the chal banz blog

While the news has been brewing for a minute regarding Brandy's label situation; the star finally confirmed the rumors via twitter. In addition to her J Records signing; Brandy signed a deal with Chameleon Entertainment which is owned by Sony/BMG Records. Last week I posted the preview for Brandy's new docu series; "On My Own". The series documents Brandy as she balances motherhood and working on her new album. What network will the show air on? It's anyone's guess but I think VH1. Ja Rule will release his new album; "Pain Is Love 2" on October 11. I have no idea what the first single is but the rapper is currently or about to serve a prison sentence. The-Dream will release a free album on August 31 titled; "1977". The album serves as a precursor to his upcoming album; "Diary Of A Madman". That album is said to be released this Winter. Going back to the free album; "1977" the album will be released under The-Dream's ...

These artists below have said they are "retiring" from the music industry. Some have and some have not. Check out the artists below: Toni Braxton Toni Braxton recently appeared on the "Lopez Tonight" show to promote her reality TV show; "Braxton Family Values" which was a big hit on the WE network. She also revealed that she had plans to retire from music. Pebbles After her legal squabble with TLC(who she once managed) and her deteriorating marriage to L.A. Reid; Peri "Pebbles" Reid retired from the music industry for good. She did speak candidly about it briefly on TLC's "Behind The Music" special on VH1 some years back. Vanity Part of the group Vanity 6 and one of Prince's many disciples; Vanity finally did away with the nasty songs and turned into an ordain minister. Waka Flocka Flame Waka inspired this post tonight. He wants to retire from RAP due to some not so subtle hints at some controversy in his career. While he didn...

So much for The-Dream retiring. I knew he wouldn't. Anyway The-Dream will release his new album; "The Love IV(Diary Of A Mad Man) to be released in stores and online September 20. The album features the rumored first single; "T.T.S". featuring R. Kelly. Other appearances include Mary J. Blige, Jay-Z, Drake, Lil' Wayne, and Kanye West. Meanwhile The-Dream plans to release the buzz single; "Zenith" which is said to be nine minutes long. Lil' Wayne is being sued by writer David Kirkwood who wrote; "Love Me Or Hate Me" for Wayne from his "The Carter III" album". The sum is 1.5 million dollars in unpaid royalties for his work. What's even more surprising is that this is not the first lawsuit Wayne has suffered from his "The Carter III" album as producer Bangladesh sued him for his work on "Lollipop". I think Wayne and his crew better make sure everything is cleared once "The Carter IV" is release...

There are pictures and reports that suggest that the couple who were once married are back together. So I wonder does this mean The-Dream will produce and record some more songs for Christina Milian's upcoming album; "Elope". One can only wonder. Gucci Mane has been arrested yet again. I don't think this man can catch a break. The rapper who is currently on probation was charged for allegedly pushing a woman out of a moving vehicle. Maybe it was some groupie who was yapping her gums too much. Ya never know! I know my nephew who is 18 is a fan of Gucci Mane and he used to drive my sister wild playing his music in the house. It just pains me when people such as my nephew who is 18 look up to these rappers who are always getting arrested especially for dumb stuff. I guess its another case of life imitating art. The tracklisting for Jennifer Lopez's new album; "LOVE?" has just been released; then again it may of been out for awhile. I know a version of the a...

Kerry Washington and Janelle Monae co-star in the video. Music Biz: The-Dream To Release New Album The-Dream is pulling out all the stops. The singer-songwriter, who has worked with everyone from Mariah Carey to Kim Kardashian, is reaching out to an all-star roster for his next album, which he plans to pack with more guest stars than ever before. Previously called Love Affair, the fourth installemt in his Love series will now be titled The Love, IV, he tells MTV News. “This album is gonna have more features, which is unique for me, ’cause I usually don’t carry a lot of features,” he says of the follow-up to last year’s Love King. “I’m calling it out now. I’m cashing in my chips. I’m gonna try to get everybody, Wayne, [Kanye], Jay, Drake, Mary, anybody that I’ve worked with or [loaned] a hand to, I’m trying to get on my album.” Though The-Dream previously announced that he wanted the album out by August, he has set a tentative June 7 date. In addition to working with his part...

Keri Hilson is wasting no time getting to work on her third album. You can read more about that below as well as stories on The-Dream's new album and Fantasia's latest movie role! Keri Hilson released her sophomore album No Boys Allowed only a few short months ago, but the wheels are already turning for a follow-up. The sexy singer revealed that she’s about to commence work on her as-yet-untitled third LP, with plans to hit the studio with producer Polow Da Don next month. “I’m actually recording, going back into the studio in March just to see what happens with Polow Da Don,” Miss Keri exclusively told Rap-Up.com. “I’ve given it some thought, but I’m definitely not going to rush it. I never want to be in that position, so there’s no date or anything. I’m going pretty deep on the second album, anyway.” The songstress plans to see No Boys Allowed through until the end, with a tour slated for April and hopes of taking Jessie J and Miguel on the road. But with features o...

