the chal banz blog

Video: Beyonce - The Way We Were Live Kennedy Center Honors Barbra Streisand! Audio: Bobby Valentino - Hands On Me Newly leaked track. New album, "The Rebirth" due early 2009. Out of all the songs leaked from Bobby V in the last few months, this sounds the most decent in my opinion. Prior to that I wasn't too flattered with what I heard. A lot of the songs sounded like they were recorded years ago and theyprobably were. Audio: J. Holiday - Fall Newly leaked track. New album due in stores early 2009. Music Biz: DMX Arrested! Embattled rapper DMX faces at least 90 days in jail after pleading guilty on Tuesday to drug, theft and animal cruelty charges, Arizona prosecutors said.The rapper, whose real name is Earl Simmons, pleaded to three felony charges and one misdemeanor count in Maricopa County Superior Court under a deal to settle three criminal cases against him. He also agreed not to own any animals or posses firearms.Simmons, 38, is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 30...

Music Biz: Janet Upset At Beyonce! Beyonce Knowles has infuriated Janet Jackson - by suggesting her family is lower class. The former Destiny’s Child singer said in a recent interview, “I grew up upper class. Private school. My dad had a Jaguar. We’re African-American and we work together as a family, so people assume we’re like The Jacksons. “But I didn’t have parents using me to get out of a bad situation.” Knowles’ comments were not welcome - and Janet now plans to confront her R&B rival. India.Arie's Testimony! India.Arie's second volume in her series of "Testimony" albums, "Love & Politics," will arrive Feb. 10 from Universal Republic. The lead single, "Chocolate High," features Musiq Soulchild, while second single "Therapy" features Jamaican roots artist Gramps Morgan. "Intro -- Grains" "Therapy" "Psalms 23" "Chocolate High" "He Heals Me" "Interlude -- Grains" ...

Christina Milian returns to the music scene with her new album, "Dream In Color" due in stores this spring. Her first single, "Us Against The World" premiered online earlier this year. The video for the single will premiere this week! To the left you can check out the exclusive artwork for the single cover. As far as the upcoming album is concerned, look for production and collaborations from Danja, Kanye West, and Jim Jonsin. Judging by the single cover, it looks like something I've seen before. I like Christina Milian. I applaud her for continuing to do music despite her not being a blockbuster selling artist like her counterparts. In My Own Words: There have been quite a few whispers regarding Ciara and Beyonce having beef. Ciara recently appeared on a remix to Beyonce's "Diva". Many people are enquiring about a few choice lyrics Ciara sung. There has also been word that the two have been trading insults via songs. Who knows? Who really cares at...

Hello all! I believe this is my last year end list. This time I take a look back at the videos of 2008. Unfortunately for me only five videos managed to stimulate my mind. In my short attention span, these videos managed to catch my attention for the allotted three or four minutes. I'm sure there were probably other videos that were just as good if not better but these are my favorites. Check it out! 5. Ashanti - "The Way That I Love You" Who knew Ashanti as a scorned lover could be so sexy and scary? Taken from the TV show, "Snapped" [which appears on the Oxygen network], Ashanti exacts revenge on a cheating lover. 4. Rihanna feat Justin Timberlake - "Rehab" Rihanna looked absolutely gorgeous in this video. I feel it is the best she has ever looked. The video features breathtaking scenery and stimulating chemistry between her and [co-star/co-writer of "Rehab"] Justin Timberlake. 3. Jazmine Sullivan - "Bust Your Windows" Jazmine Sul...

Hello all! I have some more new music for your listening pleasure. Remember I always try and bring you the newest exclusive music as it becomes available to me. Of course all audio is brought to you by YouTube. If you are curious to downloading these songs, you must use any of the several peer-to-peer sites or message boards that sponsor downloading. I think most of you know these rules already but this is solely for anyone who is new to the blog. Thank you all for visiting the blog and continuing to support it! Please spread the word about this blog if you haven't already! Audio: Ne-Yo - Can I Keep You Company Newly leaked track! Wow! Another leaked Ne-Yo track. No surprise here right? Audio: Ciara - Diva Remix Ciara takes on Beyonce's latest track! Check it out! Audio: Beyonce - Proud To Be An American Newly leaked track!

