TOYA'S WORLD // YOUR R&B FIX STARTS HERE....

NEW BEGINNINGS....

2008-01-02T02:31:00.000Z

TOYA'S WORLD HAS NOW MOVED! CLICK ON LINK TO ENTER THE NEW SITE.

NEW YEAR WISHES....

2007-12-31T23:44:00.000Z

I want to wish everyone a happy new year. I am still putting the finishing touches to my site so it wont be up until tomorrow at around midday British time. But this is going to be my last ever post on this blog. I am going to miss it loads! I will try to have it up before then though.

I am still having a couple of problems but the wait will be worthwhile. I'll see you guys tomorrow! Right now I am getting ready to leave because I'm going out to celebrate. Once again, happy new year to you guys! 2008 will be ours! See you guys tomorrow!

CELEB SPOTTINGS: R&B SINGERS OUT & ABOUT ....

2007-12-31T23:34:00.000Z

Beyonce and her sister Solange attended Jay-Z's 40/40 opening on Sunday night. Lots of folks arrived to support and celebrate the special occasion:

They both looked cute. They are looking more and more like sisters when in the past you couldn't even tell they were related. At one time it was like looking at Jessica Rabbit and Gonzo. NO LIKENESS at all. So having said that, Solange has come a long way. Check out who else attended after the cut.

Another R&B singer who attended was Robin Thicke and his father Alan:

Robin looks a lot like his dad.

But here's a sight that would have your eyes bleeding sore. Michael and Janet Jackson's father Joe decided to come out of his rocking chair to hit up the event:

Yikes. He makes the boogieman look kind. Seriously. I see he still enjoys acting like he is 60 years back in time. Nice earrings and all.

Beyonce was living it up:

Well, if I had a man of Jay-Z's calibre, my ass would be shouting out loud from the rooftops as well. You can't hate on Jay-Z at all. The man's hustle game is ON POINT.

R&B singers Mary J Blige and Ne-yo was there too:

Ne-yo looks so damn fruity, it aint even funny. Mary looks like hell. She has been looking like a 70 year-old woman lately. Damn.

Mariah Carey and her dog was spotted shopping in Aspen this past weekend:

I didn't even know adults still wear an all-in-one coat in this day and age. Mariah's dog looks really sad.

But the atmosphere was a far contrast for Leona Lewis when she was spotted enjoying her Caribbean vacation with her fella Lou:

She looks great. She'd better make the most of her vacation though since she'll be launching in America this month. Things are about to get crazy.

Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger was spotted at LAX airport:

What is wrong with her mouth? And what the hell is she wearing?

JANET'S PHOTOSHOOT WITH PRESTIGE HONG KONG....

2007-12-31T23:30:00.000Z

Japan is getting the first rendition of love from Ms Janet Jackson as she poses it up for their publication 'Prestige Hong Kong':

The photoshoot is sexy but tasty. I mean, when you get to a certain age, that is where you need to exercise your limits. I am glad there are no tits on display. I think she should keep that up. I TOTALLY dig these photo's which were shot by Mark Liddell. You can read the whole interview by CLICKING HERE.

TOYA'S WORLD 2007 AWARDS....

2007-12-30T07:54:00.001Z

With less than 48 hours before we say a final farewell to 2007, I thought I'd do one of those Award thingies like what many blogs have been doing lately. Everybody has had their highs and lows of the year through and through, so here's mine:

BIGGEST WTF OF 2007: Well, of course the recent Chris Stokes molestation controversy is one to be taken into consideration but nothing beats Britney Spears going into meltdown when she shaved off all her hair back in February:

That, as well as her tragic VMA performance back in September, and losing custody of her kids. But the shaving head incident wins this hands down! Maybe 2008 will be a better year for Britney. Who knows? Maybe she'll finally decide to get her act together.

HOTTEST MUSICAL COUPLE OF 2007: Well, of course it's going to be Beyonce and Jay-Z. They get this every time:

Jay-Z is not hot physically but his money, bank balance and his business savvy credentials is what makes him hot, not to mention he's dating one of the most beautiful women in music right now. Of course he knows this. How many times am I going to hear that 'hottest chick in the game' line? These two are no doubt the most powerful couple in not just music but show-business as well.

HOTTEST MUSIC VIDEO OF 2007: Last year it was Promise by Ciara. The video AND the song was the hottest but this year I got to give it to Rihanna's Umbrella. She came HARD with that single big time:

The special effects were creatively innovative and there were lots of nice visuals. I loved the water scene where she is dancing with the waves. They should have devoted more camera time on that. Also, I loved the part where she was butt naked and covered in silver body paint. Although the choreography was very hit and miss, this was no doubt a hot video.

WORST VIDEO OF 2007: Awww, this is easy. This Award goes to Britney's GIMME MORE video:

Just horrible for reasons that don't even need to be explained. There were so many contenders for this category but Britney beat them all.

MOST STYLIST OF 2007: Rihanna has this on lock. There is no one that has taken such a huge risk in completely switching up their image by going hardcore with their style. Rihanna has been spot on over the past couple of months:

She's gone from the tom-boy baggy-pants wearing songstress to a more sassy and sophisticatedly elegant young diva in the making. She was sick of being seen as a mini Beyonce and she wanted to put a stop to that and that she did! I sometimes like to think she's dressing herself but it's been quite obvious that she is under the influence of a personal stylist. Sometimes it appears to be all a little too contrived.

HOTTEST SONG OF 2007: UMBRELLA! Without a doubt, Rihanna's Umbrella was one of the hottest, edgiest, ear-catching song of 2007:

It was also one of the biggest chart stormers internationally. This year was definitely Rihanna's year.

HOTTEST ALBUM OF 2007: For me I'm going to say Britney Spears 'Blackout'. This choice may come as a shock when Alicia Keys and Keyshia Cole are hot contenders but the production on that album was something serious:

I have become a massive fan of Danja and the synth pop vibe mixed in with the urban influences. That direction definitely worked in her favour. Sadly, the efforts of those who put their best work into this project were wasted. Britney could have ruled the world with this album and she totally blew it with the appalling VMA performance and her lack of charisma to promote it.

BIGGEST COMEBACK OF 2007: Alicia Keys without a doubt had the biggest comeback of 2007. It's been 7 weeks since the release of new album As I Am and she has sold over 2 million copies already:

Her song No One is a smash hit and she is the biggest selling female of 2007. Alicia has had that crack success and it could not have happened to a more deserving artist.

BIGGEST WARDROBE MALFUNCTION OF 2007: This Award is honored by Janet Jackson of course but this year it belongs to somebody. There are so many that I didn't even know where to begin. But I'm giving it to Beyonce:

Not content with showing Jay-Z a sight only HE should be subjected to, Ms Beyonce went and flashed her vagina during her tour, The Beyonce Experience. Of course Beyonce stans will say it's a photoshop job but the pic looks pretty authentic to me, and there's only so many excuses you can make for one person.

MOST UNDERRATED ALBUM OF 2007: I'm inclined to say Amerie's Because I Love It or Kelly Rowland's Miss Kelly, but I'm going to say Britney's 'Blackout':

All these albums did not get the accolades that they deserved which is truly sad because they were the most solid.

WORST SONG OF 2007: Nicole Scherzinger's Whatever You Like was no doubt the worst song of 2007. It was just pitiful. Even T.I who spat on the track couldn't save the song from falling harder than a brick from the sky:

That very same beat was used not only by Kelis for Blindfold Me but by former TLC singer Chilli as well for Straight Jack, which is that she did. The irony. Not a good way for your solo career to take off. Turns out Polow Da Don had shopped the same beat to several other artists so why she chose to release this as the lead single beats me. We had high expectations for the Pussycat Doll frontwoman and she just didn't deliver. Chris Brown's Wall To Wall is another one. It was so cheesy, you could actually smell the dairylea through the speakers. But he redeemed himself with Kiss Kiss which became very successful and got to no 1 on billboard.

WORST ALBUM OF 2007: I didn't like the new Jennifer Lopez album so I nominate 'Brave':

I'm sure there's plenty more but this is the album that comes to mind when I think about the least appealing album of this year.

BIGGEST GIMMICK OF 2007: It was definitely the Kanye West and Fiddy rivalry especially with 50 saying he'll retire if he sells less on the same day he and Kanye released their new albums:

Of course Kanye kicked his ass in sales but it was a clever gimmick, although I saw right through it and PREDICTED they'd be pictured together and I was right. But the alleged Fiddy and Ciara relationship was also another gimmick Fiddy has been riding on in order to get his album to sell. Fiddy also credits Sharon Osbourne for the new nickname.

BIGGEST HAM OF 2007: This is a really tough one but I think I'm going to go with Fantasia Barrino who had a couple of mishaps this year:

With the last set of images, I don't know what she was hoping to achieve by taking those type of pictures and how they got out to prying eyes is still a mystery. All I know is that such images are enough to turn the most hot-blooded hetereosexual man into a bonafide homo.

BIGGEST FLOP OF 2007: Jennifer Lopez's Brave. I think she had the lowest sales this year for a pop/R&B act:

I didn't think anybody could do any worse than Kelly Rowland but J.Lo really did hit a slump. Two other acts that come to mind include Mya and Nicole Scherzinger.

HOTTIE OF 2007: NO doubt Chris Brown was getting some major love this year, especially since turning 18:

At least the older ladies need not feel bad about having a crush on the young and handsome R&B prince. He is still a goofball, but cute with it all the same. Him and Rihanna would make such a cute couple.

FUNNIEST MOMENT OF 2007: Another award that Beyonce wins hands down is when she bust her ass at her concert in Orlando, tripped on her gown and fell head first down a hefty flight of stairs:

She got mad respect for picking herself up straight away and carrying on like nothing happened, shaking that wig violently afterwards. Hilarious.

So there you have it folks, the highs, the lows, the madness and the chaos of 2007. The year is nearly over and it's time to wipe the slate clean for many of our big time artists. That said, I hope 2008 is going to be just as interesting. Keep it locked!

TREY SONGS DOES AN AKON....

2007-12-29T10:49:00.000Z

At a recent gig that took place at Club Ultra, R&B crooner Trey Songz jumped on some dude who threw ice at him. Then this fool hopped back onto the stage and started singing on cue, hahahaha:

Wow. Isn't he like 105 pounds? He could do with a protein shake or two and yet he jumps head first into the audience to fight. His dumb ass just set himself up for a nice lil' lawsuit. I guess he learnt NOTHING from the Akon situation. You can't tell them NOTHING.

R&B ROUND-UP: USHER NAMEDROPS NEW SINGLE // BRANDY IS CLEARED....

2007-12-29T08:37:00.000Z

Usher tells the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that a single in the works for his new album could see a collaboration with superstar Michael Jackson but nothing is set in stone, as well as the "it" guy of urban music, T-Pain.

[CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO A SNIPPET OF THE NEW SINGLE. THE HQ IS COMING SOON RIGHT HERE ON TW! LOOK OUT FOR IT!]

Thanks Rap-Up-Player.

"It’s been created, but it’s not recorded," Usher explained to the newspaper. "And as long as Michael is open to it, hey, anything goes".

The track would be featured on Usher's upcoming album, which he says will be out early next year.

"I've been diligently working on creating a masterpiece," he said of the project. "It's going to be out first or maybe the second quarter. I see the second quarter of next year. And there will be a video and single out at the top of the year. I think [Atlanta producer] Polow Da Don is going to have the first one. I think that's going to be the single 'Love In The Club.'"

I'm not sure if I'm looking forwards to another Usher album but since he is bringing 'masterpiece' into the mix, it had better be exactly that - a masterpiece. Michael Jackson Off The Wall type masterpiece (if that's even possible).

