With no definitive release date for Christina Milian’s ‘Elope’ LP in sight and the star seemingly becoming more a paparazzi fixture as of late, one can not be blamed for wondering if the record will ever see the light of day. That said, after listening to the latest cut to surface from the record ‘Chameleon’, I really am anticipating the album’s release even more now. After a few false starts, Christina has been serving up straight fire with the previously heard ‘Zipper’ as well as this.Hit or Miss?
As X-Factor winner Alexandra Burke continues to ready her debut album, a new song from the as-yet-untitled set surfaced within the last few hours. ‘Overcome’ is very much ‘power ballad’ in the vein of Jordin Sparks’ criminally underrated ‘Battlefield’. Unsurprising as both songs were produced by hit maker Ryan Tedder.As Amerie readies her Def Jam debut ‘In Love & War’ for its September release, a new cut from the set surfaced on a recent Tapemasters Inc mixtape. Produced by Bryan Michael Cox, ‘Red Eye’ is airy slow Jam, with production somewhat reminiscent of Ciara’s ‘Promise’. However, differentiating the two tracks is Amerie’s apparent target of the ‘adult contemporary’ audience – something made all the more evident with the surfacing of each new track from the album. How smart this is really depends on how Def Jam are looking to market her; if she is to be marketed in the same vein as other commercial R&B acts (basically meaning ‘sales’ are the most important factor) then there may be problems ahead. Yet, if it’s the Jill Scott, Jazmine Suillivan etc route the label are embarking on (less emphasis on sales, more touring etc) then our girl may be in luck.
Enough of my waffling. About the actual track…hmm…not really my cup of tea, yet saying that, it is the best I’ve heard from the album thus far – take from that what you will. I must say I’m kinda baffled at why Amerie has seemingly gone back to her older, less mass appealing sound – not because it’s bad, more because most do it the other way around (niche sound – more crossover sound). As a fan of the ‘1 Thing’, ‘Because I Love It’ era Amerie, I can’t really say she’s rocking my world with her latest material. It’ll be interesting to see what the album, as a body of work, will be saying.
Hit or Miss?
R&B star Kelly Rowland made her first televised US performance since 2007 last night on So You Think You Can Dance. The 28 year old performed her worldwide smash ‘When Love Takes Over’ with David Guetta.
While I’ve seen Kelly deliver better live showings, I really enjoyed this. Her confidence grows with each performance and she sounded great.
What do you think of the performance?
Our very good friend Jawn Murray over at AOL’s Black Voices is reporting that Brandy has been let go by label Epic Records. Check out the story below:
R&B singer Brandy Norwood is in search of a new record deal.
BV Buzz has learned exclusively that the 30-year-old singer was just dropped by her label Epic Records because of the lackluster sales of from her comeback CD, ‘Human.’
Released on Dec. 8, 2008, the CD has only sold 196,509 units to date according to SoundScan.
“Her friend Brandon Creed that works as an A&R representative at Epic Records has been making calls to see if other labels would be interested in signing her,” a record company source told me.
In addition, Brandy has also parted ways with her management.
The former ‘Moesha’ star had been represented in recent months by Jay-Z’s Roc Nation Management.
The McComb, Miss.-bred singer’s relationship with Roc Nation supposedly dissolved because of “creative differences.”
A rep for Roc Nation did confirm the split to BV Buzz.
“Roc Nation no longer reps Brandy,” the publicist Jana Fleishman said in an e-mail yesterday.
A source tells me that Brandy’s business relationship with Roc Nation “is what kept Epic Records from dropping her months ago.” Since the singer is no longer repped by the firm, the label “didn’t see the benefit in giving her another album.”
“She was signed to Epic when Charlie Walk was president of the label. Now that Amanda Ghost is president, she is the one who decided to let Brandy go,” the source explained.
Coincidentally, Roc Nation had also represented Ghost, who in addition to being president of Epic Records is a Grammy-nominated songwriter who has written for Beyoncé, Jordin Sparks and Shakira.
Brandy’s last CD ‘Human’ was her first release in more than four years and her debut album for Epic Records.
Prior to signing with Epic, the singer had recorded exclusively for Atlantic Records, where she released four CDs before parting ways with that label in 2005.
