As earlier reported, R&B diva Kelly Rowland recently scored a lucrative endorsement deal to serve as the face of Sean John’s new ‘Empress’ fragrance.

Having already begun plugging the scent in interviews, the 30 year old joined Sean John CEO Diddy last night to officially launch it at Macy‘s in Lakewood, California.

Donning a fierce pair of heels and a little black dress, Ms. Kelly looked every bit the superstar she’s blossoming into.

Peep more pics below, including snaps of the singer meeting fans and signing copies of her ‘Here I Am’ LP.

Your thoughts?

In perhaps their boldest move yet, the Sugababes‘ latest line-up have poked fun at the brand’s band’s ever-revolving array of faces.

The trio, currently consisting of Jade Ewen, Amelle Berrabah, and Heidi Range, take on the role of dolls on an assembly line in their feature for Fabulous magazine.

Given the public’s response to them as of late, it looks like the creative was right on the money with this one. For, as the strap-line reads, (many are asking) “just who are the Sugababes?”

Needless to say, they have their work cut out for them getting over the ghosts of members past. Are you willing to give the ‘Babes another chance?

Your thoughts?

It’s been more than 3 years since Ashanti released new music – and much longer since she topped a chart. Yet one could be forgiven for thinking it’s 2002 all over again – after a glance at her latest promotional pic.

For, the R&B stunner looks a million bucks in a diamond encrusted ensemble, no doubt the centre-piece of the Robert Ector shot.

Now independent (and signed to her own label, Written Entertainment), Ms. Douglas would be well-advised to continue to keep serving up ‘premium’ on an image and music tip, as even major label acts are finding the ‘grind’ harder than ever in the current musical climate. And we’re not sure her latest effort, soundtrack cut ‘Never Too Far Away’, is a step in the right direction.

Your thoughts?

Sean Paul. Four years ago that name would have been synomous with an ‘international chart-topper’. Fast forward to today and the climate is altogether quite different – after years in the musical wilderness.

Hoping to turn the tide, Paul has teamed up with newcomer Alexis Jordan on comeback effort ‘Got 2 Luv U’. Already a hit in France, the clip for the cut was released moments ago.

Check it out below…

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Peruse of the Pop charts may give fans a new reason to ask ‘Where You At’ to R&B belter Jennifer Hudson.  The Dreamgirl, who seemingly saw her rise to fame happen overnight, has now found audiences sleeping on her material.  But, to doubt Hudson’s celebrity would be ill as her star in other formats seems to burn as brightly as ever with endorsement deals and silver screen appearances showing without shortage.  However, the platform that originally put the ‘Spotlight’ singer in the spotlight has found itself fading.

Fans first saw Hudson make her way through the ranks of American Idol with fellow belter Fantasia.  The latter walked away with the crown, but Hudson (later) walked away with the gold.  Her 2006 film debut in ‘Dreamgirls’, opposite Pop megastar Beyonce, and 2008 self titled debut album lifted the Idol alum to dizzying heights of decoration (Oscar, Golden Globe, Grammy).  But, as Hudson’s headlines fluctuated from chart toppers to personal tragedies and triumphs (that later led to an extended break from the public eye), every year of her absence still saw her active on the big screen but not Billboard (‘Sex and the City’, ‘Secret Life of Bees’, and ‘Fragments’).  Of course, only leaving fans that much more anxious (and angry) for new material from the Chicagoan songbird.

3 years after her first tread on charts, the singer returned with ‘I Remember Me’ led by the ballad ‘Where You At’.  With stiff competition from R&B comeback kid Chris Brown, Hudson’s promotional promenade left no stone unturned, hitting (what seemed like) every major hotspot available at the time.  It seemed to pay off.  With no single in sight on Billboard’s Hot 100 upper half, the singer still managed to move 165k her first week.  However, fans quickly forgot ‘I Remember Me’.  And with watch for its follow-up single ‘No One Gonna Love You’ fading due to everlasting press for the singer’s Weight Watching, ‘Remember Me’ was ironically minimized to a distant memory.

