Mariah Carey isn’t going to let the low sales of her ‘Memoirs of An Imperfect Angel’ slow her down. The icon has actually returned to the studio. However, this time Carey has put her ‘Memoirs…’ collaborators, The-Dream and Tricky Stewart, on pause and reunited with her long-time friend, songwriter/producer Jermaine Dupri. The duo, who created many of Carey’s biggest hits including Billboard’s ‘Song of the Decade’, ‘We Belong Together’, tweeted from the studio about the news which can be seen below:

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Following their record-breaking success with their first 3 singles, JLS are gearing up for the release of their fourth single ‘Kickstart’. Set for release on May 17th, the song will likely be the guys’ last domestic release ahead of their US debut. As previously reported, the group – consistent of Aston, Oritse, Marvin, and J.B, have recently signed a US deal with Jive.

Can’t say the song, which you can listen to below, is rocking my world. Too much cheese, and not enough ‘kick’. Still, a hit I’m sure it will be.

Hit or Miss?

The ever-outspoken Khia has hit out at Young Money star Nicki Minaj in a recent interview with VIBE. While it’s not the first time the ‘My Neck My Back’ rapper expressed her feelings about Minaj, it certainly is the most detailed she’s gone. Peep what she had to say after the jump…

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Check out this sneak peek of Rihanna’s upcoming ‘Last Girl On Earth Tour’. Matt Kemp’s girlfriend is seen rehearsing with her Mad House band and her choreographer, Tina Landon; attempting to learn how to perform live for the show’s launch on April 16th. Check out the footage below:

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R&B singer/actors Brandy and Ray J are featured on the latest issue of Jet magazine. The siblings have been busy promoting the premiere of their new Vh1 reality show, ‘Family Business’, which debuts on April 11th at 9pm. Ray J is no stranger to reality TV as he had successful seasons of his show ‘For The Love Of Ray J’ – in which Brandy regular featured – on Vh1.

What do you think of the pic?

Riding high on the success of her new album, ‘Still Standing’, Monica has announced that she will be embarking on a tour with Trey Songz. The singer revealed the news during an interview with ‘Fox 5 Atlanta’ yesterday. An official tour listing has yet to be released but the venture is expected to begin in August. Check out the interview below:

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Diva Mariah Carey looks cool, calm and confident in front of the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster at Universal Studios Florida earlier this week.

The ‘Touch My Body’ singer spent vacation time at both of Universal Orlando Resort’s theme parks, while hubby Nick Cannon, filmed auditions for season five of the NBC reality television show, “America’s Got Talent – which he hosts.”

Your thoughts?

According to ever-reliable SincerelyCiara.com, R&B star Ciara‘s brand new single ‘Ride’ will première on US radio this coming Monday (April 12th). The Ludacris-assisted cut will be the first offering from the singer’s fourth studio album, which is tentatively set for an early Summer release.

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Based on the snippet which surfaced last week, Ms. Harris looks to be on to a winner with ‘Ride’. At the very least, it’s looking like she’ll win back the Urban audience with this particular track. Still, I’ll wait until Monday until giving full judgement…

Your thoughts?

Ever since Lady GaGa crash-landed onto the music scene two years ago, comparisons to Christina Aguilera have been rife. Yet, while much of the chitter-chatter centred around GaGa imitating Aguilera, the tide has turned in the wake of the ‘Bad Romance’ singer’s undeniable success. Indeed now,  many argue that it is Aguilera who is ‘borrowing’ elements of what has turned GaGa into a superstar, both visually and musically.

Such comparisons do not sit well with acclaimed songwriter Claude Kelly, who penned four cuts for Aguilera’s forthcoming ‘Bionic’ LP. Speaking to VIBE recently, Kelly said of the comparisons…

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That Grape Juice
It’s that time again! That Grape Juice wants to see what you all are listening to. Which 5 tracks have you got on constant rotation at the moment?

Remember, it doesn’t have to be limited to Urban music; could be something new, Throwback, religious, even something you made yourself LOL. Drop a comment in the comments section. Mine and Trent’s are below – in no particular order:

Sam

1) Making Love (Into The Night) – Usher
2) Tell Me What Your Name Is – Ciara
3) Commander* – Kelly Rowland
4) Not Myself Tonight – Christina Aguilera
5) Here I Am – Monica

Trent

1) Lil’ Freak – Usher
2) Lose My Breath – Destiny’s Child
3) 3 – Britney Spears
4) When Love Takes Over – Kelly Rowland
5) Mr Yeah. – The-Dream

What are Your Top 5 Songs of The Moment?

R&B crooner Trey Songz is showing no signs of slowing down. Fresh off the success of his Gold-selling LP ‘Ready’, and a coveted slot on Jay-Z’s ‘Blueprint 3 Tour’, Songz is gearing up for the release of his fourth album this September (14th). Speaking to MTV, the 25 year old’s manager, Kevin Liles, elaborated on his plans for the burgeoning star. Peep what he had to say below…

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Peep songstress Toni Braxton on the cover of the latest issue of Bleu magazine. The 42 year old mother of two is set to release new LP ‘Pulse’ on May 4th via new label Atlantic Records.

Your thoughts?

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