Check out the preview above of Nicole Scherzinger’s video for ‘Whatever You Like’. The track is set to be the lead single from Scherzinger’s forthcoming album ‘Her Name Is Nicole’ (due on 16th October). I’m still not sold on the track and find it pretty disappointing considering the hype, however the video looks like it’s going to be on-point. The clip is giving me Beyonce ‘Ring The Alarm’ vibes, yet the behind the scenes-which surfaced several weeks ago- show different set-ups; so I’m guessing they went all out with this vid. Be on the lookout for the videos premiere next week.

What do you think of the preview?

With Mario’s continually pushed back ‘Go!’ album set for an October 9th release, yet another track from the CD has surfaced. ‘Ghetto Love’ is a laid back mid-tempo – which showcases Mario’s musical maturity. The album definitely has better tracks than this, yet that doesn’t take away from the song. I’m hoping Mario is successful with this project, as – judging by his latest material – he’s really stepped his game up.Hit or Miss?

 

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In what appears to be a sudden twist, Kelly Rowland will now release ‘Ghetto’ (ft. Snoop Dogg) as the next single from her ‘Ms. Kelly’ album; the singer confirmed the news when interviewed on Atlanta’s V103 radio station. What’s more is that a video for the song has already been shot by director Andrew Gura. Prior to now, the Scott Storch produced ‘Comeback’ was set to be the next US single and a video was shot – alongside a video for the European single “Work’ – back in July. ‘Ghetto’ has also been sent for ads at radio and is receiving healthy spins on the Urban format.
I don’t know what exactly is going on; however, with it now being almost 6 months since ‘Like This’ premiered, Kelly needs to release a new single – any single – now.

What do you think of the single choice?

Signed to Akon’s ‘Konvict’ label, Brick and Lace have been trying to break the industry since the release of their debut single ‘Never Never’ several months back. Yet for some reason, unlike Konvict’s other artists such T-Pain, the Jamaican duo haven’t managed to make much noise. This new video for ‘Love Is Wicked’ – a pretty good track, is unlikely to help the situation. The video is extra cheap looking and it felt like I was watching a high-school project. They’re gonna have to do much better than this if they want to be in with a chance of success.

What do you think of the video?

Both Kanye West and Cassie serve as the cover models for the special edition August / September issue of Complex Magazine. Check out extracts from each of their interviews:

Kanye West

Complex: Anyhow, what’s the last time you heard a record that made you jealous?

Kanye: I know this statement might come off awkward or whatever, people won’t get the exact translation right, but when I saw the Eve video [for “Tambourine”], it made me want to go back and do more shots [on my video] from a style level. She had the Christopher Kane dress, the vintage Chanel glasses. When I saw her style level in that, it made me say, “Damn, I need to step my style level up.” Because it’s not a matter of just guys’ style and girls’ style or black style and white style, it’s a matter of who is the style god period and shit. Read More

Cassie

Complex: What’s the most hurtful thing that was said?

Cassie: That I slept my way into the industry. I think that’s really vicious. If it had nothing to do with talent, at least it had something to do with charm. But it was never jumping into bed with somebody. That’s just gross. As far as people saying I couldn’t sing, I did a bad job so I couldn’t hate. I was in a tough place for a second. I got really sick and was in the hospital in like November or December. It was stress and exhaustion, and I ended up going home to Connecticut. [Puffy] actually called me up when I was at home and asked me what I wanted to do. I was like, “I want to do another album.” Read More

Kanye’s comments, as well as most of his interview, are sure to raise a few eyebrows. As for Cassie, I feel kinda sorry for her; however, someone needs to explain to me how she got her deal then, because the musical talent just isn’t there – at all.


What do you think of the covers?
R&B star Chris Brown features on the latest cover of Giant Magazine. Not sure about this one; in trying too hard, he just comes across cheesy-looking.
What do you think of the cover?

Follow My Lead’ was initially meant to be the next single from 50 Cent’s ‘Curtis’ album, yet – despite this video being shot – ‘Ayo Technology’ (ft. Justin Timberlake) was chosen instead. I’m guessing this track, which features Robin Thicke, will either serve as a later single or a DVD bonus. Though I applaud 50’s attempts to try something different -such as this, nothing from the ‘Curtis’ project is moving me.

