A good friend passed this onto me; while I won’t spoil it for you, I must say this one a real interesting watch. Sad, but real insightful. {Thanks Sean!}
Your thoughts?
Def Jam are giving Amerie fans a preview of what to expect from the 29 year old’s forthcoming LP ‘In Love & War’ on their website. Titled ‘Prelude to In Love & War’, the taster tracklist includes:
TRACK LISTING
1. Higher (Snippet)
2. Heard ‘Em All (Full)
3. Tell Me You Love Me (Snippet)
4. Why R U (Full)
5. Pretty Brown (Snippet)
6. Red Eye (Snippet)
I must say I’m definitely looking forward to this record much more after hearing this. The atrocious first single ‘Why R U’ really doesn’t seem that representative of the album as a body of work, based on this teaser. While featuring uptempos, mid-tempos and slow jams, the LP’s sound still feels consistent and that preview flowed seamlessly. Definitely feeling ‘Higher’ and ‘Pretty Brown (ft. Trey Songz)’.
‘In Love & War’ drops in November.
Are you checking for ‘In Love & War’?
R&B songstress Alicia Keys stopped by BET’s 106 & Park today to talk about her new single ‘Doesn’t Mean Anything’, her new album – which hits stores in December, the VMA’s and a whole lot more. I’m really liking this sassy, more media-savvy Alicia on display here.
Your thoughts?
The video for Whitney Houston’s new single ‘Million Dollar Bill’ premiered today, as we EXCLUSIVELY reported it would weeks ago. Directed by Melina, the clip does a wonderful job of capturing the Old Skool essence of the song, yet has modern feel to it as well. Whitney looks stunning in this too. With a bit of a promotional push, I can really see this doing big things. Great video.
What do you think of the video?
The second episode of Whitney Houston’s much hyped Oprah interview aired moments ago in the US. While we’ll have the full interview up shortly, check out Whitney’s spine-tingling performance of ‘I Didn’t Know My Own Strength’ above.
Wow! Whitney nailed this! Undeniably the best live vocal showing I’ve heard from Nippy in the longest of times. To think this was shot a few days after Good Morning America makes this all the more awesome (vocal rest really does work). Here’s hoping Whitney continues to deliver such great, emotive performances. Awesome.
What do you think of the performance?
After fronting major campaigns for Tommy Hilfer and Armani, Beyonce recently inked a deal to launch her very own fragrance:
BEYONCE has landed a multi-million dollar deal with fragrance house Coty to launch her own perfume.The singing superstar is already the face of Emporio Armani’s Diamonds perfume and previously fronted the promotional campaign for a range of True Star fragrances for Tommy Hilfiger.But the Crazy In Love hitmaker is now branching out with her own signature scent so fans can smell just like her.She tells WWD.com, “For me, fragrance reflects a woman’s attitude and unique sense of style.“While I love various perfumes, I haven’t found a scent that truly personifies me as a woman. Working with Coty, I was able to turn my ideal fragrance into a reality by creating an alluring and sophisticated fragrance; one that’s reflective of my inner power.”The exact value of the deal has not been made public, but experts predict Beyonce could net as much as $20 million (£13.3 million) over the next three years.The as-yet-unnamed fragrance will hit stores in spring 2010. {Source}
More power to her!
Your thoughts?
X Factor winner Alexandra Burke has revealed that her debut album will be titled ‘Overcome’. Now set for release on October 19th, the singer will now avoid a chart-showdown with mentor Cheryl Cole’s debut solo LP, which hits stores October 26th – the same day Alex was to release hers. {Source}
And the award for worst ‘I won a reality TV talent show’ album title goes to….(!) With Alex herself confirming in the very same interview that the album will feature just 3 ballads, I’m struggling to understand the logic of the record being named after a such a cliche ballad (which ‘surfaced’ months ago). This especially with all signs pointing to the LP being an uptempo, danceable affair (see: ‘Bad Boys’). But really, where is the correlation? Here’s hoping, silly title aside, the album actually delivers. Despite numerous plays I’m still on the fence as to my take on ‘Bad Boys’ – it’s either marginally passable, and at best a grower, or completely awful. Anyway…
Your thoughts?
