At least her friends and family were absolutely thrilled to see her when she arrived at Barbados airport. I guess she'll be having a very sunny Christmas. And some folks have all the luck. Grrr.

In the event of the Christmas season, a White Carpet Christmas Celebration event had taken place and as to who was there ...

B'Day - Beyonce

Cassie - Cassie

4. Pharrell Williams: In My Mind - A lot of his beats are recycled. I couldn't help but notice a lot of the songs sounded like previous work that he did for other artists. His ass is just too derivative and repetitive for my tastes. Few of the songs had me grooving but the album was pretty boring. He should leave the solo stuff alone and concentrate on producing.

3. Beyonce: Deja Vu - At first some people were saying that the song was a Michael Jackson knock-off from his Off The Wall days but even so, the song is mad hot and definitely has that old-skool feel which would explain why I love this track. The production was on point.

4. Justin Timberlake: SexyBack - This was definitely some retro garbage and I was beginning to disregard Timbaland as a decent producer (this is the guy who did the damn thang with Aaliyah and Ginuwine and Ginuwine recently called Timbaland a sell-out) but then I listened to the rest of the album, and was like, this is some good stuff!

5. Rihanna: SOS - Not an R&B song but then neither was Justin's SexyBack. Definetely one of the corniest tracks of 2006 but since it was a monster hit for her, my only worry is that they may stick with the same corny formula for the new album which is expected to be released next year.

I didn't like them as a couple at first. When I first heard about them dating four years ago, I was like yuck! What does she see in our real-life Joe Camel? But now I see they are good together and their love is legit with each releasing songs paying ode to the fact that they belong together such as their duets Bonnie and Clyde and Crazy In Love. Beyonce is even starting to open up about her relationship which was something she use to avoid altogether.

2. Ashanti & Nelly

These two are soooo cute together but I often wonder why Ashanti is so reluctant to talk about her relationship or have it on display. I remember when Nelly did that duet with Tim McGraw called Over and Over and there was a picture on the table in the video. Originally, it was Ashanti's picture but all of a sudden it was replaced with Ciara's. I take it Ashanti wasn't happy about their relationship being segmented into the video which I thought were strange because it's only a pic and it's not like to say we haven't seen these two up and personal at events and stuff. Now I am reading reports that they're engaged so if this is true congrats to them.

3. Janet & JD

Never thought they were best suited. JD looks like a troll. But he is such a good man who has stood by Janet throughout her trials and tribulations (the Superbowl incident, the commercial failure of her latest album 20 Years Old). He has done so much for her so though he may not be some oil painting, men like that are a dime a dozen and she should be trying to hang on to him as long as possible.

4. Kelis & Nas

And here's an R&B/Hip Hop couple who finally made it to the alter. Everytime you see them together they seem so infatuated and mesmerised with one another and that is how a couple in love should look. They're not afraid to show off their love to the world and I think the Carmen Bryan tell-all book (Nas's baby mama) will not cause a single dent in their marriage. It will only cause their marriage to be more strongly cemented.

5. Christina Milian & Dre

I think they look good together. They hooked up earlier this year after Dre produced her whole album So Amazin which tanked unfortunately but such failure didn't put their relationship in jeopardy. They still remain stronger than anything, and I just hope he treats her much better than that cornball Nick Cannon who is an idiot for letting such a beautiful girl go.

My top 5 TV drama's of 2006:

1. Prison Break

At first I was mainly into the show because of the highly attractive Wentworth Miller, but as the show has progressed and become an instant hit with TV ratings, the tense plotlines had me hooked. I think this has got to be one of the best prison drama's in the last 10 years. OK, so yes, the plotlines are in fact farfetched but sometimes you just have to push the boat out a little in order to achieve that entertainment value.

2. Lost

So the good ole doctor, Sawyer and Kate are still in reprimand by "The Others" and it was just gripping stuff. I was at the edge of my sofa, wondering if Sawyer has met the end of his days but yet the direction that the show has taken lately asks us if there is ever a glimmer of hope for the plane crash survivors.

3. 24

Jack Bauer loves to play the hero and always defies orders to suit his own agenda's. If it weren't for the fantastic plotlines I'd have bowled out from watching this a long time ago. A lot of my favourite characters are gone, Tony in particular. I was so sad to see him go but I cannot wait to see season 6 watching Jack foil the attempts of a terrorists plight to bring terror, corrupt and fear into a country at war with terrorism.

4. Supernatural

Mmmmm, more Jenson Ackles please. If we had more pretty white boys like this on our screens we'd all be suffering from large doses of diabetes. I love the show and being the superstitious person that I am I can so connect with its storylines. For example I always sleep with a tape measure on my door and I always avoid sleeping on my back. I never open up an umbrella inside the house and I try my best not to break mirrors. But seeing Jenson in action with his younger brother tackle evil and spiritual forces and all things connected to the supernatural world is really insightful.

5. Entourage

You may think I'm a right saddo for watching this, especially a show which is sponsored by Britney's fragrance Fantasy. But the show is pretty good, though I bet it doesn't half accurately portray the reality of Hollywood movie stars, but since when has these kind of drama’s portrayed reality in an accurate sequence? I just find myself enjoying this the more I tune in moreso to see who will be the guest star of the show each week.

My top 5 Reality shows:

1. The X-Factor

Sparks definitely flew during this series. Some fine, productive talent was seen throughout like Dionne, Robert, Nikitta and the show's winner Leona. I don't think reality show winners should be blackballed just because they got a record deal through performing on a live talent contest. I think they've had to work just as hard as those who had to send in a demo to a record company, except their hard work was seen under the scrutiny of the public eye, which must have been so much harder.

2. American Idol

Pretty much the same as what I said about the X-Factor, except in this case I was NOT happy with the winner OR the runner-up for that matter. Taylor Hicks looks weird and Katherine McPhee, whilst she has the looks she certainly wasn’t the most talented.

3. ANTM

Seeing a bunch of bitchy whiny skinny girls compete for a modelling contract makes for brilliant TV. My sister loves this show to the rotten core right a long with me. More please. More more more.

4. Making The Band

Again, another talent contest which saw the making of Danity Kane who will soon become Danity Who? by the time Diddy has aired them out to dry just to cater to his own interests. And now that they’re auditioning for Making The Band 4, I feel sorry for the poor souls who come under his control, or lack of. LOL!

5. Big Brother

Sex. Tit-for-tat games. Bitching. Fighting. Swearing. You can all find the trash on a show like the super trashy Big Brother. I try to avoid these shows because I know for the remaining three-month duration of the show, it would just take over my life. I would find myself just rushing home from wherever I was just to catch it and the first person I will see the next day I will ask them: "Did you watch Big Brother last night?" but seeing people from all walks of life lumped into a house together is really compelling which is great because as its not scripted and the drama that unfolds within the house is spontaneously improvised, we don't have to worry about any nuisance spoilers! BB8 rock on!

Honourable mention:
I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!

Well that's my update. A massive one I know but I guess I was making up for lost time. I'll hook you all up with some new music as soon as it arrives. Stay tuned for more R&B crumbs.