Audio: Keri Hilson - Alienated Newly leaked track! "In A Perfect World..." will be in stores March 30. So many Keri songs have leaked over the last year so. I have liked all her singles thus far. Some of her other leaked stuff I haven't been so hot about. Audio: Mario - Don't Walk Away Newly leaked track! I was just on one of the many message boards I frequently visit. One of the topics was asking who had the most leaked songs out and Mario was one of the names mentioned. I would definitely say the award goes to Mario. Something is always leaking from him. Audio: Chris Brown - What It Do Newly leaked track! Produced by Rodney Jerkins! It's no longer a surprise when a Chris Brown track leaks out! I guess the same can be said to Mario at this point. I know this does mess up their creative process though. They have to continue to record songs or modify them if their for possible inclusion on an upcoming album. Maybe they need to keep a tighter reign on their tracks a...

You are probably wondering what has gotten into me? Sheena Easton may be known primarily for her later work with Prince("U Got The Look"). When the once-innocent singer paired with songwriters such as Prince, Babyface, and L.A. Reid, Easton turned into a sexy and sultry New Jack R&B/Pop diva. On "Sugar Walls" produced and written by Prince, Sheena is singing about......well what do you think she is singing about? VH1 declared the song cheesy and annoying, but if you like songs of a sexual nature, you'll love this one! Check it out!

If you were in love in 2003, it wasn't official unless you were living "Dangerously In Love". It was the title of Beyonce's 2003 breakthrough solo album which spawned the singles, "Crazy In Love" featuring Jay-Z, "Baby Boy" featuring Sean Paul, "Me, Myself, and I", and the title track. The album would serve as a precursor of what was to come from this bonafide superstar. Unlike her later albums, "Dangerously" was deep-rooted in southern soul and R&B melodies. This album also showed a more gentler, sultry, and relaxed(voice wise) Beyonce. As opposed to the last few years her style has been more abrasive and in your face. Never one to be outdone, Beyonce was set to release a follow-up to this album titled, "Dangerously In Love 2" featuring unreleased songs but it didn't happen. From the seductive "Speechless" to the cautionary tale of "Me, Myself, and I", "Dangerously In Love" is my...

This song was released more than 20 years ago(24 years ago to be exact). The song is taken from Madonna's highly successful, "Like A Virgin" album which made her a superstar. This is perhaps one of my favorite songs from Madonna. I remember many years ago this song was featured in one of the many GAP campaigns. The song went to #5 Pop and #64 R&B in 1985. Check it out!

Audio: Brandy - One Thing Newly leaked track! Produced by Brian Kennedy. Like Rodney Jerkins, Brandy most of recorded a ton of tracks with Brian Kennedy. As we see most of these tracks didn't make the album but are now surfacing. Audio: Usher - Take A Ride Newly leaked track! Audio: Ne-Yo - Better Today Newly leaked track! Produced by Stargate! It's crazy because a new Ne-Yo song practically leaks every other day!

Rihanna's "Good Girl Gone Bad" made her a superstar and if you have faith in an album's potential, why not milk it for all its worth? If labels had more faith in records a lot of them would be more successful. Of course lowering prices wouldn't hurt either. Anyway Rihanna is re-releasing "Good" again this time as a remix version. How 'bout it? The album will be in stores January 27! Audio: Keri Hilson feat Busta Rhymes - Turnin Me On Remix of singer/songwriter's latest single. Audio: Brandy - Keyed Newly leaked track from the "Human" sessions. Produced by Brian Kennedy! Audio: Marsha Ambrosius feat The Game - Murdah Newly leaked track from former Floetry singer. Her new mixtape "Yours Truly" was recently released! Music Biz: Eartha Kitt Dies! NEW YORK -- A family friend says Eartha Kitt, a sultry singer, dancer and actress who rose from South Carolina cotton fields to become an international symbol of elegance and sensuality, ...

