The joint video for popular Lil’ Wayne cuts ‘Mrs Officer’ and ‘Comfortable’ premiered a few hours ago. Not that I really expected anything different, but the Bobby Valentino featured vid is kinda run-of-the-mill. This, however, is unlikely to affect Wayne, as he remains one of the hottest commodities in the Hip-Hop game.

What you think of the video?

A short snippet of a new Christina Aguilera track called ‘Dynamite’ surfaced earlier today. Set to feature on her forthcoming greatest hits LP ‘Keeps Gettin’ Better: A Decade of Hits’, the cut, to put it bluntly, sounds rubbish. Really leaves a lot to be desired.

Judging by the new material I’ve heard from Xtina thus far, it appears as if her best days may be behind her. Since the dizzy heights she achieved with her ‘Stripped’ LP she has yet to deliver anything nearly as good IMO. SMH…

Hit or miss?

R&B songstress Brandy performed her current single ‘Right Here (Departed)’ on MTV’s TRL just a few moments ago. Put simply, Ms. Norwood nailed it! The stage presence, the adlibs, the everything! She really sounded on-point – the vocals were awesome. Her LP ‘Human’ drops December 9th via Epic/Koch.

Randomness: This definitely redeems her last live showing of the track a few days ago at the Monsterjam concert.

What do you think of the performance?

T.I.’s video for Rihanna assisted single ‘Live Your Life’ premiered on BET’s Access Granted literally within the hour. Epic, cinematic and befitting, the vid really is a winner. I must say I’ve been liking the song a whole lot more as of late; something the video, I’m sure, will ensure continues.

Tidbit: While Rihanna did look damn near flaw-less (she really is a stunner), she still moves oh-so-stiffly. Just thinking out aloud…

What do you think of the video?

DEVELOPING:

Authorities say they’ve found the body of a young black boy in an SUV in the city’s West Side, but there is no confirmation that the development is related to the search for Jennifer Hudson’s missing nephew.

MyFOXChicago is reporting that police located the SUV, which is believed to be the getaway vehicle driven by William Balfour, a suspect in the murders of the family members of Oscar-winning actress and singer Hudson.

While Chicago police have not yet confirmed whether the vehicle is in fact the white Chevy Suburban that police have been searching for, MyFOXChicago is reporting that the license plates match the Amber Alert issued after Hudson’s 7-year-old nephew Julian King was reported missing after the murders Friday.

The vehicle was reportedly located 13 miles northwest of the Hudson home and was removed by a tow truck from the street Monday morning.

Balfour was named in as a potential suspect Friday in the shooting deaths of Hudson’s mother, Darnell Donerson, 57, and older brother Jason Hudson, 29. The FBI is working on the case with local authorities.

Balfour was married to Hudson’s sister, Julia, for several years but they were separated, his mother, Michele Balfour said. She said Donerson had ordered him to move out of the family’s home last winter.

On Sunday, Hudson, whose single “Spotlight” is number one on the Billboard R&B charts, offered a $100,000 reward for the safe return of King.

This is a developing story. {Source}

This is really beyond terrible. I have no words. Sad.

The second week of X Factor 2008 live shows aired last night here in the UK. Check out my 2 Pence on the Big Band themed week 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}

I’m not really a fan of the Big Band theme, however, as usual, certain acts stood out. Check out my favourite performances by Alexandra and Rachel below, as well as the ensemble performance of ‘Hero’:

Alexandra Burke – Candyman

Rachel Hyton – Feeling Good

Final 12 – Hero

Great to see Rachel giving the performance we all knew she was capable of. I must say, Alexandra did an awesome job. I’m really hoping she wins it.

Your thoughts?

Peep this preview of Mariah Carey’s 3rd official release from ‘E=MC²’, ‘I Stay In Love’. The clip was directed by husband Nick Cannon.

Kudos to Mariah for actually releasing a half-decent song within the life-span of the album (which I personally think expired when ‘Bye Bye’ stalled), but I’m kinda thinking it may be too late. I’m really baffled at why labels seem to be ignoring the tracks the masses are calling for to be released i.e. in Mariah’s case ‘For The Record’, Rihanna ‘Breakin’ Dishes’, the list goes on…

Anyway, can catch the BET: Access Granted for ‘I Stay In Love’ on Monday (27th October).

Your thoughts?

The video for Keri Hilson’s latest assault on the charts ‘Return The Favor’ premiered on Yahoo Music a few moments ago. As an avid fan of the song, I’m pleased that the video really compliments what is an excellent track. Futuristic and edgy, the clip (correct me if wrong) sees Timbaland oversee the makings of a star. Indeed, if this song takes off (which I hope it does), Keri could be on her way to stardom.

What do you think of the video?

The second week of X Factor 2008 live shows aired last night here in the UK. Check out my 2 Pence on the Michael Jackson themed week 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}

Despite this week featuring songs from the great Michael Jackson, I felt it wasn’t as good as last week’s ‘live show’ debut; the song selections, collectively, were too ballad-heavy. That said, judge Cheryl Cole’s category (the girls) offered the best showings last night IMO. Check out performances by out Alexandra, Laura White and Diana Vickers below:

Alexandra Burke – I’ll Be There

Laura White – You Are Not Alone

Diana Vickers – Man In The Mirror

Though Diana really caught my attention this week and Laura continues to perform well, I’m still rooting for Alexandra. My current mindset (forewarning…this may sound a little OTT) is that Leona is the British-honed ‘new’ Mariah while Alexandra is similar to Whitney (in that guise).

Your thoughts?