Labels: BEYONCE KNOWLES, BLU CANTRELL, CASSIE, CIARA, JANET JACKSON, JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE, KELIS, LEONA LEWIS, LETOYA LUCKETT, MARIAH CAREY, MONICA, RIHANNA, ROBIN THICKE, TAMIA

This week, Christina Aguilera had a party to celebrate her 26th birthday. Her touring pal Justin Timberlake attended the "SNL" - After-Party with steady girlfriend Cameron Diaz:

Labels: CHRISTINA AGUILERA, CIARA, JOSS STONE, JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE, MARIAH CAREY, PRETTY RICKY

Labels: CHRIS BROWN, STOMP THE YARD

Labels: BEYONCE KNOWLES, BOW WOW, CHERISH, CHRIS BROWN, JAY-Z, OMARIAN

Labels: LEONA LEWIS, THE X-FACTOR

Labels: JANET JACKSON

I am really warming up to these two as a couple. They are soooo cute together and Christina seems totally besotted with her man. At least they're not afraid to touch each other in public unlike Jay-Z who seems to look distant and uncomfortable whenever Beyonce publicly tries to show him some affection. Maybe he doesn't want to tarnish his Bad Boy rapper reputation. Hell, he's too old to be even thinking about maintaining such a reputation anyway. But as I were saying, Christina looks gorgeous and youthful. She's 25 but the chick can pass for 17. Easily. Christina was spotted in the studio a couple of weeks ago with her fella Dre. It's likely he's working with her on the new album which she is working on. She also has like three movies in the making, so she'll be doing her thang in the new year! And as we're on the topic of Beyonce, yesterday, she showed she was the queen of the wardrobe as she made a various number of appearances:

Beyonce made an appearance on Good Morning America show.

I absolutely love the leopard-print dress and she looks really svelt in black.

After TRL, Beyonce attended The Late Show.

Again we are back to MTV's TRL where she changed off into an unappealing turquoise number. and cutie Chris Brown was also there to cherish the moment (above). I already posted the pictures when he appeared on 106 with Bow Wow, but here are some bigger pictures [HERE] Bow Wow and Chris were also at TRL:

I guess they were promoting Bow Wow's latest new album and were there to perform their track Girl Like Mine. At the end of this entry, you can also watch the alternative video for Beyonce's current single Listen, which was scrapped because it didn't meet expectations. Too bad they didn't figure this out with that appalling Deja Vu video.

These are some of the scenes that left me absolutely bamboozled. You can read more on my take of the video at the end of this entry.

LeToya Luckett celebrated the 3rd Anniversary of her boutique, Lady Elle, with four huge parties in Houston this past weekend and her actress pal Keisha Knight Pulliam (The Cosby Show's Ruby) attended the event and helped her to celebrate:

The anniversary proceeds went to the MD Anderson Cancer Center for breast cancer research and treatment so I'm really glad the proceeds went to a really great cause.

I am noticing that her mama has Letoya's original nose. I wonder how mama Luckett felt deep down when her daughter eradicated her features. Needing to add, she was much prettier with the more ethnic realistic black nose. I know if I looked like my mama and I messed with my looks with surgery, my mama would be offended but then, I am proud of my black traits so it's whatever. And it looks like her nose isn't the only thing she had done but something looks odd with her cheekbones. The chick use to be so pretty and was once up there with her ex-bandmate Beyonce Knowles in the looks department but she just looks strange to me for some reason. I liked her outfit though. Cute ensemble.

However, Rihanna brought season greetings and cheer when she visited patients at St. Vincent's Hospital in Manhattan yesterday:

She looks cute. I sooo love her cut. It's sassy and sophisticated! Stick with your real hair more often Rihanna. It rocks! I am still getting emails in regards to Rihanna's ethnicity. So I just wanted to clear it up. She is mixed race. Her mother is black and from Guyana I believe (correct me if I'm wrong) and her father is a white man from the Islands (Bajan). So I hope this answers your questions. Anyway, check out Ms Tatiana looking the bees knees:

Now here's a sight I've been anticipating. Former R&B songstress Tatiana Ali looks magnificent. The 27-year-old beauty attended The Pursuit of Happyness premiere starring Will Smith, the man she co-starred with in The Fresh Prince of Belair when she played the lovely Ashley Banks.

Meanwhile, Danity Kane were spotted at Ink in Miami, Florida:

I have been listening to their album all day yesterday and you all know already how hot I think the record is. I have not heard a hot joint by a female R&B group since Destiny's Child's The Writings On The Wall. If they were getting better promo, their sales would have hit the roof by now.

And here is the alternative Beyonce video for Listen which was supposed to have been the original:

Labels: BEYONCE KNOWLES, BOW WOW, CHRIS BROWN, CHRISTINA MILIAN, DANITY KANE, LETOYA LUCKETT, RIHANNA, TATYANA ALI

Cute!

[CLICK IMAGES FOR BIGGER VIEW]

I wish I could be jobless and look so hot. Unfortunately for us, we got to work our asses off. I know I have to work to look this good. But then she's smart because she stays getting the nigga's with the dough (the money that is). Aint no way you will see Christina with a penniless man on her arm. He has to have status baby! And who can blame her? I certainly don't. These pictures are the FIRST official public pictures since it was reported that they had split up but these pictures say otherwise. They look very much in love to me. And did I say how her dress is PURE hotness? I would rock the hell out of that any day.

Chris Brown and Bow Wow hit up 106. Chris looked cute. By the way, I am not in love with Chris Brown and NEVER in a million years would I put myself with a teenager. He is like my sisters age group. I do have a small soft spot for him so that's why I wanted him to turn 18 so I wouldn't feel guilty.

I didn't want anyone thinking I am some sort of cradle snatcher (lol!) Never that. And since we're on the topic of Bow Wow, as promised, here are the HQ pictures of his ex, Ciara's shoot in XXL courtesy of [ULTIMATE CIARA]. I still don't have the Mya, Amerie and Letoya Luckett pictures yet but as soon as they arrive, I will put them up.

[SOURCE]

This was a really nice shoot. One of her better ones I think. Love the hair and everythang. I think she looks best when she's not all dolled up in a girlish sort of way, because deep down I know that look isn't Ciara. More R&B magazine features sees the gorgeous Rihanna cover french magazine Chocolate:

[SOURCE]

And Janet Jackson covers Harper Baazar:

Janet usually knocks 'em dead with the photoshoots but this one just looks odd to me. Something is just not right with it. I can't put my finger on it. But the face certainly isn't matching the body. And the only shoot that she did that overwhelmed me this year was the Vanity Fair shoot. Then again, I don't think she should do any more scantily-clad shoots showing off her body or trying to compete with the 20-year-olds. You don't see Halle Berry or Angela Bassett doing those shoots. What she needs to do is marry her troll, get knocked up and call it a day (it's not too late. My mama had her last child at 39 and my mama is 46 now). Bow out whilst you still got that ounce of dignity. Same applies with MJ.

Usher attended Nas's album pre-release party for Hip Hop is Dead:

Usher and his little brother James.

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[CLICK ON IMAGE FOR BIGGER VIEW]

They look alike, though James is better looking. Still, its nice to see Usher and his little bro out and about.