He was once known as Fabolous Sport. Nowadays he is simply know as Fabolous. He has blessed many tracks over the last 9 years. He is the current go-to rapper when you need a hot 16. Just ask Lil' Wayne, Christina Milian, Jamie Foxx, Ne-Yo, or Brutha. His vivid rhymes and exquisite wordplay has made him a rarity among current MCs. His newest album, "Loso's Way"(a take on the movie "Carlito's Way") will be in stores early 2009. Check out some of my personal highlights from Fabolous! Video: Fabolous feat Tamia - "So Into You" Audio: Ryan Leslie feat Cassie & Fabolous - "Addicted" "Nothin' On Me" - Lil' Wayne feat Juelz Santana & Fabolous "Dip It Low" - Christina Milian feat Fabolous "I Can't Hear The Music" - Brutha feat Fabolous "She Got Her Own" - Ne-Yo feat Jamie Foxx & Fabolous "Youngin(Holla Back)" - Fabolous "Breathe" - Fabolous "Superwoma...

Hello all! I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I will probably wish you all a Happy New Year again(since that has not come yet). Everyone have a safe and enjoyable holiday. Thank you all for your support and continuing to visit the blog. Spread the word to friends or anybody who doesn't know about the blog! I enjoy doing this blog and I will continue to provide you all with the latest music news and more.

Audio: Ne-Yo - Coke Side Of Life Newly leaked track! Audio: Syleena Johnson - Silent Night Live Audio: Yung Joc feat Monica - Ridah Newly leaked track! From upcoming album, "Mr. Robinson's Neighborhood".

Just in time for the holidays! As you know most Christmas standards originate many years ago. Perhaps "All I Want" is one of the more recent songs to attain Christmas standard status. I guess it also helps that a big star like Mariah Carey performed the song and was initially at her peak then(vocal wise to most folks). The song, every holiday gets bigger and bigger and has sold over 1 million downloads on iTunes. Go Mariah!

Hello all! Along with the new layout comes a few new and interesting topics. Producer's Spotlight will spotlight.......you guessed it a producer! Most producers spotlighted here will be pretty familiar to everyone. A lot of the producers will also be personal favorites of mine. Background information and discography will be featured along with some musical highlights provided by yours truly. He is perhaps one of the most successful producers around today. Timbaland aka Tim Mosley is perhaps best known for his work with Missy Elliott. It was there that we were introduced to his kinetic beats and out of this world creativity. His work with Missy Elliott made him a hot commodity among R&B and Hip-Hop's elite. In recent years Timbaland has crossed over to the Pop music realm. Over the years he has crafted songs for artists such as the Pussycat Dolls, Brandy, Omarion, Justin Timberlake, and Jay-Z. Below you can check out some personal highlights of mine from Timbaland. Video: S...

In My Own Words: Apparently some words Ashanti said were taken out of context. The NY singer stated before about plans to possibly appear in Playboy magazine. Opting to not go totally nude of course the media outlets are running with the story claiming she will get fully nude! I can see the jokes already. People saying since Ashanti's last album, "The Declaration" bombed she has to go nude to get attention(or pay the bills). Audio: Toni Braxton - Get Loose New track! Produced by Rodney Jerkins! Video: Plies feat Sean Garrett - Street Lights New video from new album, "Da Realist" in stores now! Audio: Teairra Mari feat Pleasure P - Hunt For You New single! Video coming soon! Music Biz: Mary J. Blige, Jay-Z Sued! A couple of Jersey boys have sued Mary J. Blige, Jay-Z and others, claiming M.B. And Jay-Z have made a killing by ripping off their tune.Jermaine Jumpp and Michael C. Adams claim in a federal lawsuit they handed a "compact disk" to the "off...

