Kelis’ highly anticipated ‘Flesh Stone’ LP has finally be given an officially release date. The record will hit stores in the US and Canada on July 6th whereas international territories will receive the album on May 17th. The first single from the project, ‘Acapella’, has secured the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs chart, making it her first chart-topper since her 2004 collaboration with Enrique Iglesias on ‘Not In Love’. {Source}

Thoughts?

Christina Aguilera is on the brink of having one of the biggest radio hits of the year. Her new song, ‘Not Myself Tonight’, recently nabbed the title of being the most added song to Top 40 radio since January 1st, despite only being serviced to US stations on April 5th.  Now, as part of the building promotional campaign for the single and her new album, ‘Bionic’, which hits stores on June 8th, the singer has taken to her official website to discuss what fans can expect from the project. Check out what Aguilera had to say below:

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Rihanna took centre stage on American Idol a few moments ago to perform  now-new single ‘Rockstar 101’ (previously ‘Te Amo’). Check out how the stunner fared above…

Hmm. It’s probably best to get the ‘good’ out of the way first. Ms. Fenty did indeed look every part the ‘rockstar’ we’re being told she’s supposed to be. Additionally, this Bajan model must get props for upping her swagger on stage.

However, despite the slightly better stage presence, Rihanna – as a live performer, is like watching a plate spin in the microwave for 3 minutes. Not the business.

What’s more, it’s impossible to ignore the billy-goat bleating ol’ RiRi was doing into that poor mic. Folk can defend her with all the vigour they choose, yet it doesn’t take away the fact that those vocals were undeniably criminal – cracking at many a point during that performance.

Yet she’s supposedly a ‘rockstar’….ok.

Your thoughts?

After the backlash which ensued following the première of Kiely Williams‘ new video for single ‘Spectacular’, the former 3LW star has taken to the net to defend the risqué clip. Check out what she had to say after the jump…

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R&B star Fantasia stopped by The Mo’Nique Show yesterday to perform promotional single ‘Even Angels’, as well as sit down for a chat with the comedienne. Check out both the stirring performance and interview after the jump…

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Some of you may remember Jennifer Lopez‘s ill-fated ‘comeback’ single from last year ‘Louboutins’. Well, as previously reported, the song was initially recorded by R&B star Brandy for inclusion on her forthcoming project; however, The-Dream penned track was left on the cutting room floor, thereafter being snapped up by Lopez.

In any case, Brandy’s version of the song – albeit unmastered and unfinished – has surfaced. While one would presume Ms. Norwood’s version would be better – which it is, her vocal trills, adlibs and whatnot, cannot take away the fact that the song just isn’t very good. Still, judge for yourself…

Hit or Miss?

Former Misteeq singer, Sabrina Washington, stopped by GMTV this morning to perform smashing new single ‘OMG’ (which is available on iTunes now). Sporting a daring hairdo and an even more out-there outfit, Ms. Washington held her own, doing the song justice live.

Check out the performance after the jump…(performance starts at 1.50 mark)…

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Things are not looking good for Rihanna‘s forthcoming ‘Last Girl On Earth’ tour. With initial ticket-sales not being as high as anticipated, the worldwide trek has been hit with another blow – supporting act Nicki Minaj has pulled out of the tour.

Announcing the news on her Twitter page, the popular rapper, offered the following explanation as to her sudden decision…

Ouch. One would think something more serious would have prompted Minaj’s decision. After all, album or no album, going on tour with a chart-topper shouldn’t be anything but an extremely good look for the Young Money star. Then again, when that chart-topper isn’t shifting tickets in the way a worthwhile performer should be, taking a rain check may not be so bad after all.

I doubt Ms. Fenty is fretting, though….she still has the super-talented Ke$ha to open for her.

Your thoughts?

Many a naysayer will be eating humble-pie tonight, as Usher‘s new LP ‘Raymond v Raymond’ hit #1 on the Billboard 200 chart – after shifting through 329,000 copies first week. The impressive feat marks the singer’s third consecutive #1 LP on the chart; with the previous efforts being 2004’s career-definer ‘Confessions’ and 2008’s ‘Here I Stand’.

So much for Usher being ‘done’, ay? Despite ‘Here I Stand’ not being up-to-par, I never understood the mass declarations of Mr Raymond’s time being up. I mean, every artist has career highs and career lows. Luckily for Usher, things seem to be on the come-up for him; which is awesome (IMO), considering the fact that in an increasingly talent-starved industry, his level of skill is difficult to replace. More power to him…

Your thoughts?

The video for The-Dream‘s new single ‘Love King’ premièred literally moments ago. Check it out above…

Pretty much your typical Dream video; simple concept and choreography-heavy. Not bad, yet definitely nothing to scream about.

Your thoughts?

US Weekly‘s latest issue features the first public photo of Christina Milian and The-Dream‘s baby daughter, Violet. The youngster, who was born in February, is the newly-wed couple’s first child together. The Dream has 3 children from his previous marriage to R&B singer Nivea. {Spotted over at Miss Jia!}

Your thoughts?

Siblings Brandy and Ray J stopped by the Lopez Tonight Show this week to promote their VH1 show ‘Family Business’, which kicks off this coming Sunday (April 11th).

The pair chatted it up with host, George Lopez, about a number of topics – including Brandy’s rumoured relationship with Flo’Rida, Ray J’s infamous ‘tape’, their brother-sister dynamic, of course the show, and much more. Peep the interview after the jump…

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