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?
That Grape Juice can confirm the first official details about Jennifer Lopez’s forthcoming new English-language album. Slated to hit stores in Europe on October 8th, the singer’s sixth studio effort is titled ‘Brave’ and will be lead by first single ‘Hold It, Don’t Drop It’. Producers on the album are set to include Swizz Beats, Midi Mafia and JR Rotem.

After hearing the first single, I’m not too sure if Jennifer can make the comeback her music career needs. Still, there’s hope she can pull it together – ‘Wrong When Your Gone’ (featured on the CD) sounds promising. On a side note, I’d love to know the reason behind the album title, as the material I’ve heard thus far doesn’t indicate a particular direction.

Will you be checking for ‘Brave’?
R&B songstress Teedra Moses has announced that her long-awaited sophomore CD ‘The Young Lioness’ has been pushed back (again) to next year. In a move to, perhaps, ease the angst of fans eagerly awaiting the album, Teedra has also confirmed that she will release another mixtape before the year’s out. Check out her MySpace post:

hey yall. Just letting you know that my album is not coming out this year. It has been push to the top of next year. Not my decision but I ain’t mad. It is what it is. I really am ready for yall to hear it though!!! Its funny, industry people think every artist hates their label, but in my case their wrong. I don’t hate nobody. I just don’t quite understand their logic. But don’t cry for me Argentina. I’m soooo Goood!! I don’t put my faith in a label my faith is in God, who reminds to have faith in myself and my team. God has a plan for me so no weapons formed against me will ever prosper. I’m starting to work on a Christmas mixed Tape. I know that sounds novel which ain’t normally my angle, but I’mma put a sexy soulful twist on christmas… ya feel me!

TVT (Teedra’s label) really need to get it together. Its been two years or so since the CD was supposed to drop. If-when the album is released-they don’t promote it right, they would have done Teedra and her fans a serious injustice. I’m starting to think she’d be better off at another label.

Your thoughts?

Again, I know it’s kinda short notice, but I will be interviewing Island Def Jam/So So Def artist Johnta Austin on Wednesday (August 1st). Following a label switch (from Virgin to Island), the talented singer/songwriter is set to drop his ‘Ocean Drive’ album on September 4th. Please drop any questions you may have for Johnta in the comments section. Note that only genuine and reasonable questions will be considered 🙂

*The Jagged Edge interview will be up soon*

The video for Eve’s latest single ‘Give it To You’ (ft. Sean Paul) premiered yesterday. Directed by Melina (who was behind most of Beyonce’s ‘Anthology’ clips), the video is great; and aside from ‘that’ blond wig, Eve is looking on-point too. The vid really manages to capture the song’s summer vibe. Eve’s new album ‘Here I Am’ is set to hit stores September 18th.
What do you think of the video?
After a record-breaking 10 weeks at the top of the Official UK Singles Chart, Rihanna’s ‘Umbrella’ has been dethroned by Timbaland’s ‘The Way I Are’. The track, which features newcomer Keri Hilson, swapped its #3 postion with Rihanna to claim the top spot. It’s not bad news for the Bajan singer whose next single ‘Shut Up & Drive’ rockets #65-#18 on the chart – based on downloads alone.
Finally! ‘Umbrella’ was a grower, but after a while it was like ‘who’s still buying this?’. Considering I feel ‘The Way I Are’ to be one of the better tracks from Timbaland’s overhyped ‘Shock Value’ CD, it’s great to see the track enjoying chart success. Rihanna really seems to be doing it BIG over here too, with ‘Shut Up & Drive’ on course to peak at a high position.
Any thoughts?

As part of their Hip Hop Week, MTV2 screened a ‘Hottest MCs In The Game’ special this past weekend. In constructing the list, a panel of MTV News staff that looked at the most prominent MC’s of the past year and took into account the following: straight-up skills, success (both musically and entrepreneurial), impact on the game, an MC’s ‘cool’ factor, and how they carry themselves on and off recordings. As with BET’s ‘Top 25 Dancers of All Time’ list, this is sure to raise a eyebrows. Check out the list:

1. Lil’ Wayne
2. T.I.
3. The Game
4. André 3000
5. Kanye West
6. Young Jeezy
7. Jay-Z
8. 50 Cent
9. Common
10. Jim Jones

For the most part, I’m ok with the list. Yet, where were Nas and Fabolous? Also, 50 Cent has no place on there – aside from reason of his business success.

Do you agree with the list
According to E! Online, Eddie Murphy and Tracy Edmonds are engaged. Check out the report:

ET has learned that EDDIE MURPHY and his girlfriend of 10 months, TRACEY EDMONDS, are engaged! According to OK! magazine, the 46-year-old ‘Dreamgirls’ and ‘Shrek the Third’ star proposed on July 25 with a “massive,” roughly 8-carat CARTIER yellow diamond engagement ring.

A friend of the couple says, “They’re very adorable together, very happy,” adding that they plan to tie the knot before the end of the year with a private wedding: “something low-key and romantic.”

Not sure why Tracy’s in such a rush to marry a guy who still hasn’t taken responsibility for his child with Mel B. On a lighter note, I wonder what Johnny Gill thinks about this lol?

Your thoughts?
In a statement to the Associated Press today (July 28th), Usher’s publicist announced the singer’s marriage to fiance Tameka Foster has been cancelled. No reason was cited for the cancellation of the ceremony -which was set to take place today – however the statement plead for the privacy of the pair during this time. The couple’s first child is due in the fall.
Though the circumstances surrounding the cancellation are unknown, one has to wonder if Usher succumbed to the pressure and pulled the plug. With the way Usher’s been on a war path to defend Tameka, I’m kinda surprised by this all. This whole situation gets weirder by the minute…

Why do you think the wedding was called off?
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