Offering a more adept and artistic brand of R&B than a number of her Reality TV-ready peers, Ledisi returns to her genre’s courts with a brand new number named ‘High.’

I’ve been thinking about time / I’ve been thinking about space / I know I might sound crazy but I’m tryin’ to get down in a real good space. Finally, I’m feeling real good.

The moving song appears on her next studio album and will receive live renditions when the singer hits the road to rock fans as part of Maxwell’s forthcoming tour!

Listen below…

I’ve been thinking ’bout time
I’ve been thinking ’bout space
I know I might sound crazy
But I’m tryna get down in a real good space
I just wanna be safe
I just wanna feel good every morning, every single day
Every morning that I wake
I’ve been looking for a place
Where the sun shines all the time
Good loving in my soul is what I crave
I ain’t worried ’bout the hate (uh-uh)
Last year was a good year for your girl
I’ve been keeping up with the pace
So don’t be coming with the bull
Had a good year, now you starting to see my face
Ain’t worried ’bout the fate

Can you relate?

 

Photo credit: KRISTINA BUMPHREY/STARPIX/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK

Jennifer Lopez was the picture of perfection at today’s NBC Upfronts.  Stunning with a long sleeve, off-shoulder number, the multitalented ‘Louboutins’ singer strutted the blue carpet in a fierce pair of nude Christian Louboutins to dish on her forthcoming NBC venture, ‘World of Dance.’

But, before she kicks off her search for America’s next best dancer on May 30th, Lopez was quizzed on her thoughts about official news her former judging gig – ‘American Idol’ – is making its return to airwaves.  Find out what she said below:

(more…)

#KatyCats rejoice!  Your chart-topping leader, Katy Perry, has officially (and finally) announced the title and release date of her new album.

As if that’s not enough to send her fans into a frenzy, the pop star also unveiled a slew of tour dates to support the project.

Details inside:

(more…)

‘Die Young’ sees Urban heavyweights Chris Brown and Nas join forces to tribute the late hip hop recording artist Chinx (who died in 2015 after a drive-by shooting).

Also paying homage to many other black men who have lost their lives due to acts of senseless violence, the tune’s hard-hitting content comes as a timely look at a very real problem.

Granted, ‘Young’ is not one of the 40 songs listed on Brown’s upcoming ‘Heartbreak on a Full Moon,’ but it’s still very much worth a listen.  Here it inside:

(more…)

It’s finally time for fans of Rita Ora.

For after years of waiting, the singer is officially ready to release new music.

In an announcement broadcast on social media moments ago, the British chart-topper revealed that new single ‘Your Song’ will land everywhere on May 26th.

In a press release that followed shortly after, it was revealed that the cut was penned by Ed Sheeran and Steve Mac.

Speaking on the song, Ora explains:

Your Song has everything I wanted to express: it’s a song that’s full of positivity and about feeling on top of the world, like everything is going right and that’s where my life is right now. I loved working with Ed and Steve; it was incredible to really bring this idea to life with some of the most talented songwriters of our time. Ed and I have been friends since our teens, it’s brilliant to have the opportunity to collaborate with him for my first single, we definitely click creatively.”

The track is the first taste of Ora’s Atlantic Records debut, which’ll serve as her sophomore set in the UK and premiere offering in the US.

It’ll also be the first record in the public sphere since settling her legal wrangle with former label Roc Nation.

**********

We’re ecstatic; this will be Rita’s real and unobstructed chance to show and prove on a grand scale.

Your thoughts?

‘Real Housewives Of Atlanta’ star Kenya Moore stopped by The Breakfast Club today and dished out shade in abundance.

Ever candid, the former Miss USA dug into foes Phaedra Parks and Porsha Williams for their role in the explosive lie-gate saga that played out on the show’s four-part finale.

Moore, who was at the popular Power 105.1 show to plug her new hair-care line, also tugged at Kim Zolciak – who she confirmed is back for the show’s upcoming 10th season.

Peep the hilarious interview below…

Kenya remains a polarzing as ever, but entertaining nonetheless.

Click here to check out out recent interview with her.

Your thoughts?

Now years removed from his departure from Roc Nation today sees Elijah Blake begin a new industry journey with the single ‘Black & Blue‘.

A lot’s changed since my last conversation with TGJ.  Since then, I’ve been working on my new LP which is uptempo, inspired by Funk and fearless. A lot of it was inspired by Prince and his death. Actually, Prince dying encouraged me to leave Def Jam.

