Ms. Kelly is Back!!

Upcoming Album Release!!

Although she has taken a hiatus overseas, Ms. Kelly is set to debut her THIRD album in March 09'. Look out for the album, ladies!!

Click! Click! Click! Flash

Ciara is taking it all off and getting down and dirty in this month's issue of Vibe Magazine. The sexy stallion is dishing about her 'Fantasy Ride' album, hush-hush celeb relationships, and stripping off the fitted and baggy jeans. With such a seductive photo shoot, one would assume the album is reaching a more mature, sexy, 'good girl gone bad' type of direction, but Ciara makes it clear that she's simply trying something new. Still maintaining her sweet and sleek persona, it is clear to see it takes more than a charming smile to woo this songstress and more than one interview to get her to dish about who she really is.

And, just a major bite. . .

I Love,Love,Love her record 'Click Flash'. Check it out ladies! Definitely a song to strike a pose to with the girls!!

Video Fab: 'Miss Independent'

My excitement, sitting on the edge of my seat, anticipating Neyo's 'Year of The Gentleman', was heightened even more after getting word on his upcoming video for 'Miss Independent'. Don't you just feel like that song is speaking directly to you? Well if the lyrics and suave vocals aren't enough to woo you, wait til' you see the official video that's set to premiere. Gabrielle Union, Keri Hilson, Lauren London and the eye candy that is Trey Songz are all set to make cameos in the video. Talk about an array of fabulosity at it's best. Try taking that all in in one breath. Well, I don't know about you, but I can't wait to see the vid. It's bound to make the countdown and I'll be sure to cast my vote for it. Until it premieres here's some video fab pics.

Music Madness

With Fall semester rolling around, music is what truly gets me through my classes and papers. Unfortunately my Ipod was stolen and I have yet to buy a new one. So, until them I'll purchase cd's. And I must say I have more than a handful that I can't wait to buy. With all of the released promo shots of these celebs, and upcoming albums, these artists are truly doing their thing and I have yet to frown when hearing their leaked tracks.

Keri Hilson.

This new edgy girl-next-door is hitting the scene by storm and shes taking it all in with more than one direction. Not only is her music inspiring and relevant to the emotional being of women, but her fashion sense is on the rise as well. As a product of Timbaland, you can expect a great beat, and with amazing vocals to match, her album is sure to sell. Her video for 'Energy' and her guest host appearance on 106th caught my attention. September 23rd be sure to cop her album.

Jennifer Hudson.

Jennifer Hudson first made a name for herself on American Idol and continued her celebrity with a role in 'Dream Girls'. With powerhouse vocals and a curvacious physique, J.H has become a role model for black women. As she continues her time in the 'Spotlight', her album release is well overdue. I have been patiently waiting to hear a record from Jennifer and finally she dropped 'Spotlight'. I love it. It is definitely an anthem for women that is sung at the top of your lungs in and around the house. Her promo pics are just as stunning and J.H has been ditching the pounds. I do, however, hope that she sticks to her curves. It's a good look for her and I dont think shedding too much weight will be flattering for her. She is currently gracing the cover of Upscale Magazine so pick up a copy if you want to hear more about her anticipated album release. Rumor has it she's dating 'Punk' from 'I Love New York 2', but she has yet to confirm/deny such rumors. Look out for her album which is said to be released September 30th under the Arista Records label.

Ciara.

Ciara has been missing in action and I have to say I have missed her. I enjoyed both of her albums and am still anticipating her third album drop. After taking a mini music break, she has begun to pop back on the music scene featured in 'Stepped on My J'z', a performance with Chris Brown on the '2008 BET Awards' as well as talk about a modeling gig with Victoria's Secret, spokesmodel for the 'Secret Obsession' fragrance, and an acting role in 'Mama, I want to sing'. Talk about a come back, huh? The film is an on screen rendition of the stage play 'Mama I Want to Sing'. Ciara co-stars aside Lynn Whitfield, her mother in the play, and Hill Harper. Her album is set to release in September under Jive Records

Lloyd.

Lloyd's sweet and sexy vocals are bound to lure you in with his third album release ' Lessons in Love'. With some of my favorite hits like 'South Side', 'You', 'Players Prayer' and 'Certified', this young man is well on his way to keeping the ladies on their toes and giving guys an easy way to get back in his ladies good grace. As Lloyd has successfully aimed to pleased with both 'Street Love' and 'Certified', he is unmistakably set to keep it up with a more mature and suave 'Lessons in Love'. With one debut single from the album 'Girls Around The World' hitting the countdown there is only more hits to come. His album dropped August 5th, so there's one back to school album you can go out and check off your list.

Neyo.

