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Simon Cowell’s favorite singer Leona Lewis is back with a new video for her song “Forgive Me,” which was written and produced by Akon. I think the video is kind of strangely upbeat and dancey for a song that’s about creeping around, but hey, apparently Leona has needs and she’s happy about them! Watch below:
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MTV’s “TRL” is about to be a wrap. The show is ending this November with a two-hour Saturday afternoon finale special. The show’s executive producer Dave Sirulnick told the AP the show isn't ending for good, it just needs a break after an unprecedented run 10 year run.
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I really really want to like Keri Hilson, but to be honest with you, I just couldn’t get into her single “Energy”. I’m pretty sure that feeling like I had the energy sucked out of me was not the desired effect of the song. So long story short, I’ve been waiting for some new material from Keri ever since. Fortunately Polow Da Don hooked up her latest song “Turn Off” with a feature from everybody’s favorite feature artist Lil’ Wayne. Here goes:
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It’s been a long time coming but September 16th is finally here (almost)… Ne-Yo’s Year of the Gentleman arrives in stores tomorrow. His first two albums both went platinum, will he do it again the third time around? Who is copping Ne-Yo’s album tomorrow? In the meantime check out this track from the album, “Lie to Me”
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Solange showed up for the Jimmy Kimmel show this Wednesday and gave such an interesting interview I wanted to make sure everybody saw it. Jimmy asked her about directing her own video, constantly being asked about Beyonce, and her special guest performer at a DC show. Watch below:
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The drought is over. Beyoncé laid in the cut for a little while, but prepare for the full court press in advance of her currently untitled third album, due out November 18th via Music World/Columbia. Just today a lil birdie left me a treat in my inbox and you know I’m always nice enough to share with you. There is no guarantee this is from the new album, but I’m digging the sound of Beyoncé over live guitar.
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Janet’s “Rock Wit U” tour kicked off in Vancouver last night. Check out the pictures below. Are you planning on going to the tour when it hits your city?
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SOHH Soul Rebel Presents: Top 5 Songs I Can’t Get Out My Head… Featuring Brandy, Pussycat Dolls, and Estelle. There’s a little twist this week, go inside to see what it is.
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Last night Fashion Rocks 2008 aired on CBS and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it – it was a big step up from the MTV debacle known as the VMA’s. The fashion AND the performances were amazing. Here’s a quick breakdown on what did it for me.
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Let’s be real – I didn’t care much for the VMAs either. They were corny – a shiny plastic commercial shell of shows long long past. But when I read some comments from Courtney Love deriding the show for getting “so f*cking urban” I realized that the VMAs aren’t the only thing best left in the past. Here's what the coke whore wrote on her MySpace blog:
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Two albums I’m actually excited about are dropping today. The first is Eric Benét’s Love & Life , congrats to him for having the #1 record at urban adult radio with “You’re The Only One.” I’m still awaiting my review copy of Love & Life but I promise you’ll get my thoughts on the album before the week is up. In the meantime I’m loving his second single “The Hunger.”
Fox News thinks she’s a brat, but plenty of other media outlets are still giving Solange positive play – particularly People magazine – who are featuring Solo and her three-year-old son Juelz in a story about child-appropriate music. Here are Juelz, favorite “Kid-Approved Jams”:
Well I got suckered into watching the VMA’s last night. It was a big disappointment as usual – particularly that weird guy they had hosting and all the Britney pity awards (does she really deserve 3 VMA’s???) but the biggest surprise of the night to me was Kanye West's decision to perform his new song “Love Lockdown” – if he wasn’t a pop artist before he’s definitely one now. Kanye’s a singer guys. Watch below:
It seems like his last album just dropped, but Trey Songz is already making moves with his next album Ready. Gyant gave us a first listen to Trey’s single “In Ya Phone” months ago but the final mix arrived in my inbox today and it sounds even better. Check it out below.
It’s been too long since Eric Benét’s last album—fortunately he’s back again—and I had the opportunity to talk to him about his new project Love & Life, which hits stores next Tuesday September 9th. Check out my Q& A with Eric below:
My girl Angela Yee sat down with Pepa on SiriusXM Shade 45’s Morning Show yesterday to discuss Pep’s new book “Let’s Talk About Pep” which Pepa (aka Sandy Denton) co-wrote with Karen Hunter. They got into some serious business so I made sure to get the audio clips to share with you.