I hate when artists big up their own music like that when we have yet to hear anything especially since all the leaked shit has been sounding a lot like recycled junk. Talk about false advertising. And then, when they release the shit it sounds like duplicated synchronizations from the previous album. Nothing has made me say, hell yeah, Usher is about to shutdown the game right now. Because honestly, I don't think he'll ever top Confessions, which was his peak. That was the Thriller of his career.

Usher has also upset a lot of fans because his new bestiality of a wife has turned him into a right Jekyll and Hyde character. We saw a side to him that we didn't like, a side we never saw before. And the only way he can redeem himself is if he comes hard this time around.

So, let me go back to spinning some Mario.

Brandy must be ecstatic. She has been cleared of all charges over the fatal car accident she was in last year. Here's a statement from Brandy's attorney, Blair Berk: "We are extremely pleased that after a more thorough and extensive investigation by authorities, the Los Angeles City Attorney has determined that Brandy Norwood should not be charged with any crime whatsoever relating to the accident back in 2006." [READ MORE]

So that means Brandy can now concentrate on getting us a hot album which she has been working on over the past year. Next year is going to be a fine one for music and I can't wait to hear what she hits us with.

LETOYA LUCKETT PUSHES BACK ALBUM....

2007-12-28T05:06:00.000Z

My homie Sam over That Grape Juice has just discovered that Letoya Luckett's album will no longer be released in February as planned but on 10th June 2008. Proof has been provided as well:

Well, isn't this a bitch? And just when I was looking forwards to a new Letoya album in the first quarter. Her buzz single will be long forgotten about. But if she's using the extra time to ensue that this album is quality, I can't complain. As long as it doesn't turn into a Mya/Amerie/Nicole Scherzinger situation, I welcome the extra wait wholeheartedly.

RAZ B'S BROTHER SAYS THAT APOLOGY TAPE IS FAKE & THAT RAZ-B WAS PAID TO SAY SORRY, B SCOTT GETS THREATENING EMAIL.... OH SHIT!!!!!!

2007-12-28T02:44:00.000Z

I know I said I wasn't going to post anything else on this but I couldn't resist. This shit is getting goooood! And so I couldn't ignore it. The New Urban blog got an official interview with Raz B's brother Ricky Romance and he stated what we knew ALL ALONG - that Raz B was PAID OFF to say he lied about the child abuse allegations. Check these out.

1. Ricky says apology tape is fake and that Chris Stokes had people force Raz B to read a script and coerced him into taking money. He says the money will now be returned *crickets*
2. Ricky says that because he won't drop the molestation allegations, he is receiving death threats and he is being followed but but he is still sticking to his claims because he wants Chris Stokes to go to jail *crickets*
3. Ricky says that as kids, Chris Stokes told them to participate in doing gay acts, and if they complied they'd always be taken care of *crickets*

ADDITIONAL INFO: RAZ B IS NOT MISSING.

If you want to read the extremely juicy interview in full, CLICK HERE. It's very entertaining you know. Personally, I think they need to go through the PROPER channels. Stop going to You Tube and doing interviews with blogs. Get a freakin' lawyer and do this properly!!!! Ricky says he wants to see Stokes behind bars but he's talking to the wrong people!!!!!!

B Scott (one of my affiliates), who contacted me in the summer has just received a threatening email from Chris Stokes cousin. Check out his hilarious clip after the cut.

B SCOTT GIVES AS GOOD AS HE'S GOT! AND REMAINS UNDETERRED .....

Like many bloggers, B Scott has been very vocal about the CHRIS STOKES controversy and it appears that Stokes people didn't like it. Visit B Scott for more fabness. This guy is insane but hilarious! Don't forget to give him feedback because he wants to hear from you!

CHRIS BROWN IS PACKING!

2007-12-28T02:24:00.000Z

Hey ladies, here is a picture of Chris Brown performing at his recent Up, Close & Personal tour, and let's just say that he's showing us something we'd never bargained for:

I adore!

But I can't even imagine what sex with him must be like because I'd be too afraid he'd get all acrobatic on my ass or do something mad goofy mid-climax.

Still, for an 18-year-old, he's definitely [in his words] 'Poppin'!'

SO THIS IS HOW IT ALL BEGAN ....

2007-12-27T21:02:00.000Z

UPDATE: CHRIS STOKES RELEASES ANOTHER STATEMENT, BUT RICKY ROMANCE SAYS HE STILL STANDS BY THE ALLEGATION CLAIMS .... UH OH!

This Chris Stokes molestation mess is rubbing off on me more than Michael Jackson's nose rubbing off on tissues every time he attempts to blow it. So this is going to be my last post on the matter and then I'm done on the subject. Stokes has just released ANOTHER statement in regards to the Raz B apology video: "I'm happy that Demario "Raz B" Thorton and Ricardo Thorton realized their mistakes and admitted to lying. I have always supported my family and have always been a stand up person. I knew that the truth would eventually come to light." But in ANOTHER shocking twist, Raz B's brother says he is standing by his claims WHOLEHEARTEDLY. Here in the footage, Raz B and his mother are rejected from some party that Chris Stokes was holding not too long ago:

This is also what Ricky Romance was arguing about over the phone. Raz B was obviously very hurt and upset which also prompted him to make the molestation allegations. Had Raz B and his mother were given entry, I am 100% certain these allegations would never have seen the light of day. All this just makes you wonder. All we got from this so-called scandal is that Raz B is a fraud who has only made it harder for REAL molestation victims to make a stand, Omarion is Chris Stoke's bitch and Chris Stokes is possibly an undercover cock lover. Anywho, I'm past caring now. If you didn't catch the other previews for B2K's reality show, then proceed further.

PART ONE: LIFE AFTER B2K

PART TWO: LIFE AFTER B2K

CIARA TRIBUTES DIANA ROSS [PERFORMANCE]....

2007-12-27T12:18:00.000Z

On December 2nd, Ciara did a tribute performance of Diana Ross' "I'm Coming Out" and "Upside Down" which went down at the 2007 Kennedy Center Honors. The show aired for the first time last night:

I posted her arrival at the event earlier this month. Ciara looked lovely and the glittery outfit was also very reminiscent of Ms Ross during her heyday. But vocally, she sounded like a streaming mesh of diarrhea. No surprises there then. Thanks a lot Jennie.

DANITY KANE ALBUM NEWS....

2007-12-27T11:53:00.000Z

A belated Christmas treat for Danity Kane fans sees group member Dawn Richards give us the lowdown on their latest projects, including the new album. Here's what she wrote on her official blog: 'I'm home guys!!!!!! just finished the show........and the album...It is soooooo sick....You guys will be surprised at how much DK has grown....The show is gonna be something!!!!!! It's a making the band you have never seen before! so stay tuned! DK IS BACK BABY. 2008 IS GONNA BE OURS FOR THE TAKING!'

{Danity Kane & this years Making The Band winners/runner-up Donnie at Mansion nightclub last month}

The show she is talking about is the new reality show which is going to be a Making The Band spin-off with the latest winners including Donnie. Couldn't give a rats ass about the show. It's just another pawn for Diddy to play puppet master once again. *sigh* I feel bad for them already. That said, I DO look forwards to the new DK album. The first joint was hot as poorly promoted as it was especially since they only managed two singles from it which were released 7/8 months apart.

BRANDY MAY HAVE BEEN CAR CRASH VICTIM AND NOT THE CULPRIT....

2007-12-27T11:34:00.000Z

According to TMZ, the woman who died in the car accident involving Brandy actually struck the vehicle in front of her before Brandy made any contact. This is reportedly the sudden stop that caused Brandy to hit the dead woman's car. In another amazing twist, toxicology reports show that Awatef Aboudihaj, had "slight traces" of marijuana in her system at the time of the crash [READ THE FULL REPORT].

I guess Brandy can soon breathe peacefully once she is relieved from this mess that took place almost exactly one year ago. Too bad the same can't be said for her hair folicles. On a more serious note, here's hoping that she can put this whole tragic incident behind her and concentrate on delivering a solid album for us next year.

RIHANNA CAMPAIGNS FOR H&M & DESIGNERS AGAINST AIDS....

2007-12-27T10:52:00.000Z

Rihanna is one of the celebrities who participated in H&M and Designers Against AIDS, to create a cotton collection for guys and girls with proceeds benefiting HIV/AIDS prevention projects. All of the artists who participated in the project donated their services for free. READ MORE.

"Supporting YouthAIDS through the Fashion Against AIDS campaign was a great way to encourage my fans to join me in the fight against HIV/AIDS. I love that H&M is providing a fashionable and easy way for young people all over the world to get involved in this worthy cause," Rihanna said in a release. It's nice when celebs do in fact use their star power to tackle important issues outside of music. Bravo to her and all celebs involved.

OMARION'S NEW VIDEO 'HEY BABY (JUMP OFF)' PLUS HE SAYS RAZ B IS A LIAR. RAZ B SAYS THAT HE LIED & APOLOGISES TO CHRIS STOKES....

2007-12-27T08:47:00.000Z

Before I go into the Chris Stokes controversy, Omarion and his collaboration partner Bow Wow premiered their new video Hey Baby (Jump Off) this week:

The song is taken from their rubbish album Face Off and is the 3rd single for the duo, which is kind of funny to me because they're on single no 3 and can only shift just over 100k in the first week. You'd think that their fans would actually combine together which would actually help the album sales. Guess not. They'd probably have done Kelly Rowland-Jennifer Lopez-Mario Barrett type numbers if it weren't Christmas. I guess O and Bow Wow weren't in high demand for the Christmas stocking.

As for the Chris Stokes child molestation controversy, Omarion has blasted Raz B and his brother calling them straight liars. Here's his statement: "I want to be on the record as saying that "Raz B" Thorton and Ricardo Thorton are lying regarding Chris Stokes. Chris is a father figure to myself, and many others in the industry. He's guided us, helped raised us and is nothing more than an inspiration and someone I respect to and look up to. I have spent countless hours, days, weeks and months with the man since the age of 5 and have never once seen him behave inappropriately. He's married to my aunt and I know this man very well. I stand behind him with no question whatsoever," said Omarion.

"I have grown up around Chris and this is crazy to me. These people have damaged me, and my reputation and I won't stand silent and will do all within my means to speak the truth about this matter," said Omarion.

I thought that his statement was tacky and unprofessional. This is a case of when celebs NEED a publicist to prepare their statements. Even if O thought they were liars he could have gone about it with more tact. He never had to call them liars especially since Raz B said he could only speak for himself. I'm pretty sure O wasn't around Chris Stokes all the time when he and Raz B were alone. I guess O got a Mercedez Benz for Christmas. But what's even more shocking is that a brand new twist sees Raz B APOLOGISING to Stokes claiming that the molestation allegations were untrue. More after the cut!

Here's the video of Raz B's apology:

I don't even know what to think anymore.

Either the allegations were false and were only made by Raz B because he was bitter that Stokes screwed them over OR the allegations are STILL true but Raz B decided that he couldn't afford the assistance if it ever went to court.

Maybe he thought that taking on Stokes was more than he could handle. Or he could have been PAID OFF by Stokes which was very likely the general motive as Raz B has already admitted to being broke and struggling. All I can say right now is that Raz B has now made himself look very foolish.

CELEB SPOTTINGS: R&B SINGERS OUT & ABOUT ....

