The lead single from Mariah Carey’s highly anticipated ‘Angels Advocate’ remix LP has finally surfaced. The ‘Angels Cry (Remix)’, which was supposed to have impacted radio on January 4th, features R&B crooner Ne-Yo. ‘Angels Advocate’ hits stores on February 23rd.

Although the track features identical productions to the original, Ne-Yo weaved his vocals and lyrics expertly into the arrangement and actually enhanced the already brilliant song. However, I would be lying if I said that I was not expecting them to recompose the entire track. As two of the industry’s premier songwriters, they had the opportunity to create some epic material. Either way, having had the experience of working with each other on this song, it would be interesting to hear what they might come up with in future ventures. Good stuff.

Hit or Miss?

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Rihanna and her new boyfriend Matt Kemp was spotted in Los Cabos, Mexico yesterday. The duo swam with the dolphins and enjoyed the warm weather. Peep more pics of the two below:

What do you think of the pics?

A previously unheard Destiny’s Child track titled ‘Twirk’ (recorded during the ‘Destiny’s Fulfilled’ sessions) surfaced today. Produced by Scott Storch, it is indescribably clear to see why this song was left on the cutting room floor. No…just not.

Hit or Miss?

There was once a time when the singers who dominated the Billboard charts were defined by a combination of talent, skill and versatility. An era where performers gained success as a result of either musical dynamism or electric showmanship. However, the days where such qualifications were considered the standard are long gone, allowing an individual to rise above her peers on the wings of clever marketing and trendy appeal. That individual is none other than Rihanna.

Blessed with beauty rather than actual talent, Rihanna has been mass-marketed as a fashion icon; gaining relevance via a string of highly publicised endorsement deals and being adept at fitting into the latest style trends. In fact, her fashion-forward appeal extends beyond her wardrobe and towards her music. Her label ensures that her albums feature the most successful songwriters and producers of the moment, guaranteeing that her sound remains current and fresh. Incredibly, as an implication of this brilliant scheme, Rihanna has enjoyed a successful career, disguised as the one thing that she is not: a gifted singer.

With five #1 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 and millions of records sold, Rihanna is noted as one of the most successful acts of the last decade. She rests comfortably at the top of the charts while her vocally gifted counterparts, including Leona Lewis, struggle to have an impact. Interestingly, when the Bajan first emerged, she shared the spotlight with fellow Jay-Z apprentice Teairra Mari, who was unceremoniously released from contract despite both acts having similar first week sales of their debut albums and Mari being the undoubtedly more talented artist. Obviously, Rihanna’s exotic appeal is regarded as more valuable than the talent of her contemporaries.

Nevertheless, although several critics praise her music for tight productions and catchy hooks, ignoring her blatant lack of vocal prowess and stage presence, several questions have been raised. How long will her team be able to bamboozle audiences into purchasing her music? How long will she be able to depend on her looks as an instrument of relevancy? Whether or not she will enjoy a lengthy career remains to be determined. However, as long as her label continues to bolster her endeavours with such brilliant marketing strategies and she is able to attach herself to each passing fad,  it seems that “this Rihanna reign just won’t let up.”

What do you think is the key to Rihanna’s success?

Also, how long do you think that Rihanna will

continue to dominate the charts?

Episode 10 of Monica‘s BET reality show ‘Still Standing’ aired on BET last night. Check it out above. As usual, I’m watching it now…what are you waiting for?! LOL. Enjoy.

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Following a majorly successful stint in London’s West End adaptation of ‘Chicago’, Michelle Williams will be reprising the lead role of Roxie Hart in the Broadway adaptation, it has been announced.

The Destiny’s Child alum steps into Roxie’s famed stilleto’s, which were recently vacated by Ashley Simpson-Wentz, and will star in the production from February 8th to March 28th. Williams’ tenure in ‘Chicago’ comes after previous roles in ‘Aida’ and ‘The Colour Purple’.

Go Michelle!

Your thoughts?

A clearly ‘intoxicated’ Mariah Carey made quite the fool of herself while accepting the Breakthrough Actress Awards for in the movie ‘Precious’ at the Palm Springs International Film Festival last night. Mumbling and stumbling through her acceptance speech, the 39 year old diva was quite the spectacle, with reports suggesting attendees were shocked at the singer’s antics. Oh Mimi!

In fairness to Mariah, everyone has their moments; however in being labelled ‘The Voice’ as well as a classy diva, this really doesn’t bode all that well for Mariah’s status as either. Sigh…

Your thoughts?

It really seems Trina isn’t playing with the star-studded line-up on her forthcoming LP ‘Amazin’. Following yesterday’s surfacing of her collaboration with Diddy and Keri Hilson, today sees the debut of the full version of Ms. Taylor’s duet with Lady GaGa – ‘Let Them Hoes Fight’.

Put simply, the song is serves up all the attitude and sass (I know, it’s not a word LOL) that one would expect from its title. A fun club track, which boasts many a catchy tongue-in-cheek sound bite. Not bad at all.

Tidbit: I would love to know when exactly this was recorded, as it doesn’t seem very GaGa circa 2009-present IMO.

Hit or Miss?

Spicy performer Jennifer Lopez is featured in a recent issue of ELLE magazine. The entertainer’s new single, ‘Louboutins’, is yet to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 despite her camp’s rigorous promotional efforts. Peep more of the shots below:

What do you think of the pics?

2009 breakout star Ke$ha performed her worldwide smash ‘Tik Tok’ on The Ellen Degeneres Show earlier this week. You can peep her live showing above.

Despite the 22 year old’s success with the song, which has seen her make download history, I’ve yet to see what the hype is all about. Put simply, while the song is hella catchy, I simply don’t ‘believe’ the image etc she’s trying to sell; it all comes across as rather contrived and insincere IMO (I say this having listened to her ‘Animal’ LP too).

With that said, I’m sure similar sentiments were expressed by many when Lady GaGa hit the scene and we all know what eventually became of her. It’ll be interesting to see how things unfold with Ms. Ke$ha.

Your thoughts?

Pop phenomenon Lady GaGa has been added to the star-studded line-up of performers at the 52nd annual Grammy Awards. The 23 year old star is nominated for 5 awards at the at the ceremony, which takes place on January 31st. GaGa, along with Pink and Green Day, join previously-announced performers on the night including Beyonce, Black Eyed Peas, Maxwell and Taylor Swift. {Source}

Ever one to put on a hell of a show, there’s no doubt GaGa will do just that come January 31st. Roll on Grammys…

Your thoughts?

The self-proclaimed ‘baddest b*tch’ Trina is back with new album new single ‘Million Dollar Girl’ – featuring Keri Hilson and Diddy. Set to serve as the lead cut from her forthcoming LP ‘Amazin’, the song unsurprisingly finds the female MC in familiar territory lyrically (see: bragging/flossing). Yet despite my want, as a supporter of Ms. Taylor, for her to bring something new to the table lyrically, the track still manages to not sound bad, I guess.

That said, though the Keri Hilson and Diddy features bode quite well for the song’s chances of success on paper, their features are also somewhat problematic. For one, the chorus, courtesy of Ms. Keri-Baby, is repetitive and lyrically quite redundant, while Diddy’s verse is kinda blah (no surprises there though). More than anything, Trina kinda sounds like a feature artist on her own song. Yes, featuring current and noted artists on a song is always a good look, but getting lost in the mix on one’s own track isn’t.

Hit or Miss?