Diva Mariah Carey’s highly anticipated ‘Memoirs of An Imperfect Angel’ remix LP has finally been given an official release date. The megastar’s most popular fan site, MariahDaily, has confirmed that the project will hit stores on February 23rd, 2010. The record will feature collaborations from a host of artists including Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, T-Pain, R. Kelly, K-Ci & JoJo, Big Boi, Trey Songz, Nicki Minaj, and Fabolous; to name a few. Furthermore, the yet-untitled album will be supported by a fresh wave of promotional appearances.

I am sure that this news has come as a surprise to many of the people who thought that this project would never have seen the light of day. Given the list of high profile collaborators, it seems that this LP will shape up to be even better than the original. Add that to the reports that the album will feature four completely new songs, I sense that it may very well be one of the best records of 2010. Get it Mariah!

Thoughts?

After months full of murmuring and hearsay, it has today been confirmed that Beyonce‘s mother Tina Knowles is divorcing the singer’s father (and manager) Mathew after 29 years of marriage.

Interestingly, the power couple’s separation was legally filed back in November (as the pic below shows, courtesy of Bossip), yet only a few hours ago made its way out into the media:

Whatever the reason for their parting (which I’m sure will form the basis of many a debate), 29 years of marriage resulting in a divorce is quite sad. Sigh…

Your thoughts?

In a record-breaking move, rapper Eminem spent an astonishing 12 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the year 2002 with his biggest hit to date, ‘Lose Yourself‘. The standout track from the ‘8 Mile’ soundtrack climbed to the top of the charts on November 9th, 2002 and spent more weeks at the peak than any other song that year. ‘Lose Yourself’ was also a monster hit on the worldwide scale, charting on 24 international tallies, and reaching #1 in the UK. Enimen also received immense critical acclaim for the record, winning an Academy Award for Best Original Song and 2 Grammy Awards, in addition to having the honor of having the first rap song ever to be nominated for ‘Song of the Year’. In 2009, Billboard Magazine listed the song as the 28th most successful song of the decade.

Hits like ‘Lose Yourself’ is the reason why Hip-Hop dominated the Billboard charts for the first half of the decade. At on point, Eminem was an unstoppable force, not only in that genre, but in the entire music industry. However, although he continues to be a major sales success, his critical appeal has waned in recent times and many long for him to return to his frustrated (and somewhat disturbing) roots. Nevertheless, this song serves as a key piece of evidence as to why the ‘King of Blue-eyed Rap’ will be noted as one of the greatest MCs of our time.

Thoughts?

Mary J. Blige guested on ‘The Jay Leno Show’ last evening. The singer performed the second single from her  forthcoming ‘Stronger With Each Tear’ LP, entitled ‘I Am‘. To date, the song has peaked at #67 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #18 on the Hip-Hop/R&B chart.

As usual, Blige sounded and looked amazing. She is one of the few acts who can deliver consistent performances, even during a tumultuous promotion schedule. Although her vocal performances have a few imperfections at times, her presence is enough to make the casual listener overlook such blemishes. Good stuff.

Thoughts?

Beyonce sizzles in the commercial for her first fragrance ‘Heat’ (her own, as opposed to endorsing another brand). The 28 year old superstar sings classic ‘Fever’ in the clip.

Bouncy’s continued quest for world domination presses ahead with the release of ‘Heat’ in early 2010.

Your thoughts?

Those keeping up with Monica‘s awesome new BET show ‘Still Standing’ will know that the R&B star and her team had been mulling over the lead single from her forthcoming album of the same name (due March 9th). A few hours ago on Twitter, however, the 29 year old revealed that her label are going with a dual-single release:

MonicaMyLife: @thelarryjackson just called me and were doing a dual single release as planned bit the songs are One In A Lifetime & Love All Over Me

As a fan and an avid viewer of her show, Ms. Arnold had a wealth of great material to choose from and it appears the final choice was a wise one. Both ‘One In A Lifetime’ and ‘Love All Over Me’ are fantastic tracks. Here’s hoping they are smashes for her!

You can listen to both tracks below:

One In A Lifetime:

Love All Over Me:

Hit(s) or Miss(es)?

Mariah Carey appeared on another episode of TBS’ Lopez Tonight a few hours ago, giving a live rendition of ‘It’s A Wrap’ from her ‘Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel’ LP.

Though I actually found the performance quite good (especially the vocals), Mariah’s stage movements (or lack of, should I say) made for somewhat uncomfortable viewing. Surely, if you can’t move in what you’re wearing, wear something else? Just saying…

What do you think of the performance?

Fierce five-piece The Saturdays stopped by BBC Radio One’s Live Lounge yesterday to perform their latest single ‘Ego’, which looks set to give the ladies’ their 6th top 5 single in little over a year.

I really enjoyed this stripped back version of the song, which really served as a reminder as to why I’m really rooting for these ladies. Though a bonafide Pop act, the group’s vocals have much in the way of collective potential – especially their shining star Vanessa (her belting and runs are amazing).

What do you think of their performance?

The hotly anticipated DVD/Blu-Ray release of Michael Jackson‘s ‘This Is It’ movie is set for January 2010 in the US and February 2010. Check out the official trailer for it (featuring all new footage, earlier dance rehearsals and much more) below:

Your thoughts?

Literally moments ago, Covergirl model Rihanna debuted the video for her new single, ‘Hard’. The clip was directed by Melina and features rapper Young Jeezy. To date, the song has peaked at #19 on the Billboard Hot 100.

This is quite a spectacle! The outfits, the glamour, the guns and the swagger, all tied together with on point editing, created one of the best videos put forward by the aspiring singer. The concept behind the flick suits the lyrics well and Rihanna certainly brought the fire to the set. This is certainly a great look for her to kick off the new year.

Thoughts?

Young singer Alexandra Burke appeared on ‘The Paul O’Grady Show’ earlier today. The entertainer performed ‘Broken Heels’ from her ‘Overcome’ album. The LP has thus far been certified platinum in the UK since its October 19th release.

Alexandra has certainly done better performances. With her over-reliance on the backing track and her somewhat sluggish movements across the stage, I felt rather underwhelmed by the entire production. Nonetheless, given her generally consistent showings throughout her rigorous promotional campaign, I attribute this one to possible exhaustion.

Thoughts?

Continuing along the promotional trail for her new LP ‘The Element of Freedom’, Alicia Keys appeared on The Today Show this morning to perform her solo rendition of ‘Empire State of Mind’. Ever-consistent, Ms. Keys turned in yet another stellar performance – one which further solidifies my like for her solo version of the song over the Jay-Z collabo – though I seem to be somewhat alone in that sentiment (??)

What do you think of the performance?