Continuing what has become a trend this year, Eve is the latest in a string of artists to push back her upcoming album. ‘Here I Am’ was originally scheduled to drop on August 7th..then September 18th and most recently October 16th. The album now has a tentative release date of ‘2008’. No word yet on the reason for the delay. {Source}
Is there even a point anymore? Not one of the albums that have been serially pushed back this year ended up shifting (m)any units. Like with the Kelly Rowland’s and Mya’s before her, public interest will start to wane (if it hasn’t already), hence making the album’s chances of success slim to none. These artists, labels or whoever really need to fix up.

Your thoughts?
With the snippet of ‘Just Fine’ surfacing earlier this week, it was inevitable the full version would soon follow. Having listened to the track in it’s entirety, I’m pleased Mary decided to come a little different to how many would have expected. The overall vibe of the song seems to reflect where Mary is at in career and private life – a much happier place. Interestingly, the track sounds a lot more mainstream in comparison to her past material and should crossover well on other formats. Mary’s new album ‘Growing Pains’ drops November 20th.

Hit or Miss?

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A glowing Whitney Houston was spotted out with music mogul and mentor Clive Davis yesterday (September 24th) at Nobu 57 restaurant in New York City. Whitney is currently recording her long-awaited comeback CD – which is set to feature contributions from the likes of Ne-Yo, Johnta Austin, R. Kelly and Diane Warren. The currently-untitled LP is slated for a Spring 2008 release.

What do you think of the pics?
Following the poor reception Ashanti’s recent single ‘Switch’ received, the singer and her label went back to the drawing board. It’s now been confirmed that this new track, ‘Hey Baby (After The Club)’, will serve as the official first single from her forthcoming album ‘The Declaration’. It was reported a while back that Ashanti hit the studio with Diddy and Mario Winans and this must be end result as the beat is lifted straight from Diddy’s ‘Last Night’. Though the track is good, it’s still a long way off what she should be putting out if she’s hoping for a successful ‘comeback’. A tidbit: Is she really releasing another song with ‘Baby’ in it lol?

Hit or Miss?

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It’s been a while since we’ve heard any new material from Capitol recording group Cherish. However, as the quartet continue to work on their currently untitled sophomore effort (due in 2008), a new track has surfaced called ‘Shoe Fanatic’. Though the song’s subject is kinda ‘blah’, I’m liking this. The production is on-point and the girls ride the beat nicely. I’m actually anticipating the group’s new CD; the first album was pretty good and it seems they’ve found their niche – the fun uptempo’s.

 

Hit or Miss?

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The ‘Making The Band 4’ finale is set to air this Sunday (August 26th) at 10.00pm. I’ve managed to catch the majority of this season since being out here in US (the show hasn’t started back home yet) and think it’s been great. Of the 10 finalists left, my picks for the band are:

From left to right: Brian A, Willie, Qwanell and Mike

I’m really hoping Diddy doesn’t screw over whoever is picked to be in this group as he has done with so many before them; the majority of the guys this year can really ‘sing sing’ and are some of the best vocalists on any season the popular MTV show. Click here to check out the Bryan Michael Cox produced track that will serve as the group’s first single – ‘I Want You Exclusive’.

Remember you can vote for your favourite(s) – which could influence who makes the group (not sure how legit this is though lol). Click here to vote

 

Who do you think will make the group?

As reported last week, Kanye West was interviewed in the current issue of Complex magazine. The ‘Stronger’ rapper also did a photo-shoot for his feature; I don’t know what to think about these pics – they’re ‘different’ for sure lol.

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What do you think of the pics?

With their collabo album ‘Face Off’ due for a December 4th release, this new track from Bow Wow and Omarion is set to feature on the CD. Upon hearing ‘Designated Driver’, I was kinda surprised. Though it doesn’t offer anything new lyrically, the production is really on-point. I’m not sold on the concept of their joint album just yet, but this track indicates that it may be promising.

 

Hit or Miss?

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In what appears to be a sudden twist, Kelly Rowland will now release ‘Ghetto’ (ft. Snoop Dogg) as the next single from her ‘Ms. Kelly’ album; the singer confirmed the news when interviewed on Atlanta’s V103 radio station. What’s more is that a video for the song has already been shot by director Andrew Gura. Prior to now, the Scott Storch produced ‘Comeback’ was set to be the next US single and a video was shot – alongside a video for the European single “Work’ – back in July. ‘Ghetto’ has also been sent for ads at radio and is receiving healthy spins on the Urban format.
I don’t know what exactly is going on; however, with it now being almost 6 months since ‘Like This’ premiered, Kelly needs to release a new single – any single – now.

What do you think of the single choice?
A long clip of the lead single from Jennifer Lopez’s upcoming new album has surfaced. Produced by Midi Mafia, ‘Hold It, Push It’ is the first English -language solo single from Lopez in over three years. Unfortunately, the track falls short of the hype which preceded it; the song is wack- plain and simple. Production-wise it’s just ‘ok’, yet J.Lo’s lacking vocal delivery is what really lets the track down. Having said that, maybe I expected too much from her – for what reason I do not know. I’m guessing I anticipated something with more ‘umph’ to it than this, after all she needs a hit as her music career has been in the pits for sometime now. For her sake, the album has to have better cuts than this.

Hit or Miss?
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Though there is a widespread assumption that ‘Comeback’ will be the 2nd single to be lifted from Kelly Rowland’s sophomore CD ‘Ms. Kelly’ (confirmed in-part by the singer herself ), reliable sources are stating otherwise. According to an insider, the singer’s UK label -Sony BMG/RCA- are set to release the critically acclaimed/fan favourite ‘Work (Put It In)’ as the follow-up to ‘Like This’. This would, however, contradict the singer’s supposed claim that the song couldn’t be released a single due to ‘legal reasons’. Which single will be released? Will Europe recieve a different 2nd single? Only time will tell…
In the meanwhile, click here to listen to the promotional edit of ‘Work’ (ft. Fat Joe) – not the mixtape version from a few months back.
Kelly is set to shoot a video for her 2nd single (whatever it may be) on July 19th and 20th in Los Angeles.
An AOL Sessions with Kelly is set to hit the net on July 20th. Be sure to tune in.
A new Kelly track (from the scrapped ‘My Story’ album) ‘Tell Me’ has surfaced. The song is pretty good, although doesn’t compare to any of the ‘Ms. Kelly’ tracks. LISTEN: Tell Me
Continuing her promo campaign, Kelly made two TV appearances this week. Click here to see her performance on The View and here for The Morning Show.

Any thoughts?
The 2nd single to be lifted from Eve’s upcoming album ‘Here I Am’ (due August 7th), has surfaced. Produced by Swizz Beats, ‘Give It To You’, featuring Sean Paul, is a Caribbean tinged uptempo track – perfect for the summer. E-V-E’s first single ‘Tambourine’ has grown on me considerably and with the debut of this great new track, I’m anticipating her album all the more. Be on the lookout for the video in the coming weeks.

Hit or Miss?


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