As the release of Monica‘s new LP ‘Still Standing’ draws ever-nearer its March 23rd release, a short snippet of a new track titled ‘Mirror‘ has surfaced. The Grammy Award winner spoke of the  Jim Jonsin produced track in our interview with her last week:

One of the songs that I just recently recorded, which I really love, was done by Jim Jonsin and it’s titled ‘Mirror.’ It basically says that ‘when I look in the mirror I don’t have to feel ashamed’. It’s saying that I’m happy with who I am and who I have become, and because of that I’m able to do whatever it is that I want to do in life without hesitation. I think that’s something that you should feel on a consistent basis because people are so judgemental and unfair now that it prevents some people from taking chances and doing things that they may enjoy. So ‘Mirror’ is one my favourites.

You can listen to a LQ snippet of the track below, which should give a taster of what to expect from the song in its entirety. I’m loving what I hear thus far!

Hit or Miss?

The Sugababes took their ‘Sweet 7’ campaign over to Poland this week. Heidi, Jade, and Amelle, made several promotional appearances and gave a string of live performances on Polish television; with the most recent being on Dzien Dobry TVN yesterday, where they performed ‘About A Girl’. See how the ladies fared above…

Granted their existence with this line-up still makes for uncomfortable viewing / listening (no original member in sight), it’s hard to deny that this is perhaps their best performance to-date with this line-up. Solid vocals and (largely) in-sync choreography, make this particular showing a winner. Good stuff.

Tidbit: The Babes’ latest single ‘Wear My Kiss’ has seemingly peaked at #7 on the Official UK Singles Chart. Not bad, yet a little worrying in light of the amount of money pumped into the project.

What do you think of the performance?

As Ciara continues to work on her fourth studio album (due May / June), a new cut from the record’s recording sessions has surfaced in the form of ‘I’m Up In The Bank’. Written and produced by The-Dream and Tricky Stewart, the song sees the 24 year old hit back at the critics, who have – in truth – been rather merciless towards her since her last LP ‘Fantasy Ride’ failed to ignite the charts in the way she and her label had hoped.

Is it any good, though?

Well the track does a great job of re-engaging Ms. Harris with her core Urban audience and exudes much in the way of swagger. However, I’m gonna need something with a bit more ‘umph’ to heighten my anticipation levels for her new record – which are already quite high, considering the fact I really enjoyed ‘Fantasy Ride’.

Hit or Miss?

Just when we thought the Pussycat Dolls much publicised fallout couldn’t get any worse, it has. Member Ashley Roberts has announced that she has left the group – effectively leaving lead and only singer Nicole Scherzinger as the only remaining member.

Announcing the news on her official website, the singer appeared upbeat, touting the usual about a new MTV show and acting projects in the pipeline. {Source}

I guess it’s safe to say it’s a wrap for the Pussycat Dolls. While creator Robin Antin was initially telling anyone that’d listen that the ‘new’ Dolls would consist of both new and familiar faces, I doubt she intended for the only recognisable face to be  Nicole alone. This far down the line (what is/was supposed to be album #3), it’s doubtful a new line-up on such a scale would work. Hell, the old line-up were increasingly finding it hard to shift records; hence, how Nicole backed by a fresh batch of dancers-veiled-as-singers would be able to is anyone’s guess. Still, never say never…

Your thoughts?

R&B star Ciara rocked the red carpet at Mariah Carey‘s official End of Tour Party at Las Vegas hotspot Haze yesterday. Ms. Harris is looking consistently on-point these days. Gotta love it!

Peep more pics of CiCi and MiMi below:

Your thoughts?

This week’s classic From The Vault video is Lauryn Hill‘s 1998 smash ‘Doo Wop (That Thing)’. As the first single from Hill’s critically and commercially successful ‘Miseducation…’ LP, the song and its accompanying video sky-rocketed the former Fugees front-woman to super-stardom. Some 12 years (yes 12 years) later, this visually looks just as good if not better than some of today’s videos. What’s more, the song still goes hard. Classic.

Your thoughts?

Never one to disappoint with the shock factor, Lady GaGa was snapped in this ‘interesting’ ensemble here in London town last night. The Pop phenomenon was leaving trendy eatery Mr Chows, following the 2nd night of her sold-out three day run at the famed O2 Arena in the UK’s capital.

Any ‘Monsters’ know whether this is an outfit from her tour? I wouldn’t be surprised if it wasn’t! Peep more snaps below!

{Picture Source}

Your thoughts?

As Kelly Rowland puts the finishing touches on her 3rd studio album, a new track in the form of the Michael Buble assisted ‘How Deep Is Your Love’ has surfaced.

Though unlikely to feature on Ms. Kelly’s as yet untitled Universal Motown debut (despite probably being recorded during the same sessions), the song is a great take on the original Bee Gee’s classic. Some distance away from what we’re used to hearing from the Destiny’s Child star sound-wise, her criminally underrated vocals are given centre-stage here, with the beauty of her tone, range and delivery shining all the way through. Great track.

Hit or Miss?

A few months ago, Rihanna took part in a campaign to raise awareness for the plight of 7 year old Jasmine Anema who was dying of leukemia. Now, a month after the child has passed away, her mother, Karen Detrick, has accused Rihanna possibly of using her daughter’s illness for publicity. Check out what she had to say below:

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Jennifer Lopez hosted on ‘Saturday Night Live’ this weekend. The performer, who recently parted ways with Epic Records, performed two new songs from her ‘Love?’ LP which will hit stores this Summer. Check out her performances and the show’s ‘We Are The World’ parody where Lopez imitated Rihanna:

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Some 3 years after splashing onto the scene with ‘Crank That’, it’s hard to believe Soulja Boy has extended his 15 minutes so long. Indeed the 19 year old is currently prepping the release of his third studio album ‘The Deandre Way’; a feat, which regardless of how one feels about his talent (or lack of) should be commended.

Unfortunately the same cannot be said for the rapper’s new single ‘Pretty Boy’ and its accompanying video, which premièred today. Simply described as an atrocity in every sense of the word, the lyrical content/delivery on this one has to be heard to be believed…

A.Hot.Boiling.Mess!

Your thoughts?

Ever the spectacle, Kelis made quite a scene while performing at trendy Las Vegas nightclub EVE last night. The singer, performed a set consisting of new single ‘Acapella’, as well as previous hits such as ‘Milkshake’ – which she was treated to a giant cup of. Peep more pics below:

Your thoughts?