The 2009 MTV Video Music Awards took place tonight in New York’s Radio City Music Hall. Peep That Grape Juice’s performance review at the end of the post, in the meanwhile, enjoy the performances below!:
Janet Jackson – Michael Jackson Tribute
Kanye West / Taylor Swift Incident
Lady GaGa – Paparazzi
Beyonce – Sweet Dreams / Single Ladies
Pink – Sober
Beyonce Gives Taylor Swift Acceptance Speech Time
Jay-Z & Alicia Keys – Empire State of Mind
The dust has settled and the many stories that emanated from last night’s MTV Video Music Awards 2009 are making the rounds. Prior to giving my 2 Pence on last night’s happenings, I must give MTV kudos for delivering their best show since 2003. From the outlandish outfits (GaGa had me rolling with her final ensemble) to the shocking unscripted moments and of course the great performances, MTV did the damn thing last night and deserve a lot of credit for it.
As expected Janet Jackson stole the show with her electrifying tribute to her late brother, the King of Pop Michael Jackson. The performance, which saw a fantastic introduction from Madonna, lived up to my expectations, yet wasn’t what I expected (if that makes any sense?). Since news broke of Janet’s performance, I envisioned she’d be dancing like Michael, be dressed like him etc. Instead we get the fierceness that is Janet still do ‘her’ during ‘Scream’, whilst giving a nod to her brother. Ms. Jackson (if you’re nasty!) tore down the house (snatching wigs off many of today’s ‘stars’ in the process!). As we collectively say goodbye to MJ, we should be saying hello again to Ms. Janet, as she is officially back! Not being insensitive about the situation, but after last night, I’d imagine many a label will come a knocking – and rightfully so. She is still beast of a performer on stage. Loved it!
The night’s other show-stealers were IMO Beyonce, Pink and Lady GaGa to a lesser extent. After thinking we were in for another, (albeit great…but another)…standard ‘Single Ladies’ performance, Bouncy proved once again why she is the very best at the moment. As ever, killer vocals and incomparable energy, Ms. Knowles-Carter gave visual spectacle with her mass routine, a showing that encapsulated everything that should be a great award show performance. Say what you want about her, but she is the business!
Can’t say much more than I love Pink! While many in our Urban domain still harp on about her ditching R&B, as a MUSIC lover myself, I feel she has been creatively consistent and continually bettering her artistry with every album and with her stage show. Original, daring, and awesomely executed, her performance of ‘Sober’ ensured she continues to earn my respect. More power to her.
Is it me or was GaGa’s pretty cool performance, hampered by some questionable vocals? I mean close your eyes and listen to it and see if you don’t screw your face up at some parts. Perhaps it’s may be because ‘Paparazzi is my least favourite song of hers’ . Still, I guess much of her appeal is her eccentricity and stage theatrics, which were served up plentifully last night.
I probably am the only one, but Jay-Z’s ‘Empire State of Mind’ doesn’t really rock my world, hence neither did his and Alicia’s performance. By no means bad, just not as great as folk seem to be hyping it up to be…IMO. Lil’ Mama, love, what were you doing?! No, but really. I nearly peed myself when neither Jay or Alica even acknowledged her. How embarrassing.
KANYE…Kanye, Kanye, Kanye. If ever there was a hot ass mess embodied, it would just have to be Kanye West. His behaviour towards Taylor Swift was the epitome of uncalled for, and has IMO done some irreparable damage to his career. Does he think industry folk are gonna be flocking to work with him? Fans rushing to support his singles anytime soon? I mean stranger things have happened, but as powerful as he may be in today’s industry, the media machine that powers this all, is much more powerful – and they aren’t gonna let this one go for a while. I mean, aside from the fact he made himself look like a buffoon, as he wasn’t even nominated in the category he was whining about, he couldn’t have picked a worse ‘victim’. Taylor Swift: Caucasian, young, blonde, pure and innocent seeming. And before you think it, ‘Yes I went there!’ Really not wanting to play the race card, but Kanye really didn’t represent my people in a good light at all. No he’s not an embodiment of every black person, but the way the media can and probably spin it, such generalised undertones will be present. Such a shame. Such a shame.
Anyway, with any good award show being about memorable moments, Beyonce earned new level of respect from me when she graciously called Taylor back on stage to have her ‘moment’. While some will argue it was contrived and she did it for strategic reasons, I feel otherwise. She deserves kudos for that…major props. I can’t say I care too much for Taylor just because of what happened, but how cute was her acceptance speech? Great stuff.