Meanwhile, Kelis has been signed up by Ford to launch their campaign entitled "On the Edge". The chick is raking it. I say go get that money girl! She even has a track called "Push It to The Edge" which will also feature in the campaign. The ad campaign, created by the Uniworld Group-Detroit, will kick off at Kelis' Dec. 18 celebrity holiday party at New York's Capitale nightclub and include radio, TV, and print advertising. Ford will give partygoers a glimpse of the campaign. [SOURCE] Interesting. I don't feel like cutting 'n' pasting large proportions of the article or explaining it in detail so you can read the full scoop [HERE]. How she managed this gig I do not know. Her CD isn't selling AT ALL. Actually that's an understatement. It is a bonafide flop! But I'm not going to knock a sista. I will just say congratulation because it could easily have went to somebody else much more mainstream and successful. And speaking of Kelis, she was there to help husband Nas celebrate his "HIP HOP IS DEAD" album with a host of some of the biggest names in Hip Hop and R&B. Nas's baby mama Carmen Bryan should've gatecrashed the party. That would've been a CLASSIC, what with Beyonce and Kelis being there, and her revelations in her tell-all book that they are BOTH "unclean" and that Beyonce ONCE wanted to date Nas. I'd have loved to have been a fly on the wall for that one. Check out the latest action:

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Beyonce, Kelis and Omarian. [CLICK IMAGE FOR BIGGER VIEW]

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Kelis, Nas and Nas's daughter Destiny showed that they were the happiest of families. Busta Ryhmes also lent his support. [CLICK IMAGE FOR BIGGER VIEW]

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Beyonce, her fella Jay-Z, Nina Sky and Kelis with her mama. [CLICK IMAGE FOR BIGGER VIEW]

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Kelis hugs her little sister and step-daughter Destiny. Once again, Jay-Z and far right, Ja Rule. [CLICK IMAGE FOR BIGGER VIEW]

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Cute celebration. Everyone looked great but I still hate that blonde bumbling mess Kelis has on her head. Nas is handsome I must add. Kelis is very lucky. Stay tuned for more R&B crumbs. I’m ouuuttt!

Labels: BEYONCE KNOWLES, BOW WOW, CHRIS BROWN, CHRISTINA MILIAN, CIARA, DRE, JANET JACKSON, KELIS, NAS, RIHANNA, USHER

[CLICK ON IMAGE FOR BIGGER VIEW]

Just jaw-dropping gawjus! Still, despite everything, it's easy to see why she's a favourite amongst these mainstream magazines. Now Leona is also onto a winner as of late.

Labels: AMERICAN IDOL, BEYONCE KNOWLES, JENNIFER HUDSON, JUSTIN GAURINI, LEONA LEWIS, THE X-FACTOR, Z100 JINGLE BALL

Labels: AMERICAN IDOL, KELLY CLARKSON, LEONA LEWIS, THE X-FACTOR

And yet, she was looking totally gorgeous backstage at the event. Rihanna should rock her REAL hair more often. She looks absolutely stunning without all of that heavy weave. It just makes a refreshing change. I love her cut! It suits her.

Now you know I love Christina Milian right? Even on her worst day, chick still looks a million dollars and more. Hell, she can wear a bin bag and still carry off that look to perfection where heads turn in admiration. So even though I weren't feeling the pants, they actually looked good on HER when she attended the Hollywood Covered Winter Carnivale, hosted By Niki Shadrow in Hollywood, CA on Thursday night.

Apart from that though, she looked great!!! Go Christina! Mary J Blige didn't do a Beyonce when she performed on The Today show.

She made sure she wrapped up warm during her performance of Ride. Winter sucks. You tend to spend more in the winter to keep warm. My car engine keeps stopping due to the freeze so before I make my journey to wherever, I find myself running up fuel just to heat up this bitch engine on a non-busy road. Once that is done it's okay. I have to do this because this cannot happen whilst I'm driving on a 40mph road. Then you have to put on your central heating in EVERY room and that costs money too, so you can more or less say winter is the most expensive time of the year.

Fergie attended the PEOPLE Magazine's GRAMMY Kick-Off Party in Vegas at Jet Nightclub at Mirage and was joined by Jamie Foxx amongst others. Well, she didn't just attend, but she performed as well with her band member Black Eyed Peas Will.I.am.

Jojo celebrated her sweet 16.

But the big excitement is tonight's X-Factor final! Who will win? Will it be Ray Quinn? Or will it be the fantastic Leona Lewis whom I've supported from day one? Stay tuned to see if Leona Lewis has made British history by being the FIRST black person to win a British reality TV show. Please vote for her UK folks. Vote vote vote!!! The show starts in half an hour. Stay tuned.

Labels: CHRISTINA MILIAN, FERGIE, JOJO, LEONA LEWIS, MARY J BLIGE, RIHANNA, THE X-FACTOR, USHER

One of the cutest black families in Hollywood. Putting aside Hollywood, Fantasia did 106 yesterday and looked a right mess.

Maybe Kelis got her hair inspiration from Fanny. Short cut dyed blonde? Am I missing something here? Whyyy? Chick just isn't cute and the blonde, the actual style like some kind of grown-out mohican doesn't work for her at all. It only adds more to the lack of appeal.

A host of celebrities attended the 2006 Guggenheim Museum's Young Collectors Council Artist's Ball sponsored by Giorgio Armani:

Jada Pinkett-Smith, Mary J Blige and her hubby, and Ciara were all there. Meanwhile, Garcelle Beauvias attened the premiere of Rocky Balboa. I decided to put her in with Ciara because the red dresses are gorgeous. However, being the tomboy that Ciara is, she looked really uncomfortable in hers. Just look at her facial expression. The shape of her body just doesn't accentuate the dress which is a shame because the dress is just gorgeous. Ciara just seems to have major issues embracing her femininity and her song Like A Boy would explain why.

And where the HELL is Monica? I didn't see her album The Makings of Me in the top 100. Didn't she release her album back in October, weeks before Beyonce? I know Beyonce is a panther and Monica is a kitten as far as worldwide fame is concerned (and I DO love both of them artistically and have all their albums) but truth and behold, Monica's album is MUCH better than Beyonce's and the chick just doesn't seem to sell as talented as she is. And don't even get me started on my girl Tamia. You just don't understand how upset I am. She had the best R&B album of 2006 and flopped haaarrrd. This leads me onto something else. I'm kind of depressed at Maxwell's new album getting blackballed again, because a while back I posted on this blog that his trilogy album for Black Summer Night will be released in February 2007 and now that's not the case anymore so yeah I'm pissed. Well, these were taken some time ago but they are new to me and I'm sure most folks haven't seen them so I'm posting the promo pictures which are supposed to have come from the trilogy album:

This look is cool I guess, but his record label needs to stop playing. Honestly, they put sooooo much effort into all the artists with the least talent and the ones that do have talent are the ones who are thrown aside all because they are not exciting enough.

[SOURCE]

Kelly Rowland graces Essence alongside Patti Labelle, Vanessa Williams, Nancy Wilson and Wendy Raquel Robinson. Kelly looks absolutely amazing! Another one who looked hot was Janet Jackson for her 2007 calendar:

Hot!

Remember when I posted Zoe Kravitz on the front cover of French fashion magazine Jalouse? Well, a bigger version has popped up with more pictures. Check them out:

[SOURCE]

She is a very pretty girl, and Lenny Kravitz dotes on her. I just can't get over how much she looks like her mama Lisa Bonet during her stint with The Cosby Show. A show that did take place was Christina Aguilera when she performed in Switzerland this week:

She's been doing her thing lately and marriage life really has brought out the best in her. No more trailer trash Christina and in comes the classy and elegant. This is the Christina we like. Britney, take note. Anyway, here is her spread for the latest issue of Glamour magazine:

She looks great. Love the make-up and the hair and I thought Beyonce's photoshop job for her latest House of Dereon shoot was nicely done.

I posted these already but compare anyway *lol* Beyonce does Parade magazine. Am I seeing correctly? Does she actually talk about her man in this issue?

She says: "It's wonderful to understand and want the same things, but the friendship is most important. You know someone loves you by the way he treats you and respects you. You know it by how you both feel when you're together."

Mary J Blige has come to the sudden defence of Britney Spears regarding her partying ways. She says: "I know that at some point in our lives we've had a situation like Britney's, meaning that we all were with someone we thought loved us and actually didn't. We make mistakes. I am looking at Britney as a human being just like myself. I messed up big time in my life.

