the chal banz blog

A few days ago Nicki Minaj's first single; "Massive Attack" leaked online and now the video quickly follows. The video is pretty cool and I like the different looks that Nicki presents us with. I think I like the song more and more I hear it. Check it out! ---------------- Now playing: Camron feat mase - horse and carriage via FoxyTunes

Rasheeda has been bubbling under the radar for many years now but I think she is comfortable being under the radar. A few years ago she had a song called "My Bubblegum" that you may be familiar with. If you are not well check out this video featuring the group Cherish but it only looks like two of them instead of four. ---------------- Now playing: Public Announcement - John Doe via FoxyTunes

I kept seeing the hints that Trina was doing big things in 2010 and a planned reality show is in the works. There is not much information revealed at this time but you can read a little excerpt about it below. After that you can check out the tracklisting for Trina's new album; "Amazin'" in stores May 4. After that find out what The-Dream is planning for his new album. “It's a personal reflection of myself and my life. You get to see a side of Trina that has never been exposed to the world. People only get to see the Trina that's on television, the Trina that's on the videos and the records and the interviews, but this Trina is more intimate and more personal and more private…” Trina is continuing her reign as Slip N' Slide Records' Diamond Princess and preparing to release her fifth studio album Amazin'. Trina's "Amazin'" Album Tracklisting! 1. "Amazin'" 2. "That's My Attitude" 3. "Million...

It is the opening cut on Monica's "The Boy Is Mine" album and it definitely starts the album out in an interesting way. I was surprised when this song got the video and single treatment. I mean the song does tell a story that is easy to put a video too but still. Check it out! Congratulations Monica! Her new album; "Still Standing" debuted at #2 on the Pop charts with an estimated 183K copies. The official numbers should be out later today or by the time you read this; they may already be up!

There is certainly no shortage of songs on the radio from Usher. He has about five different songs in rotation right now and though "OMG" is an international single; I'm counting this one too. The song features will.i.am who wrote and produced the song. This song isn't that bad but its one of more weaker songs on the "Raymond vs. Raymond" album. I been listening to the album and its not that bad. Like any other though I could do without a few songs or two. Music Biz: Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Member Arrested! A rap artist from the group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony has been arrested during an Ohio concert on 12-year-old charges that he roughed up his mother with a gun. Thirty-six-year-old Stanley Howse — whose stage name is Flesh-N-Bone — was in jail Monday, a day after he was taken into custody during a show in the group's hometown of Cleveland. Sheriff's spokesman John O'Brien says deputies didn't wait until after the show because Howse seemed to ...

For a few days Kelis had a countdown to the official launch of the video for her new single; "Acapella". Now the video is here and the video is definitely one of my favorite videos this year. The video even makes me like the song even more. Kelis' new album; "Flesh Tone" will be in stores this summer. Kelis recently signed to will.i.am/Interscope Records. Some of the new song titles to look out for are "4th Of July", "22nd Century", and "Scream & Shout". The song is said to have only eight songs. That should be interesting! ---------------- Now playing: Trina Ft Kelly Rowland- Here We Go lyrics via FoxyTunes

And some of you may already have heard it because it leaked out a few weeks ago. It's called "Always" but someone was saying how it wouldn't appear on Trina's new album but they were wrong. Monica is pretty hot right now so why not choose the single that features Monica. The "Million Dollar Girl" single had some potential but I don't think they used it to their advantage and I'm blaming all collaborative parties as well i.e. Diddy & Keri Hilson. Anyway I heard the song before and I do like it. Hopefully it is a hit for her. And by the way the song goes for adds on April 6. One of Trina's arch nemesis; Khia has a new album coming called; "Motor Mouf/Khia Simone"(though that spelling may be off a little). She calls into a radio stations and talks about her new album; Trina; and Nicki Minaj. As always you can expect to Khia to not bite her tongue and for some; keep it real. Click here to listen . Marques Houston is now signed to Ca...