Neyo, Neyo, Neyo. Singer, Producer, Writer, Actor, Performer. Is there anything he can't do? Not only has he produced some of the hottest records for himself such as 'So Sick', 'Sexy Love', 'Do You', 'Go On Girl', 'Closer', and 'Miss Independent', he has also put his touch on hit records of other industry mates. Neyo has a record for every occurrence in life and i must admit his lyrics illustrated my AIM away message too many times to count. With 'Year of the Gentleman' set to drop September 16th, I'm setting the bar beyong high for this unique and creative vocalist. He truly puts on and produces good music. My Ipod is a must for this album, so it looks like i have to get to Apple, quick.

Solange.

Solo has been doing her best to make a statement, and that is, shes her own person. Many readily make comparisons between her and her diva sister Beyonce, but she's more than just the kid sister, shes a young woman and she's making that known now more than ever. She spoke with Parlour Magazine in an interview. . .

P: Do you think people will get your music?

S: I have never felt at home in one demographic. That’s my struggle with management and my label, getting everyone to identify that just because I’m African-American, that doesn’t mean that I’m an urban artist. I make music for people that have a sophisticated ear and are brave enough to support something non-traditional. People complain about the state of music, but there are alot of diverse and talented artists with people that support them. But their fans aren’t the ones calling the radio station, they just want to see a good show. So I said, we should just do a tour and all of the artists that are going to be a part of it will have the same voice and stance on music. So, we, Janelle Monae, Chester French, the Knux and I, got all of our managers on the phone and started making a tour happen. It’s in the very early stages, but we’re trying to put something together. continue >>

It's Never Too Late To Make A Comeback

After depressing reviews for 'The Love Guru' (although she escaped direct criticism), Meagan Good is getting back on her feet with three movies lined up with hopes of more promising reviews. In the near future, the actress plays a role in 'Saw V' which is set to hit theaters Halloween of this year, 'Caramel', and 'The Unborn' (2009). While, I may have an on-again-off-again fan relationship with the actress, I'm always open to see what she has to offer. Horror Movie? I didn't really like her role in 'One Missed Call' but we'll see soon enough.

Some of the 'Saw V' stills. . .

*Wow, her eyebrows definitely look amazing. I've always been a fan those when all else fails. ; )

photo courtesy of brownsista.com

. . .And after much attention paid to her younger brother Ray J, Brandy is making her way back into the music industry.

With a fifth album in the works, a leaked single 'List', new home with 'Epic Records' and this uber cute ad with her daughter, Sy'rai, I'm happy to see being a mom hasn't eliminated her career.

You Guessed it. . .

Nelly is the next 'Eye Candy' up for grabs!!

With his new album cover for the September release of 'Brass Knuckles' and sexy underwear ad for Sean John, Nelly has got to be one of the sexiest men out in the game. . .

. . .And although he is currently courting his sweets, Ashanti, that doesn't stop one from wondering exactly what it would be like to get better acquainted with this three-time Grammy award winner. . .

. . .gracing the covers of a few famed magazines this year alone. . .

. . .where he discusses his upcoming release of 'Brass Knuckles', his buff build, romance with Ashanti, the passing of his sister, the controversy over his “Tip Drill” video, and so much more.

. . .Look out for the album! After being the first creative genius to make simultaneous album chart entries at #1 and #2 with 'Sweat' and 'Suit', I'm excited to see what Nelly has to offer in this album. Until then, check out both his videos. 'Stepped on My J's' featuring Ciara and 'Body on Me' featuring Ashanti. ; )

Fashion Rocks 2008!

It's that time again pretties! The 5th annual Fashion Rocks concert is set to go down on September 5th at Radio City Music Hall in NYC, celebrating the relationship between fashion and music. Rihanna, Beyonce, Chris Brown, Mariah Carey, And J.T and much more are scheduled to hit up the stage.

The two hour special airs the following Tuesday, September 9th, on CBS. All proceeds go to 'Stand Up Cancer'. You don't want to miss out!

And, for Fashion Rocks! magazine's 5th annual issue Justin Timberlake graces the coveted cover . . .

And Mrs. Carter appears in the issue looking gorgeous in her Giorgio Armani suit. . .

Mario interviews with Essence

This 21-year old R&B crooner hit the scene years back with braids and ballads such as 'Let me love you' and has continued to foster growth in the music industry with a coming of age soulful touch in hits like 'Crying out for me' and 'Music for Love'. With citings on 'Dancing with the stars' and 'The Tyra Banks Show', Mario continues to show his fans that he is marturing into a responsible debonair young man. As stardum seems picture perfect in the eyes of his fans, Mario has faced bigger and burdening issues in his personal life. Camera's document every step of his struggle to help his mother, Shawnita Hardaway, overcome her 20-year addiction to heroin, caputuring the scene for his reality show 'I won't love you to death: Mario and his mom' . Being the loving son he is, Mario stood by his mom through rehab and she has since remained clean for almost a year. Now, Mario openly discusses the experience with Essence.