2007-12-26T16:59:00.000Z

The countdown is on. Five more days for 2008 and the launch of my new site. I can't wait to unveil it. Well, as everybody was cooped up with their families over the Christmas period, there hasn't been much going in celebdom, save for a couple of appearances. Starting with Mariah Carey who visited her mother in Aspen 3 days ago:

Mariah, Mariah, Mariah. It's cold, it's winter. And as thick as that coat may be, it's a tad bit too small. Typical Mariah still REFUSES to resist the exposure of silicone, even with temperatures at damn near 0 degrees. Her new album will be dropping Spring 2008.

More flicks:

Love the boots!

And another legendary diva who was looking bootylicious was Mary J Blige when she was spotted out and about in New York:

Mary's Geffen release, Growing Pains debuted at #2, having sold 640k in sales. But Alicia sold 100k more. Ha! I'm sorry, I couldn't resist. That is lower than The Breakthrough sales but it's still great. I'm not a hater though. Congrats to Mary.

On 23rd December, Fantasia Barrino was spotted at spotlightlive in New York City:

The pregnancy rumours have been circulating for over a month and she's not showing. Maybe she's not preggers after all but only time will tell. Keep it locked.

CIARA: THAT'S RIGHT [NEW VIDEO PREMIERE]....

2007-12-25T00:49:00.000Z

Ciara finally premiered her long overdue video That's Right not too long ago. Her loyalty to her ATL peeps continue to stay exactly that as she had the incredibly annoying Lil Jon billy goat gruffing over the track as he did for her debut hit single Goodies. R&B singer Monica who ALSO made a cameo appearance in Goodies also appeared in this video as well:

I don't like the song AT ALL but I thought the video was tight especially the dancing sequences. I still think her Promise video was the best video she's ever done though. There was a lot of poplocking but she was being Ciara this time which was good. I didn't see any Aaliyah or Janet duplications. So far so good I guess. I think she should just make this the last video because it's not like her album is going to climb back up the chart any time soon. She left it too late but it was nice we finally got to see the vid after all this time.

MERRY XMAS!

2007-12-25T00:00:00.001Z

I want to wish EVERYBODY a very happy merry Christmas. In the UK, the clock has just struck midnight. Ding Dong! In other parts of Europe Christmas began half an hour ago. And I know my US readers will have to wait another 5 hours or so, ha! Not long though. I won't even be worrying about messing up my work-out program because Christmas is about not having a care to the world, appreciating what this day stands for and just well, enjoying your grub. I do know that one it's all over, the punishment will begin after eating a mincepie or two *lol*. Well, my turkey is in the oven already, because I got family coming round later and I want the turkey to be ready without any hitches. That said, it looks like I'll be up for most of the night. My new site is coming along just fine. It's hard work starting from scratch and I will deeply miss this blog because it's the best blog I've ever had but 2008 calls for better things I suppose. Right now I'm working on the banner. It's wicked. I've put a totally different dimension on it, one that you wouldn't expect. The launch of the new site will take place on NEW YEARS DAY. So make sure you're there so that we can have a blast, and tell everyone to visit! I will be talking about my predictions for 2008 and who I expect to do it big next year. Once again, I hope ya'll have a blessed Christmas. Much love.

RAZ B: 'CHRIS STOKES IS A CHILD MOLESTOR'....

2007-12-24T18:20:00.000Z

UPDATE: CHRIS STOKES RELEASES OFFICIAL STATEMENT! READ IT AFTER THE CUT.

An incriminating YOU TUBE video put together by Raz B of the now defunct group B2K sees the bitter singer accusing the group manager Chris Stokes of sexually molesting him when he was younger (11-12 years of age). Those video's can be watched after the cut. Raz B also accuses the TUG boss of molesting members of B2K and Marques Houston. In the incriminating footage, Raz B, now 23, is seen having a conversation with the sister and father of Marques Houston. From what I got from the convo, she is saying that when she was sleeping around during her youth, she didn't know any better which is why she allowed it to happen, but now that she's grown and a lot wiser, she has put a stop to that lifestyle. She also made note that when you get to a certain age you should be able to distinguish right from wrong, and since the boys were young and vulnerable, it wasn't their fault. She stresses that if Marques still allowed it to continue to this day, he must have liked it.

Raz B's older brother Ricky confronts Chris Stokes over the phone and Stokes can be heard saying "That's not my life ANYMORE (child molesting)". I wonder if he knew he was being recorded. I'm sure he would NOT have confessed to the shit had he known. Putting it on You Tube just reaped of attention when the video should have been handed over to the Authorities and NOT YOU TUBE. I find it ironic that this is coming out NOW in light of B2K's new reality show. The sickening thing about it is that Stokes is COUSIN to Raz B and he molested his own damn cousin. Stokes took Raz B under his wing whilst his mother was vulnerable to drug addiction. I have no idea where the father was but clearly he was out of the picture. There are even bits and pieces that allude to Stokes trying it on with Ricky, but nothing was said. In fact, everyone turned a blind eye to it all because money needed to be made and that was the main focus. Although, the mother had a drug addiction, it was her responsibility to ensure another adult was placed at the scene if she couldn't be the one to do it. The sad thing about it was that it wasn't much of an opportunity because Raz B dropped out of school to dedicate himself to the group and Stokes was ripping them off financially. I would never allow my son to go through that, let alone drop out of school, no matter how big the opportunity is. Stokes would have been locked up a long time ago.

I know that money is the route to ALL evil but I would never allow it to stop me from making a stand, even if it meant my child missing out on hitting the big time. A lot of parents KNOW their kids are being subjected to things they're not suppose to but allow it carry on anyway just for the money and the fame. Take Teairra Mari for instance. Why did her mother allow her 15-year-old daughter to go into the studio to sing a song about a 'nigga making her feel good'? What talk is that for a minor? What's worse? That or for the minor being too young to buy her own album all because it has a PARENTAL ADVISORY sticker plastered all over it? This is what killed her career whilst Rihanna thrived, because children her age couldn't relate to the adult content. How did 15-year-old Aaliyah manage to marry 27-year-old R. Kelly without her parents suspecting a thing?

It's like the Lou Pearlman case where the pop Svengali was raping his young victims mentally, physically and financially. The Backstreet Boys, N-Sync and Aaron Carter were victims with his older brother Nick Carter named as a victim of Pearlman's inappropriate misconduct. R. Kelly was actually CAUGHT on tape pissing on a minor but yet the case has been ONGOING for 7 years and he is still allowed to go on tour. If the law can't protect our kids, we have a duty as parents to protect them out of harms way. As long as white kids aren't being touched it's okay right? Because if that was an underaged white girl R. Kelly pissed on and was sleeping with, and the evidence was there in BLACK & WHITE, he would have been convicted a looong time ago.

PART ONE:

PART TWO:

CHRIS STOKES STATEMENT DENYING THE ALLEGATIONS

“The accusations that Demario “Raz B” Thorton and Ricardo Thorton have made are vehemently false and hold no merit. I have recently stopped financially supporting both individuals along with assisting them with their criminal and legal matters which leads me to believe they are resentful and looking to benefit financially from this. My family is my first priority and the reason why I have been so supportive of them. In bringing these false claims, they have not only slandered me, they have also put me in a position to ensure that the truth is known and I will take all legal routes to protect myself, my family and my four children,” said Chris Stokes, CEO of The Ultimate Group.

“It’s also quite ironic that these statements were made only 2 weeks after they were denied admittance by a venue for an event I hosted in Beverly Hills,” added Stokes.

CELEB SPOTTINGS: R&B SINGERS OUT & ABOUT ....

2007-12-24T15:26:00.000Z

Solange Knowles and her 3-year-old son Daniel Julez were spotted out in West Hollywood doing some shopping:

They were in Kitson's buying a few things. Daniel looks like a little bad ass. You can see it in his face. Anyway, Solange signed to Geffen records recently where she'll release her new album Solange and the Hadley Street Dreams early next year. I hope she changes the title ASAP. We can't have parents thinking it's the soundtrack to Sesame Street.

This past weekend, diva queen Toni Braxton did a christmas gig in Las Vegas:

I for one do not know what's going on with Toni. She's hasn't been on top form in years and despite several flop albums under her wing, I still listen to her classic sophomore Secrets, and her debut was definitely a force to be reckoned with when she hit the scene some 15 years ago. She needs to go back to making music of that form instead of incorporating more street into her sound just to compete with her younger peers.

Christina Milian and her mama was spotted cruising the streets of LA this past weekend:

Not sure how I feel about those boots though. Did anybody catch her movie 'Snowglobe' last weekend?

A week ago, she was also spotted out about in her car in LA:

Christina knows she's too cute for words. Christina is really chuffed to bits because Snowglobe was the most watched cable show on ABC Family. She may be able to pull in ratings for TV, but too bad the same can't be said for album sales. This should probably serve as a wake-up call, although I'm curious as to what she's going to come with on the next album. She's worked with Danja, plus Cool & Dre and several other top notch producers.

American Idol winner Jordin Sparks was spotted out and about in NYC last week:

On December 22, she turned 18. FOX also previously announced that she and her American Idol runner-up Blake Lewis will perform on the network's New Year's Eve Live special. New Year's Eve Live will air on FOX December 31, from 11pm to 12:30am ET live. The show is to be hosted by So You Think You Can Dance host Cat Deeley.

Jennifer Lopez was spotted out in NYC doing the last bit of shopping for the festive season:

Still looking mad fab as usual.

Last week, Raven Symone attended Criss Angel's 40th Birthday Party at LAX Nightclub at the Luxor Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas:

The rumour is that there's something going on with her and R&B singer Trey Songz. But I think they're just good friends. You know what the Internet is like these days. Keep it locked.

CIARA TO PREMIERE NEW VIDEO TOMORROW!

2007-12-24T14:31:00.000Z

Ciara is going to premiere her very-much delayed video for new single That's Right TOMORROW on Christmas day.

I posted three different clips of the video shoot back in mid July and so we know it's going to be a dance video. As the song has a very summery vibe, they are releasing it at the wrong time. It's been just over a year since the release of Ciara's album Ciara: The Evolution, so the album got quite a long stretch. Next year, she is going back into the studio. And of course you'll be able to watch the video right here on Toya's World. Are you looking forwards to the new vid?

SAY GOODBYE TO YOUR CLEAN-CUT IMAGE CHRIS!

2007-12-23T09:43:00.000Z

Christmas is two days away. So some of you females may like this. I was browsing through one of my favourite blogs THINK2WICE when I came across this clip of heart throb Chris Brown dry humping the floor at his recent Up, Close and Personal tour in Chicago:

When Chris was spotted dry humping two females at the "On Da Reggae Tip" concert back in September, I chalked it down as the morbidly grotesque Elephant Man persuading him to do it otherwise he would not have otherwise. But as he got through the bedroom number 'Take U Down', Elephant man was nowhere in sight. We were subjected to a number of sexual pelvic thrusts, dry humpings of the floor and the disappearance of his top which he whipped off much to the delight of thousands of screaming hormonal teenage girl fans. You can also watch another performance of With U, where during the last 10 seconds, a girl fan throws a pair of panties at him. CLICK HERE.

NE-YO: GO ON GIRL [NEW VIDEO]....

2007-12-23T09:28:00.000Z

Ne-yo recently premiered the new video for latest new single, "Go On Girl" taken from his latest Because of You album which has now sold over a million:

I didn't get the hype with this latest album. I liked his first album way better. Because of You had songs that sounded like rejected cuts off his last album. As for the video, it premiered on MTV Jams and is filtered in black and white throughout. And of course it wouldn't be a Ne-yo video without the appearances of feminine eye candy. Without that, it would be an abominable crime right?

MICHAEL JACKSON: MORE NEW REMIXES....

