Mary J. Blige released the music video for her new song ‘Each Tear (Ft. Jay Sean)’ today. The clip was directed by Marcus Raboy to support the track which serves as the 2nd single to be released in the UK. ‘Each Tear’ will not be sent to US radio. Rather, ‘We Got Hood Love (Ft. Trey Songz)’ has been sent to Urban formats instead. Check out the video below:

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Nicki Minaj stopped by BET’s ‘106 & Park’ to debut her new video for ‘Massive Attack (Ft. Sean Garrett)’ last evening. Minaj was greeted by an excited audience and met one of her idols, Janet Jackson, backstage. Check out the footage below (as well as the crazy fan at the 0:30 mark):

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R&B star Keri Hilson had quite the embarrassing episode last night at the LA Lakers vs Atlanta Hawks game. While performing the US National Anthem (‘The Star Spangled Banner’), Hilson blanked out, forgetting the words to the iconic song in front of the thousands in attendance.

Kudos to her for continuing on (like a professional), however I’d be lying if I said this wasn’t just a teeny-weeny bit hilarious. After all, it just had to be Keri Hilson, didn’t it?! (I’m pretty sure the usual stans will tear her a new one LOL). Check it out after the jump…

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Continuing along the promotional trail for what’s shaping up to be his successful ‘Raymond v Raymond’ LP, Usher took to the stage on American Idol a few hours ago to perform his new single ‘OMG’. Joined by Black Eyed Peas frontman will.i.am, Usher – as ever – put on a world class performance. Check it out after the jump…

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Pop royalty Janet Jackson stopped by BET’s 106 & Park yesterday to promote her new movie ‘Why Did I Get Married Too’, along with co-star Malik Yoba. Jackson, 43, chatted it up with Terrance and Rocsi about headlining the Essence Music Festival, her latest projects, and of course the movie. Peep the interview above…

Tidbit: Tyler and co’s promo game for this movie has been ridiculously on point, don’t you think? I mean, who doesn’t know this movie is coming out? Roll on April 4th…

Randomness: Does anyone else find the juxtoposition between Janet’s on and off-stage personna’s hilarious? She’s comes across all Disney-esque during interviews, yet a freak while performing. I love it! Complete randomness, but when interviewing Ciara last summer, I noticed the exact same thing. Interesting…

Your thoughts?

Diddy and Dirty Money (Danity Kane’s Dawn and Kaleena) landed a performance spot on American Idol’s ‘R&B Night’ episode, which aired tonight. The trio gave the first live performance of new single ‘Hello Good Morning’ – the latest cut to be lifted from their ‘Last Train To Paris‘ LP (due June 22nd).

As with all things Diddy, the performance was a very grand and flashy affair. More over, the  Rico Love penned song isn’t bad at all. Peep the performance below…

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Check out this short preview of Janet Jackson‘s video for ‘Nothing’ – the lead single from the soundtrack of ‘Why Did I Get Married Too’. Directed by Tim Palen, the video in its full-form premières tomorrow (April 1st).

Judging by this clip….as much as I support Janet…this is not the business. Still, I’ll reserve full judgement until seeing the video in its entirety.

Your thoughts?

The video for Nicki Minaj‘s debut single ‘Massive Attack’ premièred literally a few moments ago. Check out the clip in its entirety above. Sean Garrett features…

Hmm. While the song is not rocking my world (the word doo-doo comes to mind), its accompanying video was a commendable first solo effort. The video really encapsulated Minaj’s ‘larger-than-life’ / cartoon-esque character particularly well. There were many an instance where the overwhelming feeling of ‘seen it / heard it all before’ came over me (see: Lil’ Kim). Yet Nicki’s undeniable charisma – which hasn’t been seen in years with female Hip-Hop – just about redeems the Young Money star.

Not bad.

What do you think of the video?

According to Hits Daily Double, Usher is looking set to silence the naysayers next week. Based on first day sales, the R&B crooner’s latest LP ‘Raymond v Raymond’ is a cert for the #1 spot on the Billboard 200, with current figures suggesting the album could top the 350,000 mark in first week sales.

With no bonafide Hot 100 chart smash, Usher is not only defying the odds, he’s showing why it’s important not to underestimate true talent. More power to him.

Your thoughts?

Though revered as a performer, it goes without saying that Jennifer Lopez‘s lack of vocal prowess has caused her to be the butt of many a joke.

Well, it appears the ultimate punch line has been delivered; a studio engineer – none too pleased with Lopez’s supposed diva behaviour while recording – has released raw audio of her trying her hand at Barbra Streisand’s ‘Enough Is Enough’. Let’s just say, the result was not pretty. Check it out for yourself below (via Perez Hilton):

Ouch! That was oh-so-embarrassing; her apparent shrugging off of the matter was not convincing in the slightest. Ol’ J.Lo was embarrassed – as she should have been. I mean, I was initially in two minds about posting this, as I legitimately felt sorry for her. However, I hit ‘post’ when I reminded myself about the fact that singers should actually be able to sing!

Granted I’m sure few artists have flawless studio sessions, the vast majority still turn in – at the bare minimum – commendable live efforts. I challenge anyone to point to one instance when Ms. Lopez has actually sounded good live – baring in mind she rarely ever sings live. I’m waiting…

We’re in a day and age where artists have to be able to, at least, try and turn in decent live + recorded vocals – something which may explain Jennifer’s lack of success in recent years. In any case…awful. Maybe this will serve as a challenge for her to better herself prior to trying to recapture her past-successes under the Def Jam umbrella.

Tidbit: I’m sure the names Janet and Ciara will come up in some capacity. However, in each of their cases, they’ve proven they can hold their own live too. I’m just saying…

Your thoughts?

Young Money heavyweights Drake and Nicki Minaj feature on the cover of the May issue of XXL magazine. The cover’s strapline ‘The Rebirth of Rap Royalty’ is sure to get tongues wagging – especially since neither artist have even released their debut albums yet. Still, more power to them…I guess. {Spotted over at Young Money HQ}

Your thoughts?

R&B star Monica has earned the second-highest first week sales of her career with her latest LP ‘Still Standing’. The 29 year old Grammy winner’s album sold 183,766 copies  its first week on sale, in the process landing at a very respectable #2 on the Billboard 200. Justin Biber’s new LP ‘My World 2.0’ took the top spot.

Congratulations are no doubt in order for Monica. Her highest first week sales to-date come courtesy of 2003’s ‘After The Storm’; yet, in light of the current industry climate, one has every ground to say this record is arguably more successful. Unlike 7 years ago, folk simply do not buy music in the way they once did. Hence, not only is this a victory for Monica, it’s a victory for quality music!

Tidbit: Interesting to note is the fact that with these sales Monica has bested the recent sales of her contemporaries, including Rihanna, Keri Hilson, and even Mariah Carey. More power to her!

Your thoughts?