After a series of disappointments in recent years, MTV really came through with the quality of last night’s show; it was well-produced, had great cast of performers and presenters and above all kept me on the edge of my seat. This is how an award show should be done!
Randomness:
* It’s kinda ironic that Janet stole the show this year, as part of the reason the VMA’s have been so rubbish in recent years was because of the repercussions they suffered after the Superbowl. As producers of the infamous half-time Superbowl event in 2004, they received heavy fines and subsequently their live programming steered away from any ‘risqué’ content, which was dry as that is exactly what makes great television! Thank goodness they got it right this year!
* Did anyone else notice Jennifer Lopez wildly cheering on Janet’s performance, which prominently featured her ex husband, dancer Chris Judd – while standing with new hubby Marc Anthony. No, I’m not being messy, just an interesting observation (the connections in the room).
* During Janet’s performance did anyone else spot the dancer almost fall over during the ‘lean’ in ‘Smooth Criminal’? I was like “don’t mess up my Michael’s ish!!!”
* Beyonce’s bodyguard Julius got the side-eye from Bouncy if there ever was one when he was being abrasive and rude during the pre-show. Not professional on his part at all.
* I have had approximately 2 hours sleep, as the show ended London time 5.00am. It was worth it though. Shout-out to those who kept me entertained and were hopefully entertained by our live commentary on Twitter!
The 2009 MTV Video Music Awards took place tonight in New York’s Radio City Music Hall. Peep That Grape Juice’s performance review at the end of the post, in the meanwhile, enjoy the performances below:
The rumours are apparently true; according to US Magazine, Christina Milian and The-Dream are OFFICIALLY married – and expecting their first child:
Christina Milian is pregnant with her first child, Usmagazine.com has confirmed.
The singer, 27, wed music producer The-Dream, 27, on Sept. 4 at the Little White Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas. Us first reported their engagement two months ago.
“The pregnancy was a surprise, but they were getting married regardless,” a source tells Us.
Milian has already been talking about children.
“Of course, I would love to have kids,” she told Us earlier this summer at the premiere of Bring It On: Fight to the Finish in NYC. “I think that’s some of the reasons why I do movies like this.”
Even The-Dream (real name: Terius Hagert Youngdell Nash) — who proposed to Milian with a six-carat sparkler from Ivanka Trump’s jewelry line — has been talking about a family.
“I love kids, and [Christina] loves kids probably more than I do,” he told Us in July. “She’ll make that time [to have a baby]. In the next couple of years, there’ll be something around.”
Wow. Not sure what to think of this. Errr….congratulations?
Randomness: The-Dream already has 3 kids with R&B singer Nivea – his ex-wife.
Singer-songwriter The-Dream can add another title to his ever-growing list of achievements – Vice President. The R&B star has announced that he is the new Executive Vice President of Island Def Jam:
The Dream announced his new position as Executive Vice President of Island Def Jam Records Wednesday through his Twitter page. The 27-year old singer, songwriter, and producer sent out a series of Tweets late that evening saying:
“I wanna Thank everyone at Island Records/DefJam for their faith in me and making me Executive Vice President of Island Records. Thank you to my team..my manager Mark Stewart & my attorney Aaron Rosenberg for getting this 1st step of a goal accomplished. Thanks to Judy. Thank you to my partner Tricky Stewart and the RadioKilla & RedZone Staff. LA Reid, Karen Kwak, Steve Bartels, Joe Barino. Steve Gotlieb and Thank you, Universal Chairman, Doug Morris. I look forward to the challenge of rebuilding music for not only Island Records, But for Universal Records as a whole. Today I’m humbled and blessed. Terius “The-Dream”
RadioKilla is taking over the position previously held by Chris Hicks, who took over the position after the untimely death of Def Jam executive, Shakir Stewart. Now L.A. Reid and the Def Jam family are passing the reigns to one of their own by giving the position to The Dream. The Dream also made sure to give a special shoutout to his fiancé, singer Christina Milian and her family for their support.
“Oh yeah thank you Christina for your wonderful belief in me i love you! also i want to thank the entire Nash family and Milian family for the Super Support you Give! this doesnt mean i have extra money it means i have extra bills LOL.”