2007-12-21T01:17:00.000Z

All of these new remixes will appear on MJ's 25th anniversary edition of the Thriller album which will drop Feb 2008:

1- The Girl Is Mine (Produced By will.i.am)

2- P.Y.T. 2008 (Produced By will.i.am)

3- Wanna Be Startin' Something 2008 (Produced By Akon)

4- Beat It 2008 (Produced By will.i.am)

5- Billie Jean 2008 (Produced By Kanye West)

[CLICK!]

I have not listen to them yet. Fergie is on Beat It so having said that, I am kinda skurred but I may post my thoughts shortly. What do ya'll think of them? Credit goes out to Crazy World of Music.

RUBEN STUDDARD GETS DROPPED!

2007-12-20T23:56:00.001Z

The first ever American Idol champ to get dropped from a record label is Season 2 winner Ruben Studdard. J Records which is home to the legendary Whitney Houston, Mario, Monica, Alicia Keys, X-Factor winner Leona Lewis, Season 3 American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino and American Idol finalist Jennifer Hudson finally decided to give Ruben his marching orders. The larger-than-life singer has failed to sustain his consistency with the record sales after his implosive 2002 victory [READ MORE].

This comes as no surprise to me at all. His last album Soulful got zero promotion and the music on it was just lifeless and boring. I'm sorry. It was to me. I don't know what's worse. Listening to Ruben singing about sex or imagining Ruben HAVING sex. There was nothing appealing about him other than the big lovable and cuddly teddy bear image that worked to his advantage in the very beginning. I guess people just lost interest, or it could be that the American Idol hype is starting to lose its spark. And as we're talking about Sparks, this year's American Idol winner Jordin released her debut album last month and that didn't fair too well either.

ASHANTI: LISTEN TO NEW SINGLE IN FULL & BETTER QUALITY.....

2007-12-20T12:39:00.000Z

So it's already been confirmed that 'The Way That I Love You' is the new single from Ashanti, produced by LT Hutton. There was a low quality clip floating around but a kind Ashanti fan sent me a clearer version that's full length:

She performed the song on November 29th, when she gave a concert at the Nokia Theater in NYC, as well as two other new songs off her upcoming album The Declaration which is set for an early 2008 release. Judging by the clearer full length version I think I'm going to love this song. I can't wait for the CD quality to leak so that I can put the song on my Zen and mp3 phone. It's definetely a step-up from Hey Baby (After The Club) which was a straight jack from Diddy and Keyshia Cole's Last Night all thanks to Mario Winans. Thank you MJ.

CHRISETTE MICHEL: BE OK [NEW VIDEO]....

2007-12-20T09:31:00.000Z

Chrisette Michele premiered her new video Be OK last week on the official Def Jam website, so check it out right here:

As I reported in my album review for I Am earlier this year, this track is one of the standouts. Her album is underrated as hell and did not get the recognition it deserved. I am glad they still continue to plug it though.

MICHAEL JACKSON: BILLIE JEAN [OFFICIAL KANYE WEST REMIX]....

2007-12-20T07:52:00.000Z

Here is the official Kanye West remix for MJ's classic 80's smash hit Billie Jean, taken from the 25th anniversary edition of the Thriller album which will be released Feb 2008:

[BILLIE JEAN - KANYE WEST REMIX]

I'm not feeling this remix, it sucks. This is such a legendary song so it should not have been touched. If it aint broke, why fix it?

CELEB SPOTTINGS: R&B SINGERS OUT & ABOUT ....

2007-12-19T18:49:00.000Z

Ciara and Solange Knowles were spotted partying it up at Crystal nightclub in London this past weekend. Ciara is currently supporting Rihanna on her Good Girl Gone Bad tour in the UK:

Why Solange was there I have no idea. Strangely enough, Rihanna was nowhere in sight. She was spotted WITHOUT the crew at ANOTHER London nightclub (Amika) last week.

Mary J. Blige had an album release party for latest new album "Growing Pains" which took place on Tuesday night at Soho Grand in New York City:

It's good news for Mary. She's predicted to sell in the 600K zone. Amongst those in attendance included Patti Labelle who looked like mutton dressed as hot mess lamb, as well as crooner J. Holiday.

And as we're on J. Holiday:

He paid a visit to TRL. I am pretty certain Colgate Whitening and a damn dentist can't be THAT hard to access.

One of my favourite producers Bryan Michael Cox celebrated his 30th birthday at a New York hotspot and Mario plus few of his pals were there to help him celebrate:

He's the man. He's contributed so much to R&B music and some of the finest joints I jam to from time to time are all down to him.

Maxwell attended The Cinema Society and DKNY Jeans Host a Screening of "Cassandra's Dream" afterparty at the Grand Lounge, Soho Grand Hotel in New York December 18,2007:

Wow, he looks drawn out and not so hot. He use to be cute back in the day. What the hell happened? And where the hell is his new music? At the event, he kicked it with actor Colin Farrell and actress Rosie Perez.

Beyonce appeared on TRL in Italy this week:

She impressed an Italian crowd by signing her autograph on a couple of posters and CD's. She was actually in the Capital to plug her perfume Diamonds.

Michael Jackson was spotted out in Las Vegas a couple of days ago, not far from his family home with his three kids and his surgically ravished face covered in plasters:

He was doing some shopping for his 10-year-old son Prince, 9-year-old daughter Paris and his other son 5-year-old Blanket at Barnes & Noble. Well, I've seen it all now. His eccentricities are bizarre but no longer shocking.

Mel B and her hubby Stephen Belafonte were spotted leaving Cipriani restaurant after having a romantic meal:

They giggled like naughty teenager as they tried to exit the door together and ended up getting stuck in the process.

RIHANNA'S ALLURE FEATURE: BEHIND THE SCENE PICTURES + INTERVIEW SNIPPETS INSIDE....

2007-12-19T17:32:00.000Z

Rihanna did a photoshoot and interview for the January 2008 issue of Allure magazine. Check it out:

[CLICK ON IMAGE FOR LARGER VIEW]

She said that she was picked on when she was younger all because she was light-skinned (the actual quotes are after the cut). Whilst I DO take pity on her suffering, I wonder if she realises that the kids picking on her were only doing so because they secretly desired her features (her fair skin, hair and green eyes, etc) and not necessarily because they considered her an outcast. Bear in mind that those features are considered positive attributes. Look at today's standard of beauty, not just in the mainstream but black media have also latched onto it as well. Those thoughts and ideas are hypodermically injected into the child from a very young age so they grow up feeling inferior to their light-skinned counterparts. It's sad but true. But I also admire her for defying the record label's orders by not conforming to an image which is considered ideal or appropriately appealing to a mass audience even if her music speaks otherwise.

BEHIND THE SCENES:

The Barbados babe shot the cover at New York City's Lux Studio with Robin Thicke's CD, The Evolution of Robin Thicke, playing in the background.

On her so-called fling with Josh Hartnett: "I went to [the club] Pink Elephant, and he came by. All of a sudden, the next day I'm seeing that we were kissing and hugging up each other. You can't even go out with a friend who's a celebrity and have a good time without people making shit up…well, at least he's good-looking, right?"

On regularly clearing up American misconceptions about Barbados: "I can't get upset. They just don't know. (Barbadians speak English, have roads, and use indoor toilets.)"

On chopping her hair off into a precise bob and dying it black like Charlize Theron in Aeon Flux: "My friends still live in Barbados, and they let me know that everyone asks for the 'Rihanna haircut.'"

On being teased growing up for having paler skin than her peers: "I was cultured in a very 'black' way. But when I got to school I'm being called 'white'...they would look at me, and they would curse me out. I didn't understand."

On beauty being in the eye of the beholder: "While in America beautiful is skinny, in Barbados it's thick-girls with huge butts and nice curves."

MARIO'S GO! IS A NO-GO.....

2007-12-19T17:16:00.000Z

Poor Mario didn't even get a pot to pee in this Christmas with appalling record sales of 76K this week and only getting to no 22 on the Billboard chart. His new album GO! is a certified flop right along with his would be tour mate Kelly Rowland:

This is what happens when you've been pushing back your album for 12 months straight with little promotion and a weak first single. But overall, the album is a dime piece. MUCH better than Chris Brown's, Trey Songz and J. Holiday put together. However, his label mate Alicia Keys is going from strength to strength with her new album As I Am, exceeding last weeks sales with almost 300K copies sold THIS WEEK. 300K!!!!!!!! I am also reading that next week, Alicia will be certified DOUBLE PLATINUM at just 6 weeks after her album was released. These sales are absolutely PHENOMENAL. I am very happy for her. Her album is worth it to me. I can't stop playing it. As for poor Mario, I just wish more people would have given him the benefit of the doubt.

BRITNEY'S KID SISTER IS PREGNANT ..... WOW!

2007-12-19T07:40:00.000Z

The 16-year-old sister of Britney Spears has officially announced that she is pregant to OK! magazine, WTF? Jamie Lynn is expecting her first child with 19-year-old boyfriend Casey Aldridge. Apparently, they went to high school together:

I am at a lost for words. It's clear that this family has some serious issues. If I were Lynne Spears I'd be re-evaluating EVERYTHING I did wrong as a mother. It's been very apparent that Lynne was nothing more than a stage mother. Why did Lynne give Jamie the go ahead to make the official announcement to OK! magazine so damn early? Stuff like this is supposed to be a personal family matter, not for the whole world to know. They went to OK! BEFORE they told Britney the news. That's fucked up. Talk about a bunch of attention-seeking whores. When Britney became a sudden trainwreck and they had their massive falling out, Lynne moved on to Jamie. It's a shame because I am also reading that Jamie was LIVING with her boyfriend. What parent allows their 16-year-old daughter to shack up with their boyfriend? And the ironic thing about it is that Lynne has a book on parenting skills. I am the same exact age as Britney and I have a kid sister who's 15, and I'm very protective of her. She's already talking about leaving home so that she can do her own thing. My mama hit the roof. She should be concentrating on her future. Jamie can now kiss goodbye to those Disney cheques. She had her cute lil show Zoey 101 but now she went and messed that up. Zoey 101 IS however scheduled to conclude its third season Jan. 4 with a cliffhanger episode in which Jamie's character must decide whether to leave her fictional Pacific Coast Academy boarding school in California to join her parents in London. The show is scheduled to resume in February, and its producer, Dan Schneider, has said filming on the fourth season has already been completed. After that though it's a wrap. I never expected Jamie to be as big as Britney but I always thought she was the sensible one. It appears that Jamie has caught the Solange Knowles syndrome - getting pregant at 16 and 17 all because big sister got all the attention. However, at least she knows her mistake: "I definitely don't think it's something you should do; it's better to wait," she says. "But I can't be judgmental because it's a position I put myself in".

PREDICT AMY'S DEATH CORRECTLY AND WIN AN IPOD TOUCH....

2007-12-18T17:26:00.000Z

UPDATE: AMY WINEHOUSE HAS BEEN ARRESTED!!!

I guess she has been implicated in the plot to pervert the course of justice. A police spokesperson confirmed: "A 24-year old woman has been arrested by appointment at an east London police station. She is currently in custody. The arrest was in connection with an investigation into perverting the course of justice". And the plot thickens.

