As some of you may have heard, Ne-Yo was dropped suddenly from R. Kelly’s ‘Double Up’ tour a few couple of days ago. Whilst, at the time, ‘contractual reasons’ were cited as the reason, the ‘Do You’ singer has spoken out about the situation on a Washington radio station. Check out the report below via Natasha over at YBF:

…But Ne-Yo now says that he was told to tell people his being dropped was due to financial and contractual issues. But actually it was because he challenged some of the goings on behind the scenes of the tour. And that may or may not (he purposely remained vague on the issue)have led to contractual obligations not being fulfilled. He discussed how simple things like a dressing room were not given to him and his dancers because R. Kelly wanted all 7 of the dressing rooms to himself. He also said that R. Kelly and his people were quite unprofessional and demanded Ne-Yo’s rehearsal times be cut short. Basically he wasn’t feeling the respect level given to him and said “No” to many of the unplanned and slightly disrespectful changes. And apparently, after Keyshia Cole threw a fit and threatened to not perform on opening night because she didn’t like that R. Kelly’s people slated her to go on before Ne-Yo, they didn’t drop her for challenging their decisions. And Keyshia still ended up not performing that night. Ne-Yo says all that wasn’t cool and he’s being treated unfairly.

He says he definitely still respects R. Kelly musically, but not as a man. Sounds like The Kells’ divatude is back in play…reminiscent of the Best of Both Worlds Tour with Jay-Z. And we all know how that ended up. Ne-Yo was asked about whether any lawsuits would come of this and he responded with the typical “We’ll see what happens” response. He also says now that he has all this free time on his hands, he’s trying to put something together on his own for his fans.

Whatever the real reason, it was pretty messed up to drop him from the tour – especially after Keyshia Cole’s rumored behaviour. all of this makes me question R. Kelly’s logic; I mean, with his trial coming up soon, he’s gonna need every bit of good press he can get and this definitely isn’t a good look.


Any thoughts?
Former B2K member Raz B has finally addressed the persistent rumors surrounding his sexuality. Speaking out via MySpace, the singer denied being gay, however I’m thinking the way he went about it had the opposite effect. Here’s what he had to say…(it’s long):

Let me put something out on the table right now. Here is my official response to all these gay rumors going around about myself.

1. Yes I heard the radio interview Fizz did.

2. No I am not upset with him and we do not have beef.

Now, a lot of people seem to believe I am gay. Well I am here to say IT’S NOT TRUE. I have expressed that many many times and frankly if some people can not understand that and still want to be ignorant about the subject matter then so be it. As I said before in a magazine interview and excuse my language, but I love pussy..I love the female body and I just have love for women in general.

I have nothing against the gay community, yes I support them. Why discriminate against someone due to their sexual orientation? I’m not close minded and I’m not stuck in a primitive decade. They have feelings to because they are human just like a hetrosexual male or female. Who is anyone to judge just because others discriminate against it? In a way that’s no different than being a racist. I said in a way..I didn’t say it was exactly the same, so don’t send me messages saying “it’s not the same thing” if u disagree.I have love for everyone even if they do hate my guts.

The Bible says “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. (Matthew 5:38-44) ” In my case it’s all love and I do my best to look the other way.

Aside from that, people feel that I am gay because I have performed at the gay pride festival a couple of years ago. Well ya know what, that community is an audience like any other people. Why deprive them of a performance because of their sexual orientation? I am not the only musician who has performed for that group of people. Musicians who are on a bigger status have performed there, so why pinpoint me out and make me out to be the black sheep? Lets also get another thing straight, I never performed at a gay club. I made an APPEARANCE at one club, which means I signed autographs. Again, I’m not going to not fullfill my commitment to a group of people who were willing to come out to visit with me just because of their sexual perference.

Also just because I did the whole mohawk thing, doesn’t mean anything either. I was trying a different look and it certainly grab attention, which was my intention, but who knew it would grab so much negativity. And last but certainly not least, JUST BECAUSE I DID NOAH’S ARC DOES NOT MAKE ME GAY. I did it for the purpose behind the meaning of that particular episode which touched on HIV. Nothing more, nothing less other than receiving a pay check for it.

Do you know how many straight male actors have played gay roles? The Rock, Will Smith, The male actors on Will and Grace, Taye Diggs, Robin Williams, Russell Crowe, Al Pacino, Bruce Willis, Marlon Brando, Forest Whitaker, Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal.The list goes on, so therefore if they can act in such roles and continue on in life without the world wondering about their sexuality, then why can’t I? If I didn’t feel comfortable with the role then I wouldn’t have taken it. It’s called acting, that doesn’t mean I live that lifestyle.

So please hear me and understand me, I am in no way shape or form a gay male. I have nothing against that community. But I would appreciate it if people would stop with the false accusations. If you just asked me the question in recent times, this is not against you, I’m pointing this out for other purposes.Indeed I do realize majority of the public could careless in what I say and believe what they want, but overall it doesn’t matter because myself, my family and my friends know the real me. If you seem to have an issue with what I stated, then I don’t know what to tell you, but God Bless.