His third album, which he says will be his last, is entitled Love King and due for release later this year. {Source}
I’m still a little baffled at the idea of artists/producers taking up such high positions at labels, as most evidence points to things turning out to be a disaster (see: 50 Cent & G-Unit, Jermaine Dupri etc). That said, congratulations to The-Dream…
My goodness has it been a slow news-day today or what. Anyway…
Check out these brand spanking new shots from the set of the video for Jay-Z’s new single ‘Run This Town’ – featuring Rihanna and Kanye West. The clip for the all-star song was directed by Anthony Mandler.
While I continue to question the idea of one of the song’s ultra-nasal feature artists running anything (I wonder who?), these pics have me feeling like the video may just be a winner.
As well, of course, your take on the pics, That Grape Juice wants to know…
Do you feel Jay-Z, Kanye, and Rihanna ‘run’ the industry?
With Jay-Z’s much anticipated ‘The Blueprint 3’ nearing its September 11th release, the next single to be lifted from the record ‘Run This Town’ has surfaced. Featuring former Def Jam label mates Rihanna and Kanye West, Hova has gone on record to say the track is named as such because they are the folk that ‘run’ the industry (hmm…).
While I’m feeling the track’s ‘epic’ feel, along with Jay and Kanye’s verses, I couldn’t stomach Rihanna’s part on the hook. Ms. Fenty was on her extra-nasal game on this one, which makes it a few pig-squeals away from being un-listenable. That said, the song still kinda manages to work.
Diva Whitney Houston poses it up with singer Alicia Keys at the New York listening session for her hotly anticipated ‘I Look To You’ album yesterday. Keys, who penned a track for the album, was one of several celebrities in the house to listen to the album playback. Our friend Clay Cane over at BET also attended the event. Check out his lengthy report below:
Last night, the legendary Clive Davis hosted a listening session for Whitney Houston’s new album I Look To You, which is in stores September 1st. Held at Jazz @ Lincoln Center in New York City, the event was packed with stars like Martha Stewart, Gayle King, Dionne Warrick, Alicia Keys (in the house with Swizz Beats!) LA Reid, Andre Harrell, Diane Sawyer, BET’s own Debra Lee and Stephen Hill – and the iconic Whitney Houston, who was absolutely stunning. She looked happy, grateful and beautiful. When Whitney hit the stage for a small speech the person next to me said,”That’s m*thaf**kin’ Whitney Houston!“ The diva received a standing ovation from a crowd (and the world!) who has been waiting for the return of the original pop-soul diva.
I was lucky enough to attend and here is a preview of the seven new tracks that were played (two leaked tracks were played, “Like I Never Left” featuring Akon and “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength” written by Diane Warren and produced by David Foster). I wasn’t able to catch every producer’s name or the exact lyrics so the credits are subject to change. Note: Clive Davis did stress the songs were still being polished.
1. “Million Dollar Bill” (written and produced by Alicia Keys and Swizz Beats)
An up-tempo, joyful track about love and probably one of the funkiest songs Whitney has ever done. “Million Dollar Bill” has an amazing bass line and almost recalls early Michael Jackson in Off The Wall. The catchy hook, “You make me feel like a million dollar bill.” Her vocal is strong with some power notes toward the end. The song has an Alicia Keys sound but fits for Whit — it’s current without making her seem like she is trying to compete with teenagers. The song received a standing ovation.
2. “Nothin’ But Love” (produced by Danja)
Whitney’s shout out to those who her love her and those who hate on her, she’s got “Nothin’ But Love” for all of them. Completely up-tempo and definitely an R&B club track that has the potential of sounding even hotter with a remix. The vocal stays around her lower register and, again, holds some classic Nippy notes at the end.
3. “Call You Tonight” (produced by Stargate)
Fun, mature and a song everyone can relate to. Heavily produced and while it can be tough to adjust to a pure vocalist like Whitney sing to a production heavy song, the mid-tempo track works for this album. “Call You Tonight” sounds like one of the better tracks from Just Whitney. Some lyrics include, “Destiny, I believe in it” and “I wish I could stay but I got to go, I’ll call you tonight.”
4. “Salute” (written and produced by R. Kelly)
Whitney is saying goodbye to a lover who has done her wrong, but she is letting go with no anger and confidently sings, “I salute you.” Could she be channeling Bobby Brown? The song is strictly R&B and almost sounds similar to “Heartbreak Hotel” from the My Love Is Your Love album. More instruments than production with keys and a strong vocal from Whitney. One line, “You think you know everything, you think your sh*t don’t stink.”
