I will be interviewing R&B quartet/Def Jam recording artists Jagged Edge tomorrow (short notice, I know). Please drop any questions you may have for the guys in the comments section. Only genuine and reasonable questions will be considered.

UPDATE: Thanks for the questions. The interview went great. Be on the lookout for it toward the end of the week.
R&B star LeToya served as the opening act on Mary J Blige’s Salinos, California concert this past Friday (July 13th). During the ‘Torn’ singer’s set, she revealed that her sophomore CD – due for release later this year – will be titled ‘Lady Love’. LeToya, then, proceeded to perform the song, which reports described as having an ’80’s groove’, as well as another new track called ‘Don’t Let Me Get Away’. A small tidbit: LeToya also performed a Destiny’s Child Medley (‘No, No No’, ‘Bills Bills Bills’ and ‘Say My Name’.
It’s great to see that the album is coming along smoothly. After making her mark with the first CD, all eyes will be on whether she can deliver with the follow-up. On a side note, I really would have wanted to see the Destiny’s Child medley she did – for more reasons than one.

Do you think LeToya can top her debut?

I’m kinda surprised Marques Houston actually managed to release a third single from his ridiculously titled album ‘Veteran’ (his last hit was…?) – especially since the CD’s first two singles tanked. However, the Ne-Yo penned ‘Wonderful’ is a great single choice, seeing as it’s one of the few standout tracks from the album. The video isn’t bad either; I’m really liking the choreography -although it’s all becoming a bit ‘samey’ with Marques nowadays. To be honest, I can’t see the song/video doing anything to rescue the album (which disappeared from the charts almost as quickly as it debuted); however it’s definitely a step in the right direction.

What do you think of the video?

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of rapper Remy Ma in connection with a shooting in Manhattan during the early hours of this morning. The shooting is alleged to have occurred during a dispute over $2000 – money Remy claimed was stolen from her by the victim. According to reports, the former ‘Terror Squad’ member fled the scene in a dark blue Cadillac Escalade, which she crashed a few blocks away -opting, then, to flee by foot. The 23 year old female victim – who was shot twice in the torso – is said to be in a stable condition and recovering in hospital. {Click here to read the full story}
Ok, so I knew Remy was a mess, but (nearly) killing for $2000?! Word has it that the victim was a close friend too. There goes what was left of her ‘career’. It’s jail for this one – and deservedly so.

UPDATE: Remy surrendered herself to police yesterday (July 14th). She has been formally charged with attempted murder, assault and criminal possession of a weapon. Click here to read the latest update.

Your thoughts?


Wyclef – Sweetest Girl (ft. Akon, Lil’ Wayne & Nia)
Following the success of his work with artists such as T.I. and Shakira, Wyclef has re-focused his creative energy onto his own solo material. This new track, ‘Sweetest Girl’, sees the former Fugees star team up with Akon, Lil’ Wayne and newcomer Nia. I didn’t anticipate liking the song, however after listening to it, I was pleasantly surprised. With it’s laid back feel and catchy hook, the song is ideal for summer. Be on the lookout for Wyclef’s as-yet-untitled new album, which will feature ‘Sweetest Girl’, around September.
LISTEN: Sweetest Girl (ft. Akon, Lil’ Wayne & Nia)
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Brandy – Sweet Nothings
With all the drama surrounding Brandy at present, it’s great to hear some new material from the former ‘Moesha’ star. ‘Sweet Nothings’ was apparently recorded in the early part of last year and was produced by a European producer – perhaps explaining the ‘eurocentric’ vibe the song has to it. Brandy’s trademark harmonies are also a feature on the song. Upon first listen the track didn’t really captivate me, however it’s definitely a grower and I found myself enjoying it the more I listened. It should be noted that the song will not be featured on the ‘Afrodisiac’ singer’s new CD.

LISTEN: Sweet Nothings
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Lil’ Mama – Make It Hot

17 year old Lil’ Mama got me -as well as everyone else – with her inescapable debut hit ‘Lip Gloss’ and the New Yorker is set to continue her rise with ‘Make It Hot. Though not as instantly likable as ‘Lip Gloss’, the production on the track is on-point, as is Lil Mama’s flow. Aside from the slighly annoying singing parts, the track is great. Her album ‘The Voice of The Young People’ is set to hit stores later this year.


LISTEN: Make It Hot

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What do you think of the New Songs?
Usher has released an open letter to his fans and critics, regarding his personal life – more specifically his relationship with Tameka Foster. Check out the statement the singer released to PEOPLE Magazine on July 12th:

“It has already been announced that I plan to marry this year. However, since my wedding day will be special to Tameka and I, this is information that we would like to keep private. It’s disturbing that the media and bloggers (under the guise as ‘fans’) continuously speculate on the personal aspects of my life, therefore making assumptions and wrong insinuations that my fans are subject to believe.

“I am happy, excited, completely clear and independent on my direction, feelings, decisions and I am NOT BEING LED. Some media and bloggers have been totally intrusive, they have misconstrued aspects of my personal life and, because of this, my ‘true’ fans are not sure about what is fact and what is fiction. There is a difference in stating an opinion versus drawing a conclusion that is incorrect.

“As previously reported, I have NEVER threatened or harassed anyone from any media format – print, radio, television or Internet media. At this point the best thing to say to my fans is just because it sounds enticing and it MAY sound ‘true,’ that does not make it truth. I understand the fact that I must sacrifice some anonymity for the career I love, however some things are personal like having a child or a marriage. These aspects are not for the public and, to me, are sacred. I would hope my privacy in these areas would be respected.”
– Usher

It seems all the media scrutiny is getting to him. Oh well…This is a classic case of using the media when you want e.g. the Chilli/’Confessions’ saga, but when it doesn’t favour him then he starts to rant. He needs to realise that it all comes with the territory of celebrity, then again he claims to know this already. I’m thinking this may be a PR ploy in the lead-up to the release of his new album later this year.