What do you think of the video?

British singing sensation Amy Winehouse was rushed to hospital yesterday (August 8th) – suffering from a suspected drugs induced overdose. Though official word from Winehouse’s label cites ‘severe exhaustion’ as the reason for the star being admitted to London’s University College Hospital, the papers are suggesting otherwise. According to The Sun :”Limp Amy Winehouse was dragged through an A&E unit’s double doors before collapsing from a huge drugs overdose.” The ‘Rehab’ singer has consequently cancelled all her forthcoming European concerts. {Source}
I’m hoping this will make for her to get help with whatever issues she has – and she definitely has some. Part of Amy’s appeal is, undeniably, her ‘I Don’t Give a F*ck’ persona, yet ‘life’ is much more important than that. Here’s hoping she’s ok – it would be a shame for such talent to be wasted.
Your thoughts?
Despite putting out a solid sophomore effort in the form of ‘Ms. Kelly’, it’s common knowledge that since release the album has underperformed. Like many, I’ve been awaiting Kelly’s say on the matter. In a recent interview with MSNBC, she said the following:

AP: So, let’s talk about the album’s first week’s sales.

Rowland: Yes, I came in at No. 6 and sold 86,000 records — in a declining market, might I add. I’m very proud of that. Not everybody’s selling records like they used to. Even the biggest artists don’t come out and go platinum in a week anymore. It’s a different day and age in the music industry.

In fairness to Kelly, she had a point about coming in at a respectable number in a rapidly changing market. However, I’m really hoping she realizes that a ‘declining’ market is neither the main or only reason for her poor sales. Put simply, Kelly isn’t in a good situation – in terms of label priority or management. The sooner she realizes that, the quicker her chances of success will materialize.


Your thoughts?

I really have to give it to Akon – the man knows how to make money. Following the controversy surrounding the ‘dry-humping’ incident involving him and a teenage girl, the Senegalese star released this track ‘Sorry, Blame It On Me’ to radio. Then, I assumed it was contrived way of easing the criticism he was receiving. However, along with this video, the song will be released as the leading single from the re-packaged version of Akon’s ‘Konvicted’ album – due August 28th. The video isn’t saying too much, yet I doubt that was the objective. Like most of his singles, this will probably be a hit…SMH.

What do you think of the song/video?

It was announced a few months back that singer Beyonce was to be the face of Emporio Armani’s new ‘Diamonds’ fragrance. Check out the commercial above – she looks and sounds great. With an upcoming campaign for American Express also, Beyonce really is doing it big. Can’t hate on the woman for getting hers.

What do you think of the commercial?

In an exclusive interview with OK! Magazine (on newstands today), Kim Porter has finally spoken out about her split from Sean ‘Diddy’ Combes. After a rocky 10 year on-off relationship with the Hip Hop mogul, the couple called it quits two months ago. Check out extracts from the interview:

ON DIDDY:
“I’d been in an on-again, off-again relationship with Mr. Combs for about 10 years, and it came to a point where it was time for me to move on with my life. I had invested a lot of time in that relationship, and it wasn’t going where it should have been going. So it was time to [end it]. In a relationship, it’s important that the people are on the same page at the same time. And we weren’t on the same page.”

ON HIS ALLEGED CHEATING
“I will never sit here and say that Puffy — or any man — is 100 percent faithful. I just don’t believe it. Some of you are, but I’m not going to sit here and say that I didn’t believe that he cheated on me. I would never say that. I’m aware that he’s cheated.”

AND ON J.LO’S RELATIONSHIP WITH DIDDY
“It was an embarrassment. I never thought it was real. I knew what was going on with him. Despite what you see in print and when the cameras are flashing, what’s going on in someone’s heart may be totally different. He was still [in love] with me. I never looked at their relationship [as serious].”

When asked if Sienna Miller played a part in her break up, Porter states:
“They’re just friends. That wasn’t the cause.”

Your thoughts?
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