Our good friends over at AOL Black Voices attended the premiere of Tyler Perry’s ‘Why Did I Get Married Too’ yesterday. While, there the ever-reliable outlet nabbed an exclusive from Perry regarding his latest movie – ‘For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf (Editor: Yes, that really is the title).

Perhaps most interesting about the announcement, was Perry’s confirmation of the film’s cast – which is stellar to say the very least. Appearing in the movie will be…Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, Whoopi Goldberg, Phylicia Rashad, Jurnee Smollett, Kimberly Elise, Kerry Washington, Loretta Devine and Macy Gray. Find out all about the movie, via AOL, after the jump…

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Monica‘s hotly anticipated 6th studio album ‘Still Standing’ finally hit stores today. The set, which was preceded by the BET reality show of the same name, as well as first single ‘Everything To Me’, looks set to re-affirm the young veteran’s place as one R&B’s premier acts – and rightfully so. The album is, to put it simply, audio fire! Hands down one of the best body’s of work we’ve had the privilege of listening to in a long time.

We’re keen to hear whether you guys are feeling Monica this go round? Will you be buying the LP? Got it already; what do you think of it? Drop your views in the comments section! In the meanwhile, I’ll leave you with, what has to be my favourite Monica cut ever, the Polow Da Don produced ‘Here I Am’ – which is lifted from the album…

Your thoughts?

The future of the Sugababes looks uncertain today, as the group’s ironically titled ‘Sweet 7’ album bombed on the Official UK Album Chart. Despite boasting top notch US producers and huge promotional backing, the LP, could only manage a #14 charting – the brand’s group’s lowest entry ever.

Worse still, on the Official Irish Album Chart,  the record could only manage a #35 placing; again their lowest ever charting on that tally too. Ouch.

Reliable word has it that bosses, over at their label Island, are weighing up their options in light of of the album’s disastrous performance and the so-so success of its singles.

A That Grape Juice insider tell us:

“It’s not looking great for the girls. The label are funding the project at a loss, and are unlikely to come anywhere near breaking-even with this project. It’s been a disaster from the moment Keisha was axed. There are serious talks going on at the moment about the fate of the group. Do not be surprised if they quietly ‘take a break’ (never to return) later this year. Keisha-Gate really seems to have sealed the deal”

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I can’t say this comes as much of a surprise; it was always going to be an uphill struggle trying to force-feed this original member-less line-up to the public. I mean, despite the album actually boasting some pretty good tracks (‘She’s a Mess’, ‘Wait For You’, ‘No More You’), something was clearly missing, something neither Amelle, nor Heidi, nor Jade, were able to channel.

It’ll be particularly interesting to see how this all plays out in the weeks and months ahead…

Your thoughts?

R&B star Kelly Rowland was invited to perform the US National Anthem (‘The Star Spangled Banner’) at the new Red Bull Arena last night, as the New York Red Bulls took on Brazil’s Santos FC. Check out how the Destiny’s Child alumni fared above…{Many thanks to Steffan for the video!}

While not the uber best rendition of the song we’ve heard, Ms. Kelly certainly held her own, and really nailed it at the end. Great performance!

Your thoughts?

Pop superstar Janet Jackson sent fans into a frenzy Friday, with the radio premiere of new single ‘Nothing’, the lead song from the ‘Why Did I Get Married Too’ soundtrack.

Jackson, 43, looks set to further please her legion of supporters with the video for the ballad, which is reportedly set to be shot next week (March 24th). As at writing, no further information is available about the shoot.

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After a tumultuous 2009, it’s great to see Janet getting back into the swing of things with her career. ‘Nothing’ is an awesome track, and does quite the job of re-affirming her musical relevancy, hence a video (though likely to be used mainly to promote the movie) is definitely welcomed.

That said, I’m really eager to see her make a big splash with her forthcoming new LP (her first as part of her new deal with Interscope Records). A killer (uptempo) first single is a must.

Your thoughts?

R&B singer Brandy has been known to venture into her bathroom and apply her vocal prowess to some of musics best known classics. This time the star, whose new reality series, ‘Brandy and Ray J: A Family Business’, delivered a rendition of Etta James’ ‘At Last’. Brandy’s new show premieres on April 11th.