It’s been a whirlwind week for Janet Jackson fans; from her Harpers Baazar interview to the announcement that she’d be performing at the VMA’s, to the electrifying performance itself, to debut of new song ‘Make Me’, it’s been a great time to be a Janet fan.
Well, things seem to be looking even greater for Ms. Jackson (if you’re nasty) supporters as it has been confirmed that the singer, 43, is set to release a new ‘#1’s’ LP via A&M/Interscope on November 13th. According to AOL, ‘Make Me’ is indeed the lead single from the 2-CD set, which will comprise of 30 of Janet’s global #1s. {Source}
Initially assuming the LP was some typical label cash in (Janet released her first 3 albums including ‘Control’ and ‘Rhymthn Nation’ on A&M), I was surprised to see the compilation will be 30 songs long and a 2 disc – this has me thinking it really will also include Janet’s newer material (from the ‘janet’ album right through to ‘Discipline’). Interscope’s involvement (as part of A&M/Interscope-Geffen/Universal) really has me leaning towards the notion that they may just be Ms. Jackson’s new label – which would be fantastic as they are a great label (home to Black Eyed Peas, Mary J Blige, Lady GaGa and more).
In other Janet news, hitmaker Rodney ‘Darkchild’ Jerkins has confirmed that he is working on her new original album (due 2010) – and has been for the last few months! Check out the report via MTV:
Sunday night, on the red carpet of the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, Grammy-winning super-producer Rodney Jerkins spoke fondly of his late friend Michael Jackson and how MJ once beat him at pool. Jerkins also revealed that he and the King of Pop’s baby sis, Janet Jackson, have been collaborating a lot lately. The first record from their sessions, “Make Me,” dropped just a few hours later.“It’s about dancing,” Jerkins said. “It’s all about her. It’s about [saying], ‘Listen, if you really want to get with me, you gotta make me feel a certain way.’ “Jerkins, who produced several tracks on Janet’s 2008 album, Discipline, said he and Ms. Jackson have a lot more songs to come.“I’m working heavily with Janet,” Jerkins said, adding that her new album will have a throwback feel. “We’ve been in the studio for the last month. We’ve been getting it in. We’re going back to basics and fundamental sounds of Janet. We’re trying to target her fans [by making] the records that her fans will embrace. A lot of uptempo stuff makes you feel good. There’s so many different colors of Janet. I’m a fan, I’ve always been a fan of Janet. The Rhythm Nation, the Control, the Janet. record … those make you feel a certain way. It’s been fun. I’m excited about it.”
With their last big collabo being ‘Feedback’ – a Janet classic IMO; I’m definitely excited to see what they come up with. Insiders initially speculated that Janet would solely be making the album with longtime collaborators Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, which evidently isn’t the case. Still, reports still suggest the award-winning production duo will feature on the album in a major way. With Darkchild being the producer who has brought out the best in Janet in recent years, a Darkchild, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Janet album sounds like one hell of a record.
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UK’ers not living under a rock will be aware with the recent drama surrounding the country’s top girl group, the Sugababes. With newest member Amelle Berrabah now at the center of the latest happenings, original ‘Babe Keisha Buchanan has gone on record to say she thinks Berrabah wants to leave the group, insisting she is not the cause – as the media so ruthlessly seem intent on presenting as fact. Check out Keisha’s interview with the News of The World yesterday:
KEISHA BUCHANAN last night sobbed as she told me how missing SUGABABE AMELLE BERRABAH ducked out of last week’s gigs by claiming a pal had been in a CAR CRASH.Giving an eXSclusive interview in her LA hotel room, Keisha broke down and wept: “We thought she was broken up about the accident and were really worried. We did two shows without her, genuinely thinking her friend’s been in a really bad car accident.“I said to our management can we please get the police around there because I’m really, really worried about her.“That request didn’t come from her family or (bandmate) HEIDI, it came from me. The police went round and checked on her. They said she’s fine and had been home all week.”Yesterday Amelle, who vanished for four days, said she’d spoken to her bandmates but Keisha insisted: “She hasn’t spoken to anyone.”Keisha, who is being comforted by close friend LEONA LEWIS in Los Angeles, says she will try and sort things out with Amelle IF she travels there to film the video for their new single this week.