Kanye West & Alexis Tie The Knot?According to MTV UK, rapper Kanye West and fiance Alexis Phifer may have exchanged vows during a recent trip to Europe:

Rumours suggest that rapper/producer Kanye has fulfilled his mother’s final wishes by marrying his longterm girlfriend Alexis Phifer at a secret ceremony in Europe.

The rap star proposed to Phifer in 2006 while they were on a romantic holiday in Italy and new reports say that the two have now tied the knot while on vacation in Europe just last month.

The rumours could well be true as the Through The Wire singer was keen to get married away from the spotlight of the media as he said in GQ magazine last year, “I’m just going to go and get married, I’m not going to make a big deal out of it.” {Source}

If true, congratulations to them. It’s about time Kanye had something to be happy about.

Your thoughts?

In spite of Britney Spears’ personal issues, the former Pop teen queen has managed to crank out three singles from her ‘Blackout’ LP; the video for the most recent – ‘Break The Ice’ – made it’s debut today. The clip’s animated concept seems pretty good at first; yet not long after, it descends into un-engaging ‘nothingness’ that has little to do with the song. Considering the album only performed moderately well (in light of the circumstances), I’m kinda baffled as to why her label are still pushing singles from it.

What do you think of the video?

Brandy - 'Dig This' Now that the legal drama surrounding Brandy has subsided, the R&B songstress is focusing, once again, on her career. This new track ‘Dig This’ features on the soundtrack for Tyler Perry’s upcoming movie ‘Meet The Browns’. Despite being produced by The Underdogs (Tyrese, the entire ‘Dreamgirls’ score etc), the piano-driven ballad sounds like a vintage Bryan Michael-Cox cut (‘We Belong Together’, ‘Be Without You’ etc). In any case, the song great; Brandy trademark vocals, the lyrics, the instrumentation, everything!
This has me anticipating Brandy’s long-overdue new record; the 29 year old is reportedly signed with Epic Records and will be dropping an album later this year.

Hit or Miss?

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Nivea Peep this pic of R&B singer Nivea at a party in Atlanta recently. Considering we haven’t seen much of her in the last few years, catching her in such a state – she looks a hot mess – is not the one.

What do you think of the pic?

The video for Danity Kane’s brand new single ‘Damaged’ – from their forthcoming album ‘Welcome To The Dollhouse’ – premiered just a few hours ago on MTV. I’m undecided as to whether it’s a cool concept or a mess – there’s no middle ground. I guess I was expecting something markedly different from this (choreography included). On a more definite note, the ladies look great.

You can now listen to the whole album over at MTV.com

What do you think of the video?

Reputable UK newspaper The Independent were less than impressed with Rihanna’s concert here in London at the 02 last week:

Rihanna’s two backing singers, meanwhile, wear more tasteful cocktail dresses, and carry the songs. Her rougher voice cuts across them almost randomly, and is only strong when buffed by effects. Look at the video screens, and you can admire Rihanna’s looks, and diamond-encrusted mic. Look at the stage, and her real performance has no charisma, no defining persona. She could be a mannequin, or a hopeful rap video extra. Click here to read more…

Thankfully, it’s not just me who sees past all the hype.

Your thoughts?

Kelly Rowland - 'Love Again' As R&B songstress Kelly Rowland gears up for the digital re-release of her album ‘Ms. Kelly’ (Diva Deluxe), the full version of one of the album’s new songs, the ballad ‘Love Again’, has surfaced.
After hearing the snippet a few weeks back, I knew this would be something special. Kelly really didn’t disappoint; IMO this is one of the best solo offerings I’ve heard from her. Her vocals excel over the stripped down instrumentation. A beautifully sung track, indeed. Though I often like to stray from the Beyonce comparisons, I really feel as if ‘Love Again’ is Kelly’s ‘Dangerously In Love’. Granted the album will not be released physically, I’m hopeful Kelly includes this on her new album. ‘Ms. Kelly: Diva Deluxe’ hits digital outlets on March 25th. {Thanks Angel!}

Hit or Miss?

 

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Amy Winehouse Amy Winehouse was spotted in a London cornershop recently. Sorry, I couldn’t resist…
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G-Unit Cover XXL Rap collective G-Unit show their ‘solidarity’ on the cover for the latest issue of XXL Magazine. I’m not really buying into this ‘united front’ facade; 50 and Young Buck’s (not so) subliminal jibes at each other for the better part of a year suggests all is not well.

What do you think of the cover?
Ne-Yo - Closer R&B star Ne-Yo is currently working on his third studio album. This new track ‘Closer’, which surfaced today, is said to be first single from the LP.
Upon listening to this, I was a little surprised. On the uptempo track, Ne-Yo fuses Euro-Dance/Pop with R&B, serving up a pretty solid song in the process. Considering the creative and sales slump he saw with his last album ‘Because of You’, I’m hoping this ‘different’ sound here is indicative of a new direction he’s venturing into musically.

 

Hit or Miss?

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Ray J appeared on the Tyra Banks Show today and discussed his now infamous sex-tape with Kim Kardashian:

Something about Ray J irks me to no end. I don’t know what it is exactly, but I’m sure it has something to do with him pretty much being a joke. ‘I want to focus on my career now’? Maybe he didn’t get the memo, but no one is checking for his career – ‘One Wish’ aside, I don’t think they ever were.

Your thoughts?

Janet Covers BlackBook MagazineContinuing along the promo path for her #1 album ‘Discipline’, Janet Jackson appears on the cover of the April issue of BlackBook magazine. Janet really is killing it with the covers this go round. See the pic below too:

{Credit: Perez Hilton}
What do you think of the cover?

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