Brandy certainly did the song justice. Every note was injected with an unmistakable passion and skillfully controlled. However, I always wonder why singers always use this song to show off their ability to do vocal runs. Like the ‘Star Spangled Banner‘, there is absolutely no need to drag out every syllable with over 50 notes. Nonetheless, Brandy still performed it well, unlike a certain dirrty singer who (as usual) turned the song into a  complete scream-fest; sounding more like horrible Mariah Carey/Whitney Houston wannabe instead of paying tribute to James.

Thoughts?

Check out these hot new promotional shots of Sabrina Washington. The sassy singer, formerly of Misteeq, is really setting the benchmark on the fashion tip this side of the pond; her styling stays on-point!

Ms. Washington is set to release her infectious new single ‘OMG’ on April 5th.

Your thoughts?

Peep this video of an early Destiny’s Child performing in the audition which would ultimately change each of their lives; their audition at age 15 for Columbia Records (who they’re still signed to).

Granted the fact this has been floating around for a while, it certainly makes for a compelling watch. For though solid as a collective, it really gives an insight to what each of the girls were working with in their unseasoned/untrained form. I don’t know about you guys, but a certain Ms. Rowland upstaged a certain Ms. Knowles by quite a margin. A point I feel necessary to mention solely due to how the group’s history played out.

Regardless of who sounded better, it’s quite inspiring to see the humble beginnings of what would become one of music’s biggest acts.

Your thoughts?

An unstoppable force when alive, the legend of  the King of Pop Michael Jackson is living up to its billing, even after the singer’s untimely death. It has today been announced that Jackson’s estate have signed a record-breaking  deal with Sony Music Entertainment, worth $250 Million – a figure which earns the lucrative deal the title of the the biggest record deal in music history!

The terms of the partnership, according to The Wall Street Journal, will see up to 10 Jackson album’s released over a 7 year period. Included will be re-packaged versions of Jackson’s material in compilation form, a DVD of his entire video catalogue, as well as LP’s of entirely new and unreleased material – the first of which is set to be released in November. The ‘This Is It’ CD, which accompanied the theatrical release last year, is included in the deal.

Speaking on the deal, Sony Music chairman Rob Stringer: “We’re dedicated to protecting this icon’s legacy and we’re thrilled that we can continue to bring his music to the world for the foreseeable future”.

For much of his storied career, Jackson’s label home was Sony; a relationship which, despite a few bumps, was a largely fruitful one. It is believed that at the time of his passing, Jackson was prepping the release of his new material via the label (in potential conjunction with tour sponsor AEG).

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Awesome news! It really serves as a testament to level of impact his star had and will continue to have for generations to come.

I’m particularly hopeful that the new material is given the treatment it deserves i.e. great promotion, creative videos, and is aligned with great brands (e.g. movies, commercials etc). What better way to keep his legacy alive. Long live the King!

Your thoughts?

As previously reported, R&B siblings Brandy and Ray J will be starring in their own VH1 reality show ‘Family Business’. The official commercial for the series, which debuts April 11th, has surfaced. Check it out below:

Will you be tuning in?

R&B star LeToya Luckett performed at the Strictly Divas concert last night at The Grove of Anaheim in California. Interestingly, during her set, the former Destiny’s Child member performed a medley of some of the group’s biggest hits. Check out her spin on ‘No, No, No’ and ‘Say My Name’ above…

For a reason I’m still unable to put my finger on, I kinda gave this a mild side-eye initially. This most likely due to the drama surrounding LeToya’s exit from the group, the fact she never sang anything solo, as well as the fact that their biggest success was without her. In any case, Ms. Luckett is very much a part of the Destiny’s Child legacy, hence in reality she does have a right to put her own spin on their hits. That said, it’s still kinda surreal hearing her sing ‘Say My Name’ etc solo.

Your thoughts?

UK Pop phenomenons JLS continue to garner endorsement after endorsement from music’s biggest stars ahead of their attempt to crack the US market next month – the latest being Rihanna. In a recent interview with The Sun, the Bajan beauty not only revealed that she’s set to work with the group, but also shared her pearls of artistic wisdom in assessing the boy’s chance of worldwide success:

“Working with JLS is something that will happen this year. Jay will make stars out of them. He has been a great mentor to me. He has been around long enough to spot real talent and he knows who will become worldwide stars. They can sing, they can dance, they look good, actually they look very good. But more importantly they look like a group. It doesn’t look like they have been put together. It looks like they are meant to be together.”

A musical masterpiece in the making, no doubt.

Your thoughts?