A rep for Brandy denied that the singer has been dropped from the label.
“They have not dropped her. We are trying to get a release from them. We’re in waiting,” her rep told me, before adding: “And Brandy and Roc Nation parted amicably.”
BV Buzz’s call to Ghost’s office was forwarded to Elisa Goldman in the publicity department. That call has gone unreturned.
A message was left for Creed as well, though he has yet to respond.{Source}
What ever is said in the weeks and months ahead by both parties, there’s no denying that this is a real sad situation for Brandy – if true, considering all the problems she’s been through over the last couple of years.
The situation really highlights the bogus state of the industry today; Ms. Norwood churns out one of last year’s best efforts with ‘Human’, yet goes on to sell the worst she has with any of her albums. All this despite being promoted relatively well, a point I feel important to note as many are oft quick to say their favourite wasn’t promoted right, yet if I recall right I remember seeing Brandy on numerous shows, as well as having her own BET special. As cut-throat as it may sound, it’s easy to see that Epic had no choice, as no sales=no money. That said, it’s real, real sad when an immensely talented artist in the form of Brandy, currently at her creative peak isn’t able to shift records, yet a whole bunch of nonsense can. SMH. Here’s hoping another label snaps her up swiftly.
Michelle Williams is currently over here in the UK promoting her stint in the West End adaptation of Chicago, in which she will star as the fiery Roxy. Peep the interview above. Michelle, who is a good friend of this site, almost always comes across really well in interviews. Great personality, which really shines through. More power to her. I’m definitely gonna try check out one of her shows, which by the way kick off July 13th.
Your thoughts?
Following her performance of ‘I’ll Be There’ at the memorial for the late, great Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey took to Twitter to apologise for the quality of her performance. Here’s what the 39 year old Tweeted:Just recovering from the day. Still filled w/sadness as we listen to KJLH in LA(Stevie Wonder’s radio station)paying tribute to MJ.
Trying to sing today was basically impossible for me. I could barely keep myself from crying. I’m sorry that I wasn’t able to pull it together and really do it right,but I was literally choked up when I saw him there in front of me.
One thing I know is, we will never really have to say goodbye to MJ. His legacy lives on through his music and the millions of people. He inspired with his timeless music. He will be forever in our hearts. {Source}
In this particular instance I won’t say anything other than it’s great Mariah came out in celebration of The King of Pop’s life. Though, I must say I’m interested to hear what you guys thought of Mariah’s showing…
Your thoughts?
Check out this preview of Beyonce’s much anticipated video for new single ‘Sweet Dreams’. While I’ll hold my judgement until the full video surfaces, I’ll say that Ms Knowles really needs to start delving into her purse if she’s adamant on releasing all these videos, because if this doesn’t look like a recession video, then I really don’t know what does.
Your thoughts?
This past weekend saw two of music’s biggest acts pay tribute to the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson. During Madonna’s show at London’s 02 last night, the 50 year old and her dancers gave an uptempo nod to MJ (which you can watch above), while Beyonce gave a touching rendition of ‘Halo’ (which you can see below), changing the words in honour of Michael. Good stuff.
Your thoughts?
The UK really does seem to be on the come up on the R&B front. Eurovision hopeful and Geffen Records artist Jade Ewen premiered the debut single ‘My Man’ from her forthcoming as-yet-titled album on Trevor Nelson’s BBC 1Xtra show. A very US-friendly club banger, I was pleasantly surprised hearing this, as I expected everything other than an uptempo cut in this vein as her lead single. While bordering on ‘heard it all before’ territory, the song definitely goes hard, with it’s thumping production, catchy hooks, and Jade’s powerful vocal delivery. With Ms. Ewen being quite the competent performer (as evidenced on the BBC’s Your Country Needs You” ), I’m anticipating the single’s video and live performance. Good stuff.
Hit or Miss?
UK singing sensation Pixie Lott has been riding high on the charts as of late with her single ‘Mama Do’. As the 18 year old signee preps her debut album ‘Turn It Up’, which features production from Red One (‘Just Dance’, ‘Pokerface’), Toby Gad (‘If I Were A Boy’), for a September release, That Grape Juice wants to introduce her to our audience, as you’ll be hearing a lot more from her around these sides!
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