5. “I Look To You” – R. Kelly
Say what you want about R. Kelly but the man can still make a good R&B song. “I Look To You” is the title track and my favorite song so far. Beautiful lyrics like, “As I lay me down, heaven hear me now.” Her voice is deeply powerful, channeling classic Whitney with a pop sense but an R&B vocal. This song proves that she has not lost her voice and it’s definitely a melody I cannot wait to hear live. Whitney clearly feels every line and chord, charging through the ballad, transcending her own experience and reaching others who have been through adversity. Whitney has been criticized for not being emotional enough in her music — this track knocks out that complaint. From where I could see, Bobbi Kristina, Whitney’s daughter, was getting emotional during the song.
6. “Worth It” (R. Kelly)
“This song is for the lovers…” is one of the lines. Youthful and radio friendly, another R&B track. Nothing much to add about this one, enjoyable to listen to and had folks in the audience bobbing their head — I think I even saw a few head nods from Martha Stewart!
7. “A Song For You” (produced by Stargate)
Popularized by Donny Hathaway, “A Song For You” is a new spin on the Leon Russell classic. The beginning starts slow and the crowd gasped when they realized what song she was singing. Whitney sounded incredible, nearly haunting and before you knew it the song turns into a club banger! Mr. Davis explained the song was recorded just the night before. Definitely one for those who loves Whitney’s club tracks.
Overall, the nine tracks that were played received a good response. The album definitely has the potential to be a hit. For Whitney, there is no such thing as a “comeback” — icons “don’t call it a comeback” then just jump back in the game whenever they are ready. One thing I do know is no one should expect 1985 Whitney. Artists evolve and it’s limiting when we trap performers in a particular box or era. The best piece about the tracks is that Whit has some grit to her voice, her vocals are still strong but she doesn’t mind getting a bit nasty with it. While the album isn’t finished, I believe folks will be pleasantly surprised.
PS. Clive Davis is 77 years-old and stood on that stage for nearly an hour, introducing Whitney, telling stories, making jokes and setting up each song! This is a man from the old school and knows how to work a project! Gotta give respect to Professor Davis! {Source}
I really can’t wait for this one. Reports from the London session gave the album resounding praise too. Nippy is about to do the damn thing. More power to her!
The LP’s first single ‘Million Dollar Bill’ is set to debut any day now…
Jennifer Hudson’s fiance David Otunga has officially joined World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) (random or what?). The Harvard graduate and former ‘I Love New York’ contestant made his wrestling debut at the company’s official development territory Flordia Championship Wrestling (FCW) this week.
As a big wrestling fan, once upon a time (and to a less extent today), it’s not oft you see people from other media arenas join the WWE – especially as wrestlers. Like the commentators say I’m sure all eyes will be on him from here on out. I mean, I never ever envisioned posting a wrestling match on That Grape Juice LOL.
Randomness: WWF/E was the business during the ‘Attitude’ days. HBK, Austin, The Rock, DX, Mankind, Undertaker…ahh childhood memories!
That Grape Juice was fortunate enough to catch up with R&B superstar Ciara not once, but twice over the last month (in early May and just last week). In these candid interviews, parts 1 and 2 of which you can read / watch below, the 23 year old talks everything from her new album ‘Fantasy Ride’ and its sales, to sexing up her image, to collaborating with Janet Jackson, her thoughts on Keri Hilson, Beyonce and so much more. As ever, we ask the questions you really want answers to! Read, watch and enjoy 🙂 *Special thanks to Leon, Jamell and Sean!*
Interview by: Sam – That Grape Juice // Transcription: Bisi Kade
—————————————————
—————————————————
Part 1
Sam: Hey Ciara!
Ciara: Hi Sam!
Sam: How are you?
Ciara: I’m great thank you. I’m in a wonderful space right now. Sam: That’s awesome. So you visited the UK last week, and did a lot of media appearances. One in particular was a radio interview where you learnt UK’s very own ‘Migrate Skank’, which made a huge buzz on the net. What differentiates your UK fans from your other worldwide fan base?
