the chal banz blog

MUSIC BITS: Ciara has come out of nowhere and debuted a new song titled I Bet which is said to be a shot at her ex Future. It is the first single from her upcoming album Jackie. Ciara has been in the studio with Polow Da Don, Dr. Luke(worked with Britney Spears), and Diane Warren. So for those of you who have heard the new Ciara song what do you think of it? I heard the first few seconds and I quickly lost interest. Maybe I'll give it another playback at a later time. More importantly what's with the title of the new album, Jackie? In other news, Usher has gotten engaged to his manager Grace Miguel. Usher who is currently on tour has been dating his manager for quite awhile now. We all know Usher has a thing for older women. So it really comes as no surprise. Beyonce and The Weeknd are just two of the artists who will appear on the soundtrack to the new movie 50 Shades Of Grey which will be available this February just in time for the movie's debut. Beyonce and The Weeknd ...

Ciara has been out and about showing off her new body post baby. But she is also in the studio with Polow Da Don who is responsible for her hit single Promise . There is also talk about Ciara collaborating with Sam Smith(song: Stay With Me ). Now that would be interesting if it does happen. They aren't two artists I would picture on a song together. 

I'm not sure how many people actually remember this song. I mean it does have a video but I'm not sure if it made much of an impact on the charts. Rich Boy is perhaps best known for his hit single; "Throw Some D's" but I can't even remember how I stumbled upon this song but its always been a favorite of mine. The song was produced by Polow Da Don and features Polow's frequent collaborator; Keri Hilson. Last I read Keri Hilson was working on new music and I'm not sure exactly what Polow is doing. ---------------- Now playing: Rich Boy - Good Things ft. Polow Da Don, Keri Hilson - YouTube via FoxyTunes

Polow Da Don got his start by his affiliation with the group Jim Crow. After the group disbanded, Polow Da Don started making beats back in 2001. Eventually his beats would catch the attention of Interscope head; Jimmy Iovine. Those very beats would serve as a catalyst to a string of some of the world's biggest hits! You can find just a fraction of those hits below! Already Taken, Trey Songz Good Things, Rich Boy feat. Keri Hilson & Polow Da Don Here I Am, Monica Runaway Love, Ludacris feat. Mary J. Blige Buttons, Pussycat Dolls Promise, Ciara Blindfold Me, Kelis feat. Nas London Bridge, Fergie DJ Play A Love Song, Jamie Foxx Like This, Kelly Rowland Cryin' Out For Me, Mario Love In This Club, Usher feat. Young Jeezy Forever, Chris Brown Hero, Nas feat. Keri Hilson Baby By Me, 50 Cent feat. Ne-Yo Drop It Low, Ester Dean feat. Chris Brown Sex Therapy, Robin Thicke ---------------- Now playing: Trey Songz - Successful Ft. Drake via FoxyTunes

In celebration of her new hit reality TV show, "Still Standing" Monica celebrates her return to the music scene as well as the TV screen. A few stars pop up for the festivities too. Check it out! I liked Monica's show(well the first episode)and I do plan to watch regularly. Monica's album is no longer coming out in December but January 2010 instead. Monica will release two singles; one a ballad written by Ester Dean of "Drop It Low" fame called "Here I Am" and the other single "Nothing Like" featuring T-Pain. Both songs are produced by Polow Da Don. ---------------- Now playing: Mario - 08. Ooh Baby via FoxyTunes

After the steamy video clip of Day 26's, "So Good", I came up with the idea of listing a few well-known and not so well-known songs that features the title 'good' in it. Of course they are tons and tons of songs but these are some of the first few songs that popped up in my head. Ashanti - Good Good Ashanti went to #30 R&B with this hit song about having what it takes to keep a man locked down and coming back for more. The song's video featured Ashanti as a 1950's housewife cooking, cleaning, and kissing on hubby Nelly! Whitney Houston - You Give Good Love This song is one of Whitney Houston's many signature ballad in a list long of ballads that go back over 20 years. Anita Baker - Good Love You can hear this song on any urban adult contemporary station today. A very nice cut from Ms. Baker. Rich Boy featuring Keri Hilson & Polow Da Don - Good Things Perhaps this is one of Polow Da Don's most underrated productions but here the producer get...

