Songstress Alicia Keys will be celebrating tonight; the 29 year old’s fourth studio album ‘The Element of Freedom’ climbed to the top of the Official UK Album Chart today – her first ever #1 on the tally. ‘Element’ jumped up one spot from last week to clinch the coveted position, achieving the feat after eight weeks on the chart.

The news comes on the heels of Keys’ increased presence here in the UK, which has seen her perform on several high profile television shows, exclusive industry events, as well as the announcement of her forthcoming UK arena tour.

While I can’t say the album rocked my world (I actually found it rather boring), I respect Alicia’s artistry and the fact she makes quality music (most of the time). What’s more, I’m enjoying that she’s upping the ‘entertainment’ aspect of her craft (aka not just sitting at the piano all the time) – as evidenced by her performances of  recent single ‘Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart’. More power to her.

Your thoughts?

R&B star LeToya stopped by The Brian McKnight Show recently for a chat with the renown crooner (click here to watch), as well as perform a special rendition of her smash ‘Torn’ (with McKnight playing the piano), which you can view above.

Great performance! Ms. Luckett sure has come a long way vocally since her earlier solo days; really honing her talent to a point where, today, she has much more vocal power and control, as well as better technique. Artistic growth really is beautiful thing.

Randomness: Now if only her label could get their act together and pull out the stops to ensure her talent isn’t wasted or unnoticed (sigh). That said, with her being signed to Capitol – who are owned by EMI, who themselves are on the brink of a meltdown, Ms. Luckett could hopefully be looking for a new label home soon. Something I hope materialises,  as she has too much potential for it to be wasted.

Your thoughts?

A stunning looking Solange partied it up at the Shore Club in Miami this weekend. The youngest of the Knowles clan served as a guest DJ at the South Beach venue, along with DJ Clue. Check out out more pics (via KiddUNot.com) after the jump…

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With the release of the drama-plagued Sugababes ironically titled ‘Sweet 7’ LP fast approaching (March 8th), a new track from the set has surfaced in the form of ‘Wait For You’. Produced by Fernando Garibay (Whitney’s ‘Nothin’ But Love’, GaGa’s ‘Dance In The Dark’), this is a pulsating mid-tempo, which packs one hell of a punch. Solid Electro-Pop production, with stunning vocals from the group’s latest addition Jade Ewen – who takes the lead here. Great track…

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Popular Bajan model Rihanna hosted the Pepsi Refresh Project Kickoff Party at LIV Nightclub in Miami last night. As ever, Ms. Fenty looked great. Peep more pics after the jump…

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This week’s From The Vault clip is Mary J. Blige‘s 1996 smash ‘Not Gon Cry’. Lifted from the ‘Waiting To Exhale’ soundtrack, the video interpolates scenes from the hit movie, focussing visually and lyrically on the storyline of Angela Bassett’s character. Check out the Wayne Maser directed video above…

Classic! Despite being only 7 years old when this came out, this has a lot of nostalgic value for me. I vividly remember jamming to this way back in the day (thanks to my Big Sis, who loved the TLC’s, Jodeci’s and Mary’s – all of who made the 90’s so memorable). R&B at its best.

Your thoughts?

Just a quick reminder; today is the last day to enter That Grape Juice’s ticket give-away to see JLS perform live in London!

Click here to enter!

Leona Lewis made a guest appearance on the UK’s ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ recently. The singer performed ‘I Got You’, the 2nd single from her commercially disappointing ‘Echo’. The song has thus far peaked at #40 on the UK R&B charts.

Once again, Lewis delivered a strong vocal performance. However, in one of the rare moments in her career to date, she actually connected with the audience and exuded stage presence. I seems that she is finally coming into her own as an entertainer, bit by bit, inch by inch.

Thoughts?

Rihanna and Jennifer Lopez were spotted having lunch in Miami, Florida yesterday. The fashionistas were accompanied by Lopez’s ‘one again/off again’ manager Benny Medina for the gathering at Fontainebleau Hotel. I wonder what they spoke about? Check out more pictures below:

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Neo-Soul diva Erykah Badu is preparing to release her new studio album ‘New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh)’. The first single from the LP is the James Poyser-produced track ‘Window Seat’ (cover art seen above courtesy of Rap-Up.com). ‘New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh)’ hits stores on March 30th.

Badu continues to demonstrate why music is about talent instead of fashion. This song depicts vocal prowess and artistry at their best. If only certain other singers (*hint hint*) had half of her ability, then the world would be a much better place.

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An almost unrecognisable Lady GaGa was spotted at a shopping mall in California today. The singer was accompanied by a friend and his baby as they made their way through the parking lot. Peep more images of the below:

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A new song from Christina Milian’s recent studio sessions has surfaced. The track, entitled ‘Kiss It’, was supposedly produced by JR Rotem. There is still no word on when Milian’s ‘Elope’ LP will be hitting stores.

One of the most admirable qualities of the material being put forward from Milian with this album is the variation. Most of the songs emerging from her in recent times have been very different from each other, avoiding the redundancy that has been plaguing artists in the last year. This Doo-Wopp-flavoured record is a perfect example of that fact. It’s great to see artists being inspired by past genres instead of buying into the typical 80’s-inspired dance songs that have come to dominate the radio airwaves. Good stuff.

Hit or Miss?