Born and raised in New York’s Manhattan, Adrienne Bailon rose to fame as one third of Urban trio 3LW back in the year 2000.

The launching pad for a career which saw her join Disney’s ‘The Cheetah Girls‘, a recurring role in ‘That’s So Raven‘ and ‘Keeping Up With The Kardashians‘ and a lucrative deal with Ne-Yo’s Compound Entertainment.

This year, she returned to television by way of hit series, ‘Empire Girls‘.

Airing on The Style Network, the reality TV series- which also stars media personality Julissa Bermudez– follows her as she readies her debut under Ne-Yo‘s leadership, and her day to day life as an entertainer.

So, as long time supporters of Ms. Bailon, it was our pleasure to meet with her last week for a truly insightful interview.

An interview, which saw her share exclusive details on her project, her relationship with The Kardashians, her Latin heritage… and her 3LW bandmates.

Interview below…

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Ne-Yo heats things up with the trailer for his new video ‘Lazy Love‘, released today.

Lifted from his forthcoming album ‘R.E.D‘, peep the clip’s scorching teaser before it surfaces in its entirety later on in the month, below…

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People Magazine called on ‘Sexy Love’ siren Ne-Yo this week, for their forthcoming Father’s Day special.

Joined by his two children Madilyn Grace (18 months) and Mason (8 months), the Pop mastermind struck a pose for the mag, dishing on fatherhood and juggling family time with his career.

A career, which will spawn a new LP ‘R.E.D’ on September 18th.

Your thoughts?

“The industry is changing”. “Times are different”. “It’s a recession.”

These are but a few of the many reasons employed to explain the increasing trend which sees artists such as Rihanna and Jason Derulo able to sell singles, while their albums under-perform.

Our friends over at The Associated Press have conducted an “investigation” of sorts, reaching out to artists themselves to probe the issue. One of the more potent responses came courtesy of hitmaker Ne-Yo.

Find out Motown’s new Senior Vice President of A&R had to say about the issue below…

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The criminally underrated Ameriie has spent the last two years out of the public eye, getting married and working diligently on ‘Cymatika Vol. I’ – her 5th studio album.

Yet, with recording reportedly set to wrap soon, the soulful stunner stepped out in style at Ne-Yo/Compound Pre-Grammy Party over the weekend. And sporting a shorter hair do too. You like?

Your thoughts?

‘Stay With Me’ singer Ne-Yo has certainly stayed low-key as of late months after swapping mixtape plans with the preparation of a full LP.  Despite generating moderate buzz for his Trey Songz-assisted single ‘The Way You Move’, the R&B crooner has remained fairly mute on the musical tip since the under-performance of 2010’s ‘Libra Scale’.

Albeit reportedly readying his return to radio later this year, Ne-Yo starts off his 2012 with his cinematic debut in the George Lucas-directed ‘Red Tails’.  The semi-biographical film, boasting an all-star cast featuring Terrence Howard and Cuba Gooding, Jr., sees the crooner take flight in new ways as the group have joined to depict the famous story of the Tuskeegee Airmen.

Already jetting up the promotional trail for ‘Tails’, last night saw the singer drop by Jimmy Kimmel Live to give fans a few sneak peeks of the film.  Also, chatting it up with BET, watch this clip and find out what Ne-Yo had to say about divas Beyonce, Celine Dion, and Mary J. Blige after the jump:

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NBC’s ‘The Voice’ just got a whole lot bigger.

Yes, in what will sure to have the folk  over at American Idol and X Factor feeling all kinds of competitive, today saw NBC announce news that will viewers of the hit show even more of a reason to tune in.

Ne-Yo, Kelly Clarkson, Lionel Richie, Baby Face, Jewel, Alanis Morisette and Robin Thicke have signed on to star in show’s second season.

Full story below…

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It’s been a whirlwind few years for Adrienne Bailon.

Having risen to prominence as part of R&B outfit 3LW in the early 00’s, the singer’s big break came when Disney snapped her up to front (what would become) the wildly successful Cheetah Girls.

Yet, as the age old adage goes, all good things must come to an end; with that ‘end’ coming in 2008 when the Cheetah’s disbanded.

And while some members struggled to find their footing (with less than ‘Spectacular’ results), Bailon was swiftly snapped up by Island  Def Jam. A deal That Grape Juice learned has since gone sour. Nonetheless, the future still looks bright for the 28 year old. Find out why below…

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Congratulations are most certainly in order for Pop maestro Ne-Yo.

For it has been confirmed that Monday 10th October saw the birth of his second child with partner Monyetta Shaw,who gave the performer his first child  just eleven months ago.

The good news comes just weeks after the couple announced their engagement and just days after he confirmed the name of his new album to That Grape Juice backstage at the ‘Michael Jackson Forever’ Tribute concert.

Source.

Well done!

Yesterday, we reported that ‘Miss Independent’ maestro Ne-Yo was soon readying to make longtime girlfriend, Monyetta Shaw, the new Mrs. Smith.  The web was set abuzz with news from her reps confirming to US Weekly Magazine that the two were engaged and expecting their second child.

However, now reps from the singer’s camp are denying the claim stating:

“Although the couple is expecting again, there is no engagement just yet.”

(source)

In related news, the singer is indeed expecting his new album and mixtape to arrive in coming months.  Trips down the aisle, however, will have to wait.

Your thoughts?

Check out R&B staple Ne-Yo treating fans at a football game yesterday to a performance of the US National Anthem.

Overlooked by former US Secretary of State Colin Powell, the ‘Irreplaceable‘ writer paid tribute to those who had lost their lives on 9/11 the best way he knew how, delivering a moving vocal for all in attendance.

Watch below…

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As reported here, ‘So Sick’ singer Ne-Yo joins fellow R&B crooners Chris Brown, Trey Songz, and Lloyd in trading in their signature stylings for a hopefully temporary tread into hip-hop.  Spotted most recently at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards by VIBE magazine, the ‘Miss Independent’ performer mentioned his upcoming mixtape as well as nearing completion of his new album.

Find out what other news Ne-Yo shared after the jump:

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