"Castle Walls" is the new single from T.I.'s most recent album, which I can't remember the name of right now. I take it a video for this song was shot since I read that T.I. shot a number of videos prior to going back to jail. Music Biz: Jim Jones To Release New Album Jim Jones may be focusing on Dipset’s comeback album, but he isn’t turning his back on his solo career. The Harlemite is prepping the release of his fifth album Capo, set for release on April 5. The LP features guest appearances from Raekwon, Snoop Dogg, Roscoe Dash, Cam’ron, Juelz Santana, Vado, and Rell. The gruff MC is currently picking from 60 tracks recorded over the past few months, with the singles “Perfect Day” and “Blow Your Smoke” already making rounds on terrestrial radio. Additionally, the “We Fly High” rapper is set to appear in the eight-part docu-soap series “Love & Hip Hop,” premiering March 14 on VH1. The show follows his longtime girlfriend Chrissy Lampkin as well as four other wome...

On the heels of her upcoming debut release, "Pink Friday" in stores and online November 22, you can imagine that the buzz for Nicki Minaj has reached a fever pitch and for sure it has. The rapper talks about her collaborations with Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Eminem in addition to her not wanting to release an album this year. Also below read stories on The-Dream's latest production and Gucci Mane's latest arrest. By her own accounts, Nicki Minaj didn’t want to drop her debut album this year. Despite setting a Billboard record by becoming the first female rapper to be featured on seven of Nielsen Soundscan’s 200 best-selling song’s this year, Nicki Minaj repeated her earlier statements to Honey magazine that she never intended to release an album this year. “I wanted to release my album next year,” she told Toi Troutman of Honey, during a previous interview. “I don’t think I have a big enough fan base.” The Soundscan numbers disproved her fears, and she has since fo...

Bobby V. formerly Bobby Valentino recently released his first single; "Phone #" featuring Plies. The song is the first single from his upcoming album; "Fly On A Wall". The upcoming album features appearances by Jazze Pha; who produced the first single. Bobby V. is hoping to have guests Lil' Wayne, Rick Ross, Gucci Mane, and Monica fill out the album due in stores October 12. I liked Bobby's last album; "The Rebirth" and with me liking "Phone #" I'm definitely looking forward to this one. All the rumors about The-Dream messing around on Christina Milian have been confirmed! The two have officially split up! Apparently the two called it quits in late 2009; just months after their wedding. The two decided to keep the news a secret but it wasn't long before the claims started. Recently pictures of The-Dream and his publicist at the beach leaked out and added to the speculation. The-Dream's most recent album; "Love King" ...

Chances are you have sung your heart out, bopped your head, and danced 'til you sweat listening to one of The-Dream's many productions over the last few years. Being one of the biggest producers in R&B has its perks! Your producing for some of the biggest artists in the world. A lot of those artists are artists you've personally looked up to and only dreamed of working with. I'm here to tell you dreams do come true and The-Dream is an aptly titled stage name for Terius Nash. R&B music is so trendy. There is always a search for the next big producer. Once a big producer becomes in demand; he is in demand. He is producing for some of the biggest stars and they all have one thing in common; they want a hit! Aside from his hit-making sensibilities; The-Dream would become famous for the "eh eh eh" chant. We all heard it in such songs as J. Holiday's "Bed" and most importanly; Rihanna's "Umbrella". On the heels of the release of h...

The-Dream releases the video for his second single; "Make Up Bag" featuring T.I. and its certainly no different from what we've come to expect from Dream. Dream's new album; "Love King" will be in stores June 22.

And I'm sure it is one that will make the ladies go crazy. The new single is titled; "Change Positions" and it will be released June 22. Of course you can YouTube the song and hear it now; so ladies what are you waiting for? You know you want to hear it! Kanye Wests' newest single; "Power" recently hit the net and has caused quite the stir. In the song he disses "Saturday Night Live" for mocking him. We all know why right? The MTV VMAS! Kanye's upcoming album; "Good Ass Job" was widely reported to be released this month. That seemed a bit far fetched. Now I have read that the actual release date for the album will be in September. Make sure you all look out for that. Should be interesting! The-Dream is releasing his new album; "Love King" on June 29. The album features the title track as well as "Make Up Bag" featuring T.I. The tracklisting to the album has just been released and you will see T.I. makes quite a few...