“I’m not going to lie to you and say everything will be fine because I don’t know. But as far as I’m concerned, we’re the Sugababes; me, Heidi and Amelle.“The reason why I’m panicking and the reason why I’m crying is because maybe Amelle wants to do things on her own for good.” Keisha is distraught at claims she’s jealous of Amelle’s No 1 single with TINCHY STRYDER – ironically titled Never Leave You.And she said ex-bandmate MUTYA BUENA, who Amelle replaced, is more talented.She said: “What exactly is there to be jealous of? I’ve been doing things on the underground for God knows how long. Heidi’s talented too. Amelle’s really talented but the most talented person I’ve ever been around in my life was Mutya.”Keisha says Amelle, who recently dumped gypsy boyfriend Freddie Fuller, regularly went AWOL.“Every couple of months it will happen. At certain times there are people thinking they’re bigger than the band.“She’d blame it on Freddie, she’d blame it on her family on all sorts of things. But what’s the excuse this time?“Maybe she doesn’t have the balls to say she wants to go.” Keisha also hit back at claims that she’s bullying Amelle out of the band: “I say what’s on our mind. But that’s not bullying.“It’s a huge accusation to make and I’m not going to let it lie. I was f***ing bullied myself at primary school.“She’s thinking about leaving but I’m not going to be used as the scapegoat. These things make me stronger. I’m going to use this and write a killer song and I’m going to be fine.”
Not a good look with a new single and album around the corner. That said, if they weather this, I’m sure it will play out as ‘any publicity is good publicity’.
Your thoughts?
The 2009 MTV Video Music Awards took place tonight in New York’s Radio City Music Hall. Peep That Grape Juice’s performance review at the end of the post, in the meanwhile, enjoy the performances below!:
Janet Jackson – Michael Jackson Tribute
Kanye West / Taylor Swift Incident
Lady GaGa – Paparazzi
Beyonce – Sweet Dreams / Single Ladies
Pink – Sober
Beyonce Gives Taylor Swift Acceptance Speech Time
Jay-Z & Alicia Keys – Empire State of Mind
The dust has settled and the many stories that emanated from last night’s MTV Video Music Awards 2009 are making the rounds. Prior to giving my 2 Pence on last night’s happenings, I must give MTV kudos for delivering their best show since 2003. From the outlandish outfits (GaGa had me rolling with her final ensemble) to the shocking unscripted moments and of course the great performances, MTV did the damn thing last night and deserve a lot of credit for it.
As expected Janet Jackson stole the show with her electrifying tribute to her late brother, the King of Pop Michael Jackson. The performance, which saw a fantastic introduction from Madonna, lived up to my expectations, yet wasn’t what I expected (if that makes any sense?). Since news broke of Janet’s performance, I envisioned she’d be dancing like Michael, be dressed like him etc. Instead we get the fierceness that is Janet still do ‘her’ during ‘Scream’, whilst giving a nod to her brother. Ms. Jackson (if you’re nasty!) tore down the house (snatching wigs off many of today’s ‘stars’ in the process!). As we collectively say goodbye to MJ, we should be saying hello again to Ms. Janet, as she is officially back! Not being insensitive about the situation, but after last night, I’d imagine many a label will come a knocking – and rightfully so. She is still beast of a performer on stage. Loved it!
The night’s other show-stealers were IMO Beyonce, Pink and Lady GaGa to a lesser extent. After thinking we were in for another, (albeit great…but another)…standard ‘Single Ladies’ performance, Bouncy proved once again why she is the very best at the moment. As ever, killer vocals and incomparable energy, Ms. Knowles-Carter gave visual spectacle with her mass routine, a showing that encapsulated everything that should be a great award show performance. Say what you want about her, but she is the business!
Can’t say much more than I love Pink! While many in our Urban domain still harp on about her ditching R&B, as a MUSIC lover myself, I feel she has been creatively consistent and continually bettering her artistry with every album and with her stage show. Original, daring, and awesomely executed, her performance of ‘Sober’ ensured she continues to earn my respect. More power to her.