It's going to be more of a crackhouse Christmas for Amy than a Winehouse one, as Ms Winehouse has made a death pact with her husband Blake Fielder-Civil. He is currently in prison for perverting the course of justice. Amy has reportedly vowed to kill herself if she is parted from her husband by a lengthy jail sentence and now Amy herself faces jail time if she is linked to the conspiracy to clear Blake. Earlier this month, she truly hit rock bottom when she was spotted crying and on the prowl in bitterly freezing London street rocking just a bra and no shoes:

But the shocking part of it all is that folks don't care and would rather get off at the prospect of Amy dying before the year is out just to snag themselves an ipod Touch this Christmas. Sadly, Amy may not even live to see Christmas if she doesn't get help BEYOND rehabiliation. She needs SECTIONING just to protect herself. And if you want that ipod of death on your conscience go right ahead and make that prediction. You know you want to.

NICOLE SCHERZINGER: PUAKENIKENI [3RD SINGLE LEAKED]....

2007-12-18T16:19:00.000Z

Nicole Scherzinger's 3rd single and possible future pop flop Puakenikeni has leaked in full via iTunes. Another rubbish upbeat song that will more than likely put the Pussycat doll's solo career in more jeopardy than it already is. 3 singles already and NO ALBUM. Wow. I would NOT have voted for this but it was the fans call. Then again, the choices weren't that great to begin with:

Puakenikeni

The song is quite old because it was also used for her CW advert which I posted BACK IN AUGUST. It's only because the lyrics were switched up to relate to the actual commercial. It's no wonder her album is a failure and people losing their jobs because of it. Her album titled Her Name Is Nicole is scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2008 but if there is no major impact with this new single, I can't see no release date at all.

CELEB SPOTTINGS: R&B SINGERS OUT & ABOUT ....

2007-12-18T13:08:00.000Z

Beyonce put her bling credibility to good use last night when she attended a promotion in Milan for the perfume Diamonds:

Beyonce was chosen as the face of Giorgio Armani's new perfume and looked refreshed and sexy in a burgundy satin halter neck dress. The man himself was there to greet the singer as she semi-cheesed for the camera's and signed bottles of the perfume which according to the press release is said to be a 'irresistibly feminine fragrance' which is a 'wonderful combination of woods and amber mixed with lychee and raspberry'. I think I'd rather smell of dog poo. But anyway, moving right along for more Beyacki yuck schmuck.

More flicks:

Bling queen she might be. However ....

This past weekend, I posted pictures of Beyonce and her man Jay-Z at the New Jersey Nets vs Cleveland Cavaliers NBA basketball game in East Rutherford, New Jersey, December 14, 2007:

Jay-Z managed to reveal a new tattoo on the left-hand of his wedding ring finger. I wonder what that meant. Well wonder no more.

Here are the close ops:

Click on the images for a slightly better view. Beyonce's can be seen above her ring. It's supposed to be "IV" - her birthday is September 4th and his birthday is December 4th. Another rumour is that it stands for 'forever.' Secret marriage? I wouldn't be surprised but yes, it appears that the crazily in love couple got themselves a set of matching tattoo's as a declaration of their love for one another. Cute. But I think I'd rather prefer the bling. I guess bling comes as nothing to Bey these days as her man stay on his grind with his multi-million dollar enterprises expanding into bigger territory. Jay-Z is venturing into Donald Trump territory with the announced launch of his new J-Hotel chain in Manhattan. He is to open a hotel in Manhatten and has already purchased the land. Good for his camel ass huh? I got to give it to him though, he is ambitious as HELL.

Rihanna continued to sex it up at her Good Girl Gone Bad tour at Wembley Arena in London:

[PICTURE SOURCE: ULTIMATE-RIHANNA]

Don't you just hate that you love her?

Mary J Blige continued with her promo for new album Growing Pains by appearing and performing on 106:

She performed her latest new single 'Just Fine'. According to the presenter she is the undisputed Queen of Hip Hop/Soul in which no one can take her crown, but she sure don't act like it. I can't wait for her final sales to kick in.

My girl Tamia performed at Power 105.1:

Adorable.

Spice Girl Mel B and hubby Stephen Belafonte entertained shoppers at Selfridge's in London to help raise money for the Make A Wish Foundation:

I don't know what it is but her fella gives me the creeps. Something with him just doesn't sit right, not to mention he looks like a younger version of a black Phil Mitchell. He is definitely a shady one. You can see it in his face. But she loves him so ....

MONICA TALKS ABOUT NEW ALBUM....

2007-12-17T21:00:00.000Z

It was only this morning that I was listening to Monica's debut album Miss Thang. That abum will never get tired because classics like that always remain fresh in the CD player, no matter how many years ago it was. Then I log on to find that Monica is working on a new album to be released in mid-2008. Here's what she had to say: "I am going back to where I started," said Monica. "Expect new material from me in Spring/Summer 2008! I have finalized a new deal with J. Records and I'm currently doing work in the studio with the likes of Missy and Bryan-Michael Cox. There is also talk of me hooking up with Ne-Yo and some other songwriters on my upcoming CD".

Somebody must've been watching and decided to grant me an early Christmas gift. Her last album The Makings of Me was a GREAT album but also flopped hard. I think it was poorly received but was waaay better than that After The Storm crap. The first single was on some chicken-head bullshit but her second single A Dozen Roses was CRACK music baby. I said, I haven't heard any CRACK music since Alicia's You Don't Know My Name. My favourite Monica album would have to be The Boy Is Mine. The hotly infectious Brandy duet, of the same name certainly paved the way for that album, but moreso the ballads since they are clearly a strong point for Monica. Her powerful alto vocals over those slow-paced melodies were masterful. So if I'm looking for another Monica album, I want it to be just like The Boy Is Mine and I look forwards to hearing the new music.

CELEB SPOTTINGS: R&B SINGERS OUT & ABOUT ....

2007-12-17T17:25:00.000Z

Kelly Rowland took on the role of musical mama at NBC's "Clash of the Choirs". The four-night Clash of the Choirs competition features 20 Houston singers under the direction of the former Destiny's Child diva.

The competition kicks off tonight. The local group competes live against four other ensembles led by famous voices. To read more about the competition, CLICK HERE. So this is what it has all come down to eh Kelly? Judging by the way she is looking at Nick Lachey, she REALLY must be thinking that too.

Meanwhile, Ciara continued to support Rihanna on her Good Girl Gone Bad tour at Wembley Arena in London:

Ciara stays rocking the cheap rejected version of Rihanna's outfits. And it looks like they both adopted the same leg-opening choreography as well.

Keri Hilson chilled backstage at Z100 this past weekend:

Cute. As reported previously, this week she'll be shooting the video for Timbaland's new single Scream. It's not known whether Nicole Scherzinger will put in an appearnce, although she does appear on the track. If you haven't heard the song yet, CLICK HERE.

CELEB SPOTTINGS: R&B SINGERS OUT & ABOUT ....

2007-12-16T18:37:00.000Z

The offspring of Kim Porter and former New Jack Swing singer Al B Sure definitely lived it up this past weekend. Back in Atlanta, Quincy Brown had a Super Sweet 16 party which had a 'Stuntin Like My Daddy' theme. Guests included Diddy and his two biological sons Justin and Christian as well as Chris Brown, Omarion, Bow Wow, Jermaine Dupri, Lauren London and a host of others:

Sadly for Al B Sure, the 'Stuntin' Like My Daddy' theme was not dedicated to his biological father but to Sean 'Diddy' Combs who has raised and treated Quincy like his own. Al B Sure is said to be really upset about this but if you weren't there for your son, what do you expect? Now Quincy publicly acknowledges Diddy as his REAL father and not Al B Sure. This should serve as a memo to ALL fathers who doesn't have an active role in their child's life. Don't wait for them to grow up. Make sure you're there when it matters most because they will remember it. Even if you have to fight for access rights. I mean hell, if he was being a good father in the first place he wouldn't feel replaced.

More flicks of the event. Diddy bought Quincy two bad ass cars including a range rover. Wow. I wish Diddy was MY daddy:

I would not miss out on my son's life even if it killed me. I will say one thing. Al B Sure spit that boy out, so the good thing is, there's no denying that Quincy is Al B Sure's son. He doesn't look a thing like Kim though.

Last night, Rihanna was spotted arriving at Amika nightclub, in London:

She looked cute. Loved the dress and hair, and well, at least she knows how to come out of a car correctly.

Cheetah Girl/3LW singer Adrienne Bailon attended the 1st Annual "Mi TRL" Awards at MTV Studios, Times Square in New York on Friday:

She was also spotted at Ed Hardy's with her boyfriend Robert Kardashian (Kim's 25-year-old younger brother) and their other sister Khloe.

And here's more pictures of the Z100 event, which was attended by a host of stars. American Idol winner Jordin Sparks was there:

.... as was American Idol contestant Jared Cotter. I am really excited about the new season of American Idol. Season 7 will air next month. Over here in the UK, they were advertising the new season during commercials of the X-Factor Grand Final yesterday.

Nelly Furtado was there too, looking totally BLADDERED. She chilled out with Natasha Bedingfield:

In the first set of pictures she looked a lot more sober when she attended the 40 Principales Awards Gala in Madrid.

Keri Hilson also put in an appearance at Z100:

She looked hot. I just love this chick.

And you know that wherever Keri goes, Timbaland isn't too far behind. He was there with pals Natasha Bedingfield and Nelly Furtado:

The little boy is cute. It's not Tim's son though because Tim became a father for the first time last month. He has a month old baby with publicist Monique Idlett (who works at Timbaland's Mosely record company) and they have been dating for two years and will marry in 2008. Timbaland proposed to 33-year-old Monique at their baby shower in October.

The Pussycat Dolls performed in New York at the 50th birthday for Donny Duetsch:

I see Nicole worming her way back in after her solo bid flopping something terrible. Anyway she'll be joining Keri Hilson and Timbaland when they shoot his new video Scream next week. I look forwards to that. Keep it locked!

MARY J BLIGE DISSES BEYONCE & MARIAH CAREY....

2007-12-16T13:56:00.000Z

It's always amazing at a certain timing when an artist chooses to take cheap shots at another artist. I wouldn't have expected them to come from a veteran in this day and age. Mary J Blige has made it clear on many occasions that she is not bitter that she passed on Rihanna's monster hit Umbrella because according to the singer, the song was too mainstream and she wanted to concentrate on her own sound. Fair enough. However, she lays into her contemporaries by taking cheap shots at Beyonce and Mariah Carey, two artists who are successful due to their mainstream appeal and sound: "I'm not going to chase what (mainstream) fans like. It might work for a Mariah. It might work for a Beyonce. But Mary J. Blige is looked at as some sort of organic thing."

Vintage Mary would probably stoop to this level but not older, newly self-confident Mary. I think she needs to keep it zipped. Mary's new album Growing Pains is probably one of her most mainstream sounding albums to date. She's gone on to indulge rock and has even duetted with Bono. Yet Umbrella was too mainstream for her. Secondly, she went ahead and used Chris Applebaum for her Just Fine video, the very director who directed Rihanna's Umbrella video to give her that Umbrella-mainstream feel which would explain why the magical effects are VERY similar to Rihanna's Umbrella visual.

Maybe she's not so confident in herself after all and smells her new CD flopping. After all, there hasn't been that much hype surrounding it and it's not as good as others make it out to be. Plus, I don't think it's going to do the same numbers that The Breakthrough enjoyed. Mary shouldn't be too quick to throw Mariah and 'em under the bus because her producer Bryan Michael Cox admitted that her people wanted him to duplicate the Mariah sound:

"I was leaving Vision when I got the call," remembered Cox, referring to the now-demolished Midtown nightspot. "It was about 2 a.m. And it's Jimmy Iovine - the chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M Records - asking me if I can make a record for Mary in the same lane of 'We Belong Together'. Something that can spark the kind of comeback that Mariah Carey had." He continues: "It was the fastest track I ever made in my life," the 29-year-old recalled. "There was so much frustration behind it. So much, 'Don't ask me if I can make you a "We Belong Together!" Ask me if I can make a hit record for your artist!'".