Why?
I felt a void in the industry and an empty space where unique artistry should be. I tried to play the game and stay at Def Jam but it didn’t work even when they started to believe in me but it wast enough.
In our final meeting Steve Bartels said he’d seen me grow up and loved my music but the trust was gone and we both knew it. No I.D, who signed me, was leaving the label too and he was one of the only people who was backing me and understood me.I feel like others had a difficult marketing me because I didn’t fit into a narrow stereotypically box.My new team understand the direction and I’m excited about the freedom I have now and that extends beyond the music to the brands who believe in me and the project and the parts they can play in supporting it. I believe that’s where music is going. Brand partnerships are becoming popular among artist circles who may not be interested in the major label system.

 

 

It happens whenever there are changes (Vinyl, CD, Tape, Streams) and I’m embracing it because I’m changing too. My older music was moody because I was in a dark place artistically because I didn’t  feel I didn’t get as many opportunities as I would have liked.

Now, I’m alright with knowing I’m not for everybody and I’m making music and celebrating the liberation of myself and that joy’s coming through in the sound.

So, is he against major labels?

I tried to avoid the major labels when I left Def Jam and I went into meetings  with presidents and realised I may have been close to making the same mistake. I needed the time to figure out who I was. As it stands now I’m tailoring my deals to fit my artistry so it works both ways. Social media puts pressure on all of us to make it seem like we have it all figured out but I am happy to say I don’t have it all figured out. I’m learning that there’s strength in that growth. So many artists sign their lives away for an advance so they can buy chains and cars not realising how much more thy can make with brand partnerships in long term if they put art before their money.
Why he feels said brands are keen to fund projects from Black artists in today’s world?
The only reason black music “died” is because the label execs refused to spend on it. Streaming reflects the people’s interests which is why music created by the black community came back. Now is the right time for my music.
A release date in mind?
It drops in summer. I was Sony Music today and they heard it and agree it was made for the summer so I’m looking forward to that. The coolest thing about the album was that a lot of it was co-created by British producers and that lends to its sound. I’m in a positive space and by the grace of God the music is too.

Your thoughts?

Ever since the return of ‘American Idol’ was confirmed, original winner Kelly Clarkson had been touted as a strong favorite to join the new judging panel.

Well, that won’t be happening anytime soon because she’s just been announced as a coach on rival show ‘The Voice.’

In a statement issued moments ago, NBC confirmed Clarkson will appear alongside Adam Levine and Blake Shelton on season 14 of the talent search. A fourth coach will be unveiled soon.

Speaking on her appointment, the multi-time Grammy winner said:

“I’m so excited to join The Voice at NBC. We’ve gone back and forth about a role as a coach for years, but the timing hasn’t been right until now. I have always loved appearing on the show as an adviser or performer and established an amazing relationship with the network during my Christmas special. I can’t wait to turn my chair and see the faces of up-and-coming artists and provide them with the help and support they’ve needed to break into the industry. Watch out Shelton, I’m comin’ to win!!”

Paul Telegdy, president, alternative and reality group, NBC Entertainment added:

“Kelly has been a part of ‘The Voice’ family for many years as an adviser and performer. We are thrilled she has chosen to join us as a coach to mentor the next generation through our unique vocal boot camp. Every time Kelly Clarkson sings you are reminded what an incredible voice really is. We are looking forward to the sound of Kelly Clarkson on The Voice.”

Just yesterday, Jennifer Hudson was revealed as a coach on the 13th season – which airs this September. She will join Levine and Shelton as well as Miley Cyrus.

Clarkson’s run will air in early 2018.

***********

Talk of Clarkson and ‘American Idol’ seemed too widespread to be false. Which leads us to believe she was in negotiations with both shows. If indeed the case, it seems as though NBC pulled out all the stops to secure her as it prepares to go head-to-head with Idol on ABC.

Your thoughts?

Bow Wow became a global punchline this week when he got caught posting a fake picture of a private jet and claiming he was using it to travel for promotion of his new show.

The net erupted into a chorus of laughter, which then morphed into the #BowWowChallenge. A movement which saw the masses post clips of themselves posing as one thing only to reveal it bogus.

Looking to salvage the chaos, Bow – real name Shad Moss – visited Hot 97 and claimed that the whole thing was on purpose.