"I love Britney and I send out all of my prayers and all great energy to her because she's young and she is going through it. She is going to get through. She is going to come out on the other side real nice I think." [SOURCE]

That was kind of sweet. Who'd have ever thought Mary J would come to the defence of Britney Spears? Remember when Britney did the lesbian kiss with Madonna back at the 2003 VMA's? The camera panned to Mary J Blige who had a look of disgust on her face and then it panned over to Justin Timberlake who looked rather uncomfortable. I would NEVER forget that, haha! Yes, the girl was obviously hurting and was partying hard to get over her woes and troubles. SHE married for love. Kevin Federline married her for money. Gosh, that must hurt but the dude was penniless, what did she expect? When your kids suffer as a result and you neglect them for your own purely and selfish reasons, you really need to prioritise. If it had been any of us ordinary folk behaving like this, we'd have the police force ready to put on the handcuffs, we'd have had the child services scraping our kids away. When you're a high profile A-List celebrity you can get away with murder LITERALLY. Ask OJ. That said, I'm glad she has decided to ditch Paris Hilton and curb out the partying. Her people have really given her a good talking to and it seems she's taking heed to their words. I hope this means no more panty-less nights on the town. We really don't want to see any more explicit details of her modesty. At least I don't. Those boys need their mother around them and I feel her comeback will be explosive once she sorts herself out. Still, it was nice seeing her going back into the studio this week. C'mon Britney, get it together. We know you can do it!

Stay tuned for more R&B crumbs, and let's hope the next Christmas party Beyonce and her crazy alter-ego attends doesn't include any Popeyes. You know chick is mad for it. I'm out before my ass gets ripped a new one. Ciao!

Labels: ALICIA KEYS, BEYONCE KNOWLES, BRITNEY SPEARS, CHRISTINA AGUILERA, JANET JACKSON, JENNIFER HUDSON, WILL SMITH, ZOE KRAVITZ

Labels: JENNIFER HUDSON

Christina just can't do no wrong in my eyes. Work it girl!

Kelis attended Trace Magazine's 10-year Anniversary Celebration and her rapper husband Nas was right by her side.

Cassie was cheesing alongside Russell Simmons at the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundations Party.

Nelly Furtado did TRL as did:

Omarion and Nas. OK, Nas isn't usually my type. I use to date the hood boys like Fantasia but now I like them sweet and pretty. However, you gotta admit, Nas is looking kinda scrumptious here!

Beyonce is definitely our woman of the moment. Appearing in EVERY mainstream and urban magazine as of late, Beyonce has the front page coverage and features of two popular magazines. The first one is In Style:

Very pretty. Dark hair accentuates her features the best. These pictures are lovely and elegant and it shows her having some personality. My fear is that the actual interview will take away from the bubbly persona which is displayed in these pictures. You know when you read a Beyonce interview and think, wow that was just dull or wow, she really shouldn't have said that. It's a case of witnessing Beyonce showing she has the brains that emphasises just as much intelligence as a cabbage. Good job she's beautiful with some singing talent then. Even if she doesn't know how to make an interview exciting or articulate herself well (something her younger sister Solange is surprisingly rather good at), just keep coming with the hot music Beyonce and I'm square. Someone should ask her if Jay-Z's manhood really is the size of a coca cola bottle. I know I would. Straight out. Well, here is her spread for Blenda:

[SOURCE]

Again, these are lovely. Photogenic gorgeous heffa. You gotta love her AND hate her at the same time. Now let me get on Will Smith. I've been in love with this father and son duo for quite some time now. I hope these two make more movies together and if not, Jaden has cemented himself with a future acting career. You know he is the popular kid at school now and the envy of his siblings. Never mind Trey. You had your moment in Just The Two of Us. I do wish they'd cut off those twists because they make him look like a sissy. Like, if you were to stick your tongue out at him he'd shed some tears. An extremely vulnerable sissy. Not saying he is but just that the hair makes him look like one. He is a doll but gorgeous. So, here's a picture taken from Entertainment Weekly:

Fun times. I posted the cover this week and again, they appear on yet another magazine cover. This time, it's Ebony:

Like father, like son. This is sheer inspiration I'm telling you. And it's great that he is keeping his enterprise in the family and allowing his power to expand throughout that family because a lot of black families really don't get that opportunity. So its nice when you come into some power. I wonder if he's turned his back on music. It's been quite a while now. Well, if so, never mind, we got more goodies as far as music is concerned. Here is a some new shoot that Ciara did recently:

She looks fab! But these ones are hotter:

And here are more promo pictures from Ciara's new album Ciara: The Evolution. There are loads more but I just couldn't be bothered to put them up unfortunately so I just decided to post my favourite ones. But you can check out [CIARA WORLD], [SIMPLY CIARA] or [ULTIMATE CIARA] to see the rest. She looks sexy. These pictures are enough to make you ask, what was Bow Wow thinking when he decided to let this girl go? Judging by her Promise video, it sure is hard to believe this girl can't impress a man with her sexiness.

And at last, Ciara addressed the Aaliyah comparisons, but yet STILL refuses to credit Aaliyah because it's clear to see that she blatantly jacks Aaliyah. If anything I see more Aaliyah than Janet in Ciara, the image, the baggy clothes, the moves - all Aaliyah. Erin Carlson of The Associated Press wrote an article about it. He writes: Ciara wants to set something straight. The hit-making dynamo -- known for her hot moves and sexy tomboy style is flattered by all those comparisons to Janet Jackson and the late Aaliyah, but she's not a copycat. She's doing her own thing. "I do feel like we're all different," she told The Associated Press in a recent interview. "You know, it's funny, because people will say, 'She's trying to be like her,' but I'm saying to myself, like, 'I'm trying to do me."' [SOURCE] Yeah, when she came out with the crunk-fused Goodies she had her own identity but with this album, not so much. I posted her TRL performance last week and it was like looking at Aaliyah's ghost. Chick definitely studied the choreography to Are You That Somebody and then got Tina Landon (Janet's old choreographer) to put her own spin on things but it still looked obvious. The difference is, Aaliyah didn't do so much pop-locking. The Evolution is very fitting for an album title as she has completely evolved into Aaliyah but just won't acknowledge it. I like Ciara and I enjoyed both of her albums but I call it how I see it. If you're inspired by somebody, it doesn't hurt to give a little credit is all I'm saying. Beyonce is obviously inspired by Tina Turner judging by her performances but at least she gives credit. Okay, let me get onto those sales:

These figures are courtesy of Hits Daily and Cici did the damn thang. Her ass is no 1 on the album Billboard chart!!! I wouldn't be surprised if she goes gold in the second week. This sum is TWICE more the amount she sold with her debut Goodies which went on to sell 3 million in the US. Gwen Stefani's numbers are really disappointing for Gwen Stefani. The Dream Girls soundtrack is no surprise. We know that soundtracks don't really sell that big but Beyonce's B'Day is on the rise yet again selling an extremely impressive 102,793 at 15% whilst beating her fella Jay-Z to a pulp. Jay-Z's album Kingdom Come only sold 96,072 copies this week and Beyonce is at a higher chart position after 10 weeks of release. B'Day a flop? Hell. I don't think so. Upgrade U and Green Light are reportedly going to be the next two singles from the B'Day album. Upgrade U is absolutely hot and is definitely single worthy. Yup. Another Beyonce and Jay-Z video. Let's just hope this one is better than that appalling Deja Vu vid and plus, she can scrap video director Sophie Muller for starters.