So, what is the problem?  As Brandy, Mya, and many other R&B divas can attest, extended breaks in an ever-changing Pop landscape doesn’t lend many favors.  But, many will argue Hudson’s entire package (look and sound) have improved since her debut effort.  On the other hand, with Electro-Pop still being the dominating force in the industry, is there just not a place for R&B acts who curtail choreography and a troop of background dancers bumping to a beat?  Or, though Hudson’s promo schedule saw no shortage of stops (even months after its release), was there just too much promotion of the wrong single? Material not up to scratch?

We want you to weigh in:  Jennifer Hudson – Product or Promotion?  What’s to blame?

Your thoughts?

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Fans all over the world take a collective sigh of relief as Ebony magazine has unveiled the alternate Mary J. Blige cover for its October issue.  Regal indeed, the Queen of Hip Hop Soul shines on the simplistic cover.  With fans and non-fans alike lending mixed reviews of the original cover, here’s hoping this second-go-round satiates the critics.

For, as evidenced by the behind the scenes video, there were mountains of better shots to choose from.  We’re just glad they at least picked one.

Your thoughts?

‘Solo Star‘ Solange Knowles was in the spotlight channeling her inner Diana Ross at the Rimmel press conference celebrating 10 years with fashion it-girl Kate Moss.  As fans know, the songstress acts as the face of the brand and also recently introduced a new line of lipstick with the cosmetics company.

There, word has it, the youngest of the Knowles clan revealed The Carters recently learned the sex of their baby. But, of course, the ‘I Decided’ singer decided to keep tight-lipped on the story from there.

See Solange strike a pose below (Via BlackHairMedia):

Your thoughts?

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You can expect to see more and more of rising rap star J. Cole on the promo rounds as the date for his debut LP ‘Cole Word: The Sideline Story’ draws nearer.  Seems fans ‘can’t get enough’ of the Roc rapper as anticipation for his September 27th released studio effort builds.

And while Cole has most recently made headlines for his appearance in the October issue of GQ magazine and newly released Trey Songz-assisted ‘Can’t Get Enough’ video, there’s another alleged video that’s recently landed him in headlines as well – featuring none other that ‘Can’t Get Enough’ co-star/cameo Rihanna.

To address that rumor, as well as others, Cole dropped by MTV’s Sucker Free to share the scoop.  Find out his thoughts after the jump:

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Yes, ‘Thinking About Forever’ is now Roc Nation’s budding star Bridget Kelly’s “buzz record” of sorts, but Frank Ocean’s previously released demo version, ‘Thinking About You’, seems to have taken on a life of it’s on. So much so, Ocean recently released the High 5 Collective directed visual for his original take on the tune.

Check it out below…

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R&B beauty Brandy is readying a full-on comeback to the public eye with a host of television appearances and new music.  While we’ve already learned of her schedule appearances on 90210 and reality talent show ‘Majors & Minors’, fans can first expect to see the diva on Lifetime’s ‘Drop Dead Diva’ this Sunday, September 18th.

Speaking most recently with VLN TV, the ‘Full Moon’ singer dished about flirting with acting ‘full time’ as well as dropped dibs on her yet-untitled upcoming record.

Fans should get ready because B-Rocka is ready for a comeback!  Until then, find out this and what else is new with Ms. Norwood after the jump:

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R&B crooner R. Kelly may be an industry veteran, yet he’s showing no signs of slowing. While visiting Chicago’s 107.5 WGCI’s The Morning Riot today, the 44 year old revealed that the title of his forthcoming album is ‘Black Panties’. The LP, he claims, is a follow-up of sorts to his classic ’12 Play’.

And while we’re sure the public will be the deciders of that, Kelly’s choice words for Trey Songz were equally as notable.

Find out what the ‘Ignition’ singer had to say about Trigga, and interestingly Chris Brown, after the jump…

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