Hmmm…

What do you think of Raz B’s denial?

After a brief hiatus, soul songstress Jill Scott is set to release her third full-length LP ‘The Real Thing: Words and Sounds Vol 3’ on September 25th. I’m liking the lead single ‘Hate On Me’ and feel it to be a true return to form for the critically acclaimed Scott. The video isn’t all that great, but who cares? With Jill, it’s the talent that’s at the forefront.

What do you think of the song/video?

Bow Wow has revealed that he is in the process of making a joint ‘Best of Both Worlds’ type album with R&B singer Omarion. There is no set release date for the currently untitled CD, however it is slated to drop later this year. The ‘Outta My System’ rapper had the following to say regarding the project:

“Me and O have been trying to put this together for so many years, and now we’ve got the opportunity to do it. We’re in the creative process right now, still trying to come up with a title and everything. Me and him are coming up with ideas daily, so the process is gonna go real smooth. We’re anxious to get in the studio together and make this whole thing happen.”

“I’m not even calling it an album; It’s gonna be a special event. It’s gonna be crazy, something the people have been waiting on — the girls have been waiting on –for years.”

…Ok then. I’m guessing the real reason for this ‘special event’ is that neither Bow Wow or Omarion can manage to actually sell well with their individual albums. This seems like a disaster waiting to happen. The way I see it, Omarion should to try make an album that lives up to the hype of his singles and Bow Wow should attempt to make a hit without a feature artist.

{No, this isn’t the album cover}

Our friends over at Rap-Up have had the chance to listen to Kelly Rowland’s ‘Ms Kelly’ album. Check out their preview below:

1. “Like This” featuring Eve
Produced by Polow Da Don
Co-written by Sean Garrett and Kelly Rowland

We’ve all heard this song by now. It’s our favorite track on the album and definitely was the right choice for the first single. Kelly did another song with Eve last year called “Gotsta Go” which did not make the album.

2. “Comeback”
Produced by Scott Storch
Co-written by Kelly Rowland

Catchy, upbeat song and the first of two Scott Storch produced tracks on the CD. On the hook, Kelly sings: “I got that comeback, that hubba bubba…I got a lifetime warranty, guarantee you’ll never leave.”

3. “Ghetto” featuring Snoop Dogg
Produced by Tank
Co-written by Kelly Rowland and Tank

We were told that it was between this and “Work (Put It In)” for the second single. Kelly and her label were going back and forth and finally Kelly told them that she wanted this to be the second single. The smooth, mid-tempo R&B cut features Snoop Dogg. Kelly sings: “Rock your Timbs, sag your jeans, ice your grills, it’s all good with me…That’s what my baby wants, that’s how we be gettin’ it done.” Snoop has a rap in the intro and the middle of the song.

4. “Work (Put It In)”
Produced by Scott Storch
Co-written by Kelly Rowland

This is our second favorite track off the album after “Like This.” This would get our vote for the second single, but “Ghetto” with Snoop is probably a safer choice. The upbeat, fast-paced song has a drumbeat and is a definite club banger. Kelly sings: “No turning back from this party…See all that you can see…Do it baby do it, get it in.”

5. “Flash Back”
Produced by Charlie and Kenny Bereal
Co-written by Kelly Rowland

You might have heard this song already. It was leaked to the Internet a while ago. Kelly sings: “I wish I could relive the past.” The album version is pretty much the same as the one that’s on the net. The instrumental reminds us of the Main Street Electrical Parade at Disneyland.

6. “Every Thought Is You”
Produced by Loren Dawson and Rockwilder
Co-written by Kelly Rowland

Another song that has already hit the net. This mid-tempo number is one of the more forgettable tracks.

7. “The Show” featuring Tank
Produced by Tank
Co-written by Kelly Rowland and Tank

Slow jam, baby making music. This is a duet between Kelly and Tank where they compare making love to putting on a show. Kelly sings: “I’m getting out my show clothes, so hot when I rock those…I’m setting the stage on fire.” We get to hear a grown and sexy Kelly Rowland.

8. “Interlude”
Produced by Billy Mann
Written by Kelly Rowland

This interlude goes into “Still In Love With My Ex.” Kelly says, “Never thought we’d break up for the better…”

9. “Still In Love With My Ex”
Produced by Soulshock & Karlin
Co-written by Kelly Rowland

We can’t help but think this song is about Kelly’s ex-fiancé, football player Roy Williams. The album version of the song is different than the one that was leaked last year. It’s more upbeat and there’s now a guitar/rock feel to it. “I’m so sorry, please forgive me,” Kelly sings.