Is Usher right to rant?

Though there is a widespread assumption that ‘Comeback’ will be the 2nd single to be lifted from Kelly Rowland’s sophomore CD ‘Ms. Kelly’ (confirmed in-part by the singer herself ), reliable sources are stating otherwise. According to an insider, the singer’s UK label -Sony BMG/RCA- are set to release the critically acclaimed/fan favourite ‘Work (Put It In)’ as the follow-up to ‘Like This’. This would, however, contradict the singer’s supposed claim that the song couldn’t be released a single due to ‘legal reasons’. Which single will be released? Will Europe recieve a different 2nd single? Only time will tell…
In the meanwhile, click here to listen to the promotional edit of ‘Work’ (ft. Fat Joe) – not the mixtape version from a few months back.
Kelly is set to shoot a video for her 2nd single (whatever it may be) on July 19th and 20th in Los Angeles.
An AOL Sessions with Kelly is set to hit the net on July 20th. Be sure to tune in.
A new Kelly track (from the scrapped ‘My Story’ album) ‘Tell Me’ has surfaced. The song is pretty good, although doesn’t compare to any of the ‘Ms. Kelly’ tracks. LISTEN: Tell Me
Continuing her promo campaign, Kelly made two TV appearances this week. Click here to see her performance on The View and here for The Morning Show.

Any thoughts?
As reported earlier this week, producer Mahogany has premiered this previously unreleased Mariah Carey track (it will not be featured on her new album). ‘I Feel It’, a track from the ‘Emancipation of Mimi’ recording sessions, is a pretty decent song and I’m liking it’s overall old skool vibe. Despite having a similar sound to some of the ‘Mimi’ album tracks, it doesn’t really measure up and I can see why it was left off the final tracklist. Still, it’s good hearing new(ish) Mariah material in the run-up to the release of her new album – slated to drop November 20th.

What do you think of the track?
{Link Removed As Requested}
American Idol winner and burgeoning Broadway star Fantasia performed on the Good Morning America Concert Series yesterday (July 13th). The singer performed her #1 hit ‘When I See U’ and ‘I’m Here’ from ‘The Color Purple’. Check out the performances:

When I See U (Live On GMA)

I’m Here (Live On GMA)

As tends to be the case, she nailed both performances. Vocally she delivered with a rawness unachievable by most of her peers. Looking ahead, Fantasia has confirmed that ‘Only One U’ will serve as the third single from her self-titled sophomore CD. After the success of ‘When I See U’, it’s great to see Fantasia select another solid slow jam as a single (one of the best tracks on the album) -it’s evidently the kind of music people are feeling from her. Click here to listen to ‘Only One U’.

What do you think of the performances / single choice?

50 Cent seems to be dropping videos so fast nowadays. Not to be confused with the next official single ‘She Wants It’ (ft. Justin Timberlake), ‘I Get Money’ is the latest street single from 50’s upcoming album ‘Curtis’. The sub-par video isn’t really what’s in question here (after all, it’s only a street/buzz single), it’s the song – it’s garbage. With the news today of the album being pushed back yet again (from September 4th to September 11th), 50 is gonna need a miracle for the album to be a hit. Most of the his new material hasn’t been saying much.

What do you think of the song / video?

After months of speculation, it has been announced that superstar Janet Jackson has, in fact, signed with Island Def Jam. Jackson’s hit-maker boyfriend Jermaine Dupri confirmed the singer’s move to the label – where he resides as the President of the Urban division – via Billboard.com. Check out extracts from the article:

“She’s on Island, but it’s more or less [Def Jam CEO Antonio “L.A.” Reid’s] project,” Dupri says. “I let him deal with that on a day-to-day basis. He’s going to A&R that project, too. Janet’s record is one that he’s wanted to do for a long time. He’s very passionate about it.

As for the direction of Jackson’s as-yet-untitled album, Dupri says, “I don’t really know what he’s got in mind at this point. His past record isn’t shabby so I’m going to let him do what he’s going to do. I’m going to do [the new] Mariah [Carey album], and we’re going to make it seem like we’re in competition to see who’s going to have the biggest album of the year.”

In other Janet news, more producers have confirmed their involvement with her project. Speaking with Rap-Up TV, hit-maker Polow Da Don (Promise, Buttons, Like This etc) had the following to say: ‘We’re gonna put her back in the club. I sent her some tracks and she said off the top, she’s like, “I want the hard stuff. I want to dance, I want uptempo, I want club, I want hip”. Producer’s Scott Storch and newcomer Syience (who produced Beyonce and Jay Z’s ‘Hollywood’) have also submitted tracks for the album.

Janet really seems to pulling out all the stops to make sure this new CD is a success; new label, great producers and a hungry team behind her. All the pieces seem to be falling into place for what could be one of music’s biggest comebacks.

What do you think the new Janet developments?

Danity Kane’s Dawn Richard has confirmed earlier reports that all is not well within the group. The starlet posted the following message on her MySpace bulletin:

To answer all the rumors thats been out there about Aubrey and D. Woods pursuing their solo careers. We support them in their decision. However, myself, Aundrea, and Shannon are choosing to continue in our efforts to make Danity Kane the best for our fans who love us and what we represent AND the respect we have for our group.

THANK YOU SO MUCH
AND PLEASE CONTINUE TO SUPPORT

Despite already knowing something was up, it still comes as a surprise. Kinda iffy about the new line-up (IMO D. Woods was the centerpiece of the group), but it may work. The best thing to out of all of this is that Aubrey’s gone – she served no purpose. It’ll be interesting to see how this whole situation turns out.


What do you think of Danity Kane’s new line-up?
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