Ciara: It’s literally it being two different parts of the world, I think the UK has its own unique style and we, as Americans, have our own style as well. It’s just like when you go to Japan, it’s different (compared to) when you go to the States, because of culturally differences. My fans are from various parts of the world, but I can definitely say the energy of my fans in the UK is amazing. It’s just so fun here. It’s just one of those things that when you go over to the UK I’m always like “wow… the support is amazing”.
Sam: Did you visit any attractions when you were over here?
Ciara: (thinking) When I was there I really didn’t get a chance to do a whole lot. I did go to TopShop and stuff like that, but my schedule was so hectic that I couldn’t to as many places as I would like to.
Sam: Ok, so after a few push-back’s your third studio album ‘Fantasy Ride’ has finally hit stores across the globe this week: Tell us about the process you went through to develop your artistry with this album?
Ciara: Making this album I just really wanted to take my time, and I can definitely say this is the most fun I’ve had recording a record since my first album. What happened to me was: I put out one single (‘Go Girl’) and it was kind of like a warm-up exercise and just me really trying something new. I put out that record kind of early because my whole album wasn’t completed…. Something I’ve done before. I did that when I made my first album; I put out ‘Goodies’ out as the single on the radio and I recorded ‘1,2 Step’ and ‘Oh’ whilst ‘Goodies’ during that time. That’s what the process was for this record. But I really do think that I enjoyed myself and as I continued to record after the first time I moved the date back, things continued to get better. It was just important for me to make sure I really had everything in place the way I wanted it to be. Technically there was really one push back. I wanted to make sure I didn’t mention a date until I knew exactly what I wanted it to be.
Sam: The title indicates the record being somewhat of a concept CD; tell about what inspired the title?
Ciara: ‘Fantasy Ride’ is about me taking my fans on a fantasy through music and taking my fans many different places they have never been before, as well as doing some of the unexpected things. And that’s what this album is about; it really is a fantasy ride, if you want to party, I have that record on there. If you feeling more sensual, that record is on there, if you just want to groove out and relax that record is on there. It’s just the perfect combination of R&B, Hip-Hop and Pop fused in one. It really is just a fantasy ride for me too, because I am adding more elements to things I’ve already done. I wanted to make sure I gave my fans things of what they have always known from me. But I also wanted to make sure I added more to it and really some unexpected things for them.
Sam: We can’t shy away from the fact that several tracks from the album which made the finally cut from the record found their way on to the internet several months prior to the album’s release, what is your take on this?
Ciara: Initially it was definitely frustrating. Because not only did I put a lot of hard work in to it, but it’s also not a cheap process making a record [laughs]. But most importantly presentation is everything and it’s definitely unfortunate when you put so much hard work in to something and you know what you want it to be. And before you know it, it actually gets put out for the public before it’s even completed. So people are able to get opinions on something that’s not even the proper version of it. That part of it is really frustrating and it’s kind of like who would do something like that? I feel like that’s so wrong. At the end of the day I have to find the positives in it, when I do my shows earlier my fans knew some of the songs. One thing I do believe is that my diehard fans will still rock with you no matter what. Once you get to hear the entire album in its entirety, it just feels like nothing that you heard – even if you heard the tracks earlier, you’re hearing the correct version and it really does feel good. I believe your diehard fans will rock with you no matter what.
Sam: As we speak now, the first week sales of the album are being collated, how important are sales to you?
Ciara: Sales are a part of what matters, it’s not everything, it doesn’t make or break you to me. I’ve experienced before… my first album was really low and when it was all said and done I was almost at 5 million records sold. How you start is part of it, but how you finish it is what really matters. Like Akon has probably sold 60,000 units his first weekend and now he’s sold a hell of a lot… it’s all about timing, it’s all about promoting, it’s all about a lot of different things. You can’t get lost in all that. Another example is the Jonas Brothers; they are at 1.3 million or 1.2 million records, but they’re one of the hugest bands in the world. So sales aren’t part of it, there’s so much more to it, like being able to connect to your fans is important. One of the most important thing to me is touring; to me it’s more than everything to me, honestly. Everything is changing nowadays; Virgin Megastores just got closed, Uptown Records got shut down, now Virgin is collapsing. It just goes to show you where music is going and it is a different day. Sales aren’t everything and it don’t make or break you, it’s a fraction of what counts overall.
Sam: Many fans are keen to know why ‘Go Girl’ didn’t make it onto the album, as the track is a favourite among fans and the video is arguably one of the best Ms. Harris has served up since hitting the scene.
