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?

R&B singer Trey Songz features on the cover of the latest issue of VIBE magazine. As ever, the ‘Say Ahh’ singer is selling his sex-appeal and not much else. In any case, whatever works…

Your thoughts?

With Usher‘s latest LP ‘Raymond vs Raymond’ having hit stores this week, all eyes are on its sales (particularly in light of the so-so reception and sales his last effort ‘Here I Stand’ was met with). Speaking in an interview this week, the Grammy award-winning star appeared unfazed by sales expectations, highlighting that some releases will do better than others. Peep his full comments on the matter via MTV UK below:

“’Confessions’ being the highest-selling R&B album of this decade, that is a lot to live up to. There are high peaks and low valleys in life, some moments will be higher than others, but it shouldn’t speak to the honesty and truth that you kinda go through in the process of making music.

“There are going to be some chapters of my career’s music that will be greater than others. I don’t feel I have to live up to anything, I just feel I have to be as honest and as artistic as I can.”

Overlooking the fact ‘Confessions’ was actually released last decade, there is much truth in what Mr Raymond is saying. Although I’m pretty sure it will be greeted with a collective side-eye by the many pessimists (which, considering the circumstances, is wholly understandable). In any case, it’ll be interesting to see what first-week numbers his new LP pulls in.

Your thoughts?

After months of not-so-discrete negotiations, Jennifer Lopez has finally confirmed that she has signed with LA. Reid’s Island Def Jam. The news comes via an upfront reporter who quizzed Lopez, 40, on the topic while she was promoting her latest movie ‘The Back Up Plan’. Via Hitfix:

Hitfix’s Greg Ellwood asked Lopez point blank “Are you signing with Def Jam” on Monday during an interview for “The Back-Up Plan” and she said yes, not once, but twice, smiling about the prospect. Word on the street is that Reid will not only sign Lopez, but will produce the actress/singer’s new album.

Hmm. Caution should be exercised all around IMO. It’s a well-known fact LA Reid is *very* hands-on with his projects, which has often led to disputes between himself and many an artist. That said, at this junction, it looks like J.LO needs someone to be steering the wheel of her once-successful music career.

On another note, I’m guessing this means Ms. Carey-Cannon will be on her way out of Def Jam with the quickness. Besides the lack of business sense it makes to have two big ‘divas’ on exactly the same label, her dislike for Lopez is well-documented (remember this?)

Your thoughts?

While Ciara is gearing up to take the radio airwaves by storm with her new Ludacris-assisted track, ‘Ride’, another song from the entertainer has surfaced. Similar to ‘Ride’, ‘Speechless’ was written and produced by The-Dream and Tricky Stewart. Ciara’s yet-untitled LP hits stores hits stores later this year. Check out the track below:

(more…)

Christina Aguilera debuted her new song, ‘Not Myself Tonight’ moments ago on ‘I-Heart Radio’. The track is the first single from her upcoming ‘Bionic’ album. The album hits stores on June 8th. Check out the track (which is on constant repeat via the special ‘Christina Agulera Radio’ link) below:

(more…)

Ciara is in the middle of filming the music video for her new song ‘Ride’. The Tricky Stewart/The-Dream crafted track features Ludacris and serves as the first single from her upcoming album which hits stores later this year. Check some behind the scenes footage below:

(more…)

In what seems to be ‘Usher Day’ on That Grape Juice, the singer has made yet another promotional appearance, this time on ‘Good Morning America’. The R&B crooner performed ‘There Goes My Baby’ as well as revealed to host Robin Roberts that he is planning to tour to support his new album, ‘Raymond vs Raymond’. Usher’s new LP hit stores today. Check out the footage below:

(more…)

The video for Usher‘s new International single ‘OMG (ft. will.i.am)’ premiered a few moments ago. Check out the Anthony Mandler-directed clip above…

As of late, it’s really appearing that those who counted Mr Raymond out will have to start eating some humble-pie, as he’s serving up the business with these songs / videos – the clip for ‘OMG’ included. Great concept, which was awesomely executed. More power to him.

Usher’s new LP ‘Raymind vs. Raymond’ hit stores today!

Your thoughts?

R&B crooner Usher is in full promotional mode for his latest effort ‘Raymond v Raymond’, stopping by the David Letterman Show last night to perform his Urban hit ‘Hey Daddy’. Check out how he fared above…

Great performance!

Your thoughts?

It has today been announced that Pop icon Janet Jackson will be headlining the 2010 Essence Music Festival in New Orleans on July 2nd. The billing will be Jackson’s first fully-fledged concert since her ‘Rock Witchu’ tour stop in New York’s Madison Square Garden back in 2008.

———————————————————–

Go Janet! Besides it being great for her to return to the stage on home soil (after a brief promotional stint here in Europe), it’s even better to see her doing what she does best – entertain! Here’s hoping that new album materializes sooner, rather than later!

Your thoughts?

{Video Removed As Requested}

Nicole Scherzinger continues to impress the judges on ‘Dancing With The Stars‘. This week, the Pussycat Doll tackled the Jive alongside her partner Derek and earned the highest scores of the season thus far. On the next episode Scherzinger will dance the Quickstep. Good stuff.

Sidebar: Didn’t Rihanna’s ‘SOS’ sound great being performed by an actual singer?

Thoughts?