Happy Birthday to Beyoncé Knowles (Carter)!!! Looks like our girl B turns 27 today so I gathered my inspiration for this week’s 5 Songs from B and her family, friends and husband significant others. Check mine out and feel free to list yours as well.
Triple threat entertainers Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez cover the October issues of UK Marie Claire and Elle respectively. And they’re both at their finest. Check it out:
I guess Fox News wasn’t too happy about Solange’s lack of an apology – here’s a follow up broadcast to Solo’s snap out session and the Sly Fox anchors are BEYOND mean to “Beyonce’s little sister” as they call her. Watch below:
Usher will join Keith Urban and Natasha Bedingfield for an NFL season kickoff concert this Thursday at NYC’s Columbus Circle. Starting at 3pm the show will precede the season opener between Superbowl champs New York Giants and the Washington Redskins. Ush told the AP he’s already got his eye on a Superbowl spot of his own, in the coveted halftime show.
Happy Labor Day folks! Hope you are enjoying your day off. It’s been such a busy summer it just hit me today that the VMA’s are less than a week away. I have to say I’m not all that excited for this year’s show – I missed “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” so I have no idea who the host – British actor Russell Brand – is and the list of performers isn’t exactly knocking my socks off.
Just as I predicted earlier this week Jennifer Hudson sang the hell out of the national anthem at this year’s historic Democratic National Convention. If you missed it in all the excitement over Obama’s speech I have it for you here. Check it out:
Today marks half a century on Earth for one of our most beloved entertainers! Let’s give it up to Michael Jackson for giving us so much great music and inspiring the Ushers, Chris Browns, Ne-Yos and Justin Timberlakes of the world.
I’m so glad Jon B. is finally ready to come out from wherever he’s been hiding, believe it or not I still have Cool Relax on rotation. I just got his new joint “Oh So Sexy” which features Paul Wall. Check it out below:
Raphael Saadiq just premiered his video for “Love That Girl”. It’s aight I guess. His love interest looks an awful lot like Joss Stone if you ask me. Watch for yourself though:
The day has finally arrived for Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams, I haven’t had time to give my copy a thorough listen but so far it sounds pretty good – it’s like Motown on a acid, as in it’s got an old soul sound with a hippie feel to it. So far my favorite song is her collaboration with Bilal “Cosmic Journey”.
Today marks seven years (August 25th, 2001) since Aaliyah lost her life in that tragic plane crash in the Bahamas. Her absence is still felt. Rest In Peace Baby Girl.
After a whole lotta hype and promo, including a half-naked spread in Complex, Cassie has revealed the video for “Official Girl” featuring Lil’ Wayne. Check it out below:
I think it’s safe to say I’m more than a little bit excited about John Legend’s “Green Light” video ft. Andre 3000 which premieres today. It’s really just your basic, beautiful people at a Hollywood Hills mansion party video but I loved it since Andre can get the green light from me anytime! Watch below:
Ne-Yo’s gotten a lotta love from me this week – but he gives the ladies so much love back how can you hate. The video for his single “Miss Independent” is out and features cameos from Gabrielle Union, Lauren London and Keri Hilson.
If you remember Quentin, Terrence Howard’s role from The Best Man, you may get a kick out of his recently premiered video for his song “Sanctuary” where he picks that guitar up again and starts strumming away. Oh yeah, he also sings. I want to say nice things so um I kinda thought those backup singers are wearing some nice gowns. LOL. Watch below:
Ne-Yo is still three weeks away from his September 16th release date but new material keeps emerging. Ne-Yo tends to record tons of material, so no telling whether either of the following songs will actually land on Year of the Gentleman but while I’m waiting for the album to drop I’m enjoying all the extra goodies along the way. Check out “Ghetto Love Story” and the JR Rotem produced “In The Way”.
Oops, I did it again! Yep it’s another Solange post – but with Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams due out next Tuesday little mama is everywhere. Solange paid a visit to my girl Angela Yee’s Sirius Shade 45 show “Lip Service” last night and leave it to Angie to get homegirl to let it all hang out!
Just when you thought it was safe (*cough* Michelle Williams *cough*) here comes a rumor that Beyoncé has another album on the horizon. Peep the details below:
Amy Winehouse fans are in for a special treat, the troubled Brit soul singer is reportedly working on a new album and Wino has found inspiration from one of Hollywood’s most beloved musicals, The Wizard of Oz.