"I was launching my foundation, and I felt the documentary gave kids and young adults with the same issues [as me] inspiration. I feel like it has helped me to grow a lot, with the things that I have experienced and gone through with my mother. I also felt like it showed who I really was as a young man outside of the music, because sometimes you can get lost in that box of being just a teen star—I’m more than that."

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Another Reality Series

Photos Courtesy of theybf.com

After recently mentioning Diddy's new series with VH1, I came across another celeb stepping into the television show mainstream. Singer songstress Monica's new reality show 'The Single: Monica' is scheduled to air on August 5th on Peachtree TV. A true fan of her vocals and love ballads, I'm kind of interested in seeing what she's been up to with all this time off. With this picture, it's obvious her son's have been her main focus. Too cute might I add. ; )

Speaking of New Albums. . .

Check out Ciara's spread in Billboard Magazine where she talks about her highly anticipated album Fantasy Ride, new film and modeling contract.

Cute Videos.

Ashanti:

Looks like Shani went and got herself a copy of the good wifes guide in her vid for 'Good Good'. The video is cute, girly, and comical. As she role plays as a housewife who has the 'good good' that keeps her man, Nelly, coming back for more. It's different from her ordinary videos and shows a different side of Ashanti. Looks like every artist out is doing their thing with their new album releases. Everyone's opting for an evolution and a new direction. Personally, I like the direction shes's going in. Some say it's the relationship with Nelly, but whatever it is, I give her props for it and think I might just go cop her album.

& I'm soo loving Mariah's new video for 'Loving you long time' featuring T.I.

Mariah Carey - I’ll Be Loving You Long Time Video

Loves it!

Essence Chit Chats with Trey Songz

Recently, Essence.com caught up with the R&B heart-throb Trey Songz, where he dished out his feelings on his evolution, music today, and presidential candidate Obama in a interview. After chopping off his braids, downsizing in his clothes, and expanding the direction of his music for his next album, Trey Songz' growth and maturity as not only a man but an artist is easily noted. No wonder he has girls and women alike throwing themselves at him. With his humble attitude and charming smile, he has become every teens crush as they sing along lick for lick to his Billboard charts "Trey Day" album. Respectively, with his new suave look and soulful vocals, women are beating down the door to get a piece of Songz since he has stepped into manhood. Unfortunately, he admits to having a leading lady in his life. Here's a snippet of the article:

Credit: Sydney George on Essence.com

ESSENCE.COM: So I hear you're making a pretty big change soon…

Trey Songz: I cut my hair today. Everything I do in my life I do with a do-rag [laughs]. The braids are a part of me. It's been ten years, but I am tired of them.

ESSENCE.COM: How do you think fans will react?

Songz: Initially it might be a shocker, because for the three years that I've been in the spotlight, the public has always seen me with eight braids in my head. It's probably going to be a rough transition.

ESSENCE.COM: Is this change just another step in your evolution process?

Songz: With the new album, I am growing more into adulthood. I'm wearing my pants up a little more, my clothes are fitting [now], and I think it's time to step into manhood, so that's why [I decided to cut my hair.]

ESSENCE.COM: Speaking of new albums, I hear you've been burning the midnight oil in the studio as of late. What direction are you taking with this new LP?

Songz: I look to grow on every album. Musically, I have a soulful hip-hop edge, and I want to keep that base but also expand. I want to experiment with world music, soul, R&B, and a little bit of pop, while still keeping the essence of what I do.

ESSENCE.COM: Do you ever feel like the music today is missing something?

Songz: There is a lot of creativity and a lot of music of substance that doesn't get heard. I'd say it's more about what's missing from mainstream music. [The industry] wants a record that will stay in people's heads. If a song like Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On" came out today, it would never get played. Everything has its place. R&B [is mostly] about love. Rappers talk about clubs. So you're either loving, having sex or in the club. I mean, Lil Wayne speaks about Al Sharpton on his new album but what's the single? "Lollipop." I dig people that try to get [a message] out. But everyone has to compromise a little piece of creativity to get a hit.

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Work 'em Some

"Catch me flossin' with my work 'em pumps on, work 'em dress, work 'em some lipstick on. Your spoon aint ready for this honeycomb"

- Kelis, Handful

-You know what ladies? With my head hanging low over the weekend, I managed to allow all that I'm worth to to be blurred, blinded and to sneakily be snipped and slipped right past me. My dad has always said, in all my endeavors i must "recognize who's the prize". And you know what? I am the prize. I'm a lady. How many females out there can say that, believe that, and truly represent that? My heads on right and it's held up high. I do what I have to do and go for what I know i need to do. I don't need a man to feel like a woman. With my priorities straight, a smile on my face, the right lip gloss, and the baddest pumps. . . I'm a phenomenal young woman. I may not be perfect, but I'm strong. Watch me walk. Watch me switch. Watch me work. I'm me.