In what appears to be a never-ending saga, yet another Pussycat Doll has spoken up against lead singer Nicole Scherzinger and the group’s management. This time it’s Jessica Sutta, who claims she was axed from the group while nursing a fractured rib at home (I didn’t even know she wasn’t there any more).

In an interview with E!, which you can watch below, Sutta levels quite shocking accusations against the group’s management; one of the most potent being that all the other members besides Scherzinger were drug tested regularly. She also highlights her feelings of being a glorified back-up dancer to Nicole – who allegedly lapped up her preferential treatment.  Peep the video below for the ‘juice’:

While this isn’t coming as much of a shock, it still makes for a compelling watch. Yes, there are three sides to every story (Sutta’s side, Nicole/management’s side, and the truth), but I can’t help but feel that where there’s smoke, there’s fire. It goes to show, what folks have been discussing for years (about Nicole being given star’s treatment, while the others were unsatisfied being pushed to the back) had some truth to it. SMH…

Your thoughts?

Peep former Misteeq singer Sabrina Washington working it on the set of the video for her debut solo single ‘OMG’ (click here to listen to the song). She looks fierce! Look out for the clip’s première in the coming weeks.

The high-fashion shoot was styled by noted designer Richard Shoyemi. {Picture credit: Can Sahali}

Your thoughts?

As Toni Braxton continues to ready her Atlantic Records debut ‘Pulse’ for a May release, a new track from the LP titled ‘Make My Heart’ has surfaced on her newly-relaunched official website. Though a snippet of the track had been floating around the net for a short while, the full version had yet to premiere until now.

It really is becoming apparent that Ms. Braxton is ironically better suited to the uptempo’s this go round, as each of the faster paced tracks I’ve heard from the set have been fire, this one being no different. From the horns during the verses, to the sass in her vocal delivery, I’m really feeling this one. What’s more, the song is both contemporary, yet age appropriate for the mother of two.

With the hot material Toni has been serving up as of late, here’s hoping ‘Pulse’ delivers the goods.

Hit or Miss?

The Black Eyed Peas have teamed up with producer of the moment David Guetta for new track ‘Grapes’.  Boasting a sound very much in the vein of the Dance/Pop/Urban hybrid  from their ‘The E.N.D’ LP, it’s currently unknown whether the song will feature on a new album or a re-release of some form.

As for whether or not it’s any good; put simply, those who’ve been feeling the Peas’ latest material will lap this up. While those who haven’t will likely pass on this one.

Hit or Miss?

According to RCA Records, the release Christina Aguilera‘s 4th studio album ‘Bionic’ has officially been pushed back. Initially set for release in March, the LP will now hit stores in April.

As previously announced, ‘Glam’, will serve as the record’s first single; the song should be debuting any say now.

Producer and writer credits on the LP include Tricky Stewart and The-Dream, Linda Perrry, The Neptunes, M.I.A, Goldfrapp, and Ladytron. {Source}

What’s with all the push-backs already this year? In any case, I’m quite amped to see what Christina brings to the table this go round.

Your thoughts?

Contrary to earlier reports, popular Bajan model Rihanna will not be taking to the stage to perform at this Sunday’s hotly anticipated Grammy Awards.

Speaking on Carson Daly’s AMP Radio show this morning, the 21 year old confirmed that she will be attending the show, yet shot down claims that she’d be performing, adding “We messed their show up pretty bad last year. They might be a little mad at me.” The aspiring singer, real name Robyn Fenty, was referring to her much-publicised incident with then-boyfriend Chris Brown the night before last year’s show, which caused a media-frenzy and an overall bad aura around the Grammy’s. {Source}

It’s a shame; I really wanted to see Ms. Fenty rock the stage like only she can 😉 Still, I guess we’ll have to settle for the likes of Beyonce, Lady GaGa, Usher, Mary J. Blige, Maxwell and Pink. Sigh….LMAO!

Your thoughts?

The video for Usher‘s latest single ‘Hey Daddy’ premiered a few moments ago on MTV. Check it out above.

Mr Raymond really seems to have got that ‘it’ factor back, as the video was pretty good. Though nothing to scream about, the choreography was on-point and Chris Robinson did his thing on the directorial tip. Good stuff.

‘Hey Daddy’ is lifted from Usher’s forthcoming LP ‘Raymond v. Raymond’, which will hit stores on March 30th.

What do you think of the video?

According to Hits Daily Double, UK boyband JLS are set to make a crack at US success after signing a lucrative deal with Jive Records – home to the likes of Britney Spears, Chris Brown, Ciara, and Usher. The 4-piece will release ‘Everybody In Love’ as their first Stateside offering on February 9th; a song which topped the UK charts for weeks upon its release last year. {Source}

In as much as it’s hard not to burst out laughing, I feel congratulations are definitely in order for the boys. For, regardless of my stance on them or their music, it is great to see another UK act being given the chance to make their mark on a world-class stage (Alexandra Burke is already signed in the US to Epic and will be debuting later this year). That said, if ever was a time an act had to step their game all the way up, it’d be now. Them cheesy dance moves and wack songs (this one aside, I’ve actually have kinda grown to like it) need to go with the swiftness, as the US will probably tear them a new one if they come with the nonsense they’ve been getting away with over here.