It will most certainly be a busy year for Ms Ashanti Douglas as she gears herself for big things in the 07. This week she had a chat with BET and spoke more on the new album: "I've been working on a little bit of everything. The album is coming - it's called Incredible. Other than that, I'm in the new film "Resident Evil," coming out in spring of 2007. [I have] a book coming the middle of next year and a line of bags. I'm brewing up a little bit of everything". [SOURCE] Good for her. I love Resident Evil, the first movie and the sequel both had me gripped. This is one movie I can't wait to see. So she had better not screw up my movie. As for the book, did anyone read her first poetry book? OH.MY.GOD. I stood up in HMV and read it. And with disbelief, I laughed sooooo loud. One of those laughs of disbelief that leave you choking until your eyes start to water. I just started coughing violently and the person who was standing like a few yards had to ask if I were okay. They probably thought I was mad but it was on some elementary level of writing. As if a 12-year-old wrote it. There was a line in there about some boy wanting to put his hand up her skirt. I am thinking, if this is talented poetry, I will just strip down to my undies, do a lap dance in the street, hump the lamp-post and get myself arrested. I will most definitely refrain from reading this book in public just in case I embarrass myself again. I write poetry, and I'm good at it. And as for the new album, hated her last one, loved the one before that and despised the first. It didn't help that she was crowned Princess of R&B & Hip Hop weeks after Aaliyah's death and at a time when her debut hadn't even been released yet. But she was still being given prestigious titles when she hadn't achieved jack. Still, I understand it was forced by Irv Gotti but she didn't do anything to throw him off which straight out annoyed me because there were no consideration taken that Aaliyah fans (like myself) were still in mourning. But since she's a nice girl who put out nice beats in the past I look forwards to the new music. Rain On Me will always be my jam.

Besides the X-Factor, I hardly talk about TV on here and after Saturday night, there will be no more X-Factor talk since the show is coming to an end, but you can now apply to audition for The X-Factor 2007. Also American Idol is coming back in the next couple of weeks as is Making The Band 4. I'll get onto that in a sec. Yes, I'm a reality show addict!!! But I wanted to talk about the suspense drama Lost (right now the UK is only in episode four of the third season), and they have killed off Mr Ecko after he was manhandled by um, a mysterious black cloud. I watched it with my sister on Cable and was like dayum, they're killing everybody off. By the time the season finishes, you will just wound up taking some anti-depressants. It's annoying because you'll warm up to a certain character and then something happens to them or sometimes you're left mystified by their flashback scenes, or sometimes you ask yourself, how does this flashback connect with the Island dialogue? And we've seen the mysterious black cloud in previous seasons, but why is it NOW deciding to cause real destruction? And then we have the hatchet spy. Just when you think this show is taking a fall, a plot occurs that gets you buzzed all over again kind of like a heart monitor - up down, up down, brrrrmmmm!

Whilst American Idol 6 will be hitting our screens in the near future, you can now download Katherine McPhee's new single I Lost You/Dangerously courtesy of [STARS ARE BLIND]. Above is her self-titled album cover which is set to be released 30th January 2007.

Click on above image to download the new single. It's true, her sound is definitely R&B-influenced and surprisingly enough I dig the music so check it out!

Making The Band 4, haha. This is a joke. Diddy doesn't know how to promote his acts out of a paper bag. Look at how he is doing poor Danity Kane. And this season, his ass is now looking for the next male vocal group who can vocally give Usher and Justin Timberlake a run for their money. Anyone who turns up to the auditions are naive if you think you will get a good deal of promotion should you successfully make it into the band. You will NOT get promoted. You will be given a VERY tight budget. You will get crap video's and you will have to wait a time span of 60 years before you get another video, so those males who decide to audition, you have been WARNED!!! Anyway, yes, I know I can rant for England but that's me. There were so much more I wanted to say but I'll save that for another day. Stay tuned for more R&B crumbs.

Labels: ASHANTI, BEYONCE KNOWLES, CASSIE, CHRISTINA MILIAN, CIARA, GWEN STEFANI, KATHARINE MCPHEE, KELIS, LOST, MAKING THE BAND 4, NAS, NELLY FURTADO, OMARIAN, THE X-FACTOR, WILL SMITH

Labels: FANTASIA BARRINO

McDonald's hosted the "load it, gift it, love it . . . now wear it" fashion experience runway show in New York City and Kelis worked the runway like a true pro. Two artists who have CD's released this week were Mary J Blige and Tyrese who stopped by at TRL:

And here's another new House of Dereon shoot:

Beyonce looks fab! In other Beyonce news, she says she is in no rush to get married. Jay-Z will be 40 in three years so if they want children, they better get a move on.

Usher was seen out in Beverley Hills this week, stopping off at the body shop, to buy some perfume for himself.

Labels: BEYONCE KNOWLES, KELIS, USHER

As Beyonce Knowles leaves a South Beach restaurant in Miami, she really does have us fooled with that disguise, if you can call it that. Peepo, we see yoooouuu! And yet, we are bombarded with more Beyonce as another Dreamgirls premiere took place in Beverly Hills yesterday:

Jamie Foxx brought along his daughter Corrine, and I'm absolutely loving Beyonce's dress. Michelle hasn't looked this good since Survivor days. And Jennifer Hudson should know that satin isn't a girls best friend if you're on the large side. Just wrong on so many levels. Still, Eddie Murphy continues to parade new woman Tracy Edmonds at every premiere he attends.

Courtesy of Beyonceworld.Net, here are the scans to her Dreamgirls feature in the Vanity Fair spread:

She looks good but always remember that once you've seen ONE Beyonce shoot, you've seen them all. Same poses, same blandness. Nothing about them screams out at you. And as for that Eddie Murphy pose, how ya doin? Now let's talk Britney Spears:

The question on everybody's lips is, WHO IS BRITNEY'S NEW MAN? She was spotted canoodling with him in public and they even shared a long juicy tongue sarney. There is even a video on-line where the two are getting rather intimate.

It's none other than Jonathan J.R Rotem, the multi-platinum music producer, the man behind Rihanna's monster hit "S.O.S", "Dr. Advocate" by The Game and "Push it" by Rick Ross.

Cassie was spotted at Mokai club in Miami recently.

Will Smith and his son Jaden grace the latest edition of Entertainment Weekly. Cuuute.

Lenny Kravitz's little girl Zoe shows she's an old rock n roll soul in a young girls body as she graces the cover of Jalouse magazine. She may grow up to be like daddy after all.

Fresh from Crunk & Disorderly posted some gorgeous pictures of Ciara taken from Dub magazine. Chris Brown also has the other cover. He attended the Dub car show a couple of weeks ago and courtesy of Fresh, here are the pictures:

Niiiice.

Another Ciara picture that I'm loving right now is this one, which is a promo pic taken from her new album Ciara: The Evolution. By tomorrow, we will know exactly how much she sold in her first week. Stay tuned for more R&B crumbs.

Labels: BEYONCE KNOWLES, BRITNEY SPEARS, CASSIE, CHRISTINA AGUILERA, CIARA, DREAMGIRLS, GWEN STEFANI, RIHANNA, SAMANTHA MUMBA, THE GAME, WILL SMITH, ZOE KRAVITZ

Over the weekend, Tyrese had an album release party for his new joint Alter Ego (released 12th December 2006). The party took place at Sunset Gower Studios in Los Angeles and a host of celebs helped him to celebrate the release. Ray-J turned up as did Tamyra Mowry and Angie Stone. But the person who turned heads that night was Kelis who sported a newly dyed blonde hairdo. OK. We know Kelis is her own person and likes to do the crazy with her own style and accessories but I am not feeling this new hairdo at all. It takes away from her looks and makes her look mad tired.

