Continuing what has become a trend this year, Eve is the latest in a string of artists to push back her upcoming album. ‘Here I Am’ was originally scheduled to drop on August 7th..then September 18th and most recently October 16th. The album now has a tentative release date of ‘2008’. No word yet on the reason for the delay. {Source}
Is there even a point anymore? Not one of the albums that have been serially pushed back this year ended up shifting (m)any units. Like with the Kelly Rowland’s and Mya’s before her, public interest will start to wane (if it hasn’t already), hence making the album’s chances of success slim to none. These artists, labels or whoever really need to fix up.

Your thoughts?
R&B songstress Alicia Keys features on the cover for the November issue of Complex Magazine. Though sometimes hit and miss, Alicia has really stepped up image wise. She’s looking on-point. ‘As I Am’, Alicia’s highly anticipated third album, will hit stores November 13th.

What do you think of the cover?

R&B star Ciara made an appearance on the Tyra Banks show last week Friday. In typical ‘Tyra’ fashion, the ‘Promise’ singer was grilled on numerous issues including her rumored romance with 50 Cent and as well as her ‘tom-boy’ image. It was a real funny interview, which saw Ciara teaching Tyra ‘the dance’ from the ‘Get Up’ video.

What do you think of the interview?

(Image credit: Kevipod)
It was announced a couple of months back that Justin Timberlake would be re-recording ‘Until The End Of Time’ with Beyonce. Upon hearing the finished product, it’s evident their pairing was well matched. I’m really liking this version of the song, so it’s great to hear that the track is likely to be the next single from Timberlake’s hugely successful ‘FutureSex/LoveSounds’ album.

Hit or Miss?

 

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The above pic is the alleged cover of Jay-Z’s forthcoming ‘American Gangster’ album. As much as I’m sorta apprehensive about the whole project, the cover is really good and goes well with the CD’s concept.
What do you think of the cover?
As reported last week, multi-octave diva Mariah Carey is set to release the follow-up to her 2005 smash ‘The Emancipation of Mimi’ on December 4th. Details of the highly anticipated album were expected to be revealed later this week, however Singers Room have lifted the lid on the project which has been shroud in secrecy up until now.
The album title is apparently ‘Sweet Soul Odyssey’ and the finalised tracklist features contributions from the likes of Jermaine Dupri, Bryan Michael Cox Johnta Austin Stargate, Nate “Danja Handz” Hills, Terius “Dream” Nash, Kasseem “Swizz Beatz” Dean and Will “Will.I.Am” Adams. {Source}
The title…lol..it’s very ‘Mariah’. It’ll be interesting to see if the music reflects it though, as I’m getting Neo-Soul kinda vibes from the name. Anyway, I’m real curious to see if she can top the near flawless (IMO) ‘Mimi’ CD. Still I’m sure the album will be a success either way.
Your thoughts?

Alicia Keys stopped by BET’s 106 & Park yesterday (September 25th) to premiere the video for her new single ‘No One’. I’m really liking the Justin Francis directed vid; Alicia is looking on-point throughout. In related news, ‘No One’ is making huge leaps on the Billboard Hot 100 chart – jumping from #95-#15 this past week. I was initially kinda wary about the song and the potential of Alicia’s forthcoming album ‘As I Am’, however she seems to be on course for massive success with this project.

What do you think of the video?
R&B breakout star LeToya is hard at work on her as-yet-untitled sophomore LP (the previously announced title ‘Lady Love’ is still under consideration). Set for release in February 2008, the album is slated to feature productions from the likes of Rodney ‘Darkchild’ Jerkins, Pharrell Williams, J.R. Rotem, Bryan Michael Cox and J.R Rotem. Though the album is to hit stores next year, a track from the set titled ‘Swagger’ – which features UGK, Killa Kyleon and Slim Thug – should surface in the coming days.
I’m really anticipating LeToya’s next CD. She seems to have taken things to the next level, having enlisted such renown hitmakers. I’ve wanted to hear her over a Darkchild beat for the longest time, so it’ll be interesting to see how the finished project turns out.

Your thoughts?

Continuing her promo blitz through Europe, Jennifer Lopez performed her new single ‘Do It Well’ here in the UK yesterday (September 22nd) on nighttime talk show ‘Parkinsons’. It’s good to see that she’s upped her live singing and she was solid vocally throughout. However, the performance lacked any real energy – ‘Do It Well’ is a dance track, yet she didn’t do much of that. Jenny knows she was wrong for that mess of an outfit too.

What do you think of the performance?

Following the surprise announcement of Jay-Z’s forthcoming ‘American Gangster’ LP earlier this week, the CD’s lead single has surfaced. Though not a bad track, Jay will have to do better than this if he is to convince people the project is worthwhile. Put simply, the Def Jam president has fared much better on other tracks – in terms of his delivery. What’s more Pharrell’s efforts on the production side of things come across kinda weak. I’m starting to think Jay would have been better off retired (for real); his ‘out-of retirement’ LP ‘Kingdom Come’ didn’t live up to expectations and this new track doesn’t indicate his new material will be anything to rave about.

Hit or Miss?

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The video for Ja Rule’s new single ‘Body’ premiered yesterday (September 20th) on BET. Considering Ja is attempting to restore his tattered career, this single/video is unlikely to generate any interest around his upcoming album ‘The Mirror (due November 13th). The vid is kinda ‘blah’ and doesn’t really go anywhere – the same will be the case for Ja’s career if he doesn’t fix up soon.

What do you think of the video?

Image Credit: Kevipod
The legendary Aretha Franklin has teamed up with Fantasia for what is an awesome slow jam. ‘Put You Up On Game’ sees the two vocal power-houses trade verses on the cheating ways of men. The track is the first single to be lifted from Aretha’s upcoming album ‘Jewels In the Crown: All Star Duets with The Queen’ – which will also feature John Legend, Mary J. Blige, the late Luther Vandross and more. I really fell for this track as soon as I heard it and I’m really anticipating Aretha’s CD.
Hit Or Miss?

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