‘The Voice’ really is on the comeback trail; she sounded awesome. Random, maybe, but vocally, with that performance, she squatted all over every showing Mariah has given thus far this year. Bring on the new album already.

Any thoughts?

Wow. I actually think he’s giving his critics more to talk about, as the Tameka drama is evidently getting to him. For such a seasoned celebrity, I wouldn’t have expected such an outburst. If the negative publicity – stemming from the media obsession with Tameka – was still anything of importance to people, I doubt ‘Love In The Club’ would have achieved the success it did. Yet still Usher insists on keep bringing it up. Though I believe his intentions were good, I think he should go sit down somewhere.

Your thoughts?

According to TMZ, Ray J got himself into a little trouble over the weekend. Check out their report:

R&B boy toy Ray J was tossed out on his behind early Saturday morning from the Hyatt Regency in D.C., because Brandy’s bro allegedly had a stash of marijuana and a drug called “Boat” (a club drug) … this according to TMZ sources.

We’re told Ray J went to his room after partying it up, when hotel management got a complaint. It appears security went up to the room where they allegedly found all the drug stuff.

Our sources say the singer tried to bribe hotel security so he could stay but they didn’t bite. We’re told Ray J went crazy, arguing like a mutha. Eventually, Mr. J’s own security came to the hotel and carted him away.

Police were called, but no one was busted.

And the supreme insult — Ray J had to check into a Holiday Inn down the street. Oh the humanity.

Ray J’s rep tells us “The altercation did not directly affect Ray J — it was people in his entourage. But he did the gentlemanly thing and left the hotel anyway.”

A mess.

Any thoughts?

Ciara’s contribution to the ‘Sex & The City’ soundtrack, a track titled ‘Click’, has surfaced. Written by Rico Love and produced by Salaam Remi, the whimsical cut is a solid effort. My only gripe is that the song sounds near identical to Fergie’s hit ‘Glamorous’ – to the point where it’s unavoidably obvious. I had to double check that it wasn’t that song’s producer Polow Da Don recycling beats again (lol). Still, a pretty good track all the same.

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After lengthy hiatus, Missy Elliott is set to release her new LP ‘FANomenal’ later this summer. . Addressing the reasoning for choosing the album’s title, Missy said the following:

“I had a contest and we had so many people taking part. There were so many fans and I decided I wanted to dedicate it to my fans and spell it with F-A-N, FANomenal. I have had so many people sticking with Missy from day one. So this album is for them.” {Source}

Word has it the album will be preceded by the first official single ‘Act A Fool’. I’m not really feeling the album’s title, but I guess she justified her reason pretty well. ‘Ching-A-Ling’ wet our appetite earlier this year; it’ll be interesting to see what Missy serves up with the record itself.

Any thoughts?

Rapper Xzibit posted the following on his official MySpace yesterday:

ITS 4:32AM AND I HAVE SOME BAD NEWS……..

AS you all know, I shared with you the announcment of my newborn son Xavier Kingston Joiner on may 15th and also informed you that he was born prematurly. well this week was extremly difficult for him because his lungs were not strong enough to handle regular oxygen on his own. Xavier passed away this morning at 3:30am and I must tell you this, It is unatural for a parent to bury a child. I am telling you this because of the same reason I tell you when im having great times, life is too short to be fake. Hold on to your kids if you have them, protect them and show them you love them everyday you wake up and see them, dont take a second you get to hug them teach them and care for them for granted. You can have all the material wealth in the universe but it is NOTHING compared to having your family. I am thankful for all of my blessings and im not one to question God’s perfect plan, so I leave you with great love and thanks for the love that was sent earlier on my pervious blog to my son. Of course I need to take some time and handle my loss, STAY FOCUSED PEOPLE. Its not promised to any of us.
R.I.P Xavier May 15th 2008- May 26th 2008

Our condolences go out to Xzibit and his family…

Your thoughts?

Can’t say I’ll be checking for this one. Prior to the release of ‘Take A Bow’ (which I still think is rubbish), I questioned what the point of a re-release was in the first place. However, ‘Take A Bow’s’ #1 charting both in the US earlier this month and over here in the UK now kinda answers that.

Will you be checking for the ‘Good Girl Gone Bad’ re-release?

The full version of Keri Hilson’s first official single ‘Energy’ premiered today. Some of you may remember, a snippet of the cut had been floating around a few weeks back. Having heard The Runaways produced track in its entirety, I’m a little more optimistic about Keri and her team knowing what they are doing with the project. Much of the material I’ve heard from Keri thus far appeals to me more than this, however it’s evident they are going with a radio friendly, hook-heavy, crossover cut to cater to the masses – hence broadening her appeal.

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That Grape Juice caught up with R&B songstress Tamia last month as she prepared for the start of her North American tour. During the course of our conversation, the mother of two talked, among other things, music, her role as a mother and wife, the highs and lows of being an independent artist as well as living with Multiple Sclerosis. An insightful listen, if I must so myself 🙂 Enjoy.

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Part 1

Part 2

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Click here to order tickets for Tamia’s North American tour
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Your thoughts?

Check out these pics of Nelly on the set of the video for his upcoming single ‘Stepped On My Jays, which was filmed last month. The song’s producer as well as feature artist Ciara also appear in the vid – which should be premiering anytime from now.

What do you think of the pics?