With the release of Chris Brown’s sophomore CD ‘Exclusive’ rapidly approaching (August 28th), yet another track from the set has surfaced. Featuring T-Pain, ‘Kiss Kiss’ is an ‘ok’ mid-tempo track -although it sounds kinda repetitive. Neither Chris or T-Pain take the track anywhere either. I’ve felt a lot Chris’ new material to be real hit and miss; if he’s to avoid the ‘sophomore slump’ the album really needs to deliver – which I’m not sure if it will.

 

Hit or Miss?

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US cable network Black Entertainment Television (BET) is to launch in the UK – it has officially been announced. The network’s owner Viacom has outlined plans for the station – which will operate as a 24-hour general entertainment channel – to debut in Britain towards the end of this year. As well as US programming such as College Hill, 106 & Park, the annual BET Awards and Lil’ Kim — Countdown to Lockdown, BET UK will feature homegrown content also. {Source}
It’s about time! LOL. For real though, I’m so pleased that BET is returning to the UK. I say ‘returning’ as I remember the channel used to be broadcast here in the mid-90’s (when I was little) but disappeared. Urban TV networks over here are few and far between, with MTV Base being the main one, so BET will be a welcome addition.
Any thoughts?
R&B star Kelly Rowland performed a mini-concert as part of the Early Show Concert Series in Dallas yesterday. Though she performed a number of songs, the televised performances were of new single ‘Comeback’, ‘Bad Habit’ and ‘Like This’. Check Out the performances:

Comeback

Bad Habit

Like This

More vids:

Interview

No, No, No

Dilemma

Aside from a few vocal snags, Kelly did her thing – I especially liked the ‘Comeback’ and ‘Bad Habit’ performances. In other, somewhat puzzling, Kelly news, ‘Ghetto’ from her ‘Ms. Kelly’ CD is going for adds at Urban radio. I’m kinda baffled as to why, when ‘Comeback’ has been confirmed as the official next US single (with a video already shot too). My only guess would be that the label want to put out as much possible from the album – video or not?

What do you think of the performances?

Singer Lauryn Hill was recently interviewed by TV Maniacs, following a concert in France. The reclusive star, spoke on a number of issues including her comeback, the current state of the music industry as well as The Fugees situation.

It’s a pretty interesting interview. She wasn’t as ‘out of it’ as many would have you believe; yet I couldn’t help but notice that she rarely looked at the interviewer or into camera. Whatever it is that she’s going through, I hope she can overcome it. Having said that, she did have a few valid points.

What do you think about the interview?

The video for 50 Cent’s latest single ‘Ayo Technology’ (ft. Justin Timberlake) debuted lasted night. The track is definitely one of the better singles 50 has released from the project so far (which isn’t saying much). The Minority Report-themed video is pretty good too – although it was kinda underwhelming. With ‘Ayo Technology’ serving as the third or fourth single from 50’s upcoming ‘Curtis’ CD (I’m losing count) , the performance of this release will likely determine the success of the album. ‘Curtis’ drops September 11th.

What do you think of the video?

After parting ways in 2005, Grammy Award winning group Destiny’s Child may be set to reform. In a recent interview, the group’s manager (Beyonce’s father) Matthew Knowles strongly hinted at the possibility of another Destiny’s Child album:

Matthew: “But she’s (Beyonce) a hard troop and all of the Destiny’s Child ladies are. I’m proud of her and all of the ladies. I’m using this word “Destiny’s Child” cause that could be the day so Destiny’s Child album is coming soon. I don’t know, did I just said it?”

Click here to listen to the interview

Source

This really doesn’t surprise me. It’s a given that the girls would record again somewhere down the line – they’re still in their prime. I felt their last CD, ‘Destiny’s Fulfilled’, was one of their best efforts and for that reason I’ll be checking for their new project whenever it surfaces. One small tidbit: It’s great to hear Matthew promoting Solange’s upcoming album, yet I couldn’t help but notice that he never mentioned a thing about Kelly’s CD. I’m starting to wonder if there’s truth to the rumours of Kelly severing ties with Matthew’s management company? Just thinking aloud…

Do you want to see a Destiny’s Child Reunion?
Melanie Brown has taken her spat with Eddie Murphy further – this time holding a press conference to announce plans of legal action against the actor. The Spice Girl has enlisted the services of celebrity lawyer Gloria Allred. Check out extracts of the PEOPLE.com report:

Allred said she’s [Brown] filed a paternity suit against Murphy to legally establish that he is the father of their nearly 4-month-old daughter, Angel Iris Murphy Brown.

“Murphy was promising to do the right thing, but to date he has not done the right thing,” said Allred. “Mr. Murphy can have all the babies he chooses to have, but his responsibility needs to be to his own children. [Brown] is seeking sole physical and legal custody.”

Still, Allred said Brown would be happy to arrange for Murphy to see his daughter regularly “like millions of parents do.”

“He bought a big diamond ring for his new fianceé,” added Allred, referring to Murphy’s recent engagement to girlfriend Tracey Edmonds. “It is nice to be generous to others, but what about his own baby?”

We all know Eddie’s a coward for how he’s handled the whole situation, but Mel seems to be milking it –using every media opportunity to call him out. Still, I can see why; Eddie publicly dissed her and deserves the same in return.

Your thoughts?
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R&B star Brandy has signed a deal with Ultima Hair to become the face of the company’s latest advertising campaign (click here to read more about Ultima Hair). The above promo pics are great; it’s the best I’ve seen Brandy look in a long while. I’m hoping she’s been able to put all the drama behind her, as I’m eagerly anticipating her new CD.

What do you think of the pics?
Some five years after R. Kelly was formally charged with child abuse, a trial date has finally been set – following a hearing in Chicago today (August 1st). As ruled by Judge Vincent Gaughan, the long-awaited trial will begin on September 17th. According to the singer’s spokesperson ‘He’s confident that when all the facts come out, it will be clear he’s not guilty of any crime’
In 2002, Kelly was charged with 21 counts of child pornography (seven were later dropped) for allegedly videotaping himself having sex with an underage girl -who was said to be 14 at the time. The singer plead ‘Not Guilty’ to all charges.
Despite being inevitable, I’m kinda shocked by this – especially by how soon the trial is set to begin. Like many, I’d assumed the case would never would reach trial stage; after all, it has been five years. It’ll be interesting to see how this one plays out…

Your thoughts?

The video for Will.i.am’s new solo single ‘I Got It From My Mama’ premiered today. Although I’m really feeling the song, the Bryan Baber directed video left a lot to be desired (which I expected would be the case). Still, it’s workable and with the track’s infectious hook, Will likely has a hit with this one.

What do you think of the video?

R&B star LeToya was spotted on the set of the video for Diddy’s upcoming single ‘Diddy Rock’. Though not featured on the actual single, she’ll be making an appearance in the vid – which is still a very good look. I’ve always liked her hustle factor – she’s managed to stay in the limelight long after the release of her album. LeToya’s sophomore effort ‘Lady Love’ is set to drop in November.

What do you think of the pics?
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Beyonce and Solange feature in the latest promo shoot for their (and their mother Tina’s) clothing line House of Dereon. Beyonce looks her usual curvacious self, but it’s Solange who stands out most to me. She really is coming into her own – she looks great. A small tidbit: I hear the line isn’t doing all that well due to overpricing and the clothes being…well…tacky (or so I’ve been told).

What do you think of the ad?
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