And while he wouldn’t elaborate, he told folks to tune into his show Growing Up Hip-Hop: Atlanta later this month to find out what he means.

Peep his interview with Ebro and co below…

At this point, he’s full-on ridiculous.

Your thoughts?

In a surprising development, it has been announced that L.A Reid will be departing Epic Records after six years.

Variety confirmed the news moments ago, but have yet to to confirm additional details.

The move comes as a shock to many, given Reid’s recent streak of success with acts such as Future, Fifth Harmony, DJ Khaled, and Meghan Trainor. 

It’s also odd in light of the fact that Reid only just re-located Epic HQ to Los Angeles, moving himself – as well as the label’s main operations – from NY to LA.

What’s more, it arguably leaves a number of the high-profile acts he brought back to the Sony fold in limbo – such as Jennifer Lopez and Mariah Carey. The latter of whom only just partnered with Reid and Epic for her new Butterfly MC Records label.

******************

Reid joined the Sony Music imprint in 2011 and was immediately tasked with reviving what was, at the time, barren-land. It was far from easy and his job looked to be in jeopardy in those early days, but he eventually generated momentum. A reality which makes today’s development somewhat puzzling.

An established industry icon, Reid will likely find his footing once again.

After all, he has enjoyed wildly successful stints as part several labels housed under the Sony and Universal umbrellas; he’s also an integral part of the careers of superstars such as Rihanna, Usher, TLC, and Mariah Carey.

Your thoughts?

Season 9 of the ‘Real Housewives Of Atlanta’ has come to an end and so too has Phaedra Parksstint with the popular Bravo show.

As widely seen, the attorney/philanthropist/mortician got caught in a “mega-watt lie” pertaining former friend Kandi Burruss and Porsha Williams.

Her mute response as the drama unfolded confused many, but according to Parks sources close to Parks editing was the reason for this. Because, she did indeed point the finger at someone.

Page Six explains:

“Phaedra tried to blame producers for manipulating the scenario, and it was cut from the reunion show. They’re not allowed to break the ‘fourth wall’ and talk about production. It may not have been entirely Phaedra’s fault, but she has to take the fall,” the source said.

A Parks source said there was “a producer who told her the drug and rape story, which she repeated to another cast member. It snowballed. The editing was not kind to her.”

A Bravo rep said, “Production is not involved.”

*********

This does make a lot of sense. After all, had they let that breaking of the fourth-wall air, it would have compromised the “real” in “reality” and dented the credibility of the show overall. No way would that have been allowed to happen, hence why Phaedra (in her uncharacteristic silence) seemed almost resolute to being the sacrificial lamb.

However, it still doesn’t explain why she’d repeat the alleged production whisper as first-hand info to a fellow cast-mate and supposed friend Porsha. Like as much as we rode for Phae, that aspect of the narrative is inexcusable.

It figures then why the rest of the cast apparently rallied together to demand she not be brought back – something creator Andy Cohen and Bravo higher ups reportedly decided anyway immediately after the reunion. With word on the curb being that not only was the nature of the lie problematic at a network level, it saw Phae break a “morality clause” that forbids any comments that could be considered as libel.

Still, we don’t anticipate this being the last we’ve seen of Ms. Parks on the show.

She’ll no doubt need to let the dust settle, new dramas play out, and change occur in her real life. But when the time is right, it’s entirely plausible that she’ll be reintegrated into the mix. There’s too many juicy avenues to explore on that front, namely her life after the chaos, mending her relationship with the ladies, and her romantic liaisons.

Just our two cents. What are…

Your thoughts?

Iggy Azalea‘s road to redemption hasn’t been smooth.

Last year’s ‘Team’ saw her declare she was the only one in her corner and, based on its sales, that certainly appeared to be the case.

This Spring’s follow-up ‘Mo Bounce’ struggled to bounce its way into the upper region of any chart either.

Hoping for better fortunes on her third swing of the bat, Azalea is readying new single ‘Switch’ for release on May 19th.

Before then though, she’s been opening up to fans about the underperformance of preceding effort and her plan moving forward.

Check this out…

Refreshing to see an artist keep it real about their predicament.

We do still wonder whether it’s all a little too late for her, but if history has taught anything it’s to never count anyone out.

‘Switch,’ Iggy’s new single, lands May 19th.

Your thoughts?

**