Continuing along the promotional trail for what’s shaping up to be his successful ‘Raymond v Raymond’ LP, Usher took to the stage on American Idol a few hours ago to perform his new single ‘OMG’. Joined by Black Eyed Peas frontman will.i.am, Usher – as ever – put on a world class performance. Check it out after the jump…

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Pop royalty Janet Jackson stopped by BET’s 106 & Park yesterday to promote her new movie ‘Why Did I Get Married Too’, along with co-star Malik Yoba. Jackson, 43, chatted it up with Terrance and Rocsi about headlining the Essence Music Festival, her latest projects, and of course the movie. Peep the interview above…

Tidbit: Tyler and co’s promo game for this movie has been ridiculously on point, don’t you think? I mean, who doesn’t know this movie is coming out? Roll on April 4th…

Randomness: Does anyone else find the juxtoposition between Janet’s on and off-stage personna’s hilarious? She’s comes across all Disney-esque during interviews, yet a freak while performing. I love it! Complete randomness, but when interviewing Ciara last summer, I noticed the exact same thing. Interesting…

Your thoughts?

Diddy and Dirty Money (Danity Kane’s Dawn and Kaleena) landed a performance spot on American Idol’s ‘R&B Night’ episode, which aired tonight. The trio gave the first live performance of new single ‘Hello Good Morning’ – the latest cut to be lifted from their ‘Last Train To Paris‘ LP (due June 22nd).

As with all things Diddy, the performance was a very grand and flashy affair. More over, the  Rico Love penned song isn’t bad at all. Peep the performance below…

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Check out this short preview of Janet Jackson‘s video for ‘Nothing’ – the lead single from the soundtrack of ‘Why Did I Get Married Too’. Directed by Tim Palen, the video in its full-form premières tomorrow (April 1st).

Judging by this clip….as much as I support Janet…this is not the business. Still, I’ll reserve full judgement until seeing the video in its entirety.

Your thoughts?

The video for Nicki Minaj‘s debut single ‘Massive Attack’ premièred literally a few moments ago. Check out the clip in its entirety above. Sean Garrett features…

Hmm. While the song is not rocking my world (the word doo-doo comes to mind), its accompanying video was a commendable first solo effort. The video really encapsulated Minaj’s ‘larger-than-life’ / cartoon-esque character particularly well. There were many an instance where the overwhelming feeling of ‘seen it / heard it all before’ came over me (see: Lil’ Kim). Yet Nicki’s undeniable charisma – which hasn’t been seen in years with female Hip-Hop – just about redeems the Young Money star.

Not bad.

What do you think of the video?

According to Hits Daily Double, Usher is looking set to silence the naysayers next week. Based on first day sales, the R&B crooner’s latest LP ‘Raymond v Raymond’ is a cert for the #1 spot on the Billboard 200, with current figures suggesting the album could top the 350,000 mark in first week sales.

With no bonafide Hot 100 chart smash, Usher is not only defying the odds, he’s showing why it’s important not to underestimate true talent. More power to him.

Your thoughts?

Though revered as a performer, it goes without saying that Jennifer Lopez‘s lack of vocal prowess has caused her to be the butt of many a joke.

Well, it appears the ultimate punch line has been delivered; a studio engineer – none too pleased with Lopez’s supposed diva behaviour while recording – has released raw audio of her trying her hand at Barbra Streisand’s ‘Enough Is Enough’. Let’s just say, the result was not pretty. Check it out for yourself below (via Perez Hilton):

Ouch! That was oh-so-embarrassing; her apparent shrugging off of the matter was not convincing in the slightest. Ol’ J.Lo was embarrassed – as she should have been. I mean, I was initially in two minds about posting this, as I legitimately felt sorry for her. However, I hit ‘post’ when I reminded myself about the fact that singers should actually be able to sing!

Granted I’m sure few artists have flawless studio sessions, the vast majority still turn in – at the bare minimum – commendable live efforts. I challenge anyone to point to one instance when Ms. Lopez has actually sounded good live – baring in mind she rarely ever sings live. I’m waiting…

We’re in a day and age where artists have to be able to, at least, try and turn in decent live + recorded vocals – something which may explain Jennifer’s lack of success in recent years. In any case…awful. Maybe this will serve as a challenge for her to better herself prior to trying to recapture her past-successes under the Def Jam umbrella.

Tidbit: I’m sure the names Janet and Ciara will come up in some capacity. However, in each of their cases, they’ve proven they can hold their own live too. I’m just saying…

Your thoughts?

Young Money heavyweights Drake and Nicki Minaj feature on the cover of the May issue of XXL magazine. The cover’s strapline ‘The Rebirth of Rap Royalty’ is sure to get tongues wagging – especially since neither artist have even released their debut albums yet. Still, more power to them…I guess. {Spotted over at Young Money HQ}

Your thoughts?

R&B star Monica has earned the second-highest first week sales of her career with her latest LP ‘Still Standing’. The 29 year old Grammy winner’s album sold 183,766 copies  its first week on sale, in the process landing at a very respectable #2 on the Billboard 200. Justin Biber’s new LP ‘My World 2.0’ took the top spot.

Congratulations are no doubt in order for Monica. Her highest first week sales to-date come courtesy of 2003’s ‘After The Storm’; yet, in light of the current industry climate, one has every ground to say this record is arguably more successful. Unlike 7 years ago, folk simply do not buy music in the way they once did. Hence, not only is this a victory for Monica, it’s a victory for quality music!

Tidbit: Interesting to note is the fact that with these sales Monica has bested the recent sales of her contemporaries, including Rihanna, Keri Hilson, and even Mariah Carey. More power to her!

Your thoughts?

R&B singer Trey Songz features on the cover of the latest issue of VIBE magazine. As ever, the ‘Say Ahh’ singer is selling his sex-appeal and not much else. In any case, whatever works…

Your thoughts?

With Usher‘s latest LP ‘Raymond vs Raymond’ having hit stores this week, all eyes are on its sales (particularly in light of the so-so reception and sales his last effort ‘Here I Stand’ was met with). Speaking in an interview this week, the Grammy award-winning star appeared unfazed by sales expectations, highlighting that some releases will do better than others. Peep his full comments on the matter via MTV UK below:

“’Confessions’ being the highest-selling R&B album of this decade, that is a lot to live up to. There are high peaks and low valleys in life, some moments will be higher than others, but it shouldn’t speak to the honesty and truth that you kinda go through in the process of making music.

“There are going to be some chapters of my career’s music that will be greater than others. I don’t feel I have to live up to anything, I just feel I have to be as honest and as artistic as I can.”

Overlooking the fact ‘Confessions’ was actually released last decade, there is much truth in what Mr Raymond is saying. Although I’m pretty sure it will be greeted with a collective side-eye by the many pessimists (which, considering the circumstances, is wholly understandable). In any case, it’ll be interesting to see what first-week numbers his new LP pulls in.

Your thoughts?

After months of not-so-discrete negotiations, Jennifer Lopez has finally confirmed that she has signed with LA. Reid’s Island Def Jam. The news comes via an upfront reporter who quizzed Lopez, 40, on the topic while she was promoting her latest movie ‘The Back Up Plan’. Via Hitfix:

Hitfix’s Greg Ellwood asked Lopez point blank “Are you signing with Def Jam” on Monday during an interview for “The Back-Up Plan” and she said yes, not once, but twice, smiling about the prospect. Word on the street is that Reid will not only sign Lopez, but will produce the actress/singer’s new album.

Hmm. Caution should be exercised all around IMO. It’s a well-known fact LA Reid is *very* hands-on with his projects, which has often led to disputes between himself and many an artist. That said, at this junction, it looks like J.LO needs someone to be steering the wheel of her once-successful music career.

On another note, I’m guessing this means Ms. Carey-Cannon will be on her way out of Def Jam with the quickness. Besides the lack of business sense it makes to have two big ‘divas’ on exactly the same label, her dislike for Lopez is well-documented (remember this?)

Your thoughts?