Solange Knowles has finally unveiled the video for “Sandcastle Disco” which she directed, and unfortunately I have to say that I’m disappointed. Why? Because it looks damn near identical to the “I Decided” video aside from the pink background being substituted for a white one and the Challenger explosion being traded in for an Andy Warhol-esque Campbell’s Soup allusion. Watch below and you’ll see what I mean.
Remember that statement from Jive I posted about Chris Brown songs leaking? Well apparently the link is no small matter to Breezy himself because he’s been airing his beef publicly about one song in particular, “Electric Guitar,” which was intended to be a duet between him and his “best friend” Rihanna for his third album.
Yet another Brandy track has been unleashed and this one is officially her new single “Right Here Departed” --- it ain’t bad but I was really feeling that joint “Fall”… It is nice to see her and Rodney Jerkins doing the damn thing together again though.
Cassie popped up on my girl Angela Yee’s Sirius Shade 45 Morning Show yesterday. I have links to the full interview below for all you Cassie stans (all two of you! j/k). She discusses the Ryan Leslie & Diddy rumors, her COMPLEX photoshoot and her nipple rings. Check it out:
I’m sure y’all remember R&B singer Joe (All That I Am, My Name is Joe)– I know I do – fondly. Well, after being on Jive Records for ten years, he’s going independent with his latest project New Man and going by his full name Joe Thomas. For this outing Joe is offering up not one – but two singles – “Why Just Be Friends” and “ER. Check them out below.
R&B divas Beyoncé and Alicia Keys continue to rake in dollars with product endorsements. In addition to ads for House of Dereon that have recently hit the net, longtime Beyoncé sponsor L’Oréal has been getting some heat for a new L’Oréal Paris advertisement featuring a mighty pale version of the singer. Take a look:
Part II from Lloyd as he talks about his current R&B crush, future collaborations, and a reality show in the works. Plus, the Soulful review of Lessons In Love.
The big day has finally arrived! Lloyd’s Lessons In Love is in stores now. My review copy was supposed to be put in the mail Friday so I should have the full rundown for y’all shortly. For those who already copped, are you happy??? In any case, I spoke with the man of the hour a couple weeks ago and I wanted to post the first of the two part Q&A with him today in honor of the release. He has a ton to say about hanging with Usher’s little bro, his feelings on love, sex, and babies. Plus, a possible reality show in the works. Check it out below:
Yep ladies and gents, you read it right – Ghostface is making a new album especially for his more soulful fans. For those of you who have appreciated Ghost’s previous collaborations with Beyoncé, Ne-Yo, Mary J. Blige and Jodeci, you’re in for about 13 tracks of just that – Ghostface at his gritty best combined with the added touch of R&B that is always surprisingly fitting – never forced.
I guess my spidey sense were tingling when I decided to post Solange Friday because homegirl just dropped a new joint “F*ck The Industry” to the tune of Kanye West’s “Everything I Am” proclaiming her different-ness – as if we hadn’t already noticed. Check it out below:
Solange crossed the pond this week for a live television performance – that British host really made an effort at research eh? Check out her performance below:
Canada has long been revered for soulful imports like Deborah Cox and Tamia but there are is a fresh crop of talent I’ve been watching and I gotta tell ya, I like what I see.
112 has to be one of my favorite groups ever, but lately they got me going “Crazy Crazy” with all these solo projects. Daron, Q.Parker and Slim have all released singles within the last year or so but none seem to pack the punch of the old 112. Check out the new music below – then revisit the past with some of my favorite 112 classics.
It looks like it’s that time again – time for yet another season of Making the Band and like anything involving Diddy we already know we can expect some drama. Check out the trailer below:
My boy Gyant got the invite from Jermaine Dupri to come check out his latest signee Dondria Nicole. I’m not gonna lie, I’m kinda jealous JD didn’t invite me, but I guess I gotta work my way up still. Fortunately he captured the whole thing on film so I wouldn’t miss out entirely. Check it out below:
One of the highlights of this weekend for me was reading the article SPIN Magazine did on D’Angelo for their August issue. When I heard D’Angelo was planning to release a new album on J Records later this year I was pretty excited. But after reading the SPIN story I’m worried it might not get done.