"Number One", the debut single/video from R. Kelly's upcoming, "Untitled" album is one of my favorite songs out right now and you can get an exclusive behind the scenes look at the upcoming video here. Check it out! Music Biz: Lil' Kim Preps New Album! Femcee Lil' Kim was snapped in France over the weekend where she performed a show at club Palais. The rapper is currently on a mini international tour, and whilst in Romania last week she revealed that she's enlisted some big name producers to work on her upcoming fifth studio album. "I'm working with numerous producers such as Timbaland and maybe Polow Da Don, he's a friend of mine" she revealed. "Also Detail, he's a Konvict music producer. Also Akon and Wyclef, so my album will be very interesting and fun. Something special". Kim's last single with Timbaland "The Jump Off", topped the rap charts, whilst reaching #2 on the R&B charts and #16 on the Hot...

Those who were expecting a new Christina Aguilera album this Fall is in for a disappointment. You will see the album is not being released in 2010. Kanye West speaks out on his outrageous statements concerning the "king of pop" and Mario has a change of plans! Read about all these stories and more below! Christina Aguilera Pushes Album Back! Despite rumours that Christina Aguilera's fourth studio album, tentatively titled "Light & Darkness, would be released around September/October, it's now been confirmed that the album isn't due until sometime in 2010. Aggie has also spoken out some more about the albums "futuristic sound", which is a huge departure from the jazz heavy "Back 2 Basics". "I kind of had an idea for a futuristic feel for many years now, but I also had that idea that I wanted to do a soul, blues and jazz record also." she says "But I knew I had to do that one first ... It's always been in the back of m...

Teairra Mari is ready to unleash her new video for "Cause A Scene" featuring Flo Rida but before she does she teases fans, viewers, and more with this teaser! Check it out! I've said it once and I will say it again. I like how Teairra and her camp are slowly working to get her name back out there. Teairra had a huge buzz when she was with Def Jam but I think people got turned off at how fast she was for her age at the time(17?). Music Biz: Fabolous Talks Jay-Z Collabo! “Actually, a version leaked and it was with Jay-Z only rapping on it and it’s called, ‘When The Money Goes,’ Fabolous said. “Jay-Z had recorded something to it, I guess what you hear on the leak, for American Gangster and I don’t think it made the final cut so he had reached out to me, knowing that I was working on this project and knowing the theme of what I was trying to put together and said, ‘Yo, I got a record that might fit in to play.’ So, when he brought the record to the table it did. I re-vocale...

Check out Rihanna as she graces the newest issue of Vibe magazine. The picture is said to be taken the night of Rihanna's incident with Chris Brown. In the article, the magazine talks about Rihanna's incident and her rocky relationship with Chris Brown. I like the picture of Rihanna and I like the blue background. Keyshia Cole graces the latest and last issue of King magazine. For some reason I knew King magazine was going to be ending publication. I guess when I learned Blender was I knew King was. Maybe its my psychic intuition kicking in(whatever that means). Over the years King has featured many women of all areas of entertainment on their cover. Music Biz: Someone in Chris Brown's camp, some angry associate, or Chris Brown himself is leaking music and the latest song, "Nothing" produced by The Underdogs is no exception. Click here to hear the audio! You remember their show on BET, now Brutha has leaked a new song, "She's A Keeper". Click here ...