This is from Fabolous' recently released mixtape "Funeral Service". Check it out! Music Biz: Drake Readies Debut Album! Canadian born rapper Drake will finally drop his long awaited debut album “Thank Me Later” on May 25th according to Universal/Young Money! Drake’s first single “Over” is already heating up the airwaves, with the music video to officially premiere very shortly! Drake has several hits already under his belt without ever having a full length album released. Some of those singles include “Best I Ever Had” and “Successful” and he’s been featured on a host of other hit singles by Jay-Z, Kanye West, Young Jeezy, Mary J. Blige to name a few! ---------------- Now playing: Foxy Brown Feat Sizzla-Come Fly With Me via FoxyTunes

So let's get this straight; I am a Monica fan. I wouldn't be paying a special tribute to her if I wasn't. I'm not bound to like every Monica song or collaboration. I though I'd just put a little disclaimer up so people wouldn't get it twisted. Usually I wouldn't explain myself but I just felt like it today. I say this too because out of all the collaborations Monica has done; there are truly only a few I really like and you will notice that below. So Gone; Monica featuring Missy Elliott - Missy is not exactly rapping on this song but she is talking and boasting throughout; something that became synonymous with Missy productions. Everytime The Beat Drops; Monica featuring Dem Franchise Boyz - A lot of people cried foul at Monica when this was released. Many people felt like this song was better suited for Ciara. Don't Gotta Go Home; Monica featuring DMX - This collaboration appeared on Monica's "After The Storm" album and it was one of m...

This is where it all started. Monica's debut single and video! Check it out!

Janet takes us behind the scenes of her new single; "Nothing" which appears on the "Why Did I Get Married Too?" soundtrack. Check it out! I'm not really sure how I feel about the song. It seems like Janet is always told what to do and never what she wants to do herself. It just seems like whatever Jermaine Dupri tells her what to do; she does. Music Biz: Ne-Yo Working On New Album; Other Albums! The wait for Ne-Yo's follow up to "Year of the Gentleman" may be slightly extended thanks to a host of forthcoming albums from Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Rowland and Rihanna. "I’m still writing for a bunch of people," Ne-Yo told VIBE of his busy schedule over the next few weeks recently. "I have Jennifer Hudson on the way; I’m doing quite a few songs with her. I’m doing some more stuff for Rihanna real soon. Then there’s Nicole Scherzinger and there’s this group out of the UK called the Noisettes who are really good. I also did some stuff ...

Nas and Damien Marley sit and discuss their collaborative album; "Distant Relatives" which the duo have been working on for awhile now. I'm not sure on the release date of the album just yet but expect it very soon. Music Biz: Rah Digga Speaks On Female Rap! "I think she's just one facet of it," Digga said about Nicki taking hip-hop to the next level. "It's unfortunate that with the females, it only gets to be one at a time. This year, it's Nicki Minaj. At one point it was Remy [Ma]. At one point, it was [Lil] Kim. To me, everybody just takes turns. I don't look at one person and say this is it for hip-hop. I think everybody brings all kind of different things to hip-hop. As soon as I come, everybody's like 'this is the real hip-hop!' Whoever is poppin' is where it's poppin'. [Laughs] I think it's important for females to do as much together as we can. We always say we wanna do stuff. And we might do some...

It was 13 years ago when a young Erykah Badu entered the music world with her "Baduizm" album and it was unlike anything we had heard at the time. Here was a young woman who didn't dress like the average R&B singer and got comparisons to legends such as Billie Holiday. Over the years Erykah Badu has continued to expand her own legacy always going left when everyone else goes right. Though she has lost me a bit over the years; I have since been digging her new single; "Window Seat". One of my co-workers was singing the song at work and it had been in my head ever since. The video the single; "Window Seat" was just released and it has everyone talking. What we come to expect for a video treatment to a song titled; "Window Seat" is the complete opposite. Instead Erykah vows to display a message in the video and song. Stripping down to the bare minimum Erykah Badu flaunts her stuff through her hometown of Dallas, Texas. Onlookers watch in sho...

