the chal banz blog

Hey guys! Sorry for the lack of updates! I'm always keeping up with what's going on in popular culture but me coming here and discussing it(typing it) is a whole different story. I compiled the last week of news stories and speak briefly on some of those you have heard about and some you may of not heard about. So here goes... Remember the rumors going around suggesting that singer Brandy was pregnant with her rumored ex-boyfriend(who's alleged to be married) lovechild? Well her friend, actress; Jenifer Lewis(show: "black-ish") was asked during a red carpet event if Brandy was pregnant and she replied "No!". So there you have it! Brandy is not pregnant!  R&B group Xscape are heading out on tour this Fall with singer Monica and Tamar Braxton. The group also landed a reality show titled, "Still Kickin' It"(I believe) and it will air on the Bravo network directly after "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" starting on November 5....

Azealia Banks has announced that she won't release any new music until March 2016! Why? Because the current contract that she's locked in won't let her release music until her contract is fulfilled in February 2016. The outspoken rapper was planning to release a mixtape next month as well as an EP but it looks like we will have to wait for a few months. But I know it will be worth the wait. On another note I guess as artists they need to read the fine print in those contracts. Same thing happened to Lil' Kim many years ago. Not a single music note was heard from Lil' Kim for years because she couldn't release music because of a faulty contract. It looks "Empire" will have more guest stars than a little bit this season. Next up will be Pitbull. Also said to appear this season is Kelly Rowland, Alicia Keys, Ludacris, Chris Rock, and Ne-Yo. Which artist are you looking forward to seeing the most? Something else you might look forward to is the new singl...

Mariah Carey was rushed to the hospital while filming a video for the remix of #Beautiful . As if Mariah hasn't filmed enough videos and sang enough remixes for #Beautiful. Apparently the singer dislocated her shoulder while taking a nasty fall. The singer was rushed to the hospital where she had emergency surgery. She is now said to be in good spirits and will resume working. Mariah will release a new album later this year. SWV came back big two years ago and now the singers are back starring in their own WeTV series. The reality TV show will air soon. Be on the lookout for that! The singers made the announcement during the yearly Essence Music Festival held in New Orleans. In other news(in case you missed it)... 50 Cent charged with domestic violence after kicking his girlfriend and trashing her house. Ciara's new album Ciara will be in stores tomorrow! Lauryn Hill started her prison sentence after being found guilty of tax evasion. Mathew Knowles, Beyonce and Solange's ...

Hello all! Here is some music news for you all today... More and more singers are getting reality shows and rightfully so it helps in an industry that is driven by digital sales, Twitter, and Facebook. The latest singer to sign on the dotted line for a reality show is R&B group SWV. The group collectively came back together last year to release their album I Missed Us . The group will star in an untitled WEtv reality show which is set to air soon. The show will focus on the lives of all three women. It will also go into detail as to why the group broke up in the first place. Hey! I thought we knew why they broke up or knew bits and pieces. Well it will be interesting to see this show when it airs but I will have to reserve my watching of the show online. Currently the cable company that I subscribe to does not offer WEtv. Bummer!

With her role in Battleship behind her Rihanna is forging ahead with yet another movie this time a comedy titled End Of The World . The movie revolves around a group of friends who are preparing for the "end of the world". The movie stars Jonah Hill(The Sitter), Kevin Hart, and Micheal Cena among others. With her music career still red hot its only right that Rihanna indulges in a few movie roles. In other Rihanna news there have been a lot of rumors regarding Rihanna's sexual history with a bevy of celebrities including Chris Brown & Drake. Recently the singer/rappers have subliminally dissed Rihanna on songs and on Twitter. Personally if this is true and Rihanna is aware of it maybe she would fire back or think twice about the people she sleeps with. What happens in the dark always comes to light! SWV will release Love Unconditionally as the next single from their recently released album I Missed Us . The album which was released back in April received...