This is why you never speak too soon because your comments will end up biting you in the ass. I remember when she attacked Ashanti and Alicia Keys earlier on in their careers as well. I'm sure Mary would embrace mainstream love with open arms but right now she is coming across as bitter and resentful.

MARIAH CAREY: TENNESSEE MOVIE POSTER....

2007-12-16T10:15:00.000Z

Here is the official promo poster for Mariah Carey's new movie Tennessee which will be out next year. The 'We Belong Together' singer will star in the independent flick which is directed by Aaron Woodley from a script by Russell Schaumberg. In the movie, Mariah plays a waitress who sets off with two brothers to find their estranged father with hopes of getting him involved in saving their younger brother who has leukemia:

Tennessee is a 2008 drama film produced by Lee Daniels (producer of the Academy Award-winning film Monster's Ball). That actually sounds good but Glitter was just horrible, so I'm not ruling anything out. The movie has now finished filming and although it is expected to be released in 2008, there is no confirmed release date as of yet. Meanwhile, Mariah has been in the studio putting the finishing touches to her anticipated new album set for an early 2008 release. I am told we will even hear the new single as early as next week. I really hope that's true, although I think it's a bad idea if Island Def Jam are trying to put Mariah and her labelmate Janet Jackson to go head to head in the 'comeback' stakes.

CELEB SPOTTINGS: R&B SINGERS OUT & ABOUT ....

2007-12-15T23:10:00.000Z

The raunchy displays of Rihanna's "Good Girl Gone Bad" tour continued to wreck havoc this week, not long after she canceled three of her UK gigs due to illness. Here she was shaking that intoxicated derrière of hers when she performed at the SECC in Glasgow:

If I didn't know who she was and I was at a stripper joint, I would never have guessed she was just 19 years old. I guess she's just flaunting what she has or more importantly, living up to her 'Good Girl Gone Bad' image. I aint mad at her though. The record business is about selling yourself and that includes being sexy, but at the same time you also need to know your limits as well.

More flicks:

Her outfits seem to get raunchier and raunchier, the type of dominatrix outfit that most women would normally reserve for their men behind closed doors. But if she can get away with it on stage and makes more than one man happy, why the hell not? Does she look skank? It depends what your definition of skank is. I do think she could stand to tone it down just a little.

Alicia Keys performed at the press room of Z-100's Jingle Ball yesterday:

She belted out previous hits including smash hit 'No One'. So let's chalk everything up. Her latest new album As I Am has sold more than 1.6 million copies in the U.S. in only its first month of release (she is HALF way to selling 2 million copies in the US, wow!). And last week she captured two Grammy nominations for her single "No One," which tops six individual Billboard charts this week. Altogether she has taken home nine Grammy awards since her debut Songs in A Minor back in 2001.

This coming year, she is nominated for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for "No One." She is also nominated for the songwriter's award Best R&B Song for the same song. Her album As I Am was not released in time for a Grammy nomination at this coming awards ceremony, however the album will be eligible for the 2009 ceremony. If her album made the deadline, I am 200% certain she would have CLEANED UP.

This week on Billboard, "No One" is one of music's hottest tracks, spanning across six different chartings. She takes the lead in Rythmic Top 40, Hot R&B/Hip Hop Airplay and Hot Adult R&B Airplay. She sits comfortably on the top of three general categories as well. Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs is an R&B only chart, where digital sales and airplay are combined for that genre alone. Ms Keys not only has "No One" at the top of the chart, her second single "Like You'll Never See Me Again" jumps from No. 9 to No. 3, giving her two singles in the top three slots. AMAZING.

Lastly, Beyonce and fella Jay-Z were spotted at the New Jersey Nets vs Cleveland Cavaliers NBA basketball game in East Rutherford, New Jersey, December 14, 2007:

[PICTURE SOURCE: CORNER OF BEYONCE]

Beyonce has took much horse tail on her head. It looks like she just threw it on because she didn't have the time to check herself. For those interested, New Jersey actually won that game. Keep it locked.

ALICIA KEYS: GIANT PHOTOSHOOT....

2007-12-15T10:41:00.000Z

Alicia Keys did a mega hot photo shoot for the December 2007 issue of Giant magazine, as well as appeared on the front cover, and I have to say that she looks absolutely smokin'!:

[CLICK ALL IMAGES FOR LARGER VIEW][PICTURE SOURCE]

Alicia has had a fantastic year and I'm sure 2008 will be an even bigger one. She appeared in her first major movie role earlier this year (Smokin' Aces) and another just recently (The Nanny Diaries). She released her beautiful album As I Am which turned out to be the 2nd biggest selling album of 2007 (right after Kanye West) and she has just snagged the role of Lena Horne in which shooting of the movie begins next year. Alicia has been doing it big. I'm so proud of her. You can read the HQ article/interview in Giant by CLICKING HERE.

MARIO: DO RIGHT [NEW VIDEO PREMIERE]....

2007-12-15T09:35:00.000Z

Mario premiered his new video DO RIGHT yesterday from his new album GO! The song is produced by Akon. The hot new album GO! was released this week in the US. I hope it does well. Mario had the best R&B album from a male vocalist this year:

Needing to add, this video touched my heart to the fullest. Mario has been very vocal about his mama's heroin addiction and has showed nothing but sheer determination to support his mama through her battle with the illness. She has been clean since July and is doing really well. This video was another stepping stone for Mario to show his love and support.

BRITNEY SPEARS: PIECE OF ME [NEW VIDEO PREMIERE]....

2007-12-15T08:49:00.000Z

UPDATE: FULL INTERNATIONAL VIDEO IS NOW AFTER THE CUT!!!!

Last night, Britney Spears premiered the US version of her 2nd video 'Piece of Me' from her latest new album Blackout and here's the outcome:

There is also going to be another version of the vid, but it's not out yet. CLICK HERE to watch a preview of the International version. As for the video, it was disappointing but okay. Even the bathroom dance scene showed she was not into it anymore. It's as if she's lost all her passion completely. She hasn't had a hot video since Toxic. She did look nice and at least she tried I guess. It's definitely a step-up from that terrible Gimme More video but then ANYTHING would have been I guess.

BRITNEY SPEARS: PIECE OF ME [INTERNATIONAL]:

LEONA LEWIS: ON US VIDEO SHOOT FOR BLEEDING LOVE....

2007-12-14T20:42:00.000Z

Leona Lewis did a US video shoot for her smash hit single 'Bleeding Love' on location in New York City's Times Square with Jesse Terrero serving as the video director. The U.S. single release date is January 14 2008 and the U.S. album release date is March 18th 2008. Here she is on the set all loved up with her boyfriend Lou:

[PICTURE SOURCE]

There is even mention that Leona has already cracked the US as there has been thousands of pre-orders for her album Spirit in America - and the US version is not even released until March. Anyway, I can't wait to see this video. I wonder what they have planned for it. Bleeding Love has been no 1 for SEVEN weeks now and her album Spirit has been at no 1 for four weeks. So Leona has been phenomenally successful. I've already reported how her album Spirit broke records in the UK being the fastest selling album of all time selling a staggering 370K in the first week after beating the Arctic Monkey's record. As for the X-Factor, is it me or is this the worst X-Factor EVER? I mean really, how does an act like Same Difference get this far when there are much better and talented singers that got kicked off earlier? They are RUBBISH! Leon can't sing, and Rhydian looks like a freak. He has the nastiest skin, and scariest eyes. I don't frighten easily but I certainly wouldn't want to be lying next to him in the dark. He looks so damn possessed. Anyway, Rhydian is going to win it. Meh.

CELEB SPOTTINGS: R&B SINGERS OUT & ABOUT ....

2007-12-14T18:45:00.000Z

Rihanna's strip-club inspired UK tour went down at the Metro Radio Arena last night in Newcastle as she donned the skimpiest black PVC outfit in existence. The 'Umbrella' singer wowed the audience with an energetic show but had to pull out of three gigs due to illness:

Apparently, the star has postponed three UK gigs as part of her European tour. She pulled out of my hometown Birmingham, as well as Nottingham but her doctor told her the show could no longer go on so she has rescheduled. Now her canceled gigs will take place in March 2008.

More flicks:

She's been working her fanny off non-stop with touring all over Europe. I guess it's all down to exhaustion as well. After the tour she should take a well-deserved break.

Rihanna wasn't the only one wowing UK crowds. Ciara took to the stage a couple of days ago when she supported Rihanna at her Sheffield show:

[PICTURE SOURCE]

Thank you Jennie. Two gorgeous female singers rocking sexy attire. Wowing crowds they certainly did. However, Ciara doesn't even want to be around Rihanna because she considers the star contagious: "Rihanna's really under the weather. I’ve been trying to catch as much rest as possible so I don't get sick too, so we haven't really hung out yet". Touching.

Earlier this week, Christina Milian stopped by the Ed Hardy store in Los Angeles to pick out a few gifts for herself:

This is all she ever does. SHOP SHOP SHOP! Not that I can blame her. I have a massive bill on my Dorothy Perkins card and I just treated myself to a new phone worth £150 quid! Her Christmas movie Snowglobe airs tomorrow at 8pm on ABC Family.

And Christina wasn't the only one indulging the christmas shopping craze. Last night, Jennifer Lopez and her mama were spotted leaving F.A.O. Schwarz toy store:

She is spoiling those babies already. Good for her though. The baby will have two daddies of course.

Amidst the Spice Girls tour in Vegas, Mel B was spotted with her baby daughter Angel Iris:

Awwww! Cute!

Nicole Scherzinger reunited with her Pussycat Dolls at the Spice Girls gig in LA last friday:

Wow. So they really are singling out Asia. But it's kind of cool since PCD are considered the modern day Spice Girls and yet they were all at the Spice Girls concert last week. A lot of folks will be pissed at Nicole because about 60 people lost their jobs at Interscope and Geffen Records on Thursday when both labels merged into one. Many of those laid off had been there for years. But the biggest reason for the merger and cutbacks is reportedly the huge failures of the Will.I.Am, Nicole Scherzinger and Eve albums, the last two which aren't even out yet. I also read that it cost $18 million to make and market those three albums and all of them have bombed. So thanks to Nicole and her wackness, folks won't be able to pay their bills anymore.

JANET JACKSON'S 'FEEDBACK' MAKES MUSIC HISTORY....

2007-12-14T18:09:00.000Z

According to CNN, Janet Jackson's latest new single 'Feedback' is the subject of 1.34 million blogs around the world in a matter of 5 hours, and radio stations across the country has been swamped with hundreds of thousands of phone calls to play the song, making 'Feedback' the most successful debut leak in music history.

Major radio station websites has been stalled because traffic for the song spiked at nearly ninety per cent. It is also reported that no other leak has generated this much buzz and anticipation EVER! And the shocking thing about it is that the song hasn't even been released yet. The song is a CERTIFIED hit already. Absolutely amazing! Go Janet!

ALICIA KEYS BAGS LENA HORNE ROLE + NEW PHOTOSHOOT....

