This week’s From The Vault clip is Monica‘s 1995 #1 smash ‘Don’t Take It Personal’ – which was lifted from the then teen star’s debut LP ‘Miss Thang’. As I’m sure any R&B lover will know, the song’s reputation proceeds it. Put simply, a classic.

Tidbit: Despite only being 6 or 7 when this dropped, I vividly remember the hype around the then-new talent that was Ms. Monica. To see what a seasoned vocalist and great person she’s grown into before our eyes is a warming feeling.

Your thoughts?

Lady GaGa took the time to further explain her short film for ‘Telephone’ on ‘Big Boy’s Neighborhood’ radio show recently. The rising icon posted the above photo of herself and the video’s co-star, Beyonce, on her Twitter last evening. Check out what GaGa had to say about Beyonce being the “vehicle” that made it all happen:

(more…)

During our recent interview with the incomparable Fantasia, the American Idol alumni expressed just how much she wishes to perform here in the UK. Fans of the 24 year old star will be glad to hear that she has today announced her first ever UK date.

For one night only, Fantasia and her live band will take to the stage at London’s indig02 on May 3rd (Bank Holiday). Click here for ticket details!

You already know That Grape Juice will be in the house…will you?

Will you be going to see Fantasia in London?

Seen her live before? Any good?

With Jennifer Lopez’s deal with Island Def Jam almost  finalised, it appears there may be some hope yet for the singer/actress’ serially delayed ‘Love?’ LP after all. Sources close to the project confirm that the mother of two is currently tweaking the record, with there also being the possibility of renaming it for its Def Jam release. In any case, a new cut from the album’s recording sessions has surfaced in the form of the Stargate produced ‘Story of My Life’.

If ever there was a case, point, example of the problems which arise when an artist strays too far from their lane, it would be J.Lo. Put simply, this song is just not cutting it. Everything from her monotonous, disinterested vocals, to the lacking production, make for this one to be a no-no.

Lopez is a ‘performer’ as opposed to a vocalist; hence (much like Janet) her material at this particular stage of her career should focus on her strengths – which is uptempo club-destined tracks (an area vast enough to still experiment within). I say this because this dreary-drivel she’s been trying to serve up as the hotness for a while has, quite frankly, been cold – ‘Story of My Life’ included.

At this junction the only thing able to salvage Ms. Lopez’s musical relevance would be more tracks in the vein of the only solid cut I’ve heard from her ‘Love?’ sessions – ‘Hooked On You’.

Hit or Miss?

If there lay truth in the latest murmurings about Mariah Carey, things appear to be going from bad to worse for the diva. Reliable word has it that, in light of the disappointing performance of its singles, the 39 year old’s ‘Angel’s Advocate’ album has been shelved.

While Carey’s label, Island Def Jam, have yet to confirm or deny the speculation, the LP – which was a Target exclusive – has interestingly vanished from listings on the Target website, as well as Amazon where it was also featured as a download-only release. Additionally, despite being but a few weeks away from its announced release date of March 30th, no album cover nor promotional material for the record has surfaced.

The singer’s latest set-back comes on the heels of the poor performance of her ‘Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel’ LP, as well as the so-so success of her ‘Angel’s Advocate Tour’ – the box office scores of which saw particular dates struggle to fill 3000-seat arenas.

———————————————————-

Oh Mimi! What else, honestly, can be said, that hasn’t been said already? Should the album have indeed been shelved, one has to wonder if the drama surrounding her label head L.A Reid has anything to do with it? It’ll be interesting to see how this unfolds…

Your thoughts?

Check out this behind the scenes look at the making of Lady GaGa and Beyonce‘s epic video for ‘Telephone’. For those still struggling to piece together the video’s concept, this should go some way in making all apparent.

Your thoughts?

Superstar Beyonce supported hubby Jay-Z at the Barclays Center Groundbreaking Ceremony this Thursday (March 12th) at the Atlantic Yards in New York. The rapper / businessman spoke about the arena, which will eventually serve as the home of the NBA’s New Jersey Net’s – which the 40 year old is a part owner of.

While you can check out more snaps from the event below, I couldn’t help but request a ‘caption this’ from you all for the pic above…it’s just screaming for it! LOL.

Caption This!

R&B royalty Mary J. Blige continues her promotional push for new album ‘Stronger With Each Tear’ here in the UK, yesterday performing ‘I Am’ on daytime show GMTV.

Awesome performance! I had to stare at Mary’s mouth the entire way through, as the vocals were that flawless that one would be forgiven for thinking she was lip-syncing. Good stuff.

Tidbit: Did anyone else find the backing singers really random?! Aside from the fact they weren’t even singing, they looked like her personal assistants or something LOL. Only in showbiz will you find backing singers that don’t actually sing!

What do you think of the performance?

Singer Chris Brown stopped by Sisulu-Walker Charter School of Harlem in New York earlier this week. The 20 year old star was at the school  to read the book ‘Superhero School’ to third grade students. Writing on his new Twitter page, Brown said:

The school was a great experience… the kids were great. I had a great time promoting the importance of literacy

A good deed? A ploy to improve his public image? Or both? Regardless, it’s great to see this young talent pressing on, living life, and illuminating a great cause. More power to him…

Your thoughts?

With the release of Toni Braxton‘s new LP ‘Pulse’ drawing ever-nearer, the sultry songstress shot not one, but two new music videos this week. The first,  for ‘Make My Heart’ was shot on Thursday (March 11th), while the clip for ‘Hands Tied’ was shot yesterday (March 12th).

Both videos were directed by long-time Braxton collaborator Billie Woodruff,  who has been at the directorial helm of some of the mother of two’s biggest videos including ‘Unbreak My Heart’ and ‘He Wasn’t Man Enough’. {Source}

Of the heard material thus far, both ‘Make My Heart’ and ‘Hands Tied’ stand as my favourites. Hence, I’m glad to see they’ve received the single treatment. One can only hope that the buzz surround the entire project begins to amp up, as it’d be a shame for what is shaping up to be Ms. Braxton’s best album is years to go unnoticed.

Your thoughts?

After being spotted out at numerous events together,  Stacy Dash has revealed she has indeed been dating Jamie Foxx. The 44 year old actress (yes, 44!) opened up about her budding romance with the singer/actor while on The Wendy Williams Show. Peep her interview after the jump…

(more…)

It has been announced that Making The Band stars Dawn Richard and Que Mosley will be starring in their own MTV reality show this summer. The confirmation came via Mosley and his new management team Soul World Entertainment during the former Day 26 star’s recent interview with WKYS radio. Check out the interview below, as well as my 2pence…

(more…)