LeToya Luckett has a new album, "Lady Love" set to be in stores on June 16. The former Destiny's Child singer talks exclusively to blogger B. Scott in this interesting interview. You can check it out below! Video: LeToya Talks To B. Scott It is possible that Ne-Yo just might release a new album later this year or next. The singer/songwriter usually wastes no time releasing new material. Below you can check out his latest leaked song. Audio: Ne-Yo - To Be Continued As you have may of saw me say before Ne-Yo has so many leaked songs out. Some of them may appear on an upcoming album or may be demos for other artists. Perhaps Polow Da Don's cocky nature has rubbed off on Keri Hilson. The singer/songwriter had to do some damage control once her remix of "Turnin Me On" came out. People made such a big deal about it. Video: Keri Hilson Addresses The Haters Whatever buzz Keri was trying to get she somewhat shot herself in the foot. It was a publicity stunt that actu...

Producer Polow Da Don is perhaps one of the most controversial producers we have met in recent years. He is type to sometimes(or always)speak out of turn and later has to do some damage control. Check out this video to hear his latest shocking statement(if you want to consider it that). Video: Polow Da Don, Keri Hilson Talk New Album I like Polow Da Don but he can be way too cocky. A lot of his songs in recent years have all sounded the same. I remember at first Polow had such a universal sound that one minute he could produce for Fergie and the next Ciara and we couldn't tell the difference. Now we can!

I was starting to think we'd never see this day. What day? The day that Ciara's album cover for "Fantasy Ride" would be released. The oft-delayed album has suffered more pushbacks and false starts than Ashanti's "The Declaration". Now with new single, "Love Sex Magic" featuring Justin Timberlake impacting this song is just the hit Ciara needs to get this album off the ground. I am looking forward to hearing this album especially after all the delays. I hope it is good. I'm not too hot about the album cover. I think I was expecting something a little more like everyone else but that's fine. "Fantasy Ride" features collaborations from Young Jeezy, T-Pain, Polow Da Don, The-Dream, and more. The album will now be in stores on May 5. Fresh from his beef with 50 Cent, Rick Ross leaks out another track this time with assistant from labelmate The-Dream. Check it out below! Audio: Rick Ross feat The-Dream - I Really Want That Dream sou...

With his new album, "Love vs Money" in stores now Dream is virtually all over the place. Below you can check out Dream as he talks about music, his new album, and much more. Check it out! Video: The-Dream Interview Music Biz: Chris Brown and Rihanna are not only back together, but they’ve reportedly already hit the studio and recorded a duet. According to TMZ, the hip-pop couple snuck in some “late night” sessions with Polow Da Don, who produced their previous collaboration “Bad Girl.” An insider says the sessions were “very, very emotional…the feeling in the room was pure love.” They were “playfully touching each other.”The song was originally written for Rihanna before the fight, but Polow believed the track, which supposedly deals with overcoming the hardships of a relationship, would be the perfect duet. Keri Hilson has chosen "Knock You Down" featuring Kanye West & Ne-Yo as her album's 3rd single. Meanwhile Beyonce has chosen, "Ego" and "...

If you haven't heard already Mary J. Blige is in the studio working on a new album. The details on the new album are pretty sketchy at this point but she is working with Ryan Leslie. In the meantime Mary can be heard on upcoming albums from Rick Ross("Deeper Than Rap") and Jadakiss("The Last Kiss"). I'm actually looking forward to a new Mary J. Blige album. I also like have realized how with each album Mary is always working with the newest and hottest producers around. This is something that helps keep Blige relevant and ahead of the pack of R&B singers. Keri Hilson may have a solo album, "In A Perfect World" in stores in a few weeks but that has not slowed her down as a songwriter to others. The singer/songwriter is in the studio with Usher working on his new album. It was reported awhile back that Usher is working with Pharrell and Adam Levine of Maroon 5. Keyshia Cole is riding high with new cd, "A Different Me" and her latest sin...