When Raven Symone celebrated her 21st birthday and lay eyes on her massive chocolate cake, she was certainly in heavenly bliss, and being extra bootylicious, we know Raven enjoyed all her food that night.

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Nike presented an All-Star Twenty Fifth Anniversary Celebration and Ciara was there, though not really feeling whatever it is she was wearing. Other than that, she looked cute.

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Chris Brown is sooooo damn fine it aint even funny. The boy was looking extra scrummy when he performed at TNT's "Christmas in Washington 2006" ceremony.

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Britney Spears shows off her new dark locks which she had once sported just before giving birth to second son Jaden.

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Jennifer Hudson attended the Hollywood Life's Breakthrough of the Year Awards. Now that homegirl has slimmed down to a size 12, you'd have at least thought her stylist would have dressed her up better than this though.

Labels: BRITNEY SPEARS, CHRIS BROWN, CIARA, JENNIFER HUDSON, JOHN LEGEND, MEL B, NICOLE SCHERZINGER, RAVEN SYMONE, RIHANNA, TYRESE

Labels: LEONA LEWIS

Labels: MARY J BLIGE

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Having downloaded Keyshia Chante's new album 2U, I thought it was a pretty good album but I still prefer her debut which had that slight edge in my opinion but since she's 18 now, her music has most definitely matured and vocally, she has improved. My standout tracks are Kiss, Beep Beep, Can't Believe and a couple others. Keyshia's album was released in Canada 5th December 2006 and doesn't get released in the US until early next year. Anyway, many months ago when my old blog existed, I exclusively posted the tracks Summer Love and Been Gone which have in fact made the official cut. You can always count on my blog to be one of the first to post the exclusives when it comes to R&B music. Being the first blog to post Mya's new record yesterday, my inbox was flooded last night. Everybody was asking, where did you get it, haha. I have my sources. And no, for those asking I do NOT have Mya's new album Liberation but I sure as hell cannot wait for that joint to come out though. As I were saying, 2007 is going to be brilliant - Alicia Keys, Amerie, Mya, Brandy, Ashanti, Brooke Valentine, Megan Rochelle, Teedra Moses, Nicole Scherzinger, Keyshia Cole, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Kelly Rowland, Chilli, Claudette Ortiz, Joss Stone, Keke Wyatt, Usher, Chris Brown, Maxwell, Craig David, Mario Barrett, Omarion, Marques Houston and many others I have not named are expected to drop new releases in the 07. If you want to download Keyshia's album, head on over to Funky Media by clicking [HERE]. (I agree with you Fabizzle, she looks a lot like Aaliyah). Well, I won't be updating until next week. I'm going to watch the X-Factor's semi-finals. It's going to be really intense tonight. I pray Leona makes it. She just has to. Tonight she will be performing Over The Rainbow and Whitney's I Have Nothing. Over The Rainbow was sung at her cousins funeral who lost her battle to Leukemia so tonights performance will be an emotional rollercoster. After the X-Factor, I'm going to a party and I'm going to get plastered, so have a good weekend and be on the lookout for more R&B crumbs. Ciao!

Labels: CARMEN BRIAN, EDDIE MURPHY, LEONA LEWIS, MEL B, THE X-FACTOR

Labels: JOJO

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Will's children are adorable. Jada looked gorgeous, but I was actually shocked how grown up Will's oldest boy Trey looked. He is soooooo freakin handsome. Willow looks the spitting image of her daddy Will, like he ripped off his face and put it over hers. He definetely spat her out. She's even got his ears and everything. Jaden is gorgeous. Both of Will's sons are going to be ladies men.

102.7 KIIS FM "Jingle Ball" saw Danity Kane come out to play:

They also performed at the event:

As did Justin Timberlake and Timbaland.

OK Christina, we get the memo. You're fly. Now go find some employment or stay being a layabout like Blu Cantrell. Anyway, stay tuned for more R&B crumbs.

Labels: AALIYAH, BEYONCE KNOWLES, CHRIS BROWN, CHRISTINA MILIAN, CIARA, DANITY KANE, FANTASIA BARRINO, JENNIFER LOPEZ, JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE, MARY J BLIGE, MYA, RIHANNA, THE HAPPYNESS OF PURSUIT, THE SMITHS

The Eddie Murphy and Mel B saga continues. The Sun reports that Mel B is "shellshocked" at Eddie demanding a DNA test. The foul thing about it is that she had no idea she was dumped and found out the same time as the rest of the world - through the media when his comments were hugely publicised. How humiliating! This is what you call a true dog. She reportedly told a pal: "There's no question that Eddie is the father of my baby. I haven't been with anyone else since I met Eddie. "I'm shell-shocked by the whole thing. As far as I was concerned we hadn't really broken up - we'd just had a bit of a row." (She couldn't get along with his mother Lillian who was living with them in Eddie's house, not to mention that most of his family were folks she didn't see eye to eye with. Most of them were on his payroll and they complained that she was "rude" and "abrasive") Her comments follow Murphy's appearance on a Dutch TV show, where he told the presenter: "I don't know whose child that is, until it comes out and has a blood test. You shouldn't jump to conclusions." And this is the man Tracey Edmonds is breaking her neck to be with. [SOURCE]

My girl Mariah was seen out and about in Beverley Hills. Wow. She is wearing clothes!

Blu Cantrell attended the SeenON.com Launch Party. Wow. There is just no getting away from this chick. What is she supposedly doing with herself these days?

Cassie was seen at the Washington Wizards vs New York Knicks Game.

Gwen Stefani was seen leaving Coty Event at Hotel Gansevoort where she was there to see french perfume manufacturer Coty announce the latest addition to its growing roster of celebrity fragrances: Gwen Stefani and her L.A.M.B. apparel and accessory line. The fragrance is expected to launch at retail in fall 2007.

Jennifer Hudson attended the Stuff Magazine Toys for Bigger Boys. With all the Dream Girls glory that she's been receiving lately, she must be on top of the world. Even though Beyonce denied this week that there is a feud between the pair, she honestly cannot expect us not to think she wished it were her who was receiving all the accolades. Sometimes being an international star isn't always enough and for once, the talent actually speaks than the popularity. Dream Girls doesn't open in the UK until next February 2007. May have to use my US connections to bag myself a pirate. Hahaha. Naw, seriously, I can wait. I'm sure it'll be worth it.

Well, here are some candid shots of Kelly Rowland in New York, taking a break from recording. Her new album Miss Kelly (WTF?) is expected to drop in the early quarter of 2007. I'm also told that Olivia has scrapped Behind Closed Doors and has recorded completely brand new material for her new album which is to be titled ... WAIT FOR IT ... Second Chance! How frickin' ironic is that? Anyway, the new album is expected to drop next year on G-Unit but don't take my word for it. Once I get some concrete evidence, I will post it! So um, watch this space folks.

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And this week sees R&B releases from Beyonce and co (Dream Girls OST), Ciara (Ciara: The Evolution) and Gwen Stefani (The Sweet Escape). Ciara is on course to clinch the no1 spot with sales of 325K in its first week, and it's even reported that the number could be even higher. She is even tipped to outsell big names like Eminem and Gwen Stefani:

As we head full-on into the teeth of the holiday retail season, LaFace/ZLG soul diva Ciara's The Evolution, featuring duets with 50 Cent, Lil Jon and Chamillionaire, appears poised to top the HITS album chart next Tuesday.