I guess you better check this out before it is pulled. I was obtaining to get the video for "Halo" too but to no luck yet. When I am able to get it, I will post it. Meanwhile check out the latest video from the "Sasha Fierce" side of Beyonce's latest album. I think I read that every video from the "Sasha Fierce" side will be shot in black and white. Beyonce has had 2 videos in black and white already(as far as I know) and to be honest "Diva" is not much different from "Single Ladies" except for a scene here or there.

Audio: Cassie - Summer Charm New track! Produced by Tricky Stewart and The-Dream! Video: Yung Berg - Outerspace Music Biz: Beyonce's Wedding Ring! A source tells Star magazine, “Even though Beyonce’s real engagement ring is insured, she doesn’t always feel comfortable wearing such a valuable stone.”Beyonce publicly displayed her wedding ring for the first time on the redcarpet for Fashion Rocks at Radio City Music Hall in NYC. Photogs and journalists went gaga over her bling, so we don’t blame her being super cautious. Keshia Chante Plays Aaliyah! Canadian(Ontario)-born R&B singer Keisha Chante has been confirmed to play Aaliyah in a much-anticipated biopic setfor release next year.According to the National Post, the ink is dry on Chante's contract to portray the R&B singer in theas-yet-titled biopic.Chronicling the life of the R&B star that brought magic to both the screen and the studio, Aaliyah'sbiopic will attempt to cover the singer's journey up to her ...

In My Own Words: Famed producer Brian Michael Cox will be executive producing new albums from Monica, Amerie, and Jennifer Lopez. As you know Monica's album ,"Still Standing" was slated for release this year but got pushed back. Amerie recently signed to Def Jam records and I had no idea JLO was putting out a new album. Audio: Brandy feat Sean Kingston - Right Here(Departed) - Remix I'm not sure if this is official or not. It might just be an artist doing their own version like how Trey Songz does when he jumps on every song. Audio: Nina Sky - This Christmas The talented duo takes on one of our Christmas classics. Music Biz: Michael Jackson Sick! Michael Jackson is suffering from a rare lung condition and needs to undergo an emergency transplant operation,according to a report that continues to gain steam.The King of Pop may even be fighting for his life, New York Timesbestselling biographer Ian Halperin tells In Touch magazine and Britain's Sunday Express newspap...

Here's the second installment of my "Year In Review" esque list! This time I profile my favorite songs of 2008. This list is compiled of singles, album tracks, unreleased songs, and leaked songs. These are the songs that I played in my car, listened to on iTunes, kept on repeat in my iPod, and couldn't get out of my head. Top 20 Songs Of the Year! 1. Foxy Brown feat AZ - Too Real 2. Ashanti feat Robin Thicke - Things You Make Me Do 3. Miguel - Sure Thing 4. Ashanti - Struggle 5. Nina Sky feat Rick Ross - Curtain Call 6. Ashanti - Good Good 7. Trina feat Pitbull - Stop Traffic 8. Ashanti - So Over You 9. Ashanti feat Nelly & Akon - Body On Me 10. Ray J feat Shorty Mack - Good Girl Gone Bad 11. Kanye West feat Kid Cudi - Welcome To Heartbreak 12. Trina feat Killer Mike - Look Back At Me 13. Pleasure P feat Static Major - Patience 14. Chris Brown feat Keri Hilson - Superhuman 15. Lil' Wayne feat Juelz Santana & Fabolous - Nothin On Me 16. Kanye West - Say Y...