I will admit when Monica's unreleased album; "All Eyez On Me" leaked out; I wasn't interested. I thought it was her worst album and I see why it was never released. There were a handful of songs though that were saved in favor for "After The Storm" and those songs fit perfectly. Monica just revamped "All Eyez On Me" with the help of Missy Elliott who produced song of the strongest songs here including first single; "So Gone" and my personal favorite; "Knock Knock". By the time this album was released Monica was definitely back on her A game and it was as if she hadn't missed a beat. The great opening track; "Set It Off" is another Missy Elliott produced song and it is quite irresistible. It will definitely get the party started. There are the ballads that are excellent and any of them could of been singles at any given point. One song that is not to be missed and is another favorite of mine is the Jermaine Dupri pr...

Monica rarely does collaborative efforts for other artists but if she does its usually a personal friend or an already established act. Can you blame her? I wouldn't just jump on a record with someone just because there's money involved. I have to be feeling the track or the song idea you have in mind. The five songs below represent those collaborative efforts Monica have made throughout the years. Trust; Keyshia Cole & Monica - Keyshia Cole was spitting out hits left and right from two back to back albums; 2007's "Just Like Me" and 2008's "A Different Me". By the time "Trust" was released in 2009; the Keyshia Cole train was still in full steam and featuring Monica on supporting vocals made this song a top 10 R&B hit! The Boy Is Mine; Brandy & Monica - This song was huge when it was released back in 1998. It set the stage for Brandy and Monica's second albums respectively. Interestingly enough their second albums are their...

Monica scored a hit single right out of the box with "So Gone". It was one of the hottest songs of summer 2003. It was the first single from her platinum album; "After The Storm". Monica displayed her more mature side(catch her in lingerie) and her rap skills were pretty good for a singer. Check it out! Monica's new album; "Still Standing" is set to debut at #2 next week with sales estimated around the 195K mark so we will see. Monica's new album is really good and you should check it out if you haven't already. ---------------- Now playing: Amy Winehouse - Amy Winehouse- Just Friends via FoxyTunes

We all know Erykah Badu goes to the left when everyone else goes right. You will certainly see that in this video. The concept may be a bit awkward for some but the video is definitely worth watching for more reasons than one. Make sure you check it out! Erykah Badu's new album; "New Amerykah 2: Return Of The Ankh" will be in stores March 30. Music Biz: Ludacris Wanted Lauryn Hill For New Album! NEW YORK – Ludacris' latest album features a number of female rappers — but the Grammy-winner acknowledges there's one lady he really wanted to work with. "I think Lauryn Hill is like extremely talented and I can say I did try to do that, it just didn't work itself out," he says of the multiple Grammy-winning singer-rapper, whose only studio album, "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill," has sold more than eight million units in the United States since its release in 1998. While the reclusive former Fugees performer didn't make it on "Batt...

I showed you the behind the scenes footage of "My Chick Bad Remix" and now you can see the video which features Diamond, Trina, and Eve. Nicki Minaj is in the video but not on the remix. The video is pretty good and all the ladies are looking really nice. Check it out! Music Biz: Keyshia Cole Dragged Into Court! Keyshia Cole was ripped apart by a judge in New Jersey yesterday -- a judge who called the singer's testimony "nonsensical" and then questioned her literacy. Cole -- a platinum-selling artist -- was being sued by an event promoter who claims she blew off an appearance in 2006 after he paid her $15,000 up front. The judge not only ruled against Cole, but she blasted the singer in her written opinion, saying Cole's testimony was "confused and at times nonsensical." But the judge's biggest shot: Cole appeared so reluctant to read certain documents while testifying, "that it appears at times that she was not literate." Ev...

And according to his twitter he has been writing quite a bit. Ne-Yo recently wrote and co-produced "Stay Or Go" from Monica's new album; "Still Standing". Speaking of Monica's new album; I'm hearing the album was under shipped. A lot of the stores have been sold out because J Records figured the demand wouldn't be as high. Boy were they wrong! Monica's album is getting a lot of positive feedback and it may have a shot at debuting at #1 next week. One of my favorite singers; Kelis is coming back with her new album; "Flesh Tone" this summer. Earlier this year we were treated with the leak of her first single; "Acapella". The singer recently wrapped up the video to the single and you can click here to get a preview of the video before it premieres. And speaking of videos R. Kelly has released a video for his song; "Echo" which appears on his "Untitled" album which is in stores now. Click here to check it out!...

