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It appears that Kelly Rowland’s team have stepped up their promotional campaign. Many have been wondering why the singer has made so few appearances to support the release of her sophomore album ‘Ms Kelly’; some even speculating that her manager Matthew Knowles was deliberately trying to sabotage the project. Nonetheless, Urban Bridgez have confirmed that Kelly will be making the following appearances:

Upcoming TV Performances:

The Today Show – 6/25
BET Awards – 6/26
Jimmy Kimmel Live – 6/27

Upcoming Album Press:

King (Cover)
Essence
Entertainment Weekly

Online:

AOL Sessions – June

It’s good to see that she is in line for alot of exposure in the upcoming weeks. I’m keen to see her perform live, considering that hasn’t done any televised performances; the King magazine cover should be interesting too. ‘Ms Kelly’ hits stores July 3rd.
This new track,’Gliding’, is slated to be the official first single from former TLC member Chilli’s upcoming album. While, the song is better than any of the other solo material I’ve heard from Chilli , it’s still not up-to-par. The production is mediocre at best, sounding like a recycled beat from Ciara’s first album. We all know that Chilli doesn’t have the strongest voice, but she shouldn’t be talking her way through the song like she’s doing on this. I know she is talented, but if she keeps putting out disposable tracks like this then she should throw in the towel and call it a day.

Hit or Miss

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Following the success of her self-titled debut album – which has been certified Platinum, LeToya has revealed that she is hard at work on her sophomore CD. The currently untitled project has yet to be given a release date, however rumored producers are set to include Jermaine Dupri and Teddy Bishop. Speaking in this months edition of Grip Magazine, the Houston beauty also outlined her plans to start a clothing line. On top of this, Warner Chapel Music (WMC) – a part of Warner Music Group – put out a press release yesterday stating that they have signed LeToya to a publishing (songwriting) contract. Can’t knock her hustle.
I’m looking forward to her new album; the first was a solid effort and I felt it was consistent all the way through.

Are you waiting on LeToya?
Pop superstar, Janet Jackson held a mini-concert at the grand opening of the $1 billion dollar Cove Atlantis resort in the Bahamas. Jackson performed a string of her hits including ‘Rhythm Nation’, What Have You Done For Me Lately’, ‘Nasty’, ‘That’s The Way Love Goes’ and ‘All For You’. Her spectacular set ended with a never-before-seen fireworks display that lit up the 171 acre resort. The event, which took place on Friday night, attracted a number of high profile celebrities including Usher (along with fiancée Tameka Foster), Diddy, Michael Jordan, Kanye West, Tyra Banks and Ashanti. {Thanks Cleo for some of the pics}


The Jackson family females were also present to show their support. Rare appearances were made by mother Katherine Jackson and eldest sister Rebbie (in the orange) – who looks real good to be in her 50’s.

This was definitely the place to be; by all accounts, Janet tore the house down. I’m guessing that after seeing these, many will be calling for Janet to tour. However, she has reportedly stated that she is to start recording a new album this summer. I say she should pop out a few solid hits and then hit the tour circuit.

Does Janet Still Have ‘It’?
Bow Wow has revealed that he is in the process of making a joint ‘Best of Both Worlds’ type album with R&B singer Omarion. There is no set release date for the currently untitled CD, however it is slated to drop later this year. The ‘Outta My System’ rapper had the following to say regarding the project:

“Me and O have been trying to put this together for so many years, and now we’ve got the opportunity to do it. We’re in the creative process right now, still trying to come up with a title and everything. Me and him are coming up with ideas daily, so the process is gonna go real smooth. We’re anxious to get in the studio together and make this whole thing happen.”

“I’m not even calling it an album; It’s gonna be a special event. It’s gonna be crazy, something the people have been waiting on — the girls have been waiting on –for years.”

…Ok then. I’m guessing the real reason for this ‘special event’ is that neither Bow Wow or Omarion can manage to actually sell well with their individual albums. This seems like a disaster waiting to happen. The way I see it, Omarion should to try make an album that lives up to the hype of his singles and Bow Wow should attempt to make a hit without a feature artist.

