The video for R. Kelly’s new single ‘Skin’ premiered today on Yahoo Music. Of the material I’ve heard from his forthcoming LP ’12 Play: 4th Quarter’ (due unsurprisingly in this year’s 4th quarter), ‘Skin’ has definitely been a personal standout cut. The video isn’t bad either…

What do you think of the song?

Granted the girls look and move great, it’s a shame can’t be said for the single; Nicole’s voice on the all-round wack track is as jarring as ever. What’s more, upon listening to their forthcoming LP ‘Doll Domination’, I can honestly say that it was complete and utter garbage. Still, with their ‘formula’ being so serviceable, I can see it still selling well regardless. SMH…

Your thoughts?

With Jay-Z having just finalized his multi-million dollar deal with Live Nation; reports are circulating that the rapper has formed a new record label with hit-makers Stargate – the duo behind big hits from the likes of Beyonce, Ne-Yo, Usher, Mary J and more:

Hot on the heels of his deal with Live Nation, which reportedly has the live music promotions giant contributing $5 million each year in overhead for five years, $25 million to finance Jay-Z’s external acquisitions and investments, plus $10 million per album for a minimum of three albums within the deal’s term, as well as aanother $20 million for other rights including publishing and licensing, Jay-Z is reportedly in the process of starting a new joint venture project with Norwegian based production crew Stargate.

The Stargate team of Tor Erik Hermansen and Mikkel S. Eriksen will join Jay-Z in the formation of the StarRoc record label imprint. {Source}

There really is no stopping Jay these days, is there? With Stargate on board, it’ll be interesting to see what the label will deliver in terms of artists and overall sound.

Any thoughts?

Great performances from both ladies. On a random note, it really does go to show that genuine, raw talent can be found on shows such as American Idol.

Anyway, the full show airs in the US January 24 and 25, 2009 on BET and WGN.

What do you think of the performances?

It’s not often you see Pink around these sides. However, as one of the few who think she’s actually become better since switching up her sound from R&B, I’m real pleased to see her getting her dues. The singer’s new single ‘So What’ jumped #2-#1 this week on the Billboard chart – marking her first time atop of the chart.

It’s weird thinking back, that despite her ‘Misunderstood’ record being her biggest to date, the album’s single’s didn’t yield any #1’s. I mean great tracks such as ‘Just Like A Pill’, ‘Family Portrait’ etc were all deserving. That said, there’s no point dwelling on what could have been…she’s #1 now. More power to her!

Any thoughts?

Both Ne-Yo and Keri Hilson stopped by BET’s 106 & Park to perform their current singles, ‘Miss Independent’ and ‘Energy’ respectively. You can check out Ne-Yo’s showing above and Keri’s below:

As has become the norm, Ne-Yo delivered an awesome performance. Keri, though iffy in parts, was pretty good too.

What do you think of the performances?

Some of you may remember this new Keri Hilson track, ‘Shake It Like A Dog’, from last year; the track was originally recorded by Mya for placement on her ill-fated ‘Liberation’ LP. Now featuring R&B crooner R. Kelly, as well as amped-up production (the beat knocks!), the track has been re-branded by Keri on her serially delayed album ‘In A Perfect World’ (which has now been pushed back to November 4th (SMH). I must say, I’m really feeling this one….a lot. Here’s hoping the pushback and delays with Keri’s record don’t hamper what is sounding like a very deserving (of success) album.

Hit or Miss?