Usher is preparing to wind down his two-week session of Camp New Look – a two-week program that brought 126 underserved youth to Georgia Tech’s campus from July 14-27 to educate them about the business aspects of sports and entertainment industries. Check Usher out below addressing the kids:
With everyone who is anyone in music clamoring to work with her., it looks like my girl Santogold will soon be blessed by a collaboration with Hov. The singer was recently quoted discussing some major projects in the works, including a musical dalliance with Jay-Z himself.
Mariah Carey stopped by MTV’s TRL yesterday. She discussed her upcoming tour as well as swimming with real dolphins for her “I’ll Be Lovin’ U Long Time”video. I wonder how Nick Cannon feels about being married to someone who is “eternally twelve” as Mariah said she is. Check out the appearance below.
Please bear with me as I continue my weekly devotion to Lloyd. I’ll probably be like this until August 5th gets here. I probably couldn’t have ever imagined “Year of the Lover” improving, especially with Plies jumping on it but the remix actually took it up a notch.
Everything out of Brandy’s mouth is sounding like a hit these days. I just received another track called “Fall” that sounds just as good as that “List” joint. Check it out below:
With Ne-Yo’s album scheduled to drop in just a few weeks, material from the “gentleman” is popping up left and right. Friday I received this song “Miss Independent”, which is slated to be Ne-Yo’s second single – I love the “walk like a boss, talk like a boss” line… Here’s the song:
You know how I love to post that different ish… One of my favorite “marches to the beat of her own drummer” artists Jack Davey and fellow J*Davey member Brook L’Eau recently posted up a Vimby vid of the two performing at L.A.’s Grand Star, chillin in their studio the Addic and talking about their upcoming double EP The Beauty In Distortion, The Land Of The Lost. Check them out below:
If anybody else has been wondering where Kelly Rowland has been (besides Beyonce’s wig crypt – yeah I had to get a crack in too) looks like we finally figured it out.
The latest segment to hit SOHH Soulful “New Favorite Joint Alert” arrives at a very opportune time since Kanye decided to drop a bomb on us today. Check it out below.
Check out my two part Q&A with Robin Thicke about his new album Something Else (due out September 9th on Interscope), how Barack Obama inspired his title and his thoughts on why he’s a soul artist – not an R&B singer.
Raphael Saadiq sets out to please classic soul lovers with his newest set The Way I See It which is scheduled for release September 16th via Columbia Records. Check out what he has in store.
It’s almost time for Janelle Monáe’s first Bad Boy outing – her EP Metropolis: The Chase Suite is set for release August 12th. Check out her single “Many Moons”
It looks like Keri Hilson is on a mission to make everyone forget those bad sandal photos and focus on some of her better assets. The rising R&B darling channeled a much sexier version of “Rocky” for her new “Energy” video. Check out the smoking hot stills:
We’ve heard the rumors of D’Angelo’s impending return – a J Records album that will include collaborations with Raphael Saadiq and potentially John Mayer. Below I’ve posted “Sent It On” and “Cruisin’” videos which were both included on “The Best So Far” CD/DVD released by Virgin June 24th.
Something told me when Brandy got back to making music she wasn't about to mess around. Her new song "List" produced by The Underdogs recently hit the net.
Just when I was missing Beyoncé, her cover of Billy Joel’s song “Honesty” has surfaced all over the net. The song will reportedly appear on Destiny’s Child’s Greatest Hits CD which was released exclusively in Japan at the end of June. Have a listen below:
I know I’m going to hear plenty of moans from those of you who think T-Pain isn’t a soul artist but I wanted to post his latest collabo with Lil’ Wayne. I like it, but it sounds kinda rough – like they just went in the studio and decided to play around.
If you read Hot Press today you probably noticed the rumor that Alicia Keys is considering retiring in the next three years. Being a huge fan of her work, that’s pretty disappointing – she’s hugely talented and only seems to be getting better (c’mon, admit she has stepped up all aspects of her performance game with this last album) with each project.
I know technically it was supposed to be Akon's song with Michael guesting, but I was hoping that it would sound more "MJ" and less Akon. While Michael definitely makes his presence felt, it's pretty much your typical Akon joint.
Hot 97 morning show hostess Miss Jones has been given the boot. Known for chastising some of your fave r&b stars like Keyshia Cole and Danity Kane, and more infamous for her culturally insensitive remarks ("Tsunami" song anyone?) the popular New York station has finally opted to cut the washed-up singer from their roster. From what I hear Big Boy will be making the leap from LA's Power 106 to take over the reins from Jonesy.
If you're into old school R&B you probably remember her work. [Peep This]