Ciara: That record was actually on the Japan version (of ‘Fantasy Ride’), and I put it on there because that was a market that actually got that record in such a great way. It was the top 5 record for me there on that actual version. And of course you can always go to iTunes to get the record, but I just wanted to put out the records that was doing when I kept recording. It was kind of hard because you’re only given a certain amounts of slots per record and ‘Go Girl’ was one of those ones I wanted to put in there. But the other records for me were ones I really wanted there, and ‘Go Girl’ kind of came at the end of list. But my fans can still have access to it, you can go to iTunes to get. I didn’t get rid of the record that was one of the records that I loved to rock with, but when you tell me I have 13 slots to fill up I’m like… you know.
Sam: I really love the album. I think it’s your best record to date. ‘Tell Me What Your Name Is’ is my personal favourite track. If you had to pick one track as your favourite from the album what would it be and why?
Ciara: ‘High Price’. I love ‘High Price’ because it’s so strong and powerful and I love taking that risk by singing operatic on it. The track goes so hard to me and it has such great energy, it’s one of those records that make a huge statement. That’s one of the records I really love, it’s kind of hard to pick my most favourite but that’s one of the ones that I definitely really love.
Sam: One of the tracks I know the fans are really gravitating towards is the song called ‘Like A Surgeon’…
Ciara: Yeah I love that record…
Sam: …Would it be possible for ‘That Grape Juice’ readers as well as your fans to have a very short acapella of the track?
Ciara: [Laughs] No… [Laughs] You have to call me in 3 hours when I’m warmed up. I’m in LA so I’m on West Coast time, I just woke up, I’m just cranking everything up and I don’t know what would come out right now so you would really have me out there. That’s cool… on the next interview for sure.
Sam: Oh ok (laughs). A lot of fans are keen to find out what the next singles is likely to be.
Ciara: I can’t tell you just yet, I have an idea but I want to wait before I say it so I don’t want to say the wrong thing. And it is exactly what it’s going to be.
Sam: How involved are you in the process of picking the next single along with the label?
Ciara: I’m always very vocal and at this point it really is a teamwork effort. I shoot up my ideas and we all do a teamwork effort together and we go for it.
Sam: Honestly speaking, what’s your take on the Keri Hilson ‘Turnin’ Me On (Remix)’. It has caused major head-waves as we all know. Are you two still cool?
Ciara: I’ll be honest with you, it’s kind of one of those things where I don’t really like to spend that much energy on stuff like that. And when it comes to beefs and dramas I just leave that to the rappers. I don’t get into it, I haven’t talked to her in a while, but I am wishing her well in everything she has going on.
Sam: After being in this industry for a minute, has there ever been a time when something you’ve heard has gotten you down, and how did you deal with this?
Ciara: There have definitely been some moments when something has probably frustrated me a little bit or kind of kicked a little bit of negative energy this way. But you know what, I’m at a point in my life to where I feel like I’m very blessed. To be on my third album to be living my dream to be waking up to be doing what I choose to do is a blessing. And you always have to think about that I could be in a whole space right now and so I just choose to think about all the great things I feel like I’ve been blessed with or all the great things and people I have in my life and that’s what keeps me positive and keeps me going.
Sam: You’ve gone on record to say that you would love to do a duet with Janet Jackson. Is that something we could look forward to in the future or perhaps her next record, or something we could see from Ciara anytime soon?
Ciara: There’s no telling, I definitely think it would be awesome. But I guess whenever that right moment comes if it’s something that Janet is down for then of course I guess it could happen. But I can’t tell you right now ‘oh I have a record and blah blah blah,’ I don’t have that response for you, but I definitely think that it would be cool.
Sam: You and Justin Timberlake were awfully close in the ‘Love, Sex & Magic’ Video. What is your take on people saying that ‘Ciara has taken it ‘too sexed up’ these days?
Ciara: I can definitely say that this album is about my growth as a woman and I can definitely say on this record, the more sensual side to me is coming out. ‘Love, Sex & Magic’ is definitely a true reflection of that side. I’m just having fun and my sensual side is coming out a little bit right now.
Sam: You’ve got a serious presence on Twitter. What do you think about its rapid rise to prominence?
Ciara: I think Twitter is really important, it’s important because it allows me to connect with my fans and talk with them. I honestly enjoy myself doing it. (It) doesn’t feel like I’m working, I really am having a fun time. It’s such a great platform to update your fans with new information, it’s such a great platform to fill them and connect with them. And that’s why I love Twitter, at first I was like this is crazy, but now I understand the importance of it or I believe it’s important.
