Sexy siren Shakira and Kid Cudi have teamed up to create the official remix of her international release, ‘Did It Again’. The original version song, which will not be released in the US, has so far managed to reach #50 on the Spanish Singles Chart. Shakira’s new album, ‘She Wolf’, will be released on November 23rd.

Having thoroughly enjoyed thee original version of this song, I was a bit worried that a remix would have diluted it’s flavour. On the contrary, I rather enjoyed every moment of this remix! The pumping dance beat, the heavy bass and the tight production on her vocals suited the song perfectly. However, Kid Cudi’s verse was a bit forgettable and  he came across as nothing more than a hype man on the track; adding nothing to the chemistry of the song. That said, I remain eager to hear Shakira’s new project. Great work.

Thoughts?

breezy

R&B star Chris Brown has released the cover art (as seen above) for the 2-disc Deluxe Edition of his highly anticipated 3rd studio album, ‘Graffiti’. The first single from the project, ‘I Can Transform Ya’ (featuring the pervasive Lil Wayne), has thus far peaked at #24 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #16 on the Hip-Hop/R&B charts. The album is slated for released on December 8th, which also happens to be the scheduled release date of Usher’s new album, tentatively entitled ‘Raymond vs. Raymond’. Below is the official track listing of ‘Graffiti’:

1. I Can Transform Ya featuring Lil Wayne & Swizz Beatz

2. Sing Like Me

3. Crawl

4. So Cold

5. What I Do featuring Plies

6. Famous Girl

7. Take My Time featuring Tank

8. I.Y.A.

9. Pass Out featuring Eva Simons

10. Wait Featuring Trey Songz & Game

11. Lucky Me

12. Fallin Down

13. I’ll Go

The artwork is basically the same with very little dissimilarity from the original other than the gold  tint. It baffles me that most people dislike the cover. Is the fact that he is wearing spandex more important than the concept of the design?

Regarding the track listing, I must admit that I am excited to hear all of the material. If ‘I Can Transform Ya’ and ‘Crawl’ are any indication of what the album will sound like, then I sense this is going to be his most musically, lyrically and vocally sound production to date. My only concern is that he is going to be singing a song – ‘Take My Time’ – with Tank. No offense to Chris but I bet it was difficult for Tank to retrain his vocals in an effort not to out-sing Breezy on his own track. Either way, I expect great things from this album.

Tidbit: Is it just me or has everyone forgotten that Usher is even releasing a record this year?

Thoughts?

Check out this preview of Lady GaGa‘s eagerly anticipated video for new single ‘Bad Roamnce’, which aired on German TV show Wetten Dass last night. I’ll reserve full judgement until I see the vid n its entirety.

Your thoughts?

Grammy-favourite Alicia Keys took us behind the scenes of her latest music video for her new single ‘Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart’. The clip is based on the blockbuster movie ‘Hancock‘ (which starred Will Smith). ‘Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart’ was written and produced by Keys, Kerry “Krucial” Brothers and Jeff Brasker. Expect to see the video on your screen any day now!

Your thoughts?

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The fabulous Mariah Carey was seen looking extra diva while working on the set of the video for her latest single ‘H.A.T.E.U.’ yesterday in New York City. Mariah certainly gets around doesn’t she? Two locations for one video? Can’t wait for this one.

What do you think of Mariah’s look?

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Your thoughts?

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Peep the official single cover for Rihanna‘s ‘Wait Your Turn’. Ms. Fenty just can’t keep her bra on these days, can she?

What do you think of the cover?

Watching now…

Update: Chris Brown has just issued a press release on Rihanna’s big 20/20 interview – which is scheduled to air tonight:

“While I respect Rihanna’s right to discuss the specific events of February 8, I maintain my position that all of the details should remain a private matter between us,” he said in the statement. “I do appreciate her support and wish her the best. I am extremely sorry for what I did, and I accept accountability for my actions. At this point, I am taking the proper steps to learn about me and grow from my mistakes. I only hope that others in similar situations can learn from our experience as well. Abuse of any kind is always wrong. The rest I leave it to God.”

Your thoughts?

janet-mtv-2009-1

There has much murmuring about Janet Jackson taking to the stage at the upcoming Amerian Music Awards on November 22nd, murmuring which was confirmed as true today.

In an interview with The Montreal Journal, dancer Nico Archambault (of ‘So You Think You Can Dance’) let the cat out of the bag confirming that he will be taking to the stage with the 43 year old superstar. Also adding that he, along with 3 other dancers will feature in the ‘Make Me’ video, which wrapped shooting this week. {Source}

Surprise or no surprise, it’s great to see Janet going all out with the promotion for her ‘Number Ones’ project (out November 17th). I anticipate a GH medley topped off with a performance of ‘Make Me’. Here’s hoping she knocks it out the park!

Your thoughts?

In a recent interview, Disney phenomenon Miley Cyrus revealed that she apparently “never heard a Jay-Z song.” Here is an excerpt from the conversation:

“Honestly, I picked that song ’cause I needed something to go with my clothing line,” the 16-year-old revealed. “I didn’t write it. I didn’t even expect it to be popular originally.”

Cyrus shocked the interviewer when she said she had never even heard a song by the rapper. “I’ve never heard a Jay-Z song. I don’t listen to pop music and it’s not even my style of music.” {Source}

Now I understand why she is Disney’s darling; she’s a bigger puppet than Pinocchio. She clearly has no artistic investment in her music and is geared only toward satisfying the media giant that is Disney merchandising. Then again, I’m not surprised because she has never shown any interest in her musical development. Just listen to her voice and you will see what I mean. Remember Vh1’s ‘Divas’? My point exactly.

Thoughts?

Check out this preview performance of ‘Halo’ from Beyonce‘s eagerly anticipated ‘I Am…Yours’ DVD (due November 23rd). As usual, she killed it…snatching R&B chick wigs off left, right and centre. Gotta love it!

Tidbit: That Grape Juice was invited to Bouncy’s upcoming show at London’s 02 Arena on November 15th. Seen Ms. Knowles-Carter live many a time now, yet can’t help but be excited as if it were the first. A testament to a true performer.

What do you think of the performance?

toni divorce

According to Essence, R&B songstress Toni Braxton and husband Keri Lewis are to divorce after 8 years of marriage. Braxton and Lewis, formerly of Mint Condition, have two children together – 7 year old Denim and 6 year old Diezel. {Source}

The news comes on the heels of Ms. Braxton kissing singer Trey Songz in the mouth on stage at the Soul Train Awards (click here to see the pic). Interesting, considering the above picture was taken AFTER the kiss. Though, I must say I didn’t ‘OMG’ at this kiss, as I smell publicity stunt; she and Trey will be starring in a video together soon. Hmm…

If true, it’s kinda sad to yet another Hollywood couple call it quits (can such couples ever stay together?). Here’s hoping they stay civil for the kids’ sake.

Your thoughts?

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