In any case, I will be watching how this unfolds intently.

For those unaware of JLS, check out the video to the JR Rotem produced ‘Everybody In Love’ below:

Your thoughts?

Mariah Carey fans will no-doubt be grinning ear to ear tonight, as, not one, but two new videos from the 39 year old diva have surfaced – ‘Angel’s Cry’ and now ‘Up Out My Face (ft. Nicki Minaj)’!

Directed once again by hubby Nick Cannon, the accompanying clip for ‘Up Out My Face’ is hilarity personified. Admittedly a little recession-friendly, this really works though. Mariah’s comedic timing is impeccable and it makes a change to seeing her able to poke fun at herself, without trying to sell her expired sex-appeal at the same time.  I enjoyed this so much that I’ll try extra hard to block out Nicki Minaj’s faux English accent style rapping (is this really what all the hype was about folks?!). Great video!

‘Up Out My Face’ is lifted from Mariah’s forthcoming ‘Angel’s Advocate’ remix LP, which is due in stores on March 23rd.

What do you think of the video?

The video for Mariah Carey‘s ‘Angel’s Cry (Remix) (ft. Ne-Yo)’ finally surfaced a few moments ago. Check it out above…

I’ll give it to ol’ Mimi, the Nick Cannon directed clip is surprisingly not bad, boasting a pretty cool cinematic look and feel. However, with the song not necessarily screaming ‘smash’ (Ne-Yo feature or otherwise) and Mariah’s popularity waning, an off-the-charts video was what the doctor ordered if this is to have any real chance at success. Unfortunately ‘off-the-charts’ this isn’t. That said, stranger things have happened; who knows, Mariah could surprise us once again. Time will tell. {Thanks for the heads-up, Pinboard Blog!}

Randomness: Tank-top in the rain…only Mariah! LOL

What do you think of the video?

That Grape Juice can confirm that Usher‘s forthcoming LP ‘Raymond v. Raymond’ will finally hit stores on March 30th. Peep part of the press release we just received from the singer’s label, which relays more info about what to expect from the project and promo plans:

Raymond v. Raymond finds the iconic singer addressing various topics reflecting the dichotomies of life. It is described as a natural follow-up to Usher’s ground-breaking 2004 Confessions album which earned him the distinction of being the “Top Hot 100 Artist of the Decade” with 13 consecutive top 20 singles (seven reaching No. 1 and collectively spending the most weeks atop the chart for any act in the decade) according to Billboard magazine. The new album contains the smoldering signature ballads and hypnotic up-tempos the multi-talented, all around entertainer is known for.

Leading up to the release Usher will appear in a number of high profile performances kicking off with the 2010 Grammy’s on January 31st (CBS); followed by a half-time performance on the NBA All-Star Game on February 14th (TNT); and he will headline the final Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, Nightly Victory Ceremony Concert on February 27th (NBC).

Additionally, TNT joined forces with Usher to feature his song “More” as part of the network’s marketing campaign for the 2010 NBA All-Star Game. TNT filmed an exclusive music video with Usher that will serve as a promotional spot airing in 600 Regal Cinemas beginning Friday, Jan. 29th. In addition, the video will be used as part of the network’s campaign to promote its exclusive coverage of the 2010 NBA All-Star Game in Dallas, TX on Sunday, Feb. 14th.

MTV will exclusively premiere his “Hey Daddy (Daddy’s Home)” video, directed by Chris Robinson, tomorrow (Thursday, January 28th) at 6AM EST.

After a few hiccups along the way, it appears things finally seem to be shaping up well for Usher with this project. I’ve been feeling much of the heard material thus far, hence I’m definitely looking forward to this one. Roll on March 30th…

Your thoughts?

After the atrocious performance of Jennifer Lopez‘s Stateside comeback single ‘Louboutins’, the 40 year old diva is hoping for more success with ‘Everybody’s Girl’ – her new single in International markets. The song ‘surfaced’ a few moments ago; the question is, though…is it any good?

Thankfully from Ms. Jenny From The Block, the song is actually pretty decent. Penned by Wynter Gordon and produced by Mike Caren, the Pop-meets-Dance fusion positions Jennifer right in the mix of what’s hot on the charts right now. It helps that the song itself is probably some of the best material she’s served up in a few years (mind you, that’s not saying a whole lot). Whether it will strike it lucky among listeners will be interesting to see; in fairness to J.LO, it’s her first offering in a while that deserves to.

‘Everybody’s Girl’ is lifted from Jennifer’s new LP ‘Love?’ which hits stores in April

Hit or Miss?