Toni Braxton, Keyshia Cole, Mary J, NeYo

A Better Woman
Toni Braxton has denied the rumors of her having breast cancer. The internet rumor spread like wildfire and was believable due to Braxton's pass illnesses. Braxton did however admit to a pain in her breast but it was not cancer. Thank goodness! Toni is a really talented woman. It is unfortunate she has dealt with so many hardships. You can currently catch Toni on the cover of Sister 2 Sister magazine. You can also check out her Las Vegas show, "Toni Braxton: Revealed".

Queen Of Pain
Is Keyshia Cole coming for Mary J. Blige's crown? Many Mary stans will immediately say "No!" but that's what it looks like. Obviously Keyshia (and a lot of other female artists) was influenced by Mary. I remember when Mary was the top R&B singer and every female that came out were compared to her. Now every R&B chick is compared to Beyonce. It's funny how quickly things can change. Anyway Keyshia is looking more Mary-ish and even collaborating with some of Mary's closest friends (Lil' Kim and Missy Elliott). Keyshia and Mary are also signed to same label. (I won't start on the rumored showdown that is taking place over at Geffen Records) I really doubt Mary feels intimidated by Keyshia because she's experienced her "breakthrough". She's been in this game a lot longer than Keyshia. I will definitely say though Keyshia is slowly becoming the new Mary (only in the sense of "drama" related music). Mary still incorporates drama into her music but not like circa 1994. We love you Mary but Keyshia is the new "Queen Of Pain".

Bitch Betta Have My Money
NeYo cut some songs for Britney Spears upcoming album but we won't hear them from her. Instead we will hear them courtesy of Nicole Scherzinger (on her debut album). Apparently Britney's camp made it known they weren't feeling NeYo's material. When NeYo passed the material over to Nicole (who was interested) she recorded the new material. Now Britney's camp wants the songs back. NeYo's response, "Y'all ain't cuttin' my check!" I know that's right!

Hard Times
There are rumblings that Amerie's "Because I Love It" won't be released in the US. The album has been pushed back a few times. Single, "Take Control" didn't catch on nor did "That's What U R" which should of. Never fear! Amerie is having success overseas in Europe and beyond. There is also the dreaded rumor that she might get dropped from Columbia Records. It doesn't look too good. Kelis faced a similar fate with her "Wanderland" album that wasn't released here. However she resurfaced bigger and better with "Milkshake" and the gold album, "Tasty". Do you think Amerie can bounce back here in the states?

Uncertain Future
Chris Brown is on the new cover of Vibe (October) magazine. I remember when he first came out (on the cover of Vibe) there was the tagline, "Future of R&B". Don't let Vibe curse you like that Chris! I hate to say it but I think Chris' career will mirror Tevin Campbell's (and that's not saying much). Just my opinion.

Album Updates:
Alicia Keys' "As I Am" will be released on Nov 13th 1 week later after its initial Nov 6th release. First single, "No One" has leaked online. You can currently see Alicia in the movie, "The Nanny Diaries".
Mariah Carey has decided on a title for her upcoming album due Nov 20th entitled, "Illusions: The Butterfly Within". I heard this title awhile back but this is according to PauseandPlay. Production includes Scott Storch (Beyonce's "Baby Boy"), Jermaine Durpri, Bryan Michael Cox, and Will-I-Am.

News Tidbits:

• Happy Birthday to Michael Jackson he turns 49!