Dallas Austin - He had worked pretty closely with Monica at the beginning of her career and it was his imprint; Rowdy Records that Monica was signed too. Austin also wrote many songs on Monica's debut album; "Ms. Thang" as well as her second album; "The Boy Is Mine". Recently Austin made an appearance on Monica's BET reality show; "Still Standing". Missy Elliott - Missy is partly responsible for revitalizing Monica's career. Monica's career took a slight slump between the releases of "The Boy Is Mine" and her unreleased album; "All Eyez On Me". Monica re-worked "All Eyez On Me" into "After The Storm" and there magic was created. The #1 hits "So Gone" and "Everything To Me" are proof of that. Clive Davis - He is the head honcho of Arista Records and he masterminded Monica's most successful album to date; "The Boy Is Mine". Young Buck - Monica and Young Buck were pr...

I don't know what people were surprised more by; Monica's decision to name her second album; "The Boy Is Mine" or her duet of the same name with Brandy. Monica would later explain that Clive David was responsible for the album title thus throwing a little shade Brandy's way. There were the rumors that the singers didn't get along. There was the debate as to who the best singer was and so forth. Luckily for both women; they both succeeded. "The Boy Is Mine" is probably Monica's most mainstream and commercial album thus far. The album was responsible for numerous number one hits including "Angel Of Mine", "The First Night", and the title track. By this time Monica was no stranger to hitting number one since she hit quite a few times prior to this album and after this album. The album opens with the unforgettable "Street Symphony" produced by Dallas Austin who handles a lot of the production here. One of my personal fav...

Monica hit #1 with this hit single from her second album; "The Boy Is Mine". Check out the video which features singer Tyrese. I was looking at this video and thinking how Tyrese has played the love interest in many videos including Keyshia Cole's "Love" and most recently Lady GaGa and Beyonce's "Telephone" video. I also noticed how early on Monica would cover up her tattoo so younger people wouldn't feel so obligated to get one because they would see a star with one. Monica is truly a good role model.

Amerie is overseas in Korea promoting her latest album; "In Love & War" and here she is joined by the group 4 Minutes. Check it out!

I don't know what to say. At first I saw this album cover but the person who posted it was unsure if it were real. So I went to Amazon.com and they didn't have the album cover. So I ended up going to one of my message boards and saw the cover. Just to make sure it was legit; I went to Trina's fansite and the cover was there. Someone said Trina is giving Beyonce "Dangerously In Love" shoot meets Ashanti's "The Declaration" shoot meets Mya's "Liberation" shoot and I agree. Trina's album will be in stores May 4. The album is led by the singles "That's My Attitude" and "Million Dollar Girl" featuring Keri Hilson and Diddy! The album features collaborations from Lyfe, Lil' Wayne, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj, and Monica. Make sure you check it out! ---------------- Now playing: Usher - She Dont Know (Ft. Ludacris) via FoxyTunes

I just got word that the new Erykah Badu album has officially leaked a mere five days before its March 30th release. I guess that's not too bad huh? I haven't been feeling Erykah since "Mama's Gun" but maybe I will give this album a chance. Erykah recently appeared on "The Wendy Williams Show" and has also made a slew of appearances on various talk shows to promote the album! ---------------- Now playing: Monica - Stay Or Go (Produced By Bei Maejor) via FoxyTunes

The first time I posted this video; it was taken down so I'm trying this again. Check out the video and you will see some familiar faces. ---------------- Now playing: Monica - Stay Or Go (Produced By Bei Maejor) via FoxyTunes

Take this with a grain of salt as the following information is from Mediatakeout.com but Beyonce is allegedly pregnant! We all know how many times we have heard this! After your reading about Beyonce's alleged pregnancy; read more stories concerning Toni Braxton's album push back and Janet Jackson halting her new album! It's been a long time waiting . . . but now it's finally happened. MediaTakeOut.com just learned from a ROCK SOLID source that legendary singer Beyonce and her hip hop mogul husband Jay Z are expecting their first child together. According to our source Beyonce is doing fine and resting (for now), but she's expected to continue working throughout her pregnancy. And we're also told that Jay Z is EXTREMELY happy to be having his first child with Bey. Toni Braxton Speaks On Album Push Back! Diva Toni Braxton has been hard at work in the lab, working on her upcoming studio release, ‘Pulse’. However, the husky-voiced singer took a break from r...