Sam: Aside from That Grape Juice, do you visit any other internet blogs?
Ciara: [Thinking] Do I… yeah actually I do, I don’t even know why I asked that question, I blanked out [laughs]. I do to a couple of other websites; I do a little internet searching.
Sam: Do you read comments on yourself, comments of you performances or do you just go for general purposes?
Ciara: I like to be updated on what’s going on music and sometimes I like to read the comments. I pretty much refrain from trying to, because a lot of times people like to create negative things just to do it. And I feel like blogs are kind of like created to give us negative [vibes]. So I can’t go by that and I can’t depend on that. But I do like to go to go and be updated on entertainment and different things that happen because I don’t watch TV like that, that’s just my way of checking up on everything.
Sam: Just to let you know, it’s not all the blogs that are negative towards artists, there are a lot of positive ones.
Ciara: I know. What I realised in media is that negative energy travels faster than positive energy, and people tend to drive off of that more. So I pick and choose the moments to look at stuff, you can kind of get an idea when somebody is going to try and create something more than what it is, for something that is just not right. You have to pick and choose those moments, but at the end of the day a blogger doesn’t determine anything to me. A person that is negative doesn’t mean anything to me, but my fans do. I do enjoy going to my fan sites; you get a positive support.
Sam: Many are keen to know whether you are dating anyone at the moment?
Ciara: (laughs) I’m ‘dating’ my music!
Sam: (Laughs) If Super C was having a celebrity Death Match, who would she pick as her tag team partner?
Ciara: I love this question! Erm…Eminem
Sam: Ok, rounding up; I’m going to give you two names and you tell me which you prefer. Starting off: Beyonce or Destiny’s Child?
Ciara: Beyonce
Sam: 50 Cent or Kanye West?
Ciara: Hmmm. That’s tuff [giggles]. I think both artists are really dope, but I would say 50 Cent.
Sam: Michael or Janet?
Ciara: Ahh that’s just not right (laughs)… Michael.
Sam: Sell me Fantasy Ride in one word?
Ciara: Timeless.
Sam: We reported today that you will be going on tour with Jay-Z this summer. When will the tour be kicking off?
Ciara: I think sometime in July I don’t know the dates just now [laughs].
Sam: Before we call it an interview, many of your fans want to know whether we’ll we be seeing you perform at the BET Awards 2009?
Ciara: As of now I can’t say, but would I love to? Absolutely.
Sam: Ms. Harris, it really was great speaking with you. Best of luck with the project.
Ciara: Aww…thank you, love. Have a great day. Mwah!
Want more? Check out Part 2 below!
—————————————————
Part 2
—————————————————
Ciara’s awesome new album ‘Fantasy Ride’ is in stores and on iTunes now. Do be sure to pick up a copy!
While on a short trip to the UK last week, R&B star Omarion revealed to BBC’s Ace and Vis that he has signed a new deal with Lil’ Wayne’s Young Money / Cash Money imprint – the label home of Drake and Nicki Minaj. It had been reported in recent months that the former B2K star had signed with Timbaland’s Mosley Music Group, however this appears to dispel such notions. The 23 year old, who is currently hard at work on his third studio album, continues to be managed by Chris Stokes TUG company (…).
Hmm…while I think there is no better time than the present for Omarion to resurface and capitalize on the space left by Chris Brown, I can’t help but be a little sceptical about all these artist-led recording labels. I mean one need not look any further than 50 Cent and G-Unit where no one but him has achieved anything, not to mention the countless other artist-labels that mirror this. I guess time will tell if Omari can be the exception. Good luck to him.
* On a random, I’m really hoping Omarion nixes the nasal singing this go round…it’s not a good look.
R&B singer Kelis hit the town with friend Damon Perruzi in the Los Angeles over the weekend. It’s the first time the heavily pregnant wife of rapper Nas has been seen since announcing that she was expecting. The couple have confirmed they are having a boy.
About the ‘look’…she’s looked better LOL…much better. She does look well though.
Pint-sized star Lil’ Kim made her debut on the season premiere of Dancing With The Stars. The ‘Lighters Up’ rapper danced the Cha Cha to Janet Jackson’s classic ‘Nasty’ with partner Derek Hough.
