As previously reported, Solange Knowles is set to release her sophomore effort ‘Sol-Angel & The Hadley Street Dreams’ on August 26th via Geffen Records. These exclusive new promotional shots for the 21 year old were shot by Leslie Kee. She looks stunning, having blossomed into a very beautiful young lady.

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What do you think of the pics?

On the one hand, I’m in hysterics, on the other I’m thinking, damn. Absolutely inexcusable. Here we have someone who is commonly referred to as one of music’s greatest voices, inadvertently exposed lip-synching on live television. SMH at Mariah asking her backing singers to stop singing her part, when it was obviously her pre-recorded backing track playing up. Knowing full well I’m probably volunteering myself to be ‘Lamb Stew’, this really was like watching the death of ‘The Voice’. I mean, come on now; when she tried reaching for the notes at the end she sounded like she’d been chewing on cigarette butts. A mess.

Anyway see the performances of ‘I’m That Chick’ and ‘Bye Bye’ below:

I’m That Chick

Bye Bye

Your thoughts?

Actor Wesley Snipes was sentenced to three years in prison yesterday (April 24th) for three misdemeanor counts of failing to file tax returns – the maximum requested by federal prosecutors. Snipes will not have to surrender immediately; the judge ruled he could turn himself in at a later date:

“The law is very clear: People must pay their taxes,” Internal Revenue Service Commissioner Douglas Shulman said. “There is no secret formula that eliminates a person’s tax obligations.” {Read the full story}

Good. We all have to be held accountable for our actions. With the vast amount of wealth he has amassed over the years, tax evasion seems like the stupidest crime he could have committed.

Any thoughts?

Destiny’s Child star Michelle Williams shot the video for her new single ‘We Break The Dawn’ this past Wednesday. Wow, she really is keeping within this ‘Unexpected’ theme; I really didn’t anticipate Michelle channeling her inner-diva as much as the pics convey. She looks stunning. Be on the lookout for the video’s premiere in the weeks ahead.

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What do you think of the pics?

Wow. For a new group they are pretty good, real polished. Though the song is hardly groundbreaking, it’s processed, ‘fast-food’ music at its best. The striking similarities between Girlicious and the Pussycat Dolls can be attributed to the fact they were both founded/managed by Robin Antin – the brainchild behind PCD’s success. IMO these girls possess more potential for the simple fact that a) there isn’t 10+ of them whose names are a mystery and b) *all* of the members actually sing. With Danity Kane running things at the moment, Pussycat Dolls due out very soon and now Girlicious, the girl-group scene is heating up this year. Check out the girls ‘Stupid Sh*t’ video..which is well…as the title suggests (LOL) below:

Stupid Sh*t

What do you think of the songs / videos?

According to reports, Jennifer Lopez is set to produce and star in her own reality show for TLC networks:

The new show, which is currently in production, will follow the actress, singer and producer as she mothers her two newborn babies, Max and Emme, and manages other aspects of her career, including launching a new fragrance. Lopez said regarding the project: “I’m thrilled to be part of the TLC family. I’m looking forward to sharing this exciting journey together.” {Source}

I guess when all else fails, reality TV is the way to go. In all fairness to Jennifer, this may actually give her a platform to try and salvage what’s left of her music career.

Will you be checking for J. Lo’s reality show?

She nailed it! With the undeniably huge audience that American Idol commands, this was, perhaps, Leona’s biggest showing in the US to date, so it was great to see her do us proud. After this, it wouldn’t surprise me if the song ascends to the top of the Hot 100 again. Great performance.

Random: UK’ers, Leona’s doing it BIG right now, does anyone remember Leon Jackson LMAO?!

What do you think of the performance?

It appears the release of R. Kelly’s forthcoming album ’12 Play: 4th Quarter’ may be sooner than we think; the video for the LP’s first single ‘Hairbraider’ premiered yesterday. For his sake, this had better be a buzz single of sorts, as it’s not cutting it as a lead single at all. With Kelly’s last few releases, it’s been the great singles that have compensated for, otherwise, lackluster records IMO; so, dropping this kinda has me wondering about what the album will be serving up.

What do you think of the song / video?

Fresh off the chart-topping success of Usher’s ‘Love In The Club’, ‘Part II’ has surfaced featuring Beyonce and Lil’ Wayne. New vocals, new production, new everything. I’m actually feeling this a lot more than the original. Awesome.

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SMH at Len Goodman calling them ‘the Strumpet and the Giggalo’. In any case, it’s good to see Mario doing his thing.

Any thoughts?