Though the video for Mary J. Blige’s new single ‘Just Fine’ was set to premiere tomorrow on VH1, it has hit the net a day earlier. I’m really liking what both Mary and director Chris Applebaum came up with; from the concept to Mary’s look to the effects – everything was on-point! The little Michael Jackson homage at the end was a nice touch. With the, somewhat, different sound Mary went for with this song, it’ll be interesting to hear what her forthcoming album ‘Growing Pains’ sounds like.

What do you think of the video?

Chi-Town rapper Common really has been bringing ‘it’ with the videos from his current CD ‘Finding Forever’ (released this past July), with his latest offering being ‘I Want You’. Interestingly, the vid was directed by actress Kerry Washington and features cameos from the likes of Alicia Keys, Kanye West and Serena Williams. I’m liking the song and the vid; it’s just a shame that Common doesn’t receive the acclaim he deserves.

What do you think of the video?

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Check out songstress Mariah Carey’s appearance on BET’s 106 & Park yesterday (October 22nd) to promote her new fragrance, ‘M By Mariah Carey’.

Mariah spoke with the Associated Press recently regarding her new album. Here’s what she had to say:

“It’s hard for me to sit here and talk about it without sounding like I’m bragging if I’m in love with it, but I’m in love with this album,” she says. “I think that having the success with the last record allowed me to have more freedom and just make records that I like. It’s kind of a really fun record” Mimi’s new CD is out on February 2008.

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I’m really hoping she comes with the goods. Sources are claiming that the album’s sound is somewhat different to her last effort, with several rappers reportedly featured. I guess, like the rest, we’ll have to wait to next February.

Your thoughts?

The third single from Chris Brown’s forthcoming album ‘Exclusive’, ‘With You’ has surfaced. Produced by Stargate, the song has a distinctive resemblance to Beyonce’s ‘Irreplaceable’ (hence similar to Rihanna’s ‘Hate That I Love You also) and doesn’t really blow me away. Having said that, the track is solid and has a lot of cross-over potential.

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I haven’t got much to say when it comes to T-Pain; by still being around, people somewhere out their must like his music (why I don’t know). Anyway, check out the video for his latest single ‘Church’. I’m actually kinda liking the song and the vid serves it’s purpose.

What do you think of the video?

In what seems like more bad news for Kelly Rowland and her fans, speculation is mounting that the singer’s recently announced North American tour has been axed. More and more dates have steadily been cancelled with the most recent being shows in Seattle, San Fransisco and Hollywood. {Source}

What if there left to say with this whole Kelly situation? It’s a mess, I know, she knows, everybody knows. Still, I believe in her talent and potential, so will continue to support. At this stage, I doubt a re-release is worth anyones time – the ‘Ms. Kelly’ tag seems kinda tainted. She’d be better off dropping a new album early next year. If Rihanna can release album’s every 6 months, I don’t see why Kelly, who is much more talented IMO, can’t.

Your thoughts?

Black Eyed Peas front man will.I.am performed Michael Jackson’s classic ‘Wanna Be Starting Something’ on a show over here in Europe this past week. I can’t deny I enjoyed the performance – even if parts of it were terrible. A tidbit: is it me or did Will’s album disappear as soon as it came out?

What do you think of the performance?

Check out the vid above of the Queen of Hip Hop/Soul Mary J. Blige on the set of her new video ‘Just Fine’. Though a number of her fans appear to not be feeling the song, I’m really feeling it. Be sure to keep it locked on That Grape Juice for the vid (which, I must say, looks like it’s going to be good) which premieres this Friday (October 26th).

Any thoughts?