It was his debut single from his "Emotional" album which spawned a few other hits("Summer Rain" and as well as the title cut). Signed to Bad Boy Records in the early 00's Carl Thomas was hailed as the next big thing in R&B. Gawd! I hate when they say that about people. It puts a lot of pressure on the artist to me. Carl would go on to release two more albums but none of them were as successful as his platinum debut. As for the video, it is one of my favorites now that I think about it. I love how the video follows the song. Nowadays you don't see that much. The song has a smooth and melancholy feel but I know many people can relate to it. Check it out!

Audio: Brandy - Freedom New track believed to be from her "Human" recording sessions! Produced by Brian Kennedy(who is responsible for producing on "Human"). Audio: Pretty Ricky - 4 Play New track! I was on one of my P2P(Peer 2 Peer) sites and saw that Pretty Ricky's new(shelved) album, "80s Babies" had leaked out! Who knew? Now that I think of it this seems like a thinly-veiled diss at former member Pleasure P. As we know Pleasure P left the group to pursue a solo career. While the song is obviously about sex, it is also a diss to Pleasure P. Interesting. Audio: MIMS feat LeToya - Love Rollercoaster New track! I thought MIMS was done but apparently not. Obviously a new album is on the horizon. When I find more news about it, I'll post it.

In My Own Words: Hello all! Do you notice anything different? Well...do you?!? I did change the blog and I hope you all like the change. I was opting for something a little more brighter. I was searching for a new layout but I also dug the artist background. It was between this J. Holiday one and another one. I ended up with this one. You will also notice how some of the YouTube videos expand farther than the margin. It is only because of how things were with the previous setup. From here on out the videos will be placed at a smaller width and height to fit in the margin that accompanies this template. As far as the picture goes, that is an old picture of me. It's from 5th grade I believe. Video: Angie Martinez Interviews Keyshia Cole New album, TV show, Young Jeezy, and more are discussed. Check it out! Music Biz: Soulja Boy Apologizes! Soulja Boy Tell’em is cranking a new tune. After rapping about “supersoak[ing] that ho,” the “Crank That” hitmaker wants to apologize to parents a...

When Lloyd released his impressive, "Street Love" album, I wasn't a big fan. I did love the song "You" featuring Lil' Wayne. I was unsure about getting his album but ultimately I did. It would be someting I wouldn't regret. "Street Love" was one of my favorite albums of 2006. "One For Me" which borrows from Art Of Noises' "Moments In Love" was one of my favorite songs on the album. I couldn't get enough of that song. The song was a critical success for Lloyd and it could of been bigger. After "Get It Shawty"(the 2nd single) was released, things pretty much fell flat as far as a 3rd single was concerned. I think that's the problem nowadays with labels. They don't have enough faith in their products. They don't spend the money and invest in the product. They don't give it a big push unless its a big artist like Beyonce. Anyway if you haven't checked out Lloyd's "Street Love" ...

In My Own Words: Ciara may of missed the mark earlier this year with "Go Girl" featuring T-Pain but she is treading forward with a new single! The single, "Never Ever" featuring Young Jeezy will impact Rhymtic radio on January 19. If this single does well, the album will be released this spring. In addition to releasing a remixed version of "Paranoid" featuring Rihanna, Kanye West will release "See You In My Nightmares" featuring Lil' Wayne. Both songs will be shipped to radio on January 19. Obviously January 19 is shaping up to be a big day music wise. Video: Day 26 Behind The Scenes The MTV based group works on new album with producer Brian Michael Cox. Video: Day 26 - National Anthem Live For the NFL Jets game!

I have seen a lot of other bloggers do reviews of albums. For a long time I contemplated whether or not I would or not. I have come to the decision that I will review albums. It will only be albums that I am solely interested in and I feel like everyone else should be too. I had huge doubts about Brandy's fifth album, "Human". I wasn't too impressed by lead single, "Right Here(Departed)". I also was turned off by many of the leaked songs which surfaced prior to the album. I just felt like all the songs were bland and sounded the same. Fortunately for me when I heard "Human" in full my doubts were no longer. Brandy has put together a wonderful album full of real-life emotions and experiences. The only disappointment about this album is Brandy doesn't give me the sass she gave me on "Full Moon" and "Afrodisiac". I decided to overlook that little mishap since I love Brandy and I love this album. My favorite song on the album is...