2007-12-14T16:08:00.000Z

Alicia Keys flourishes in a hot new 'Marc Squires' photoshoot for Interview magazine (December/January 2008):

[PICTURE SOURCE]

The second picture is my favourite and I'm thinking about using it for my new Toya's World banner for the 2008 launch. Overall, these are a hot set of pictures. In more Alicia hotness, Oprah Winfrey has OFFICIALLY announced that the 26-year-old singer will play Lena Horne in a movie based on the music legend's life and not Janet Jackson as was rumoured earlier. Wow. This is BIG! Wow. According to Oprah, shooting of the movie will begin next year. Lena Horne didn't want Janet because of the Superbowl incident on Feb 1st 2004 when she "wardrobe-malfunctioned" by having Justin Timberlake expose her breast (Yes, that's right. Justin being MORE to blame for ripping it off but he didn't catch half the flack Janet did). I think Alicia will do the role justice and since it's a lead role, it is going to be a very challenging one as well. Watch and learn Beyonce.

TAMIA: BLACK ENTERPRISE FEATURE....

2007-12-14T14:49:00.001Z

R&B songstress Tamia is featured in the December 2007 issue of Black Enterprise magazine. As many Tamia fans like myself would know, Tamia got off Elektra/Atlantic records to go independent, where she released her first independent album - the fantastic Between Friends last year:

[PICTURE SOURCE]

It covers Tamia being in sole control of her music. A good transition to go in if you're not happy with the way your label is handling your current state of affairs. It's a good read because it covers the ins and outs of the recording industry and how much is needed to be recouped from the artist to the record company. But looking at the cost to pay a producer for one song, they are laughing. No wonder Timbaland is hellbent on producing for all the pop acts now. Anyway, you can read the whole feature by CLICKING HERE. Thanks George.

BRITNEY SPEARS: PIECES OF ME [EXCLUSIVE VIDEO CLIP]....

2007-12-14T07:10:00.000Z

Britney Spears new video for Pieces of Me will premiere later TODAY so to get you all psyched, here's a very short clip:

Pieces of Me is the 2nd single from her new album Blackout which takes a dig at her nemesis - the media! She looks hot! I see they actually went all out for the 2nd video. I am seeing more of the old Brit and I'm hoping there's a hot dance scene somewhere in between because that type of song calls for it, and I love it.

JANET JACKSON IS COMING!

2007-12-13T19:49:00.000Z

Janet Jackson's new single Feedback which is produced by Rodney Jerkins will impact radio on Jan 7th and is the lead single from her new album which is titled Discipline. Here is a hot new promo picture:

[CLICK ON IMAGE FOR THE HQ VIEW]

Fucking hot, but photoshopped to the max. However, I am totally digging this look and she's kept the weight off. Other producers on new album include Jermaine Dupri, Ne-Yo, Stargate, Tricky Stewart, and The-Dream. Discipline is the 10th studio album of her career and is scheduled to arrive in stores on February 26th.

CHERISH: KILLA [NEW MUSIC VIDEO]....

2007-12-13T13:21:00.000Z

Cherish have finally shot and premiered their video for new single 'Killa' which features rapper Yung Joc. Here it is:

The video had some appeal and the beat is kind of raw. Their 2nd studio album The Truth will drop March 25th, 2008. I see they tried to match it up with the dance off sequences especially since the song will also be on the Step Up 2 soundtrack. Couldn't help but notice they were trying to hide the fat sister who was rumoured to be pregnant (or she probably had the baby already since it was like a year ago). Nonetheless, it's good to see a young girl group with singing talent back on the scene.

CELEB SPOTTINGS: R&B SINGERS OUT & ABOUT ....

2007-12-12T23:21:00.000Z

Last night, Omarion was spotted lustfully checking out his lover Bow Wow as they put in an appearance at their Official album release Party in New York. That night, the two of them decided it was time to 'come out' as they took their open affection to new levels. And here's the proof:

Omarion clearly couldn't hide his feelings for Bow Wow as he leant closer to the object of his affections. The pair have been spending a lot of time together, not just because they have to promote their new album 'Face Off' but because they like bending each other in their spare time. Omarion even loosened out his trademark cornrows for a sleeker hairdo in order to emphasize being the bitch-made one in the relationship. Oops. There are more embarrassing pictures after the cut.

The lovers decide to enlighten each other on the dancefloor:

Suspect.

Well, the duo took the time out to promote that cheesy new album of theirs on Total Request Live AND 106:

Omarion has nice hair without a doubt but he looks ridiculous. Either keep it in cornrows or shave the shit off.

Alicia Keys performed at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert on December 11, 2007 in Oslo, Norway:

Doing what she does best.

Not only did she perform at the concert but Alicia also attended the Nobel Peace Prize Press Conference as well:

"For me, the Nobel Peace Prize is an extremely distinguished award for people who truly do serious work to make major change in the world," the 26-year-old singer said, according to the Associated Press. The concert was in honour of Nobel Peace laureates Al Gore and the United Nations climate panel concerning the issues of global warming.

Alicia also did a showcase in the Netherlands:

According to Billboard, her fantastic album As I Am is at no 2 after securing the no 1 position last month selling over a million and an amazing 234,552 copies this week. I also wanted to take the time out to congratulate Alicia on her 2 Grammy nominations for hit single 'No One' - Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B song.

Jennifer Hudson attended the Weinstein Company premiere of "The Great Debaters" at the Arclight Theater on December 11, 2007 in Hollywood, California:

She kicked it with Oprah. Other attendees included Mary J Blige and few others. Keep it locked.

MICHAEL JACKSON COVERS JET....

2007-12-12T21:18:00.000Z

Michael Jackson covers the upcoming issue of JET magazine. MJ is gearing up to re-release the 25th Anniversary Edition of his Thriller album, the world's biggest selling album of all time:

MJ: "Look at my waist bitches. Look at my hair. I got my diva on like a bitch menstruating on a bad day! Work it me! I'm baaaaad!"

The album will also CLASH with the release of sister Janet's new album as well because MJ's CD will drop on February 12th. The newly expanded Deluxe Edition of the multi-Platinum Grammy-winning album will include new & previously unreleased bonus tracks, remixes by Akon, Fergie, Will.i.am & Kanye West, a bonus DVD featuring digitally restored short films & MJ's historic breakout performance from 'Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever' television broadcast (or you could always watch it after the cut).

MICHAEL JACKSON PERFORMS 'BILLIE JEAN' @ MOTOWN 25 BACK IN 1983

JANET JACKSON: FEEDBACK [OFFICIAL SINGLE LEAKED!]....

2007-12-12T19:44:00.001Z

Janet Jackson's new single 'Feedback' has just leaked. The techno-inspired dance number is the lead single from her new as-yet-titled album which will be released February 2008:

The track is produced by Rodney DARKCHILD Jerkins. I can see it playing at the gay clubs, and possibly picked up by radio who knows? I think the song is cool but sounds a little dated. I think she can do a lot better than this though. What do ya'll think?

MARY J BLIGE: GROWING PAINS [ALBUM REVIEW]....

2007-12-11T11:07:00.000Z

Ghetto legend Mary J Blige is gearing up to release her eighth studio CD, 'Growing Pains' via Geffen Records next week Tuesday (Dec 18th). The album, which includes Mary's Top 10 single 'Just Fine' features guest appearances from Ludacris and Usher, and production by The Neptunes, Johnta Austin, Ne-yo, Stargate, Bryan-Michael Cox, Dre and Vidal, Tricky, The Dream and Sean Garrett. I had to play it a couple of times just to decide on a hot or not verdict. And the verdict falls between the scales. It's not that Growing Pains is a bad album, it's just lacking in something prior to previous albums. Is it better than The Breakthrough? I don't think so. Will she ever have another album like My Life and Share My World? Nope. I don't think so either.

Previous masterpieces that was the becoming of Mary will always come into question because Mary established herself in the Hip Hop/R&B/Soul genre as an artist who had to take the rough with the smooth. She was an artist that fought a tough and hard winding battle, opened up to her darkest moments and fought with her demons, which made for good music. Compelling music in fact. And music that can even be deemed 'classic'. Still I am glad Mary has found a happy place. No, I don't want Kendu to start beating that ass (haha). But it's good that her self-empowered confidence is reflected in the music.

So that said, the uptempo songs failed to grab me the way 'Just Fine' did, which was basically a testament of making the most out of life because you only live once. And the midtempo ballads were fresh but still 'Mary'. The album definitely has an updated feel complete with good ole contemporary (but mature) R&B with the oldskool sound here and there especially in superb gems like Hurt Again (signature Mary), Feel Like A Woman, Stay Down, Work In Progress (Growing Pains) and If You Love Me. Apart from those, the album pretty much hit a couple of blunt corners. Mary has nothing to prove with this album though because everything has already been proved. Still the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul without a remarkable doubt, Mary is doing 'just fine'.

Rating: 3.5/5

LETOYA LUCKETT: SWAGGER [NEW BUZZ SINGLE LEAKED]....

2007-12-11T06:28:00.000Z

Ex-Destiny's Child singer Letoya Luckett's buzz single has FINALLY leaked after all this time. It was reported to drop on the Net months ago but now it finally has. The song is called Swagger and features Killa Kyleon, Slim Thug and Bun B:

It has Houston twang written all over it, as well as the Uprade You reference. This shit is hot, but I can understand why it's a buzz track and not a lead single. It sounds too much like a mixtape song that she is featured on (she doesn't dominate the song enough). I can't wait for her new album (rumoured to be called Lady Love) early next year. Her debut album was on point, and I feel this one might be the same.

NIVEA & DREAM TO GET A DIVORCE....

2007-12-10T23:59:00.000Z

There have been speculation regarding the state of The Dream's marriage to fellow R&B singer Nivea who is the mother of his 2 year-old daughter. As well as being one of the writers behind Rihanna's smash hit "Umbrella", the R&B singer and hitmaker has supposedly found his dream girl according to the New York Post. Apparently, the new woman in his life is model Kris Jacob and he was spotted going back and forth from New York to his hometown of Atlanta just to spend all his time with his new missus. It is also reported that he flew her out to Las Vegas so she could star in his music video.

I always thought they were mismatched and didn't really suit, but one of the things I kept asking myself is what on earth did she see in him? He is short, fat and stocky with curdled facial hair. Well anyway, Nivea confirmed the split, also adding that there is another album in the works. You can read her full statement by CLICKING HERE. There's a line that reads: 'I am completely and truly grateful and thankful to God for sending him into my life and to him for everything that he has done for me and my family and that includes monetarily as well as spiritually and mentally, especially for myself, which was never his responsibility in the first place'. The letter sounds fake to me. Every husband is obligated to take care of his wife no matter what the circumstances are hence the 'for better for worse' vows. Oh well.

CELEB SPOTTINGS: R&B SINGERS OUT & ABOUT ....

2007-12-10T19:49:00.000Z

Yesterday, Christina Milian cheesed it up for the paps when she was spotted out with her mama/momager Carmen in Beverley Hills:

The duo were spotted doing some Christmas shopping at Kitson, just after enjoying a quick lunch at The Ivy in West Hollywood. Christina stars as a lead character in the upcoming television show, "Eight Days a Week," which is set to premiere in Spring 2008 and her Christmas movie 'Snowglobe' also sees her play a lead role named 'Angela'. The movie will premiere on ABC Family this week (Dec 15th) at 8pm. And in a TV interview last week she also stated she is currently working on her new album. And Danja, Cool & Dre, amongst others are few of those who she's been in the studio with.

More flicks:

Aw. You can tell that Christina and her mama have more of a sisterly relationship than a mother and daughter one. Hell, they still live together.

Christina and her mom were also spotted at Koi Restaurant again this past weekend:

Cute and casual. Christina is just way too cute for words and she always seems pleased to get snapped just like a dog wagging its tail at the sight of a bone.

Well, here's some promo's for her 'Snowglobe' movie:

Will you be tuning in? You can watch the trailer by CLICKING HERE.