Not long ago I posted a poll asking 'what new album were you looking forward to' and now I have a release schedule of some upcoming albums. Remember release dates are subject to (always) change. March 3 - The-Dream "Love vs. Money" (Def Jam) March 10 - J. Holiday "Round 2" (Capitol) April 7 - Ciara "Fantasy Ride" (LaFace/Zomba) April 7 - LeToya "Lady Love" (Capitol) April 14 - Janelle Monae TBA (Bad Boy) May 5 - Cassie TBA (Bad Boy/Atlantic) May 5 - Pleasure P TBA (Atlantic) May 19 - Ginuwine "A Man's Thoughts" (Kedar) May 2009 - Melanie Fiona TBA (SRC) June 2 - Chico Debarge "Addiction" (Kedar) June 30 - Joe "Signature" (Kedar) September 2009 - Sade TBA (Epic) Fall 2009 - D'Angelo "James River" (J) TBA - Michael Baisden "B-Sides Compilation" (Kedar) TBA - Prince "MPLSOUND"/"Lotus Flower" (TBA) TBA - R. Kelly TBA (Jive) TBA - Robert Randolph TBA (Warner Bros.) T...

Video: 50 Cent - Pimpin Curly 50 Cent continues his Rick Ross and Foxy Brown rant with this hilarious video. Audio: Keri Hilson - Turn Up The Radio Newly leaked track! Produced by Polow Da Don! Someone said Polow should of gave this song to Ciara. I could hear Ciara over this song though.

After "Go Girl" failed to take radio by storm, Ciara is trying again with the "If You Don't Know My By Now" sampled, "Never Ever" featuring Young Jeezy. The song was produced by pal Polow Da Don. Polow recently went on record to describe his chemistry with Ciara to the working relationship of Aaliyah and Timbaland. Surprising right? Now I see why they keep him from doing interviews. He is always saying something crazy which makes him look stupid in the end. Ciara's oft-delayed, "Fantasy Ride" album is set for release this March. Apparently the singer did some major revamping to the album since half the album, if not all leaked late last year. I think next time though she should keep her agenda hidden so other artists won't go stealing her ideas. In My Own Words: Kanye West has responded to a lot of the insults made by rival 50 Cent over the past few months. West claims that a lot of the insults affect him personally. It is safe to ass...

Audio: Blu Cantrell - Boy Crazy Newly leaked track! From new upcoming album, "Blubonic". You don't know how excited I was to see and hear a new track from Bllu Cantrell. I absolutely love her. The song is not that bad. I kinda like it. Video: T.I.'s "Road To Redemption" Show Preview Premieres February 10 at 9pm ET/PT on MTV! Audio: Justin Timberlake - Bigger Than The World Newly leaked track! I have heard that JT is working on a new album but last I read the singer denied it. Who knows? Music Biz: Mario Lands Fashion Deal! Vocalist Mario will star in the European ad campaign for the spring and summer collections from fashion label Pelle Pelle. Meanwhile, Mario is also hard at work on the follow-up to his 2007 album, Go. Mario’s working with an all-star roster of songwriters and producers including Polow da Don, Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, Babyface, Stargate and Tricky Stewart & The-Dream. Kelis, Nas Expecting First Child! From "Milkshake" to ...

Audio: R. Kelly feat Plies - Playas In Da Club Newly leaked track! Late last year R. Kelly's "12 Play: 4th Quarter" leaked out months before its scheduled release date. With no release date set in stone, R. Kelly is more than likely modifying his upcoming album. A similiar thing happened a few years ago when an album titled, "Loveland" leaked out but was later reworked and changed to "Chocolate Factory". Music Biz: Timbaland Speaks On New Album! Despite rumored track-lists and song collaborations that have filled the internet, Timbaland says he only just started working on his new album "Shock Value 2." “Man, I’m so in demand that people are making up albums just to try and keep up with me,” Timbaland joked. “What people are reading out there is nonsense. I’m only just starting to think about Shock Value 2, just recording and putting some ideas together, so there are definitely no song titles, release date, or any other news related to the al...