In My Own Words: Producer Raphael Saadiq is slated to work on Fantasia's next album. The untitled album will more than likely drop in 2009. With the recent news of Fanny's house being foreclosed, she better hurry up and put this album out. She is currently touring with comedian Rickey Smiley and Avant. Video: Monica & Brandy - The Boy Is Mine Check out this snippet of a performance that went down recently in ATL. Audio: Usher - The Dirt New/unreleased track!

This will be one of the many music feeds you will see associated with 2008. I decided to do my "Year In Review" this year in sections. I didn't want to bombard everyone with one big long post. This post is dedicated strictly to the majority of R&B/Hip-Hop released albums of 2008. Every album is not included here! Why? Because I wasn't interested in some albums or I haven't gotten around to listening to some yet. So for instance albums like Keyshia Cole's "A Different Me"(which I haven't heard yet)might be included on a future 2009 list. Favorite Albums of 2008 These are my favorite albums of 2008. It is only 3 albums and it is sad because my list gets shorter every year. Ashanti - The Declaration This was definitely my album of the summer. Ashanti had a lot to prove with this album. While it doesn't rank as her most successful, it is her most consistent. The album contained a very strong batch of material. Unfortunately MotownUniversal di...

Christina Milian is back! She appears exclusively on the cover up Rap-Up magazine. In the magazine she talks about her new album, Def Jam, and Nick Cannon. Audio: Jagged Edge feat Nelly - Part Time Girl New track! Produced by Polow Da Don Is there a new album on the horizon for JE? Perhaps. If this is their comeback single, Nelly should be the last artist you choose to do a feature. No offense to Nelly but his career isn't exactly hot right now. Keep this as an album track!

Your probably reading the title and wondering who Art Of Noise is? The 80s techno-pop group combined genres such as Jazz, Hip-Hop, and R&B. On this offering the trio create a beautiful and haunting melody that would become the centerpiece of future songs. This song has been sampled by artists such as Mya("It's All About Me"), UGK, Lloyd("One For Me"), and Krayzie Bone. I remember this song as a child. My mother was either playing it or it was on the radio. It used to scare me and it still manages to give me chills during the infamous breakdown. I do love the song though. It is a classic. Who knew the song had a video? Well here it is. Check it out!

Audio: Sammie - Sorry Is Not Enough New track! New Sammie album at the top of next year. Video: Obsessed Trailer Check out this exclusive trailer for the new movie starring Beyonce. Music Biz: LeToya Luckett Returns! LeToya Luckett is in the studio finishing her sophomore album, Lady Love, scheduled for release on March 24 (EMI Music), Rap-Up.com has learned.The former Destiny’s Child member is working with Missy Elliott, Chris Brown, and Ne-Yo on the follow-up to 2006’s LeToya. The potential first single was written by Ne-Yo.The “Torn” singer’s debut album opened at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in August 2006, selling 165,000 copies in its first week. Lil' Wayne Caught Up! Lawyers for rapper Lil Wayne are seeking more time to turn over documents for a lawsuit that accuses the artist of copyright infringement.A federal lawsuit filed in May claims Lil Wayne didn't have permission to sample Karma Ann Swanepoel's song "Once" in one of his own songs, "I Feel Like D...

Audio: Janet - What Can I Say New/unreleased track! This song was recorded during the "Damita Jo" era and was produced by Rich Harrison. Audio: Busta Rhymes feat Ne-Yo & Missy Elliott - Freaking You New single! Off his upcoming album, "B.O.M.B." coming soon! Video: Brandy Interview Check out this infamous interview that's been all the rage. After listening to it I don't really see what the problem was but of course people like to make more out of things.