According to reports from those retailers who haven't lost our phone number, the total could go as high as 325k, or even higher. The album features producers will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas and the Neptunes' Pharrell. The Atlanta-based singer's previous album, Goodies, came out in Sept. '04, selling 125k its first week on the way to 2.6 million in the U.S. - HITS

I say waaaay to go Ciara! Her album is hot hot hot, so hot, it brings summer to a cold and wintry December, and of course she was smart enough to release it in the Christmas season where many of us will be emptying the lining of our pockets to buy Christmas presents. So I am well made for her. Congratulations.

By the way ladies, many of you kept asking me if Chris Brown is 18 yet and the truth is, he turned 18 recently, so um, we no longer have to feel bad for fancying him. I mean, I'm only a few years older than him and the fact that we were both born in the 80's ... well, I don't feel too bad to be honest with you but yeah, he is now legal. This news is pointless I know but give a sista a break. Christmas done come early, the boy is legal dammit! Oh and he says that as he's legal, his new album WILL be more mature in lyrics and content but it will still be something his younger fans can listen to because he doesn't want to alienate them. Awww, how sweet. His new album will be released mid-late 2007 and ya'll know Usher will be coming out that time as well. Let the battle commence!

Today's new music comes from Tweet and Ciara:

This is an up-tempo bonus track taken from Ciara's new album Ciara: The Evolution and it's called Love You Better. It's okay. The beat has potential though it does sound like a second grade Get Up/1,2 Step. Not sure if it's me but a lot of her dance tracks have a similar backdrop to them.

See Ya is a laidback and chilled R&B number which is what she was all about during her Southern Hummingbird days. Nice track nevertheless. Whisper is a soulful piano-laid anthem so if you can't wait for Tweet's upcoming album I'm Back Again so you may want to check these out. Thanks for the music Etienne.

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See Ya - Tweet [DOWNLOAD]
Whisper - Tweet [DOWNLOAD]

And lastly, here is my review of Fantasia's new album:

OK, so last night I downloaded the ripped edition of Fantasia's new album Fantasia and I listened to it from beginning to end, so here's my review. I Nominate You, Only One U, I Feel Beautiful, Two Weeks Notice, Surround U and Bump What Ya Friends Say are simply OUTSTANDING. This is the real emotive of reasoning as to what true sanging is really all about, nurturing the soul by singing with so much emphasis, power, and passion. The tracks were sung with so much empathy, you felt the pain, the sorrow and the joy. She really does take it to church, something which was acquired during her time as a choir girl. Even her upbeat tracks are fresh, innovative and different with minor alternative sounds which were incorporated well with the contemporary R&B. This marks the VERY reason why Fantasia Barrino was crowned the American Idol winner during season 3 and rightly so, though it should have been Jennifer Hudson or Latoya London as the runner-up. Fantasia gets a gratifying 8 out of 10.

Labels: BLU CANTRELL, BRITNEY SPEARS, CASSIE, CHRIS BROWN, CIARA, FANTASIA BARRINO, GWEN STEFANI, JAY-Z, JENNIFER HUDSON, KARINA PASIAN, KELLY ROWLAND, MARIAH CAREY, MEL B, TWEET, USHER

Labels: CIARA

I guess she knows she has gorgeous legs because she loves to show them off at every opportunity, and with pins like that who can blame her? In other Rihanna news, she has sung her way to a CoverGirl contract and it has been made official that Rihanna WILL be releasing her third studio album next year. This news comes from a Press Release, courtesy of CoverGirl. Check this out:

Rihanna, the internationally- acclaimed songstress who has won millions of fans with her smash hit "S.O.S." and charming persona, is joining the CoverGirl family. The 18-year-old star joins the ranks of CoverGirls including Queen Latifah, Molly Sims, Christie Brinkley and Keri Russell. Rihanna will shoot her first CoverGirl ads this December for a nationwide launch in summer 2007. Rihanna's debut album "Music of the Sun," which she co-wrote with renowned music producer Evan Rogers and his partner Carl Sturken, was released in August 2005. Her world renowned second album, "A Girl Like Me," featuring "S.O.S." and her follow-up single "Unfaithful" has established her among today's top artists. Through it all, Rihanna has managed to stay grounded and strives for her music to be a personal conversation with girls her age -- reflecting their triumphs, complexities and struggles. Rihanna is now working on her third album which is set for release in 2007."Rihanna's natural beauty and musical talents make her a perfect fit for CoverGirl. She is the latest in a long line of CoverGirls such as Queen Latifah, Faith Hill and Brandy to reinforce the brand's heritage in music," said Gina Drosos, Vice President and General Manager of Global Cosmetics, Procter & Gamble Beauty. "Rihanna is a talented, confident young woman who exemplifies the CoverGirl ideals with her inner confidence and fresh beauty. We're proud to welcome her to the CoverGirl family."

"I've loved makeup and dreamed of being a CoverGirl since I was a little girl," said Rihanna. "Growing up, my mother was a makeup artist and I was fascinated watching her apply lipcolor, blush and mascara. Now I get to be surrounded by all of my favorites from CoverGirl!" Since its introduction in 1961, CoverGirl has helped launch numerous modeling careers and was one of the first brands to link models' names and faces with a product. The long list of famous CoverGirl models includes Christie Brinkley, Cheryl Tiegs, Rachel Hunter, Tyra Banks, Niki Taylor and Molly Sims, and the brand is known for consistently signing models who embody both inner and outer beauty, such as current spokesmodel Queen Latifah. [SOURCE]

OK, so yes, she's following in the steps of her idol Beyonce but I say make that money girl!!! I am shocked that she's releasing another album so soon. The fantastic Music of The Sun was released in 2005. A Girl Like Me was released this year. And now her third album will be released next year. Is she going to be one of those artists who's going to release an album every year just to try and wallow in all the hype before it wanes? I hope not, because the real test in an artists strength is to go away for 3 or 4 years and still come back strong, but either way good luck to her. Not the best singer by any means but the girl is lovely and works her ass off like no tomorrow. Her success is very deserving. She's appeared on ALL the major Award shows either winning, performing or BOTH, and not just in the US, but Award shows all over the world. There is not one Awards show Rihanna hasn't attended where she hasn't performed or won anything. She has just toured all over the UK and Europe with the Pussy Cat Dolls which all of her tours have been heavily followed on this blog. During the promo for her sophomore album A Girl Like Me, she was endorsed by Nike, and I'm taking it, the CoverGirl campaign will collide with the release of the new album next year.

Brandy and her girls went out to eat at Savannah's recently. She's looking a whole lot better than she did in previous months, and I cannot wait for her comeback next year.

Labels: BEYONCE KNOWLES, BOYZ II MEN, BRANDY, CASSIE, CIARA, JANET JACKSON, JAY-Z, NE-YO, RIHANNA

Labels: FANTASIA BARRINO

Labels: DANITY KANE

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Chris Brown looked mad cute backstage just before the Awards kicked off. And then when the awards did kick off, he looked mighty cool in his glasses. Frankie J was also seen on arrival.

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Clockwise: Janet Jackson on arrival with her troll lover Jermaine Dupri, runner-up Katherine McPhee, Mary J Blige wins her award and Pharrell Williams. Memo to JD: Ever heard of teeth whitening? Janet Jackson always has the killer smile showing off her pearly whites putting her in the running to be the spokesperson for Colgate, and well, you'd at least think she'd have told her man about it. His teeth are so bright and yellow, I'm pretty certain Stevie Wonder wouldn't have any problems identifying what colour they were but it's just not that either. Dude needs a full dental procedure.

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I caught Janet's performance on You Tube and it was an okay performance I guess. Nothing spectacular, and I hated her wig.