Before Floetry there was Zhane! Their debut album; "Pronounced Jah Nay" was released in 1994 and their single; "Vibe" was released in 1994 as well. It is not their most well known single but it is definitely one of their smoothest and one of my favorites. If you remember Zhane was responsible for the hits such as "Hey Mr. DJ", "Groove Thang" and many more. I'm not too sure what caused the two women to disband but they were definitely unique in their own way. I definitely get really nostalgic listening to this song cause it makes me miss how music was in the 90s.

Janet has been making all the press rounds for her new movie; "Why Did I Get Married Too?". Check it out!

There have always been rumors regarding Beyonce's father; Mathew Knowles having an extramarital affair throughout the years. I guess it turns out the rumors were true. Mathew Knowles and his mistress or girlfriend just welcomed a new baby boy into the world. Read more below as well as Amerie taking over Korea and Janet Jackson and Mariah Carey starring in a new film together! Beyonce Knowles is officially a big sister again -- a DNA test has confirmed that Mathew Knowles is the father of Alexsandra Wright's brand new baby boy ... sources tell TMZ. With the DNA test a match, we're told lawyers for Knowles and Wright are in the final stages of negotiating settlement for baby Nixon's support Wright filed a paternity suit last October against Knowles -- who was temporarily ordered to pay $8,200 in monthly child support. Wright claims she had an 18 month affair with Knowles. As far as we know, nothing's tricky about Nixon .... so far. Amerie Takes Her Show To Kor...

Happy? Does that mean you might buy more albums or continue not to? Well Universal who is over such labels as Def Jam and Cash Money will slash prices on upcoming releases starting within the next month or so. You can expect prices like to be between $6 and $7. Not bad huh? Generally they want physical albums to run about the same someone would pay for an album on iTunes. Nothing wrong with that right? Maybe this will help album sales. Now if they can get all the labels to do this. India Arie has spoken out against Lady GaGa and her "Telephone" video! India feels that Lady GaGa is just going too far but she does respect her talent and creativity. India's rant comes from twitter. I don't follow her on twitter but I did read an excerpt. Here is a bit of it for you! Don't be offended this is all MY opinion... Am I the only one who thinks the "telephone" video is going a bit too far? I'm not referring to the abstract nature of the video ... I'm tal...

Check out this behind the scenes footage of Ludacris along with Eve, Trina, and Diamond filming the "My Chick Bad" remix video. I do like the remix but its nothing I care to listen to like that. I do hope that the females come back strong this year including Foxy. I really have been missing her. Music Biz: Mary J. Blige Talks Album Re Release! Mary J. Blige says she only makes music people want to hear when she’s out of her “comfort zone”. The singer covered two Led Zeppelin tracks, Whole Lotta Love and Stairway to Heaven, on her new album Stronger with Each Tear. Her decision to re-record the rock tracks stunned some of her fans, but she is eager to keep her sound as fresh as possible. “I just leave myself open to listen to other people and what advice they might have, and I’m open to understanding what the new generation might be listening to,” she explained. “At the same time I try not be scared to do something that might be a bit uncomfortable for me. I argue aga...

Neva Get Enuf; 3LW featuring Lil' Wayne - This is one of my favorite songs from 3LW and Wayne's verses here are pretty memorable and somewhat funny. I'm A G; Rick Ross featuring Lil' Wayne & Brisco - This is one of my favorite songs from Rick Ross and Lil' Wayne totally murders the chorus. See You In My Knightmares; Kanye West featuring Lil' Wayne - This appeared on Kanye Wests' "808 & Heartbreak" album but it was a pretty forgettable song in my opinion. You; Lloyd featuring Lil' Wayne - We all remember this right? I don't know anyone who didn't like this song. Girls Around The World; Lloyd featuring Lil' Wayne - "You" was responsible for the second collaboration between Lloyd and Lil' Wayne. Love In This Club Part 2; Usher featuring Beyonce & Lil' Wayne - I can remember several times hearing this in the club and people basically loosing their minds when it came on. I hate to say I never understoo...

Marques Houston won me over as a fan with his "Naked" album(which I will likely do an album spotlight feature on in the future). So I was really looking forward to his "Veteran" album though I never truly cared for the singles "Favorite Girl" and "Circle" but everything else I liked. Marques Houston makes music for the grown and sexy in my opinion. His music particularly on this album is really smooth and I think its perfect for someone of my age group(26 and up). The album starts off with an intro with Marques talking about his past and his status as a "Veteran". Once you hear what he has to say; then it all makes since from there. With music presented on the disc as it is; you do get a sense of a veteran making this album. It is definitely someone who has experience making music and capturing a certain mood. Some of my favorite songs are "Kimberly"(who many people thought was about Kim Kardashian), "How You Just Gonna...

In honor of Monica releasing her new album; "Still Standing" today; I decided to dedicated today's throwback video to Monica and her legion of fans including myself. "U Should've Known Better" was the third single from Monica's "After The Storm" album and it went peaked at #19 on the Pop charts. Check out the video which features Monica's then boyfriend; Young Buck. ---------------- Now playing: Chy - U Make Me Feel via FoxyTunes

See Melanie perform her #1 R&B hit!

Chances are you probably heard this song on the radio and thought it was Rihanna or at least I thought it was. Well I thought she sounded similar to Rihanna. Dondria is signed to So So Def and you will see that in the video. The song and video is short and simple. Check it out! Dondria - You're The One

Ludacris and Nicki Minaj perform their hit single; "My Chick Bad". Below you can check out Drake performing his new single; "Over" for the first time. I'm not sure when this will air on TV or if it has already. Check out the videos!

Janet Jackson and Tyler Perry sit down and talk about their new movie "Why Did I Get Married Too?" and more. Check it out!

Check out this 36 second clip of Usher's new video featuring Nicki Minaj.

It happens to the best of them but not Mariah Carey right? Well even the diva of divas can have a shelved album! Mariah Carey's "Angels Advocate" album has been shelved indefinitely but don't worry it won't exactly go to waste. Read below for more on this story as well as Jennifer Lopez's revamping her album and the battle between Usher and Monica. After a few false starts, Mariah Carey’s Angels Advocate has been permanently grounded. Instead of releasing the star-studded remix album, the pop diva has turned her focus toward a new studio project. The ill-fated collection of remixes from last year’s Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel had most recently been set for a March 30 release exclusively at Target stores and iTunes. It was to feature contributions from Snoop Dogg, R. Kelly, Jodeci, Mary J. Blige, and Ludacris, among others. According to Mariah Daily, select singles may be released from the shelved album. “It won’t go to waste,” assures Carey’s manage...

Do you remember the duo Koffee Brown? They were signed to Arista Records and their single; "After Party" was released in 2000. The duo had a couple of other singles but disbanded some time after that. Hearing this song brings back a lot of memories for myself. I was 16 years old; still in high school. Napster was the hot thing and I had met a friend online who I'm still very good friends with today. ---------------- Now playing: Ciara - My Love via FoxyTunes

Booty; Erykah Badu - This is a funky little number from Erykah Badu's "Mama Gun" album. Ass Like That; Eminem - For awhile I had been confusing this song with Akon's "Smack That" which features Eminem. Bootylicious; Destiny's Child - The term "bootylicious" eventually would end up in Webster's dictionary. MoneyMaker; Ludacris featuring Pharrell - This is one of my favorite songs from Ludacris and it doesn't hurt that my favorite producers; The Neptunes produced this. Doin' The Butt; EU - Do you all remember this song? I believe it was from the movie "School Daze". Ur Behind; Trey Songz - This is one of my favorite songs from Trey Songz debut album; "I Gotta Make It". Look Back At Me; Trina featuring Killer Mike - This song was made strictly for the clubs and whenever this song would come on; everyone would go wild especially the ladies! Dip It Low; Christina Milian - Christina Milian was dipping it low li...

Patti LaBelle is not one to bite her tongue and at first when she was asked to play "Diva Word Association"; I was nervous. I thought she was going to be dissing a lot of the divas but she actually had pretty nice things to say. Check the video out below to learn what Patti had to say about Madonna, Janet Jackson, Diana Ross, Cher, and many other divas! ---------------- Now playing: Monica - One In A Lifetime (Produced By Los DaMystro) via FoxyTunes

You all remember Rocko right? He had a hit single a few years ago with "Umma Do Me". Most recently he appeared alongside his ex-girlfriend Monica's BET reality show; "Still Standing". Check out the video for his newest song! Music Biz: Amerie Talks New Album! During a new interview with British DJ Julie Ann, singer-songwriter Amerie announced that she’s already thinking about what direction she will go in for her next album, and that she hopes to revisit the sound she explored on her poppier, 80’s and new wave-inspired 2007 album Because I Love It. “The next album, because I’m always already thinking about sounds, I definitely want to incorporate that sound [from In Love & War] as well as mixing some of the vibe I had on Because I Love It. Those sounds, arrangements, harmonies and song structure. It’ll be pretty interesting.” {Via Toyaz-World} Amerie’s latest album ‘In Love & War’ is expected to hit UK shores this coming summer and she is looking t...

Brandy takes on the Etta James classic; "At Last" while in the bathroom. Reportedly the video was filmed around Christmas but Brandy is just now releasing it. She didn't want people thinking she was copying off of Beyonce's most recent rendition. But Brandy did kill it! Check it out!

A Rose By Any Other Name; Teena Marie featuring Gerald Levert - Teena Marie made a big comeback with her "La Dona" album and "A Rose By Any Other Name" was the perfect song from Urban AC radio to eat up and that they did. I have always liked the song personally and this would be one of Gerald Levert's last collaborations before his death. Flower; Jody Watley - Many people may have never heard this song because it was from Jody Watley's unreleased album of the same name. The album would be Jody's Atlantic Records debut but for some reason the album never saw the light of day. However there was a video for the single; "Off The Hook". Thinking about Jody Watley's situation and how her album never came out; I'm a little nervous for Toni Braxton and her Atlantic Records debut; "Pulse". Flower; Jaguar Wright - Jaguar Wright is very underrated and many people may know her solely for her involvement in Jay- Z's tour(I can...

Rihanna continues to dish out hit after hit with her latest single; "Rude Boy" which takes her back to her Caribbean roots. The video for the single is definitely something you should see if you haven't already. Read more below about Rihanna's latest hit and her string of hit singles over the years. Also check out stories below about T-Pain wanting to work with Brandy and Estelle's new album! Rihanna's "Rude Boy" earns the singer her sixth #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The single is the first from her "Rated R" album to hit the top spot ("Hard" peaked at #8, "Russian Roulette" at #9) and her first appearance in the top spot since she guested on T.I.'s "Live Your Life" in 2008. "Rude Boy" joins her other solo number ones including "Disturbia," "Take a Bow," "Umbrella," and "SOS." Rihanna also becomes the artist with the most appearances at #1 in the past...

I remember when my friend bought SWV's "New Beginning" album which was released in 1996. At the time cassettes were still popular. I was on my way home from school and my friend at the time met up with me. He gushed to me about the album and I wish I had it. I knew as soon as I got some money I was going to get it myself. I don't even remember ever buying the album though. I think because my sister eventually got it so I felt no need. Since basically her albums were mine too or at least that's how I acted. It had been four long years since SWV had released their debut album; "It's About Time". So SWV had a lot to prove with this new album and they did just that. The album was led by the first hit single; "Your The One". It was followed by The Neptunes produced; "Use Your Heart"(which is one of my favorites). "New Beginning" didn't quite live up to the success of their debut "It's About Time" so in 1997 ...