As earlier reported, Hip-Pop phenom Nicki Minaj features in the latest issue of V Magazine. However, it’s only today that the star’s spread in the publication surfaced – and what a spread it is.
Made up to resemble what can only be described as a modern take on African tribalism, Minaj’s shoot is eye-catching at the very least.
That said, what you do think of the shoot: ‘fashion’ or fool?
{Thanks Seye!}
Randomness: Notice how Nicki features in risque men’s magazine KING, while in the same month appears in upscale V too. An unfathomable feat, and one which serves as a testament to how in-demand she is. If ever there was any doubt as to whether Ms. Minaj has truly ‘arrived’, there remains none now. More power to her.
After a whirlwind promotional campaign, sitcom The Game returned in triumphant form on BET last night. Now in its 4th season, the dramedy had been off-air for two years – after being axed by its original network The CW, only to be revived after a hugely successful petition for its return last year.
Boasting all of the original cast, writers, and production staff, the show serves up all that we loved from earlier seasons and then some.
So, check out episode 1, of what promises to be a great season, after the jump. Derwin, Melanie, Tasha, Malik, Jason, and Kelly are back!
Check out the 4th and 5th episodes ‘Brandy & Ray J: A Family Business’ season 2. The show focuses on Brandy’s desire to find a man and her stint on ‘Dancing With The Stars’. Meanwhile, Ray J tries to find balance between his new relationship and his partying lifestyle.
Here are episodes 1 and 2 of the 2nd season of ‘What Chilli Wants’. The TLC member continues her search to find a mate as she deals with her insecurities and indecisiveness. Look below for the episodes:
It’s been merely 24 hours since Britney Spears‘ new single ‘Hold It Against Me’ premiered, and Britney Mania is already in full effect. With the song sitting comfortably at #1 on iTunes in 17 countries, and news about her forthcoming project hitting headlines on an hourly basis, what better time than the present for the singer to release a new promotional shot. Check it out above.
Is it me or does this look like an outtake from the ‘In the Zone’ era? Regardless, Ms. Spears would be neither the first nor last diva to rely heavily on Photoshop (see: Mariah Carey).
It looks like Britney Spears is planning to utilise every available avenue to promote her upcoming album. In fact, the Pop phenomenon is reportedly gearing up to hit the stage at the 53rd annual Grammy Awards ceremony on February 13th which airs at 8pm via CBS. There is no word as to whether Spears will be performing her new single, ‘Hold It Against Me’.
If this indeed true then the show is almost guaranteed a massive viewing audience. However, judging by the appallingly lackluster performances from Spears’ ‘Circus’ promotional campaign and her incessant lip-syncing, I am quite skeptical about her ability to meet any expectations of a great showing.
Spears is going to have to do a lot more than just walk across the stage and mime the lyrics of her songs if she wishes to leave a lasting impression. Indeed, after the powerhouse performances delivered at the show by Beyonce and Lady GaGa last year, it would be almost insulting to my intelligence to see Spears do worse than even Rihanna.
This week’s Best You Never Heard features little known gems by R. Kelly, Lauryn Hill, JoJo and Christina Aguilera.
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R. Kelly – ‘U Saved Me’
R&B great R. Kelly enjoys such status not simply because of his vocal prowess. Nor soley his prolific writing ability. Rather, it is the unparalleled versatility which defines the two, which has seen the 44 year old’s name become etched in music history.
Such versatility is perhaps best exemplified in the ‘Sex Me’ singer’s foray into Inspirational / Gospel-tinged territory. While successful releases such as ‘I Believe I Can Fly’ and the Kelly-penned Whitney Houston single ‘I Look To You’ provide solid examples of this, I argue lesser known cuts such as 2004’s ‘U Saved Me’ to serve as the best of an impeccable bunch.
Lyrical story-telling at its best, with ‘U Saved Me’, Kelly delivers a triumphant series of narratives centred on hope and defying the odds. Dually engaging and uplifting, one’s spirit can’t help but be joyous upon listening to this one – regardless of the barer of the message. {SAM}
LISTEN:
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Lauryn Hill – ‘I Used To Love Him (ft. Mary J. Blige’
Honest. That is the word that best describes the music of the legendary Lauryn Hill and Mary J. Blige. The power of their vocal performances stems not from expansive vocal ranges or robust belting but from passion and conviction.
This point is aptly reflected in ‘I Used To Love Him’ which was included on Hill’s iconic ‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’ album. Written and produced by Hill, the song comprises an ingenious vocal arrangement where both singers engage in well-timed exchanges, expressing the anguish of the lyrics through their equally raspy tones.
It has been almost 13 years since Hill released a new studio album and songs like this exemplify why both critics and fans alike have been calling for her return. Either way, even if she never makes another record, ‘The Miseducation…’ has permanently etched her name into the history books. {TRENT}
LISTEN:
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JoJo – ‘Anything’
While the so-so sales of JoJo‘s 2nd studio album ‘The High Road’ may have left some citing the dreaded ‘sophomore slump’, one spin of the songbird’s 2006 effort quickly dispels any such notion. A solid collection of Pop-tinged R&B, the record boasted many a gem, one of the most notable being ‘Anything’. Quietly released as the project’s final single (with no accompanying video), the song went criminally unnoticed – amidst the label drama which would see the 20 year old out of action for the next three years.
Still, with its thumping bass-line, soaring vocals, and refreshing faux-intro (courtesy of Toto‘s 1982 hit ‘Africa’), this is a winner and then some. Great track! {SAM}
LISTEN:
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Christina Aguilera – ‘Sex For Breakfast’
Although Christina Aguilera‘Bionic’ was one of the biggest commercial disappointments of the 2010, the record comprised several incredible moments. One such example is ‘Sex For Breakfast’.
Co-written by Aguilera, Noel Fisher and Bernard Edwards Jr., the song is characterised by simple production, allowing the listeners to appreciate the intricate complexities of her impressive vocal range without the unnecessary distraction of added studio flare.
Perhaps what is most enjoyable about ‘Sex For Breakfast’ is Aguilera’s use of restraint. Utilising fluid melismatic vocal runs and airy falsetto, she captured the sensual mood of the song, a welcome change from her usual throaty screams.
If Aguilera ever decides to focus on the Adult Contemporary market as her main target audience then this is the type of record she needs to create. A voice like hers needs to be heard but only at a lower volume. {TRENT}
Never underestimate the pulling power of Pop titan Britney Spears. At least that’s the lesson many are learning in light of the sales of the superstar’s new single ‘Hold It Against Me’.
First heard and made available for purchase less than 24 hours ago, the Max Martin produced cut has already rocketed to the top of the charts.
Chris Brown is ensuring that his ‘Fan of A Fan’ mixtape gets the maximum exposure that it deserves. The singer recently spotted alongside Tyga on the set of his video for ‘Wonder Woman’/‘Regular Girl’. The former song is included on Tyga’s ‘Well Done’ mixtape.
‘Basic Instinct’ may have been a chart disaster, however that isn’t stopping a certain Ciara from pressing on. For, according to a reliable source, the R&B star and her label Jive are set to release another single from the project next month.
It’s been a tough few years for R&B trier Ray J. Incessantly cast in the shadow of his sister Brandy, the singer (who turns 30 next week) briefly found success with singles ‘One Wish’ and ‘Sexy Can I’ – only to fade out of public consciousness with his releases thereafter.
Back with a new label (SRC/Universal), and the platform of VH1 reality show ‘A Family Business’, Ray today premiered the video for ‘Celebration’ – the first single to be lifted from his fifth studio album ‘Raydiation 2’.