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Clockwise: Nelly Furtado arrives, Fergie performs with her band mate Black Eyed Peas Will.i.am, and Vida on the red carpet as she makes her arrival. For once she looks nice. Well, at least she looks like she showered.

So yesterday, Beyonce snubbed the billboard Awards to attend her movie premiere for Dream Girls and being the devotee boyfriend Jay-Z was at his woman's side. Everyone looked decent and chilled, and for a moment, you wouldn't think anything could go possibly wrong with the positive response that the movie has been getting lately. Well, things DID go wrong. Tina Knowles. She committed an abominable sin wearing that joke of an outfit which we all know she designed herself with all the frilly exteriors and whatnot. Yikes!

I feel really sorry for the curtains that had to endure the massacre that it did to be misused in order to create this atrocity of an outfit. The day she suffers arthritis in her fingers to put a stop to this fashion crime that we've all been subjected over the years is the day we can all say good riddance to bad garbage. Then she wonders why her and Beyonce are the laughing stock of the fashion trade. Of course, nobody is going to tell her that she is real wack with designing clothes because they don't want to encounter the wrath of mama Knowles fury who has a temper as short as a fuse and as eruptive as lava exploding out of a volcano. Apparently, it is what it is unfortunately.

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Beyonce was spotted once again with her nephew. We see her more with Daniel than the actual mother. Where is Solange? Come look after your child.

Christina Milian attended the First Major Outdoor Art Installation and looked gorgeous as usual.

Labels: BEYONCE KNOWLES, CHRIS BROWN, CHRISTINA MILIAN, DREAMGIRLS, FERGIE, JANET JACKSON, JAY-Z, KATHARINE MCPHEE, MARY J BLIGE, MEL B, NELLY FURTADO, PHARRELL WILLIAMS, RIHANNA, THE BILLBOARD AWARDS 2006

Labels: EDDIE MURPHY, MEL B, TRACEY EDMONDS

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So far so good! Meanwhile, check out Jennifer Hudson's takes in the latest Advocate:

I think she looks smoking, especially in that middle picture. I am glad she is finally getting some recognition. Below, is Beyonce's performance of Listen on the Today show:

Labels: BEYONCE KNOWLES, DREAMGIRLS, JENNIFER HUDSON

Blu Cantrell, Fergie and Willi.am, Ice-T, Bow Wow and Justin Timberlake all turned up.

Here is Janet's spread for Essence magazine. I guess these are okay but nothing to write home about. Her Vanity Fair shoot was the best in my honest opinion.

Thandie looked gorgeous.

Going back to World Aids Day ...

Beyonce looked amazing.

Chris Brown is such a cutie. He can get it 7 days a week with triple dessert afterwards. Mmmm hmmmm.

Akon looks a little toooo happy to be in Amerie's company. With his x-rated fugliness, maybe its not so often he gets to cosy up next to a beautiful woman. Amerie also attended the Nascar Nextel Cup Series Champion's Party.

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Eve also attended the Emporio Armani event which honored World AIDS Day. I'll put my thoughts aside as far as appearances go because she's been really dedicated to the cause, and some folks, despite their fame, wealth and popularity, well, they haven't done jack, so good on Eve. Well, anything that wasn't Aids day related transcends back to Fantasia's latest appearance on 106 and Park as her sophomore album Fantasia gets released the week after next:

I am not trying to poke jabs but her mouth looks huuuuge like somebody punched it and now its left in a purging position which can't fix back. You can just look at her and tell she speaks with a lisp, just by the way her mouth looks. Seriously, if she's not going to smile properly, then I say keep it closed. The chick just doesn’t photograph very well at all.

Gorgeous My Wife & Kids actress Jennifer Freeman celebrated her 21st birthday recently, with best pal One on One actress Kyla Pratt and R&B princes Ray-J and Marques Houston (whom she co-starred with in You Got Served):

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She looks beautiful, and if the rumours are true that the chick is strictly for carpet munching, lets just say that a lot of dudes I know will be jumping off 200ft buildings.

Awww. Lenny Kravitz loves his daughter Zoe. They are ALWAYS together which is great. I love to see a man dote over his children, maybe because I never had a close-knit relationship with MY father. Oh well. Shit happens but every girl needs a daddy. Zoe is the spitting image of her mama Lisa Bonet. Anyway, Lenny and Zoe both hosted the DKNY Jeans & 401 Projects in New York City.

Rihanna performed in my city Birmingham at the N.E.C, along with the Pussy Cat Dolls. She is like a walking atlas. I hope she gets a long deserved rest after the tour. The chick has been travelling all over the place lately. Her hard work has definitely paid off. Mini Beyonce? Hell yeah! Now we're back to Miss Beyonce, as she graces the latest edition of teen mag Seventeen:

In the magazine, she talks about her battle with food and her constant fight to stay slim which she has now retaliated against. But when it's time for her to take on another movie role, watch her starve herself again and put herself back on the liquid diet. She need not worry about her eating habits seeing as though she'll be touring next year and such activity will help her stay in shape.

Now look at her out and about playing the loving auntie to her little nephew Daniel, who is absolutely adorable. In tow were her ex-Destiny's Child band mate Kelly Rowland and her mama Tina. Now the wig is another story. Looks like mother Sparrow accidentally dropped her nest on Beyonce's head. Soon enough, the eggs will come sprouting. You meaning to tell me she couldn't fix on her wig better than that? Hmph! In other Beyonce news, word has it that Beyonce is secretly seething that Jennifer Hudson is getting all the rave reviews and public accolades for her role in Dream Girls, whilst she has to settle for second fiddle. When Matthew Knowles reportedly saw the final edit of the movie, he nearly had a damn fit. A lot of Beyonce's lines were reportedly cut (supposedly because of the directors awareness of Beyonce's limitations) and whilst the original Dream Girls were centred a lot around Bee's character Deena, this motion picture is mainly centred around Effie (Jennifer Hudson's character). So despite Beyonce getting more screen time, Jennifer had a much more complex role. Due to Beyonce getting more screen time and very little lines, Jennifer has had to settle for Supporting Actress whilst Beyonce gets Lead Actress, further igniting Hollywood to push her to the forefront all because she brings in "star power" to the movie. According to a New York Post article that I read yesterday, one writer claims that Jennifer's magnificently-stellar performance made Beyonce look like an extra. Ouch! Needing to add that the Oscars will be very interesting next year. I know my ass will be glued.

Lastly but not least, the X-Factor. Leona Lewis made it into the semi finals Saturday night by singing Mariah's Without You and she stopped them dead in her tracks. The chick rocked. You can tell that musically she wants to go the same route as Celine Dion, Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston, singing power ballads and emotionally charged soulful anthems. I stand by this chick all the way and if she doesn't win the show, the intentions of the phone viewers definitely need to be questioned. I'm a bit nervous though simply because we've NEVER had a black contestant win a reality show in Britain. And secondly, females don't win because it appears females vote more than males and they vote for the good-looking male contestants. This is all because they have the eye-candy factor, which would explain why weak voiced Ray is still in the competition.

Without You - Leona Lewis

Labels: AALIYAH, AMERIE, BEYONCE KNOWLES, CHRIS BROWN, CIARA, EVE, FANTASIA BARRINO, JANET JACKSON, JENNIFER FREEMAN, LEONA LEWIS, RIHANNA, THE SMITHS, VH1'S BIG AWARDS 2006, ZOE KRAVITZ

Labels: AMERIE

Labels: BEYONCE KNOWLES, CHRIS BROWN, MICHAEL JACKSON, THE WORLD MUSIC AWARDS 2006