Is it me or was GaGa’s pretty cool performance, hampered by some questionable vocals? I mean close your eyes and listen to it and see if you don’t screw your face up at some parts. Perhaps it’s may be because ‘Paparazzi is my least favourite song of hers’ . Still, I guess much of her appeal is her eccentricity and stage theatrics, which were served up plentifully last night.
I probably am the only one, but Jay-Z’s ‘Empire State of Mind’ doesn’t really rock my world, hence neither did his and Alicia’s performance. By no means bad, just not as great as folk seem to be hyping it up to be…IMO. Lil’ Mama, love, what were you doing?! No, but really. I nearly peed myself when neither Jay or Alica even acknowledged her. How embarrassing.
KANYE…Kanye, Kanye, Kanye. If ever there was a hot ass mess embodied, it would just have to be Kanye West. His behaviour towards Taylor Swift was the epitome of uncalled for, and has IMO done some irreparable damage to his career. Does he think industry folk are gonna be flocking to work with him? Fans rushing to support his singles anytime soon? I mean stranger things have happened, but as powerful as he may be in today’s industry, the media machine that powers this all, is much more powerful – and they aren’t gonna let this one go for a while. I mean, aside from the fact he made himself look like a buffoon, as he wasn’t even nominated in the category he was whining about, he couldn’t have picked a worse ‘victim’. Taylor Swift: Caucasian, young, blonde, pure and innocent seeming. And before you think it, ‘Yes I went there!’ Really not wanting to play the race card, but Kanye really didn’t represent my people in a good light at all. No he’s not an embodiment of every black person, but the way the media can and probably spin it, such generalised undertones will be present. Such a shame. Such a shame.
Anyway, with any good award show being about memorable moments, Beyonce earned new level of respect from me when she graciously called Taylor back on stage to have her ‘moment’. While some will argue it was contrived and she did it for strategic reasons, I feel otherwise. She deserves kudos for that…major props. I can’t say I care too much for Taylor just because of what happened, but how cute was her acceptance speech? Great stuff.
After a series of disappointments in recent years, MTV really came through with the quality of last night’s show; it was well-produced, had great cast of performers and presenters and above all kept me on the edge of my seat. This is how an award show should be done!
Randomness:
* It’s kinda ironic that Janet stole the show this year, as part of the reason the VMA’s have been so rubbish in recent years was because of the repercussions they suffered after the Superbowl. As producers of the infamous half-time Superbowl event in 2004, they received heavy fines and subsequently their live programming steered away from any ‘risqué’ content, which was dry as that is exactly what makes great television! Thank goodness they got it right this year!
* Did anyone else notice Jennifer Lopez wildly cheering on Janet’s performance, which prominently featured her ex husband, dancer Chris Judd – while standing with new hubby Marc Anthony. No, I’m not being messy, just an interesting observation (the connections in the room).
* During Janet’s performance did anyone else spot the dancer almost fall over during the ‘lean’ in ‘Smooth Criminal’? I was like “don’t mess up my Michael’s ish!!!”
* Beyonce’s bodyguard Julius got the side-eye from Bouncy if there ever was one when he was being abrasive and rude during the pre-show. Not professional on his part at all.
* I have had approximately 2 hours sleep, as the show ended London time 5.00am. It was worth it though. Shout-out to those who kept me entertained and were hopefully entertained by our live commentary on Twitter!
Your thoughts?
The 2009 MTV Video Music Awards took place tonight in New York’s Radio City Music Hall. Peep That Grape Juice’s performance review at the end of the post, in the meanwhile, enjoy the performances below:
(more…)
The fourth week of X Factor 2009 audition stage aired last night here in the UK. Check out my 2 Pence below:
{For those unfamiliar with the show; The X Factor is the UK’s version of American Idol – with a twist in that groups and over 25’s are eligible to enter. The show also birthed the career of a certain Leona Lewis, as well as Alexandra Burke}
I’m still awaiting that ‘WOW’ moment with this year’s auditions, yet can’t help but feel that it may not actually be coming. That said, from last night’s episode, Lononder Shanna Goodhead really stood out. When watching shows like this I tend to look at whose prospects are best in terms of a viable music career, and thus far Shanna joins a small amount of auditions on that list. Her voice wasn’t outstanding, but, as Cheryl said, she has a raw talent. Check it out:
Shanna
Your thoughts?
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