SWV will release; "All About You" as their newest single from her recently released album; "I Missed Us". The single was produced by Lamb(who has worked with Monica & Trina). Your memory serves you correctly if you can remember 16 years ago; SWV released a single called; "It's All About You" from their "New Beginning" album. Sure their two totally different songs musically but the only difference in the titles is the omission of "Its". Coincidence? I'm sure. Good news for Usher! He collects his 12th #1 hit on the R&B/Hip Hop Tracks song chart with "Climax". The single didn't take long to reach the summit. The song dethrones Beyonce's "Love On Top" which ruled for seven straight weeks. "Climax" is the first single from Usher's "Looking For Myself" album in stores and online June 12. It has recently been announced that "Let Me See" featuring Rick Ross will be ...

When he is not spitting on people; he is spitting in the booth. Game is hard at work on his fifth album aptly titled; "F.I.V.E.(Fear Is Victory's Evolution)". To tie fans over; Game will release a mixtape later this month. Game claims that after this album is released(which probably won't be for another year or so); this may be his last album. This was the same thing Game said shortly before his last album was released. Game has worked with many artists over the years and one of those artists is Ashanti who will release her new album; "Braveheart" on April 17. The album contains the new single; "The Woman You Love" featuring Busta Rhymes. The video for the single is said to drop any day now. There were rumors that Ashanti had signed a deal with Cash Money but nothing was every confirmed or denied. As far as guest artists and producers on Ashanti's new album; no news has been revealed yet. Ashanti is one of the newest signees to eOne Records as ...

It's been a long time coming but SWV is ready to roll out their new album in stores and online April 17. The album contains the single; "Co-Sign". A video for the single was recently released.

Sisters With Voices are back with the video to their first single which appears on their upcoming album; "I Missed Us" which will be in stores and online April 17. I'm not exactly sure what the title derives from as "us" may relate to the group missing each other as a group. ---------------- Now playing: SWV - Co-Sign (Official Music Video) - YouTube via FoxyTunes

SWV is back and grants us some behind the scenes footage as we shoot the video for the new single; "Co-Sign". Their new album; "I Missed Us" will be in stores and online April 10. It's really nice to see SWV back together.

It's been in the works for some years now but finally famed group SWV is set to return with a new album release this Spring. Read more below: SWV (Sisters With Voices), one of the most successful R&B groups of the ‘90s, announces the release of its new album, “I Missed Us,” on April 10, 2012 on eOne Music / Mass Appeal Entertainment. The breathtaking first single, “Co-Sign” produced by Lamb (Beyonce, Jasmin Sullivan, Missy Elliott, Monica, etc.), was #1 most added at Urban AC Radio last week and continues to grow. The ladies have also been working with super producers Bryan M. Cox and Jazze Pha on tracks for the album. SWV – Coko, Lelee and Taj – released its debut album “It’s About Time” in 1992. The album went multi-platinum and spawned a string of top ten R&B hits including “I’m So Into You, “Right Here,” “Downtown,” “Weak” and “You’re Always On My Mind.” The group’s sophomore effort, “New Beginning,” went double platinum, while the trio’s third album, “Relea...

A lot of artists are said to return to the music world in 2012. How many of them actually will and be successful at that is the question! Yes! We are excited to see some of our favorite and long forgotten stars to return to the limelight. Here is a list I compiled of some of the said artists said to be dropping sometime next year. As I think of more I may be compelled to do a follow up blog. Lil' Kim I will start with Lil' Kim since she is one of the first names that come to mind. Just a few days ago I seen a promo pic of her promoting her return in 2012. Her untitled album is said to be released sometime next year. An EP is also in the works and is said to drop anyday now. Kim has been pretty mum on her record label situation but it had been revealed that the rapper is now signed to Universal Republic Records; recording home to her rival Nicki Minaj. Interesting if this is indeed true. Lil' Kim has either reportedly confirmed these said collaborations or reports have repo...