10. “Love”
Produced by Mysto & Pizzi
Co-written by Kelly Rowland and Solange Knowles

One of the standout tracks. Mid-tempo love song with lyrics like, “It’s a cold, cold world out there…And when it rains it pours out there…The grass ain’t greener on the other side…I knew you would return once you saw the real deal.” Mysto & Pizzi have worked with Cassie and Nina Sky. Kelly co-wrote this one with Beyoncé’s sister Solange who wrote two tracks on 2002’s Simply Deep. Look out for Solange’s album this September.

11. “Better Without You”
Produced by Charlie and Kenny Bereal

Another song that was probably influenced by Kelly’s ex. Guitar-driven track where Kelly talks about moving on from her past relationship. “I’m pursuing my goals,” she sings.

12. “This Is Love”
Produced by Billy Mann

Love, independence, and maturity seem to be the reoccurring themes throughout the album. This is the third song with “love” in the title. This pop ballad features strings and a guitar. Sample lyrics: “You take my imperfections and turn them into art.”

I’m really liking the tracklist; some of the songs that I was feeling from the unreleased ‘My Story’ album have been left on i.e. ‘Flashback’ and The Show’. The Scott Storch tracks sound like their gonna be hot too. All in all, I’m pretty hyped for this album. She seems to have come hard with this project and I’m hoping she does well. ‘Ms Kelly’ drops June 26th.

Like Ricky Martin, Bad Bunny, and her superstar ex-husband Marc Anthony, singer-actress Jennifer Lopez was among the Latin entertainers who expressed outrage after a speaker during Donald Trump‘s Madison Square Garden recent rally made sexist and racist jokes – even referring to Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage.”

In addition to casting her support behind Trump’s political opponent, Kamala Harris, the ‘Let’s Get Loud’ singer loudly and proudly campaigned for the Democratic presidential nominee as a featured speaker at a Las Vegas rally on Thursday (October 31).

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Jordyn Woods is making a move into…music.

The socialite had been most renowned for the happenings in her personal life – such as her love interests and highly publicized fallout (and eventual reconciliation) with Kylie Jenner.

Now, she’s trying her hand at music with the arrival of her debut single ‘Be With You.’ It’s a track she says is inspired by her real-life romance with New York Knicks basketball star Karl-Anthony Towns.

And she’s wasting no time lighting a match under the track by unveiling its accompanying music video.

Watch below…

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Unlikely duo ROSÉ and Bruno Mars have found quite the smash in their duet ‘APT.’

Released October 18, the infectious bop exploded on social media (namely Tik Tok) in the days that followed its release – a warm welcome that helped hoist it to the top of the real-time sales and streaming charts of Spotify, Apple Music, and iTunes.

With its inaugural sales tracking period behind it, ‘APT.’ is seeing just how that international commercial performance has translated into Stateside success on the Billboard Hot 100.

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Lady Gaga has unleashed the video for her blazing new single ‘Disease.’

The hard-hitting anthem has been paired with a cinematic, Avant-garde visual. One which sees Mother Monster battle

‘Disease’ serves as the premiere taste of Gaga’s forthcoming seventh studio album, which fans have affectionately christened ‘LG7.’

Watch the compelling visual below…

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DJ Bliss has been living up to his billing by delivering blazing sets on a global scale.

Serving as one of the leading forces championing Dubai’s music and nightlife scene, the music maestro continues to make a mark on the world stage – having shared platforms with the likes of Drake, Beyonce, and Swedish House Mafia.

When not packing dancefloors with hits such as the BIA-assisted ‘808’ and ‘Hala Walla’ (which arrived via FIVE Music), he can be seen making waves on the hit Netflix series ‘Dubai Bling.’ The latter of which is apt given his rousing residency at FIVE Palm Jumeirah’s hotspot BLING.

That Grape Juice

Join us after the jump where we get to know the vendor of good vibes the more…

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If the buzz around his seventh studio album, the October 28-released ‘Chromakopia,’ is anything to judge by, Tyler, the Creator is well on his way to keeping his streak of Billboard 200 no. 1 hits intact.

A 14-track affair, the new LP shines as a star-studded opus as it boasts contribution from big names like Lil Wayne, GloRilla, Sexyy Red, Doechii, Daniel Caesar, Childish Gambino, Schoolboy Q, and more.

Kicked off by the warmly received singles ‘St. Chroma,’ ‘Thought I Was Dead,’ and ‘Noid,’ ‘Chromakopia’ comes as the long-awaited follow-up to 2021’s ‘Call Me If You Get Lost.’

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…and the claws are out!

‘Old Town Road‘ hitmaker Lil Nas X rode to the top of headlines on Sunday (October 27) when he took to social media to clap back at fellow rapper Azealia Banks for randomly discussing his career trajectory.

Lil Nas X really fell off so hard. Lmfao that little c*ntrag swore she was the tea. B*tch has NO BARS,” she told her 154,000 followers on the platform.

As reported here, the 2x GRAMMY winner took little time hitting back at Banks – not only slamming her lack of commercial success but also branding the femcee a “botched body” chicken sacrificer.

Once his X (formerly known as Twitter) response reached her desk she launched into a tirade. See her fiery reaction inside.

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