Check out episode 4 of Monica‘s BET reality show ‘Still Standing’, which aired last week. Enjoy the episode below and hold tight for episode 5 which will be up later in the week.

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Check out the official album cover for Mary J Blige‘s latest effort ‘Stronger With Each Tear’ (formerly titled ‘Stronger’).

Classic, elegant and above all, a great visual embodiment of the record’s title. I love it!

‘Stronger With Each Tear’ hits stores December 21st. In the meanwhile, be on the lookout for the video for the record’s new single ‘I Am’, which will be debuting any day now.

What do you think of the cover?

According to Billboard, Rihanna’s much hyped ‘comeback’ album ‘Rated R’ is  on course to sell just 162,000 copies in its first week on sale. The news comes in the midst of her label okaying the LP being sold for $3.99, and eventually $0.99 in its opening week.

While I’ve given my own take on this many a time, I will say that it’s hardly surprising that the album is underperforming. After all, the label couldn’t have been acting in such a desperate manner if it was selling to begin with.

I doubt this signals the end of her career, as I’m sure many are hoping (which they shouldn’t…that’s bad karma lol). It just means we’ll probably be subject to 300 singles and 25 re-releases (including the Deluxe, Super Deluxe, Ultra Premium Deluxe, Spanish, Hebrew and Japanese versions…and of course the Super-Super Uber Ultra Premium Deluxe edition which comes with a DVD).

Oh well, in the words of Jay-Z himself:

“Men and women lie, but numbers don’t!”

Your thoughts?

The legendary Whitney Houston performed on the finale of ABC’s Dancing With The Stars a few hours ago, offering a rendition of current single ‘Million Dollar Bill’ (which you can watch above), as well as her classic ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ (below). Scroll down for our take each showing…

Nippy has certainly had better live outings vocally, and really could have done without that performance of ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’. That said, ‘Million Dollar Bill’ wasn’t bad…I rather enjoyed it in fact. I’m assuming she’ll be resting her voice over the Holiday period for her upcoming tour which kicks off early next year.

What do you think of the performances?

Singer/dancer Mya placed second on season 9 of ‘Dancing With The Stars’ last evening. The performer and her partner Dmitry, who had the highest scores from the judges throughout the season, lost the title to Donny Osmond. In addition, Kelly Osbourne placed third at the finale of the event which featured performances from Whitney Houston.

Why am I not surprised? Although Mya practically owned the dance floor every time she stepped out, the voters on this show have always displayed incredibly poor taste with their selection of the seasons’ winners. First Toni Braxton got voted off early, then Lil Kim and now Mya. Anyone else noticing a trend? I am utterly disgusted by this news and unless someone of the caliber of Janet Jackson or Beyonce enters the show next year, I definitely won’t be watching.

Thoughts?

Part-time model Rihanna visited the Ed Sullivan Theater last evening where she performed on the ‘The Late Show with David Letterman’. The fashionista sang her hit song ‘Russian Roulette’ from her new album, ‘Rated R’. Rihanna’s LP is projected to debut with a dismal 162k on next week’s Billboard 200 chart tally.

I rather enjoyed this performance. She handled the song well, by her standards, with the exception of a few shaky notes. Furthermore, as per usual, she looked amazing. Why can’t she sound this good all the time?

Thoughts?

R&B crooner Usher has supposedly been hard at work on his forthcoming album ‘Raymond vs. Raymond’. One of the tracks emerging from his studio sessions is ‘In My Bag‘ which features none other than T.I. Usher’s new album has been postponed indefinitely, with most speculating that it will be released some time in 2010.

This is a nice song but nothing to become overly excited about. Usher serves up his usual swag but I must admit that T.I. really stole the show with his verse on this one; the track might as well have been his with Usher only chiming in on the chorus. Either way, it’s a good album track but I doubt it will prove single worthy.

Hit or Miss?

Well, well, well, if this ain’t some BS!!!

Clearly panicking over the opening sales and charting of Rihanna‘s new LP ‘Rated R’, her label have teamed up with Amazon to sell the album for the grand total of…$0.99 (yes, you read right…NINTY-NINE CENTS). {Source}

This is almost too pathetic for words, however I can’t see how either she or her label will legitimately be pleased with her eventual charting knowing that it’s selling for less than a Big Mac Meal…hell, it’s cheaper than a bottle of Coke!

Those in search of why I go in on Ms. Fenty so much, see here the reason why. I’m sorry but if concentrated promo, a major 20/20 interview and 50 singles can’t send enough folk to the shops to buy her record, then clearly there’s a problem – one which I’m afraid lies with RiRi herself…she’s wack, simple as. In being a ‘singer’ and ‘performer’ she offers nothing of substance on either tip, which I’m guessing is something which has registered with the record-buying public.

Wow…I’m still shocked as hell by this. How embarrassing. SMH…

Tidbit: ‘Rated R’ is currently outside of the top 10 in the UK album charts, according to the midweeks. Meanwhile, Susan Boyle is certain to reach #1 in the US with her debut (with sales in excess of 500k), which makes this RiRi stunt all the more puzzling.

Your thoughts?

The official cover of Sade’s new album has been revealed. The LP, entitled ‘Soldier of Love’, is her first studio release in nine years. The project will be released via Epic Records on February 8th 2010.

Classic. Diva. Icon. I cannot express how much I have missed Sade’s smokey contralto. It’s a rare faculty for a singer to command such refined passion and sensuality with her voice. To avoid becoming captured by the rapture of her tones is almost an impossibility. I am certain that the advocates of true Adult Contemporary R&B are beyond excited for February to come around and I am too!

Sidebar: Did you know that Alicia Keys, Brandy and Drake (yes the rapper!) all list Sade as a major influence on their artistry?

The much talked about ‘Empire State of Mind (Part 2)’, which will be featured on Alicia Keys‘ new album, has finally surfaced. The track serves as a continuance of the #1 hit ‘Empire State of Mind’. Keys’ ‘Element of Freedom’ hits stores on December 15th.

I love it! The melodies and powerful vocal gel perfectly together with the tune of piano keys. This is the first track that has emerged from her new LP that I actually enjoy. However, my appreciation of the track may exist simply as an implication of my obsession with the original. Either way, this song is on fire!

Thoughts?

‘Singer’ Rihanna did an interview with radio personality Angie Martinez on Hot 97 earlier today. The part-time model spoke about an array of of topics including her Dianne Sawyer interview, new album, being a role-model and, of course, Chris Brown. Rihanna’s new album, ‘Rated R’, hit stores this week but is projected to miss the top spot behind Susan Boyle’s ‘I Dreamed A Dream’.

This was a very fun interview and I laughed a lot. What was particularly funny was her strong American accent. Remember Ms. Fenty, you didn’t grow up playing on a stoop in the Bronx; you started out singing on a Bajan stage. Let me address this in Trinidad Creole: “Wham to she? She gone foreign a lil while and she turn fresh-water yankee. She better cetch she self eh!”

Part 1

Part 2

Thoughts?

Check out this behind the scenes look at Beyonce‘s forthcoming ABC Thanksgiving Special, which airs November 25th.

Your thoughts?