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.
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.
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…
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}
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!
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…
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.
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’. ViaHitfix:
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?)
While Ciara is gearing up to take the radio airwaves by storm with her new Ludacris-assisted track, ‘Ride’, another song from the entertainer has surfaced. Similar to ‘Ride’, ‘Speechless’ was written and produced by The-Dream and Tricky Stewart. Ciara’s yet-untitled LP hits stores hits stores later this year. Check out the track below:
Christina Aguilera debuted her new song, ‘Not Myself Tonight’ moments ago on ‘I-Heart Radio’. The track is the first single from her upcoming ‘Bionic’ album. The album hits stores on June 8th. Check out the track (which is on constant repeat via the special ‘Christina Agulera Radio’ link) below:
Ciara is in the middle of filming the music video for her new song ‘Ride’. The Tricky Stewart/The-Dream crafted track features Ludacris and serves as the first single from her upcoming album which hits stores later this year. Check some behind the scenes footage below:
In what seems to be ‘Usher Day’ on That Grape Juice, the singer has made yet another promotional appearance, this time on ‘Good Morning America’. The R&B crooner performed ‘There Goes My Baby’ as well as revealed to host Robin Roberts that he is planning to tour to support his new album, ‘Raymond vs Raymond’. Usher’s new LP hit stores today. Check out the footage below:
