the chal banz blog

Chris Brown has entered a rehab facility! The singer wants to figure out why he is so doggone crazy I guess! Can't be mad at him for that. Clearly the guy needs help and I hope he gets it. In other news...Pebbles has sued Left Eye and her estate. The former R&B singer claims that Left Eye owes her money stemming from as far back as 1992. Of course with the premiere of the TLC biopic last week, Pebbles, her family, and Left Eye's family has been up in arms about portrayal of Pebbles and Left Eye. I don't know what to say except for Pebbles is coming off like a greedy monster much like she did in the movie. I just think that's how she really is and she can't help it. So much for her finding God!

Jhene Aiko releases the video to her new single Bed Peace featuring Childish Gambino. It is the first single from her upcoming EP Sail Out due November 12. The EP features an appearance from Kendrick Lamar.

Mariah Carey unveils the cover for her new single The Art of Letting Go , which is also said to be the title of her new album. The single will premiere exclusively on Facebook November 11. Are you all ready for the new Mariah single?

Ciara and Future are engaged! Future popped the question to the 28 year old singer during her birthday festivities. Hey! I didn't know Ciara's birthday was even this month! No wedding date has been set yet. Ciara and Future's engagement comes on the heels of rumors that Ciara is pregnant. Hmm makes you wonder will Ciara's pregnancy be the next announcement we hear? Congrats to the couple!

Chris Brown Arrested In D.C - Yahoo TV Chris Brown is in trouble again! No surprise there! Click the link above for details on Chris Brown's latest arrest. SMH! 

Ashanti will appear on SVU (Special Victim's Unit) on November 6. The singer will star as a judge alongside Clay Aiken and Taylor Hicks. Ashanti is currently touring overseas in Japan. Last week a song premiered on New York radio station HOT 97 titled First Real Love featuring Beenie Man. There has been no leak of the song though.

K. Michelle will release Can't Raise A Man as the second single off her album Rebellious Soul released this past August. You can catch K. Michelle on the new season of Love & Hip Hop airing on August 28. I have a hard time believing K. Michelle is only on her second single. I'm guessing those other songs and videos were just viral ones. In other news...I've read that Kelly Rowland's biological father wants back in her life. I'm sure he does now that his daughter is really out there. The singer currently serves as a judge on The X Factor . And speaking of Kelly Rowland, Keyshia Cole spoke out about her feud with Michelle Williams saying that their "cool" and everything has been resolved. To catch you up to speed, Keyshia tweeted negative comments about Michelle during the Super Bowl. Keyshia says it was only in retaliation to something Michelle retweeted about her prior to that. Anyway I'm glad the ladies have put the beef behind them. Oh yeah and...

Faith Evans talks about her wishes to duet with Anita Baker among other things in this interview. Check it out!

Another one bites the dust. The collaborative effort between Babyface and Toni Braxton, Love, Marriage, and Divorce has been pushed back until February 4. The album was originally scheduled to be released this December. The album features the single Hurt You . Those surprised say "I"! I guess a push back was inevitable for Babyface and Toni Braxton. R&B albums get pushed back a dozen times before they make their final release date. Don't be surprised by this next story. Pharrell has spoken out about Beyonce's new album saying the singer is a "perfectionist" and the album will be out when its "ready". Whatever that means! Hopefully Beyonce' fans can look forward to a new album sometime next year. I'm not the biggest Beyonce' fan so with that being said I'm not all that pressed about a new album but I did like her last album, 4 so I'm interested in seeing what she has in store this time around. Another album to look forward ...

The TLC biopic CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story has ruffled quite a few feathers in the days since its premiere on VH1. Pebbles, the former manager of TLC has been quoted saying that she would sue if details of her involvement(with TLC) were false. Pebbles own children have also spoken out defending their Mother, though I don't believe they were born when Pebbles worked with TLC. If they were they were surely much too young to remember any of it. Pebbles Pebbles rose to fame in the late 80s with singles like Mercedes Boy . She was also married to L.A. Reid, one half of the masterminds behind LaFace Records. She began managing TLC at the beginning of their career. She is responsible for bringing TLC together. During TLC's Behind The Music , Pebbles spoke candidly about her involvement with TLC. It was after the bad press that Pebbles received that she left the music industry. Crystal Jones Crystal Jones was the original "C" in TLC. She was replaced after she failed t...

Solange is releasing a new compilation! The compilation, Saint Heron will feature appearances from Solange, Cassie, Jhene' Aiko(worked with Drake) and many others. The compilation will be released through Saint Records. The compilation will be available on November 12. It features the first single, Go All Night from L.A. based singer Kelela.

Yes! I've fallen behind on my blogging duties but I'm back! So excuse me if I'm late with some news. Word on the blogs are that Ciara is pregnant with child! While there has been no confirmation on her side, the blogs are having a field day. Recent pics of Ciara have many speculating that the singer may be pregnant! Only time will tell and with Ciara being 'quiet' it makes you wonder. Meanwhile Ciara is currently promoting the release of her new single Overdose from her album Ciara released this past July. 

TLC makes history again! The biopic CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story aired on VH1 last night to 4.5 million viewers making it the largest watched show in VH1 history and this year alone. TLC's new album 20 ranks at #5 on iTunes. It features some of the group's greatest hits and its new single Meant To Be produced by Ne-Yo. The movie has had its share of controversy. Former manager Pebbles has spoken out against the movie and her portrayal threatening to sue the duo. Former member Crystal has also spoken out insisting she will write a tell all book chronicling her experience with TLC and Pebbles.

TLC along with Keke Palmer, Drew Sidora, and Lil' Mama visit Wendy to talk about their roles in the new biopic CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story airing on VH1 October 21.

Christina Milian has been making the rounds ever since she's been eliminated from Dancing With The Stars . She recently appeared on Wendy to talk about her experience with DWTS, Paris Hilton, her new album and marriage. Check it out!

J. Holiday is back! If you remember J. Holiday he is responsible for the #1 R&B hit Bed ! Now he is back with a new album Guilty Conscience to be released on December 10. The album features the first single After We produced by Lil' Ronnie(worked with Ashanti). Will you all be checking for a new album from J. Holiday? Yay or nay?

Cold Piece is the newest video from Canadian singer Melanie Fiona. The song Cold Piece was released back a few months ago.

Tamar releases the video to her song Hot Sugar with the video being a homage to Instagram. Check it out!

Timbaland's wife is asking for a divorce! We know Timbaland as the man behind hits for Justin Timberlake, Jay-Z and Missy Elliott but he's humming another tune in court. His ex to be is asking for money for their child together who is five but also a child from a previous relationship, who is 10(who is not Timbaland's biological child). It's funny how quickly things turn ugly once a couple divorces. All of a sudden its like the wife becomes greedy. I mean she is going to get cashed out either way but she's pulling out all the stops. You know what they say "it's cheaper to keep her".

Kandi Burruss will be starring in a tell all play, A Mother's Love that tells the details of her love life and her relationship with her Mother, Mama Joyce. The play which features D. Woods of Danity Kane, Shirley Murdock(song: As We Lay ), and Eddie Levert will premiere at Atlanta's Rialto Theater. The show will run from November 22 to November 24. There is a rumor going around that Beyonce' is set to release new music on December 3. The top secret project has been shrouded in mystery. Not much info is known about Beyonce's upcoming album except from what we've heard from her alleged collaboraors(Ne-Yo, The-Dream, Sean Garrett, Miguel). Word is that Beyonce' has filmed music videos for all her songs like she did with her B'Day album. Are you all ready for new Beyonce music?

TLC gets candid in this interview with the infamous The Breakfast Club . Check it out!

TLC sits down with Good Morning America to discuss the group's legacy, meeting the cast of their biopic and more. Check it out!

TLC is making the rounds this week as they promote their new greatest hits album 20 and their new biopic airing on October 21 on VH1.

So its been revealed that Mariah Carey will release her new single The Art Of Letting Go on November 11. The new single is the rumored titled for Mariah's upcoming album which currently has no release date. While we await Mariah's new music, there is a battle brewing between two R&B/Hip Hop/Pop producers; Pharrell and Will.I.Am. The two producers are battling over the trademark of the phrase 'I Am' which Will.I.Am feels he owns the rights to. The two have traded a few insults but at the end of the day do we really care?? Why don't you guys continue to produce good music! A phrase such as 'I Am' should never be that serious. I'm just saying! Speaking of battles, a fan of K. Michelle's was upset when the singer refused a photo op after a New York concert. The fan took to social media to call out K. Michelle and in typical K. Michelle fashion, she reponded hastily calling the fan a "monkey". Ouch! We all know not to get on K. Michelle...

Toni Braxton and Babyface reveal the provocative cover art for their new album which is due in stores on November 25. Don't mark my words on that release date. This is according to Essence magazine. I've read plenty of dates for this album and I'm not sure on the actual date. I'd check Amazon.com they'd probably have the REAL date.

I know! I know! I have more Ashanti news. Believe me if I knew this all in one sitting I would surely post it together. Anyway Ashanti will star in a new movie, Christmas In The City which will air on the Lifetime network on December 7. Ashanti plays a consultant who overtakes the direction of a department store. I have to take my hat off to Ashanti. She has really been grinding. She has been landing quite a number of acting roles lately, NBC's SUV and ABC's Modern Family . Next year Ashanti will hopefully finally release her long awaited album BraveHeart due in March. Someone who showed Ashanti some a love a few months ago was Fantasia. She is keeping herself busy by partaking in a Broadway production, After Midnight . The show focuses on the influence of many of our Jazz and Blues greats from over the years. The show starts on October 18. Meanwhile Fantasia has chosen The Side Effects Of You as the third single off her album of the same name. You all been watching TV lately...

Ashanti celebrates her 33rd birthday today! Happy Birthday Ashanti! The singer celebrated in New York with close friends and family. The singer recently chopped off her hair in a sleek bob. The singer just landed a role on NBC's 'SUV'. No word yet on when Ashanti's guest role will air. Congratulations to Pharrell Williams who tied the knot yesterday(October 12). The singer wed his girlfriend Helen in Miami, Florida. The wedding included a mini concert from the likes of Usher and Busta Rhymes. Both artists have collaborated with Pharrell over the years. Do you remember when RHOA( Real Housewives of Atlanta ) star Kandi Burruss sued her former co-star Kim Zolciak over that Tardy For The Party song? Well the court case is finally over and Kim won the case. The judge ruled in Kim's favor who had legal documents and claimed that Kandi simply sued her for press of her reality show The Kandi Factory.

Babyface and Toni Braxton will release their duet album Love, Marriage, and Divorce this December through Motown Records.

Toni Braxton will release her memoir Unbreak My Heart in April 2014. The memoir will detail Toni's bout with bankruptcy and her health. Before that Toni Braxton will release her duet album with Babyface, Love, Marriage, and Divorce on December 3. The video for their new single Hurt You will premiere next week!

The American Music Awards were announced and Rihanna and Justin Timberlake lead the list of nominess. In the R&B category, Rihanna will go head to head with Ciara and Alicia Keys for Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist. Justin Timberlake will go head to head with Robin Thicke and Miguel for Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist. Rihanna, Justin Timberlake, and Robin Thicke will vie for Favorite Soul/R&B Album when the winners are televised this November. Will you be watching? Something to look forward to in November is a possible new album from R. Kelly. The famed singer will release his album Black Panties . The album features the single My Story featuring 2 Chainz and his new single Genius . Look for R. Kelly to be featured on new albums from Lady GaGa( Do What U Want ) and Mariah Carey.

Move over Mary J. Blige, Tamar Braxton is releasing her own Christmas album this year. Sad thing is I don't know the release date but when I find out I'll let you all know.

Sevyn takes viewers behind the scenes as she films the video to her new single It Won't Stop featuring Chris Brown. The song will appear on her EP Call Me Crazy, But... due November 5.

Janelle Monae teases us with a clip of her new video with Miguel, Primetime . Check it out!

I keep coming across these interviews Brandy did while she was in the UK last month and I wanted to share of course being that Brandy is one of my favs. Here, the singer talks about her favorite songwriter, Kanye West, and the dark side of the industry! Check it out! Brandy is reportedly in the studio working on new music but I'm sure it will be awhile before we hear anything as far as a new album. She is featured on a song with Robert Glasper titled What Are We Doing? which you should all check out!

I was just thinking about Fantasia and whether or not she'd get a third single. Well wait no more as its been unveiled that her single is the title track of her album released this past April. As much as I like Fantasia I just couldn't get into her newest album despite the online praise its received.

Chris Brown is in the news again, as if that's an actual surprise. The singer was heavily scrutinized by Wendy Williams and Perez Hilton(on the Wendy show today) I presume. Anyway the singer took to his Twitter and aired out both TV personalities, calling Wendy a "wicked witch" and Perez "Princess". Ouch! Poor Chris he can never catch a break. His new album X has been pushed back to December 3. What's with all the pushbacks? I don't understand because all the songs he's released thus far with the exception of the Aaliyah collab were hits.

Meant To Be is the lead single for the new TLC greatest hits album 20 which will be released on October 15. The TLC biopic CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story will air on VH1 on October 21.

I think I've said this before, once you've done a blog as long as I have, you think you've run out of things to talk about. I think I may of rehashed some topics on here over the years but there's nothing like a fresh update. Over the last few years we have seen several of our Black R&B artists shift from major record labels to indie record labels. Some of the moves have been shocking at best. Some artists have greatly been impacted by moving to an indie label while other artists have suffered and struggle to keep their careers afloat. I have compiled a list of R&B artists who have famously left(or been dropped) from their major labels and now are indie artists. Check it out! Faith Evans Faith's first five albums were released through such record labels as Bad Boy, Arista, and Capitol Records. It was after her brief stint with L.A. based Capitol Records that Faith Evans chose to release her next recording, Something About Faith on eOne Records. The album was...

Sevyn Streeter will release her EP Call Me Crazy, But..on November 5. The EP will feature the hit singles It Won't Stop and I Like That . A video for It Won't Stop will premiere on October 10 on BET's 106 & Park . You can catch Sevyn on tour with K. Michelle for the Rebellious Soul tour which will last for a month. As announced earlier Mariah Carey is now being managed by Jermaine Dupri in what the duo describe as a "merger". The singer is hard at work on a new album which is set to be released in the near future. So what do you think about Mariah being managed by J.D.? I don't know J.D. to have any managerial experience but he does have years and years of music knowledge experience so hey you never know, could work. Beyonce' will release a new calendar for the month of 2014. It will feature the blond beauty in 12 different photos for each month. The calendar will go on sale on October 15 via Beyonce's offical website. Check that out! As most peo...

VH1 has unveiled an exclusive preview to the new season of Love & Hip Hop New York . The new season features K. Michelle, Joe Budden, and a host of new faces which will be revealed soon. Based on the preview this looks to be an interesting season. Last season I did not watch LHHNY but I will definitely be watching this season.

The American Music Award nominations will be announced on October 10. The telecast will air on ABC on November 24. Who do you think will be nominated this year? I typically watch most music award shows and AMAs is one that I typically enjoy unlike the Grammys. No shade just the truth! Remember Shanice? She is responsible for the hit single I Love Your Smile and Saving Forever For You . Now the singer is speaking candidly about how she was originally asked to star in TV One's R&B Divas . Though we did not see her on this season, the singer insists she has other projects in the works including her own reality show with her husband actor Flex Anderson( One On One ).

K. Michelle and Sevyn Streeter( I Like It ) are going on tour together. Sadly I don't have any info on their tour but I'm sure you can find it on here if you look it up. I guess I'm simply being lazy. In the meantime Sevyn will release an upcoming EP that features Chris Brown. If your unfamiliar with Sevyn Streeter, she's put the pen to many hit songs that you hear on the radio. She's working with artists such as Fantasia, Brandy, and Chris Brown. K. Michelle, as we know will star in a new season of Love & Hip Hop New York (home to her Atlantic Records label) and recently broke up with her boyfriend who impregnated her ex-girlfriend. Ouch! I'm sure we'll be hearing about this betrayal in future K. Michelle recordings. On a lighter note, Lauryn Hill is out of prison. The singer/rapper recently released a new song Consumerism . I'm not sure if the song sounds like anything or was it just released to fill a contract with Sony Records. Who knows? Your gu...

Rihanna does more than "Pour It Up" as her the title of her song states, she rolls, twerks, frolics and everything in between. Check out the steamy clip!

Mariah Carey is reportedly now being managed by Jermaine Dupri. Jermaine Dupri is the man behind some of Mariah's biggest hits including Always Be My Baby and We Belong Together . The two are currently working on Mariah's new album which currently has no release date. The album will feature the Miguel-assisted hit #Beautiful which peaked at #15 on The Billboard Hot 100. Speaking of management...Keyshia Cole has reportedly gotten back together with her former manager Manny Hailey. I'm thinking this may actually be old news now that I think of it. Manny currently manages Nicki Minaj. Keyshia just released the video for her new single I Choose You .

All Of Me is the latest single and video from John Legend's recently released album Love In The Future .

I Choose You is the new single and video from Keyshia Cole. The song appears on Keyshia's album Woman To Woman which was released last November. Check it out!