-Dream has proven to be quite a proficient studio artist. This fact is most apparent on ‘Put It Down’ – the sexually-charged standout track from his ‘Love vs. Money’ LP.
Mr. Nash sores effortlessly through his illustrious falsetto, demonstrating the full capabilities of his upper registers. This is one of the few records on which Mr. Nash’s voice comes close to matching the heights of his enormous ego. Well, almost. (TRENT)
Listen:
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Cherish – Chevy
Though now no longer together, sister-group Cherish served up many an underrated gem in their short stint on the music scene – cue ‘Chevy’. Taken from their 2006 debut ‘Unappreciated’, the track is best characterised as R&B bliss.
The Old School inspired car-bumper manages to not only be racy (with clever use of metaphors), it also remained age-appropriate for the ladies – who at the time were mostly in their teens. How or why this wasn’t a single, I have no idea! (SAM)
