Pop starlet Rihanna has much cause for celebration today; her new single ‘Rude Boy’ has hit the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 – her label have announced. The song becomes the 22 year old’s 5th solo #1 on the chart, and her 6th overall (when including her feature on T.I.’s ‘Live Your Life’). What’s more, Rihanna becomes the female artist with the most #1’s on the chart since 2000 (S.O.S., Umbrella, Disturbia, Take A Bow, Live Your Life, Rude Boy).

——————————————

Congratulations are no doubt in order for Ms. Fenty. Despite her ‘Rated R’ album not being anything to scream about (as its lacklustre sales show), ‘Rude Boy’ was undoubtedly the LP’s one saving grace, hence the #1 is much deserved.

That said, the way this Bajan model is stacking up these #1’s is somewhat frightening. Who would have ever thought we’d enter an age where models posing as singers/performers regularly sit on top of the charts? In any case, now’s not the time to rain on anyone’s parade. It indeed appears ‘that Rihanna reign just won’t let up’……..yet (see: Jennifer Lopez’s career).

Your thoughts?

In their latest tirade, Fox News have taken aim with Lady GaGa‘s record-breaking ‘Telephone’ video. During a segment titled ‘Has Lady GaGa Gone Too Far?’, the network – who are no strangers to nitpicking at the music industry – critiqued the video for ‘poisoning the youth of today’, hitting out against its provocative nature. Peep the segment below…

I’m assuming I pretty much speak for the majority when I say… ‘whatever!’ Besides the fact artists such as Madonna have gone much further when it comes to provocativeness, the whole piece just seemed like two-old fossils spouting bias nonsense. Surely there are more serious issues going on in the world which are just begging for more airtime than a relatively tame Lady GaGa video? Things that make you go ‘hmmm’. Sigh….

Your thoughts?

R&B singer Teairra Mari stopped by The Mo’Nique Show to perform new single ‘Sponsor’, as well as sit down for a chat with the Oscar winning comedienne. Check out the performance above, which featured Soulja Boy, as well as the interview after the jump…

Randomness: I have my Mo’Nique impression down to a tee! {“Yaaaaaaaasss”}.

(more…)

According to AllAccess.com, Pop sensation Ke$ha is set to release ‘Your Love Is My Drug’ as the third single from her debut LP ‘Animal’.

Catchy, inoffensive, and distinctly generic, the release of the song suggests Ms. Sebert has found a formula that works and is sticking to it. What this means for her longevity is anyone’s guess, however it would be hardly surprising if this becomes a fixture on the radio.

Hit or Miss?

With JLS‘ US debut drawing ever-nearer, the group’s most recognisable face, Aston Merrygold, has undergone an image overhaul in a bid to appeal to the Stateside audience. Hence gone is his much-ridiculed ‘perm’ – in its place a shorter do – and in comes a neck tattoo (both pictured above).

Granted aesthetic changes, quite honestly, were a necessity for any kind of chance at cracking the US market, one can only hope the guys are putting just as much effort in the dance studio and vocal training, as the results otherwise could be rather embarrassing.

Tidbit: ‘Everybody In Love’ is already in heavy rotation on some of the US’ biggest radio stations, including New York’s Z100.

Your thoughts?

Ciara was spotted here in London recently, shooting her new Adidas Originals campaign. As previously reported, the 24 year old was tapped by the sports giant to front their new global campaign (print, TV, online) for the female ‘Originals’ range. Indeed, the singer can be seen rocking a Dance Sweater from the range in the snaps above and below:

Your thoughts?

Peep this video of an early Destiny’s Child performing in the audition which would ultimately change each of their lives; their audition at age 15 for Columbia Records (who they’re still signed to).

Granted the fact this has been floating around for a while, it certainly makes for a compelling watch. For though solid as a collective, it really gives an insight to what each of the girls were working with in their unseasoned/untrained form. I don’t know about you guys, but a certain Ms. Rowland upstaged a certain Ms. Knowles by quite a margin. A point I feel necessary to mention solely due to how the group’s history played out.

Regardless of who sounded better, it’s quite inspiring to see the humble beginnings of what would become one of music’s biggest acts.

Your thoughts?

Pop sensation Jason Derulo stopped by the Lopez Tonight show to perform current single ‘In My Head’ (which peaked on the Billboard Hot 100 at an impressive #8). Check out how the 20 year old fared above…

Though the stage spectacle and live vocals were admirable, I can’t say much else was about this performance. For the most part, Jason sounded like he needed oxygen, and I’m still not sold on his choreography. Still, as they say…practice makes perfect, right?

Your thoughts?

The midweek sales for the Official UK Album Chart have been released, and it is not at all looking good for the Sugababes. According to the figures, Heidi, Amelle, and Jade look to set to miss the top 10 with their ‘Sweet 7’ LP. As at writing, the record is eyeing a #11-#12 position on the chart.

Ouch. It appears the much publicized drama surrounding the axing of original member Keisha Buchanan was the final for straw for the record-buying public. Early indications of the album’s fate could be seen in the performance of its singles. For despite achieving 3 consecutive top 10 singles from the LP, the songs would drop like a rock the week after release – highlighting a lack of  listener loyalty.

It pretty much goes without saying that this album is make or break for the ladies. With the industry being renown for its cut-throat nature, it’s hard to see how any label will keep them on after such disastrous sales. Sales, which when considering the the amount of money the label have invested in the project, as well as the group’s Roc Nation deal, are much worse than they appear on the surface. If business doesn’t pick up with the quickness, it could be over for the ladies.

Your thoughts?

R&B star Usher posed it up with Nicki Minaj on the set of their video for new single ‘Lil’ Freak’, which was shot last week in Los Angeles. The clip was directed by TAJ (also pictured).

With ‘Lil’ Freak’ serving as the track which has, thus far, garnered the most buzz from Usher’s ‘Raymond v Raymond’ LP (due March 30th), it was a pretty smart move on his team’s part to give it the single treatment. With the video no doubt set to drop around the album’s release, it’ll likely give the LP a healthy first week boost.

Your thoughts?

An unstoppable force when alive, the legend of  the King of Pop Michael Jackson is living up to its billing, even after the singer’s untimely death. It has today been announced that Jackson’s estate have signed a record-breaking  deal with Sony Music Entertainment, worth $250 Million – a figure which earns the lucrative deal the title of the the biggest record deal in music history!

The terms of the partnership, according to The Wall Street Journal, will see up to 10 Jackson album’s released over a 7 year period. Included will be re-packaged versions of Jackson’s material in compilation form, a DVD of his entire video catalogue, as well as LP’s of entirely new and unreleased material – the first of which is set to be released in November. The ‘This Is It’ CD, which accompanied the theatrical release last year, is included in the deal.

Speaking on the deal, Sony Music chairman Rob Stringer: “We’re dedicated to protecting this icon’s legacy and we’re thrilled that we can continue to bring his music to the world for the foreseeable future”.

For much of his storied career, Jackson’s label home was Sony; a relationship which, despite a few bumps, was a largely fruitful one. It is believed that at the time of his passing, Jackson was prepping the release of his new material via the label (in potential conjunction with tour sponsor AEG).

——————————-

Awesome news! It really serves as a testament to level of impact his star had and will continue to have for generations to come.

I’m particularly hopeful that the new material is given the treatment it deserves i.e. great promotion, creative videos, and is aligned with great brands (e.g. movies, commercials etc). What better way to keep his legacy alive. Long live the King!

Your thoughts?

Peep this new promotional shot of R&B star Monica. The singer is set to release her sixth studio album ‘Still Standing’ next Tuesday (March 23rd).

Your thoughts?