Gone are the days where R&B female girl groups ruled. SWV. Xscape. En Vogue. TLC. Recently some of these famed girl groups have reassembled and decided to pick up where they left off. SWV When SWV(Sisters With Voices) disbanded many years ago; lead singer; Coko embarked on a solo career which included a secular R&B album before dodging into full fledged gospel offerings. After a few years of soul searching on Coko's part; she along with Taj and LeLee have teamed back up to record a new album. While not much news is present; expect the group to make their coveted return in 2012(hopefully)! TLC With key member Left Eye having passed years ago; the group TLC which includes T-Boz and Chili is still going strong and then some. VH1 recently announced plans to do a biopic on the famed group. Chili and T-Boz have both done successful reality TV shows together and separately. T-Boz; unfortunately recently filed for bankruptcy for the second time. XScape No we won't see a full fl...

SWV also known as Sisters With Voices are returning to the music scene with a new single titled; "Cosign". No word on who produced the single and when we can expect the new album. It's been no secret that the trio has been in the studio for quite some time working on new material. The trio joins other famed groups such as En Vogue who recently put out a new single with an album to follow. T.I. just recently leaked out a new single; "Pyro" from his forthcoming album; "Trouble Man". No word on when to expect the new album. Expect the new album to coincide with the release of T.I.'s new VH1 show set to air on December 5. I never really been a big fan of T.I. Nothing personal. Just never really cared for him but I will likely watch his VH1 show since I'm a self-proclaimed reality TV junkie. Oops sorry! T.I. doesn't want his show categorized as a "reality show". Go figure!

It's been in the works for awhile and its certainly no secret that famed R&B group; SWV were reuniting. Now the self proclaimed Sisters With Voices speak on their upcoming venture and what look forward to. Read more below: "The lord told us. It’s not the timing is right or anything. It was just meant to be," group member Taj told YKIGS about their return. Lelee added, "The industry is so damn dry right now. It’s like a drought. It’s horrible. They need us." SWV reunited in 2005 and signed a record deal earlier this year with Mass Appeal Entertainment and eOne Entertainment. Currently in the process of creating the new album, the trio does not feel pressure to change their style. "We’re going to do the classic. We won’t deviate from the original sound," the group added. The self-sufficient group is able to maintain their edge because "we never take other artists to studio with us when we’re recording, so it’s all SWV!" The group i...

The video to Kelly Rowland's newest single; "Lay It On Me" featuring Big Sean will finally premiere on Wednesday; October 12. I'm not sure if that's on VEVO or on "106 & Park". Either way the video for the song is long overdue. There has been more than enough behind the scenes footage. I'm ready for the video! En Vogue are back with a new single; "I'll Cry Later". The song is slowly gaining adds on radio so be sure to listen out to that. The group is signed to Rufftown Records. An upcoming album is on the horizon I take it. I'm not sure of an exact release date right now or a title or any other information. Speaking of girl groups; SWV will be collaborating again for a new album to be released sometime next year; I believe. The group recently reunited on a remix to Chris Brown's "She Ain't You". It's nice to see some of the old girl groups come back together and rerecord. Also to relive the magic they all c...

You're The One Whatcha Need Use Your Heart Fine Time Where Is The Love(Interlude) That's What I'm Here For Don't Waste Your Time Use Your Heart(Interlude) I'm So In Love "New Beginning" was the second album from SWV and it came four years after their 1992 debut; "Its About Time". The album contained the hit singles; "Use Your Heart" and "You're The One".

On "Release Some Tension" SWV's vocals that made them so popular were still intact. If there were any indications of any problems between the group; you wouldn't hear it here. This would be the last album from SWV sans their "The Best Of" album. The album features quite an impressive list of rappers who were pretty popular at the time of this release. The rappers include Redman("Lose My Cool"), Foxy Brown("Release Some Tension"), Missy Elliott("Can We"), and Diddy("Someone"). The list goes on and on. There are a few notable solo cuts without the rappers including "When U Cry" which is a favorite of mine. I wouldn't say the rappers distract the album at all. It is obvious SWV are still the stars here. The album is quite enjoyable in my opinion. Being that I haven't heard it in awhile; I might dust it off and play it myself. ---------------- Now playing: 112 - Pleasure and Pain - What If via FoxyTunes

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 ...