After the news of Kelly Rowland’s album being pushed back again, many were disappointed – myself included. However, this new Scott Storch-produced album track has amped me up for the release again. ‘Comeback’ is unlike any Kelly track I’ve heard before. The beat is on-point and the song is a definite club-banger. I’m feeling the lyrical content too; Kelly is singing about how she’s got that ‘Comeback… guarantee you’ll never leave’. The song really picks up after the first verse and Kelly delivers vocally throughout..she’s not holding back. ‘Ms Kelly’ now drops July 3rd. {Thanks ‘D’ for this one }

Hit or Miss?

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It has been confirmed, via Kelly Rowland’s official website, that her sophomore CD ‘Ms Kelly’ has been pushed back again. The CD, which was supposed to hit stores on June 26th, will now drop a week later on July 3rd.
As much as I’m disappointed with the delay, I can totally understand why. With the major release from 50 Cent on June 26th as well, Kelly most definitely would have got lost in the shuffle and chart badly. I’m guessing her label must really be looking for her to hit #1 with this album.

Will you be picking up ‘Ms Kelly’?
Billboard is reporting that Mariah Carey is currently hard at work on her as-yet-untitled new album. The R&B diva is in the British Virgin Islands writing and recording for the follow-up to her 2005 comeback smash ‘The Emancipation of Mimi’- which has sold 10 million copies worldwide. Producers confirmed for the project include Bryan-Michael Cox and Jermaine Dupri – who were both instrumental in creating some of the big hits from the ‘Mimi’ album. The CD is expected to drop toward the end of the year.

I’m anxious to hear her new material. Although, I’m doubtful as to whether she can top her fantastic last album.

Akon has apologized for ‘dry-humping’ a 14 year old girl (preacher’s daughter) on stage in Trinidad last month. As some of you know, the public backlash has been pretty heavy and Verizon have pulled their sponsorship of Gwen Stefani’s tour due to Akon being the opening act. In a statement today, the Senegalese singer apologized and insisted he didn’t know the girl’s age:

“It was never my intention to embarrass or take advantage of my fans in any way, especially those under the age of 18. That is why we tried to make sure that the club did not admit anyone under 18 in the audience. Somehow, that standard was not met.”

I don’t see why all the blame is being laid on Akon. The event was a strictly over 18’s show and she wasn’t supposed to be there. Plus, this chick DOES NOT look or dress like a 14 year old (click here to see pics). I’m not condoning his actions but one has to wonder about the sanity of her parents. Her idiotic preacher father defended his daughter saying ‘They are innocent to the wicked ways of the world and it is our responsibility as elders to keep them safe’. Isn’t it his responsibility to keep her out of the clubs?

What do you think?

‘Shut Up & Drive’ is apparently the second single from Rihanna’s ‘Good Girl Gone Bad’ album. I am not feeling this one at all; I can see what they were trying to do with the Rock/Pop/R&B fusion, but her voice doesn’t do it any justice. If this is an indicator of the rest of her album, I will be passing on it.

Hit or Miss?
 

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Beyonce’s younger sister, Solange, is once again bidding for music stardom. After the disappointment that was her first album ‘Solo Star’ back in 2003, Solange has now re-emerged with a much more mature sound. These two new tracks- ‘ChampagneChronicNightcap‘ and ‘White Picket Dreams’ show Solange’s departure from the R&B/Pop sound on her last album to a more adult-contemporary R&B sound. I didn’t expect to like the songs, but I really do. Solange’s currently-untitled album is scheduled to drop later this year.

What do you think?

LISTEN: ChampagneChronicNightcap

LISTEN: White Picket Dreams
Hit-maker Jermaine Dupri has told MTV News that his Pop superstar girlfriend Janet Jackson is in talks to join him over at Island Def Jam. Durpi, who was appointed President of Urban Music by label chief L.A Reid in February, had the following to say:

‘Definitely Janet will end up at Island…That’s without a doubt. L.A. always wanted to sign her regardless [of whether] I was there or not. I don’t know where that deal is — I left that in the hands of L.A. and Janet’s people — but more than likely, he’ll get what he wants.”
If handled right, I’m sure this will be a good thing for Janet. She is in need of a career resuscitation after the Superbowl incident and poor sales of her albums since. L.A Reid was part of the team that delivered Mariah’s incredible comeback album, so it’ll be interesting to see if the the same can be done for Janet.
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