In My Own Words: Kanye West has chosen "Paranoid" as his album, "808s & Heartbreak" 3rd single. Instead of Mr. Hudson who is the contributing vocalist, the song will now feature Rihanna. The song will go for adds on January 20. Like T-Pain, you can't go wrong with Rihanna! I am interested to see how this will sound. I like the song as it is and Mr. Hudson really reminds me of John Legend. Wow! BET keeps showing the Jamie Foxx promotional commercial for his new album, 'Intuition' in stores today! I know BET usually does that for the new black releases anyway. But the Jamie Foxx train is definitely in full gear. I get so sick of people lambasting artists record sales. I see this again and again on the message boards I visit. It's become a thing to nitpick about artists record sales namely their first week sales. I know this is something labels and stans(hardcore fans) obsess over but what matters is how the album does in the long run. Purchase you...

As always I come across the throwback video usually by mistake. T-Boz had a brief solo stint in the form of this song from the 1995 movie, "Fled" starring Laurence Fishburne. This wouldn't be the first time T-Boz would be solo but this was her debut solo performance. Like any TLC affiliated song, this song had a message as well. Though the song overtly says its okay to "touch yourself" it also says "that's the safest way to making it feel good". It is a message that has been conveyed in many TLC songs even the freakiest ones in the catalog.

Audio: Ciara - Rattla New track! Wow! Its such a shame how Ciara's "Fantasy Ride" album has been pushed back let alone all the leaks. I think we can say we heard the majority of the album. I know Ciara is going back and redoing some things. Some of these leaked songs will more than likely appear on the new and improved edition but will probably be slightly modified. Audio: The-Dream - Stripper Love New track possibly to appear on new album, "Love vs Money" in stores February 2009. The-Dream has recently made headlines regarding a drunken rant. In his rant he said something along the lines of banging Rihanna. Some speculate this was a diss to Chris Brown since the two had a little falling out over the song "Bed" which was originally for Chris but went to J. Holiday. Audio: Jamie Foxx feat Lil' Kim - Cover Girl Newly leaked track/bonus track from "Intuition" album in stores today! Jamie went collabo heavy on this album. There was certainly ...

Audio: Chris Brown feat David Banner - Save Me New track! Audio: T-Boz feat DJ Deckstream - Someday New track!

Hello all! Recently I've been surprised at the alarming rate of foreclosures in the R&B community. First I read about Fantasia having her house foreclosed then T-Boz of TLC, and Wyclef Jean. It just makes you think like what were they doing with their money. I feel like a lot of black celebrities buy all these cars. They show them off on MTV's Cribs and it's definitely a nice feature but come on. I can understand two or three cars but it gets ridiculous. Of course people are going to spend their money the way they want to. Let this be a lesson learned to all celebs, people, and especially those who want to be in the industry. You can be made today and broke tomorrow! Music Biz: T-Boz's Home Foreclosed! T-Boz -- she's the T in TLC -- is about to lose a Georgia house after failing to pony up her mortgage payments.We've learned a five-bedroom, nearly 10,000-sq. Ft. House owned by T-Boz (real name: Tionne Watkins-Rolison) is about to go on the auction block in J...

We love them primarily for leading some of the most popular musical groups in the world. We also love them as solo acts. It was as solo acts that many of these artists became bonafide superstars. Their stories are all very similar. Early on these stars were being touted for future solo careers. In retrospect its a good thing but its also a bad thing. It has been one of the many reasons for discord between bands. Its the frequent spotlight on one star that has been difficult for other band mates to adjust to. Discover some of these stars and their origins prior to becoming solo acts. Beyonce Clearly Beyonce is one of the worlds' biggest and most recognizable stars. Early on who knew that Beyonce was destined to blow beyond even her wildest dreams. As Destiny's Child became more successful so did Beyonce . It was then that the rumors her solo career started. In 2003 Beyonce took the world by storm with her debut album, "Dangerously In Love". Since then Beyonce ha...

