Love Story / Shake It Off

We Belong Together

Wow! She sounded great. Watching this kinda has me thinking she either had a few extra days “vocal rest” or that she’s only capable of delivering live vocals like that in front of her fans. Whatever the case, the performances were on-point. More of this, please.

What do you think of the performances?

After months of next-to-no word on the status of Mary J. Blige’s ‘Growing Pains’ project, the video for the album’s 2nd single, ‘Stay Down’, premiered today. While the song is a personal favourite, I can not defend this mess of a video. The cheap, uninspired vid, which was directed by Hype Williams, has me thinking the budget for the whole project must be drying up fast. Odd, considering she’s only released one single from the record prior to this. On a more positive note, Mary looked great.

What do you think of the video?

Great interview; she came across really well. Saying that, she needs to be honest about the whole situation with The Inc. After all, if it was all good Irv Gotti and Ja Rule wouldn’t be speaking of her negatively to anyone that will listen.

Any thoughts?

R&B songstress Keyshia Cole performed her current single ‘Heaven Sent’ on Regis and Kelly yesterday. I really enjoyed this performance. As I’ve said many-a-time, ‘Heaven Sent’ stands as my favourite Keyshia Cole track and seeing her nail it live was real satisfying. Vocally there’s no denying she has stepped up remarkably compared to some of her earlier showings. Great performance.

What do you think of the performance?

R&B/Pop collective Danity Kane stopped by TRL earlier this week to perform their hit ‘Damaged’. The brief downtime seems to have worked; this stands as the best performance of the song thus far IMO. From the vocals to the choreography to the stage presence, the girls were on-point. Good stuff.

What do you think of the performance?

A preview of the video for Mary J. Blige’s latest single ‘Stay Down’ aired yesterday on BET’s 106 & Park. I’ll reserve my judgement for the Hype Williams directed video until seeing it in its entirety. In the meanwhile…

Your thoughts?

She did pretty good, though gone seem to be the days where a Mariah performance ‘Wowed’ me. Also, I’m not sure if it’s just me but, it seems as if she lip-synching during certain parts. In any case, it’s unlikely to affect her sales as, according to Billboard ‘E=MC²’ is on-course to debut atop of the US album chart at #1 next week – knocking off Leona – with sales in excess of 500,000. More power to her.

Your thoughts?

According to the NY Daily News, Beyonce may be retiring (you read right) following the release of her upcoming LP:

The diva is currently working on a new album, but her cousin Angelica Knowles tells our source that it will be her last. Instead, Beyonce plans to spend her days scouting talent for new hubby Jay-Z’s upcoming label, The Carter Music Group.

Beyonce’s first protege is rumored to be an R&B artist named Chelsea Thomas. Her reps couldn’t be reached for comment.

I have a hard time believing this; as we all know, it’ll be a cold day in hell before Papa Knowles ever allows such a thing to happen. The way I see it, if there’s an ounce of truth to this, then be prepared for ‘Jay-Z / Blackout’ round 2. Anyway, hate it or love it, the industry needs Beyonce IMO. Granted I’m still waiting on her to come with her ‘A-Game’ musically, her performing skills (in comparison to her peers) are second to none.

Your thoughts?