In carving out her own solo career, Destiny’s Child alum Kelly Rowland has served up many a hot collaboration – and looks set to continue doing so.

Find out who the 29 year old has joined forces with after the jump…

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The recording process for Britney Spears‘ new album appears to be gathering steam. The Pop superstar was spotted heading into a Los Angeles recording studio yesterday (August 11) for, what is said to have been, an intense recording session. Mother of two, Spears was accompanied by father Jamie, her A&R Teresa Whites (who flew in for the session), as well manager Adam Leber. {Source}

Sigh. Until I see a speck of that spark Ms. Spears used to possess, I can’t see any reason to be excited. It’s been almost three years since her media-orchestrated comeback, and yet there’s no sign of her being able to perform to an acceptable standard (and no, walking up and down the stage in a mechanical-daze doesn’t count). For us to be in such a critical age (see: singers needing to sing live and perform well for any kind of credibility), it’s particularly baffling to see Britney getting the kind of ‘pass’ she does. If the Mariah’s, Christina’s and co (who comparatively can perform to a much higher standard), are being urged to “do better”, I see no reason why – despite lacking in every which way – Ms. Spears seems to have folk spellbound. Here’s hoping she can redeem herself (for real) this go round.

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Check out this new promotional shot for Jazmine Sullivan‘s forthcoming LP ‘Love Me Back’ {Source}.

The soulful songstress is set to release ‘Holding You Down’ as the lead single from the album, with the video having been shot in New York City earlier this week.

Speaking of the video, peep pics the song’s producer Missy Elliott tweeted of herself on the set of the vid below…

Your thoughts?

Quirky Katy Perry is covering all-bases ahead of the release of her sophomore effort ‘Teenage Dream’ (due August 24th). The 25 year old is currently in Australia plugging the project, today taking over morning show ‘Sunrise’ for a special concert series.

Peep her rousing performances of ‘Teenage Dream’, ‘California Gurls’, and ‘Hot N’ Cold’ below…

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Following our report that Kelly Rowland‘s video for current single ‘Rose Coloured Glasses’ was recently shot in 3D, That Grape Juice can reveal that acclaimed fashion photographer Rankin directed the clip.

Having photographed some of Hollywood’s biggest names including Madonna, Vivienne Westwood, and Britney Spears, Rankin’s music video resume includes Nelly Furtado’s ‘Say It Right’ and Kelis’ ‘Acapella’ videos.

It’s awesome to see Kelly collaborating with the industry’s finest – finally. One can only hope the clip itself turns out great.

NOTE TO UNIVERSAL MOTOWN: We’re gonna need a video for ‘Grown Woman’ with the swiftness!

Your thoughts?

Ciara revealed the artwork for her new song, ‘Gimme Dat’, literally seconds ago on Twitter. The track serves as the official 2nd single from her long-delayed album, ‘Basic Instinct’. {Source}

What do you think of the cover?

Jay-Z hit the stage at the World Basketball Festival this evening at the Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Check out the Hip-Hop icon’s performance below:

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Teairra Mari celebrated the release of her new EP, ‘Sincerely Yours’, last evening. The singer was joined by a list of her friends and even performed at the event at Hollywood’s Key Club.

What do you think of the pic?

Hip-Hop fans have another reason to celebrate as Drake has been added to the MTV VMA performers lineup. The rapper, whose debut album, ‘Thank Me Later’, has already been certified platinum in the US since it’s June 15th release, joins Usher, P!nk, Jay-Z, Katy Perry and Kanye West among others. The MTV VMA’s will air live on September 12th.

Thoughts?

Check out this new track by Jay-Z’s protege J.Cole. The track, entitled ‘The Blow Up’, was produced by the rapper himself and will be featured on his upcoming debut album set for release later this year. Give the ‘The Blow Up’ a listen below:

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This week’s Best You Never Heard feature returns this week with little known gems by Danity Kane, Destiny’s Child, Johnta Austin, and Mary J. Blige.

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Danity Kane – Lights Out

Lifted from Danity Kane’s 2008 sophomore smash ‘Welcome to the Dollhouse’, ‘Lights Out’ served as one of the LP’s many highlights. Penned by band-member Dawn, and produced by newcomers Flex&Hated, the song served up a delicious slice of Urban-Pop – which no doubt have made a dent on the charts had it been released as a single. From its production, to its vocal arrangements to its lyrical dexterity, this is a home-run of a track if I ever heard one.

Unfortunately, the group – who were the nearest the industry had come to producing a Destiny’s Child successor, disbanded at the top of 2009 (see: Diddy, petty squabbles, and Bad Boy). Yet, with gems such as this, Aubrey, Dawn, Aundrea, Shannon, and D. Woods clearly made their mark. (SAM)

Listen:

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Destiny’s Child – If

The release Destiny’s Child’s final album, ‘Destiny Fulfilled’, was a bittersweet experience for both fans and critics alike. However, the trio ensured that the record was packed with some of the best songs that they ever recorded. One such track was track #8 – ‘If’.

Vocally fluid and lyrically astute, the group harmonised with perfect synchronisation; engaging in carefully timed exchanges without missing a beat. Yet, what was most interesting about ‘If’ was the fact that it is one of the few songs in the entire Destiny’s Child catalogue that did not revolve around Beyonce. Not only did all of the girls get equal airtime but we finally got hear what they are capable of as a group instead of just Beyonce and her background singers. (TRENT)

Listen:

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Johnta Austin – Turn It Up

Listen:

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Mary J. Blige – Kitchen

There is a reason that Mary J. Blige is called the Queen of Hip-Hop/Soul – this woman always manages to evoke a wide range of emotions amongst her listeners. ‘Kitchen’ stands as a shining example of exactly how Blige manages to apply her incredible voice to lyrics reflecting real life experiences without sounding contrived or unnatural.

Utilising clever metaphors and a classic R&B melody, the diva and her co-writer, The-Dream, combine the essence of 1970’s Soul with modern production to create a song that proved to be a standout track on her ‘Stronger with Each Tear’ LP. If there is someone in life who is trying to take what’s yours and you want to send them a message then this is the song for you. Mashonda. (TRENT)

Listen:

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Pop phenom Lady GaGa is proving to be quite the tour de force. The ‘Bad Romance’ singer was last night presented with a plaque commemorating her sales of 13 million albums and 51 million singles worldwide.  This over the course of just two years.

The emotional moment took place at the Staples Centre during the Los Angeles stop of the 24 year old’s ‘Monster Ball’ tour.

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Go GaGa! Critiqued by a select few for being a gimmick with no substance, this ought to silence the naysayers. For during this economical climate, consumers are consistently investing the most in who and what they see the most quality in. Hence why, despite not boasting the total #1’s of a certain Bajan Billy-Goat, GaGa’s sales trounce hers – despite the former having a 3 album advantage. A testament to true talent.

Your thoughts?