In other Alicia news, a snippet of ‘No One’ – the confirmed first single from the new album – has hit the net. I think I’ll reserve my judgement until the full track surfaces… Click here to listen to the snippet (Props to Toya for the heads-up)

Some five months after the release of ‘Like This’, Kelly Rowland is finally gearing up to premier the video for the her 2nd single ‘Ghetto’ (ft. Snoop Dogg). Speaking with MTV from the set of her ESPN promo clip – alongside 50 Cent -the singer said the following about the video:

I’m working with Andrew Gura on this video. It’s very, I’d say … gosh, I’m trying to get the right word out because I don’t want to sound crazy. … It’s ghetto. It’s really fly. I feel like everybody has some sort of element of ghetto in them. Think about it. Right? Wouldn’t you say so? And everyone knows what the ghetto is.

Click here to watch the interview

It’s all well talking about it, but her people need to get the video out ASAP! Things seem to be looking up for her though; as well as the ESPN spot, Kelly is set to tour at the end of the year through into early next year. Sources continue to confirm that Kelly is indeed recording new tracks… for a new album, perhaps?

Any thoughts?

R&B singer Keyshia Cole performed her smash hit ‘Let It Go’ during her show at New York’s Nokia Theatre this past Sunday (August 19th). Billed as the surprise of the night, both Missy Elliott and Lil’ Kim joined her onstage to perform their song. I’m really loving the performance; Keyshia sounded great and the crowd were hyped throughout – especially when Missy and Kim came out. Great stuff.

What do you think of the performance?

It’s no secret that rumors about Ne-Yo’s sexuality have been circulating for a while now. The singer was asked how the rumors began in the current issue of Sister 2 Sister Magazine. Here’s what he had to say:

I don’t know. To this day I’m still trying to figure it out. You know what I think it is? It’s because when you see me, when you talk to me, my mannerisms are not-I’m not that. So people see me and they don’t see something that they’re accustomed to and people feel the need to have to categorize stuff. They just can’t let it be “I don’t know what that is.” So they got to do something. He’s not rough, rugged, and raw, so he must be gay”.

Though I will never forget the lipgloss he donned for the ‘Because of You’ vid, he does have very valid points…

What do you think about his comments?

The ‘Making The Band 4’ finale is set to air this Sunday (August 26th) at 10.00pm. I’ve managed to catch the majority of this season since being out here in US (the show hasn’t started back home yet) and think it’s been great. Of the 10 finalists left, my picks for the band are:

From left to right: Brian A, Willie, Qwanell and Mike

I’m really hoping Diddy doesn’t screw over whoever is picked to be in this group as he has done with so many before them; the majority of the guys this year can really ‘sing sing’ and are some of the best vocalists on any season the popular MTV show. Click here to check out the Bryan Michael Cox produced track that will serve as the group’s first single – ‘I Want You Exclusive’.

Remember you can vote for your favourite(s) – which could influence who makes the group (not sure how legit this is though lol). Click here to vote

Who do you think will make the group?

Former ‘Making The Band’ choreographer, Laurie Ann Gibson has spoken out about her now- infamous fight with Diddy – which resulted in her being fired (or leaving – depending on who you believe) the popular MTV show. Having watched the catch-up episodes again yesterday, I definitely agree with her that the show was edited to make her look bad. The camera’s were allegedly still rolling – yet all we got was mangled audio and clips of Laurie Ann acting a diva. Diddy knows he was wrong for that..

What do you think of Laurie-Ann’s comments?

The Screamfest tour hit New York’s Madison Square Garden yesterday (August 22nd) and looked to be a great show all-round. Hip Hop showed out in a major way with Jay Z, Diddy, T.I, Kanye West and 50 Cent (you read right) appearing on stage together. Check out more pics of the event below:

Yung Joc

Ciara was joined by 50 Cent again

That first pic of 50 standing alone is priceless lol…though I’m sure it was just taken at the wrong time. Kanye and 50 onstage together is kinda suspect, but I doubt their ‘chart battle’ is a publicity stunt (as some will no doubt be thinking) – they were never ‘beefing’ (like that) to begin with. LMAO at Yung Joc – since when did rappers do strip teases?

What do you think of the pics?