Five time Grammy nominee Jazmine Sullivan is releasing "Lions, Tigers, and Bears" as her album's 3rd single. Her debut album, "Fearless" was released back in September. I have read nothing but good things about this album. I listened to samples of the album but I never found myself ever getting the album yet. I remember hearing about Jazmine from a friend awhile back. He said she was weird and had acted like a diva. Whether that's true or not, I know this song in particular("Lions") is a fan favorite. Audio: J-Holiday feat Rick Ross - Wrong Lover New track! Audio: Jamie Foxx feat T-Pain - Blame It New track from his new "Intuition" album in stores December 16. The album recently leaked online and from what I've read so far the people are somewhat mixed about it. I remember someone saying the album is very digital and ringtone-ish. I couldn't agree more. I think a lot of his hardcore fans may be slightly disappointed in this album....

Since I have to go to work early in the morning, I should be in bed but I am not. Anyway after this I will be heading that way. I figured I would give you another little something. This time I took it back to a few years ago with former LaFace recording artist Donell Jones. He may of not reached the success of his fellow Chicagoan R Kelly but he carved a niche of his own. Slow, seductive ballads and midtempo grooves would become his staple. One song in particular, "Where I Wanna Be" was a fan favorite and also the title of his album. Check it out!

She does it again! Beyonce has graced yet another cover of a magazine; this time JET. Of course this picture is her actual album cover("I Am..Sasha Fierce")but in color. Audio: Swizz Beats feat Lil' Wayne - Up In This Club New track! Music Biz: Notorious B.I.G. Soundtrack Unveiled! Some of Notorious B.I.G.'s greatest hits and early, little-known recordings fill out the soundtrack to "Notorious," the forthcoming biopic about the legendary Brooklyn rapper. Slated for release on January 13 on Bad Boy/ Atlantic, the soundtrack features hit singles that endeared Biggie to the masses as well as some of his demos, appearances from his family and brand-new records some of his closest peers, including Jay-Z and Jadakiss. (The movie is slated for release January 16 through Fox Searchlight Pictures.) "Notorious" soundtrack track listing, according to Bad Boy Records: 1. "Notorious Thugs" (featuring Bone Thugs-N-Harmony) 2. "Hypnotize" 3. ...

Video: Ashanti Interview Recent interview at Planet Hollywood Charity Drive. Some say this video is old but I've never seen it before. It's nice to know that Ashanti is still pushing despite "The Declaration" flopping. I really loved the album and it is easily one of my favorite albums of the year. Tank Is Back! R&B singer/songwriter Tank is close to finishing his fourth album in addition to aiding forthcoming projects from Pleasure P and Jamie Foxx. Set at nearly 13 tracks, Tank's as-yet-untitled album follows the 2007 hit album "Sex, Love & Pain". Featuring the hit single "Please Don't Go," "Sex, Love & Pain" became Tank's first Grammy nominated project also featuring the popular single "Heartbreaker." While the singer is keeping quiet about his fourth album, the project is however slated for release early next year. New Edition Returns! Bobby Brown says that he has teamed up with fellow New Edition lea...

If you recall I did a music feed on girl groups. Now it's only right I do one for the men. Of course here they are known as boy bands. Though it should be noted that many of the groups were men not boys. That can't be overlooked though. "Boy bands" was a term to describe Beatles esque groups like Backstreet Boyz and N'Sync. Why? Because during their peak these groups caused mass hysteria throughout the world. It doesn't stop there though. Many of these boy bands like many girl groups weren't able to stand the test of time. Huge egos and the founders of many of the bands are responsible for the inital demise of boy bands. It may be easier these days to top the charts but the last few years have been hard for boy bands. There has been no band that has really taken off or has yet to reclaim the status of some of our well known bands. Check out the list of boy bands mentioned here. These are the bands that first came to mind when I came up with this. A few act...