Janet Jackson recently visited south London to promote; "Why Did I Get Married Too?" in theaters now. Janet talks about her upcoming film roles; chopping off her hair; and what to expect from her musically. Check it out! Music Biz: Amerie Readies New Album! Amerie is back on her A-game. The singer, who recently got engaged to her longtime manager, drops The Inkredibles-produced single “Who’s Gonna Love You,” boasting her distinctive funk-pop sound and brash energy. The bride-to-be exclusively revealed to Rap-Up.com that the follow-up to last year’s In Love & War will be titled Cymatica Vol. 1. Cymatics, derived from the Greek word wave, means the study of visible sound and vibration. No release date has been set, but A did previously tell us that she wants to incorporate her newly-acquired guitar skills on the project. The-Dream, Mariah Carey Sued Over My Love Track! R&B producer The-Dream, label mate Mariah Carey and Def Jam Records are facing a lawsuit over a duet p...

Yes; you read it right! Faith Evans is returning to the music this June with her new single; "I Got Faith In You, You Got Faith In Me". I actually like the song title and is eager to hear it. This will be Faith's first album in five years. Make sure you be on the look out for that as well as an upcoming mixtape. Queen Latifah not only is starring in the new movie; "Just Wright" in theaters now but she will also host this year's BET Awards telecast which will air Sunday, June 27, 2010. Make sure you all check out her new movie and the award show. The-Dream has a new album coming out soon and I have read that he has covered Aaliyah's "One In A Million" song and I'm not sure what the reaction has been so far. If you are wondering what the Aaliyah fans think about it; you can expect the absolute worst!

The-Dream is back with his new album; "Love King" which will be in stores June 22. The album is led by the title track single. Also on June 22; Diddy will release his long awaited album; "Last Train To Paris" which features his group Dirty Money. There have been multiple singles that have come from this album but none have yet to take off. Usher will release "Guilty" featuring T.I. as the next and last single from his album; "Raymond v. Raymond" and its funny because the album was just released last month. Usher has been dominating radio with so many singles; I guess there aren't many single options left. Pretty sad if you ask me. The album is somewhat under performing too so that might be a reason why the label may decide to stop promotion. There could also be a change of heart very soon so let's hope for the best. I really like the "Raymond v Raymond" album. Some singles you should look out for in the coming weeks is Omarion...

Ciara will be releasing a new album sometime this year and The-Dream is producing her first single; "Ride(It)" featuring Ludacris. Here, The-Dream speaks about working with Ciara. While Dream's DNA can be traced on plenty of R&B singles, he plans on teaming up with fellow ATLien Ciara on her next project. “She’s from Atlanta so I know what Ciara sounded like years ago,” Dream remembered. “I’ve known Ciara since she was 15 before I was cutting records with her, before she had a deal. We were at my apartment probably when she got her first truck eating KFC or something. I’ve known her so there’s a certain amount of pride also that went into trying to get her back where I believe she never left. It's just sometimes when you're trying to grow, you have to make sure you pick the right roads to grow on and she's back on main street now, so we're working it." Alicia Keys Plans Album Re Release! After closing out the North American leg of her “...

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...

Hello everyone! Have you all heard Rihanna's 'Rated R' album? I can't say I have. I really didn't have an interest in it though I did kinda like 'Russian Roulette'. After that I was turned off by her Gothic style but I can understand the direction she was going in. Anyway like Rihanna's last release, 'Good Girl Gone Bad'; her current album 'Rated R' will be re released in the near future and it will feature production from The-Dream. The-Dream was said to have mentioned this on Hot97 radio station out of New York. Will you be buying? Foxy Brown has just completed a song with Ron Browz of 'Jumping Out The Window' fame. Pictures of the duo surfaced on twitter and the song was played on a New York radio station by Mr. Cee . The song will hopefully leak out soon and I'm not sure who's album its supposed to be on or what will happen with it. So with that said are you looking forward to new music from Foxy? Or do you feel l...

I think Dream is going to keep on until he gets some Grammy's for Best R&B album or something. I remember the upset about him not getting any Grammy's for his last album. So 'Love King' is the name of the new Dream album and I think the first single as well. So how do you like the album cover? It makes me think of Kanye West's '808s & Heartbreak' a little just because of the heart. I'm not sure when the album is being released but the first single just leaked out. I haven't heard it though.

Nivea has been pretty quiet on the music scene and as she states in the video she has been busy being a mother. Nivea has made some pretty good songs over the years and for a minute I didn't think she would return to the music scene. Her return to music though has yet to be seen but here's to hoping she may actually return! ---------------- Now playing: Bobby Valentino ft. Timbaland - Anonymous via FoxyTunes