Keri Hilson celebrated her 25th birthday this past weekend. The retro themed "Flashback" birthday bash took place at The View in Atlanta and was hosted by pals Timbaland and Polow Da Don:

Keri looked great. She is such a pretty young lady and a very talented one too. Once she finally releases that album, I'll be very happy.

Anyway more pictures of Beyonce and Jay-Z just before they headed for home:

Similar ones to yesterday but these ones are better quality and are not tagged. On that note, keep it locked.

MICHELLE WILLIAMS: STOP THIS CAR [SNIPPET OF NEW SINGLE]....

2007-12-10T17:50:00.000Z

A couple of months ago, I reported how ex-Destiny's Child singer Michelle Williams left a message on her Myspace page detailing how she was working on a new R&B album with mega producer Rodney Jerkins. Well, a 2-minute snippet of her new song has just leaked. The new single is called Stop This Car.

Wow. The song sounds really good. I am amazed that I find myself instantly liking this, and I think it's quite radio friendly too, but I think Rodney Jerkins produced it because it sounds very Brandy-ish. And I certainly recognise a Darkchild beat. Plus, her vocals sound great considering that I use to like her singing the least when she was in Destiny's Child. Michelle is dropping her new album in the first quarter of 2008 but no tentative release date has been set.

CELEB SPOTTINGS: R&B SINGERS OUT & ABOUT ....

2007-12-09T23:02:00.000Z

Last night, Beyonce and fella Jay-Z arrived back in the United States after a four-day-bender in Paris to celebrate Jay-Z's 38th birthday. They were with their bodyguard as they arrived at JFK airport in New York on December 8, 2007:

[SPOTTED @ CORNER OF BEYONCE]

Whoa! Beyonce been eating good during that week I see. I think she looks good because we all know that Beyonce is naturally a thick chick. We also know that she abuses her body like HELL to stay slim especially when she's got something to promote. And since she's NOT promoting anything and will be out of the spotlight to record the new album, I guess she's been enjoying her grub.

Another candid picture of Beyonce at CDG airport in Paris from earlier this week:

[SPOTTED @ CORNER OF BEYONCE]

Bey did say she was heading back into the studio in December. Not even thinking about the Christmas holidays and how she's going to spend it but her no 1 priority is WORK. During the festive season, that's the LAST thing people want to think about. I hope we don't see her ass until LATE 2008, but 2009 would have been cool.

R&B songstresses Brandy, Letoya Luckett and ex-Destiny's Child singer Michelle Williams attended the star-studded birthday bash of Dallas Cowboys' Terrell Owens a few days ago at the Gaylord Resort in Dallas:

[SPOTTED @ INDMIX.COM]

Brandy looks a mess as usual. I want to know what's going on with her. How can someone who use to be so pretty go from bonafide ugly all of a sudden? Unless she knocked back hard drugs and Brandy has never striked me as that type of person. I hope she gets her act together for the new album next year. And I was really disappointed in Brandy for supporting that sleazy mixtape party her brother Ray-J had which rode off his sextape 'fame' with Kim Kardashian. She lost cool points with me. Weren't Brandy and Kim suppose to be friends?

On Friday (Dec 7th) in NYC, Ashanti's younger sister, 18-year-old Shia attended the Fall Fresh Full Frontal Fashion Freakum Dress party:

[SPOTTED @ ALLTHEPARTIES.COM]

Where did the name 'Freakum Dress' come from? I guess somebody got their idea from Beyonce. But if Shia's 'Freakum Dress' (or shirt) is anything to go by, she need to stay home and sit her ass down. Her legs are pitiful and that type of dress should NOT have been worn. With a figure like hers, she just can't pull it off. I can't believe Ashanti and mama Tina would even allow her to go out like that. But then again, Tina too busy following Ashanti around too occupied with playing celebrity mother than to keep her other daughter Shia in check. Cute girl though. Cottage cheese and H.A.M pie anybody? Keep it locked.

CHRIS BROWN: NEW PHOTOSHOOT + NICOLE COVERS RAP-UP....

2007-12-09T22:06:00.000Z

Here are a couple of Chris Brown outtakes of the Matt Doyle shoot from the November 2007 issue of Complex magazine:

Not his best photoshoot, and some of the pictures are questionable so I posted the ones I thought were cool. His latest new album Exclusive has sold an impressive 525,400 copies to date. To view the entire shoot, head on over to CHRISBROWN-ONLINE.NET Anyway, Chris began his Up Close and Personal Tour this week.

Nicole Scherzinger graces the December 2007 issue of Rap-Up:

[CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VIEW]

I know it's Rap-Up but c'mon, I see they tried to make her look as black as possible. I don't recall her being that dark EVER. I like her hair though but not much else.

AMERIE IN SHANGHAI + HER AXN COMMERCIAL....

2007-12-09T21:26:00.000Z

Amerie was in Shanghai this week to perform for the Hennessy Artistry "Xuan Sound Of The Music" event:

She is gearing up to release 'Crush' as the next UK single early next year, taken from her solid Because I Love It album. The video has already been shot and is directed by Scott Franklin. Her AXN commercial is after the cut. Thanks 'No Way'.

AMERIE: AXN TV COMMERCIAL:

AXN which is a European channel (although I've never heard of it) have celebrated their 10th Anniversary this year.

PERFORMANCES: MARY J BLIGE & ALICIA KEYS

2007-12-09T20:43:00.000Z

On Friday, I posted pictures of Mary J. Blige performing the song "Come To Me (Peace)" at the "CNN Heroes: All Star Tribute". Here's the performance:

She did good. Her album Growing Pains drops Dec 18th. I just got done downloading the RETAIL version. I got round to listening to some of it. I don't know how I feel about it or if it's better than The Breakthrough. Everyone I know is saying its garbage and don't touch the last album. I will need to listen to it some more and my review should be up next week.

My girl Alicia Keys was on Star Academy this week where she performed with the contestants. She sang her smash hit No One:

She looked hot and she sang that song. I don't understand how she is always sounding better on the song live than the studio version. Isn't it suppose to be the other way round? Anyway check out her other performance of previous smash hit If I Aint Got You:

ALICIA KEYS: IF I AINT GOT YOU:

MOVIE ROCK 2007 PERFORMANCES....

2007-12-08T15:03:00.000Z

So yesterday, the CBS channel aired the first annual Movies Rock! concert. The event took place at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles. A host of R&B performers took to the stage that night, from the likes of Usher, Chris Brown, Mary J Blige, Jennifer Hudson, Nicole Scherzinger and Beyonce. Here is her Somewhere Over The Rainbow performance:

I think she did a wonderful job of the song. I've heard a million renditions but this one had a soulful twang which was appreciated. Loved her rendition. The other performances are after the cut.

CHRIS BROWN: JAILHOUSE ROCK

USHER: SINGING IN THE RAIN

JENNIFER HUDSON: SOMEWHERE

MARY J BLIGE & JOHN LEGEND: AS TIME GOES BY

NICOLE SCHERZINGER: DIAMONDS ARE A GIRLS BEST FRIEND

CASSIE: EXCLUSIVE ALBUM & SINGLE NEWS....

2007-12-07T22:11:00.000Z

Cassie will release the follow-up to her debut album, 2006's "Cassie", on February 5th. The new album is called "Connecticut Fever" and was supposed to drop later this year but was pushed back due to the filming of Step Up 2:

The album will feature the new single, "Is It You?", which is currently gaining heavy rotation in the US and Europe. The video for "Is It You?" will premiere on TRL on December 20th. Her tentative album tracklisting is after the cut.

1. Turn The Lights Off
2. Sometimes (featuring Ryan Leslie)
3. In Love With The DJ
4. Is It You?
5. When Your Body Is Talking
6. Irrelevant
7. Hurting
8. Can't Do It Without You
9. Take It
10. I Know What
11. Free
12. Long Way 2 Go (International Bonus Track)
13. Me & U (International Bonus Track)
14. Would I Lie (iTunes Bonus Track)

CELEB SPOTTINGS: R&B SINGERS OUT & ABOUT ....

2007-12-07T20:38:00.001Z

Beyonce and her beau Jay-Z continued to live it up in Paris in the events of Jay-Z's 38th birthday celebration this week. After their romantic meal last night, the two lovebirds were spotted leaving the 'Crazy Horse' cabarat, after sipping the fine tastes of rich champaign and watching nude dancers at the club's 'Forever Crazy' show:

Here they were last night at the L'Ombres restaurant where they had their romantic meal. Aw! These two should get married. Their relationship has seen the distance. Six years and counting. Beyonce is crazy in love, dangerously in love and it's showing.

Meanwhile, her sister Solange attended the 50th Annual Grammy Awards party last night which was hosted by People magazine and The Recording Academy:

She kicked it with Ne-yo who performed at the party, as well as Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas. Solange is VERY pretty but what the HELL was she wearing? She's signed to Geffen recently - home to Keyshia Cole and Mary J Blige and her new album Solange and the Hagley Street Dreams will be dropping in the first quarter of 2008. Look forwards to that one. Solo is really talented. Anyway, the nominations were announced yesterday. CLICK HERE to view who was nominated for what.

Last night, Spice Girl Mel B and her hubby Stephen Belafonte arrived at the acoustic concert of Mel C at The Mint on December 6, 2007 in Los Angeles, California:

Mel B is fierce. I'm in love with her. I mean, her body is baaaad and I have her to thank for keeping myself in shape over the last couple of months.

Mary J Blige attended CNN's live broadcast of 'CNN Heroes - An Allstar Tribute' which was in dedication to everyday folks who've contributed to doing extraordinary stuff:

I HAAAATE that wig. It makes her look old and haggard and she's not even 40 yet. Look at Halle Berry compared to her and Halle is like, 41. Seriously. I don't think I'll post anymore Mary J Blige because that wig is getting on my left tit. Stay tuned.

THAT GRAPEJUICE: MARIO INTERVIEW....

2007-12-07T20:12:00.000Z

My homie and fellow Briton Sam from That Grape Juice managed to get an interview with the 'Crying Out For Me' singer so be sure to check that out. as well as a review of his London gig at the Jazz Cafe.

You can also view exclusive pictures from the event. It's a good read. Cracking stuff. Mario is also gearing up to release his fantastic new album GO! next Tuesday (Dec 11th) so be sure to look out for that and support.

CELEB SPOTTINGS: R&B SINGERS OUT & ABOUT ....

2007-12-06T18:50:00.000Z

Christina Milian was spotted leaving Fox Studios in New York City earlier this week after making a guest appearance on the 'Morning Show with Mike and Juliet' to promote her new ABC film, 'Snowglobe':

Cute! And she's starting to look a lot like her momager. Anyway, her appearance on the show is after the cut. Christina has been really busy promoting the movie and getting into the festive season because she also put in an appearance on CW 11 news as well. During both interviews, they played clips of the movie. She also revealed that she's working on the new album and has worked with Danja, Cool & Dre and a host of others. Both video's are after the cut.

Christina also posted a hot and exclusive brand new picture of herself on her Myspace:

No idea what the shoot was for. It's likely a promo picture for the new movie. She looks amazing.

CHRISTINA MILIAN ON MORNING SHOW WITH MIKE & JULIET:

CHRISTINA MILIAN ON CW 11 NEWS:

For those interested, the movie Snowglobe will premiere on ABC Family on Dec 15th at 8pm.

Beyonce helped her fella Jay-Z celebrate his 38th birthday this week when she shipped him off to Paris:

They chilled in their hotel suite which is facing the famed Tuileries garden and, its luxurious spa. Using a Maybach limo, they took a romantic drive around the City of Light before having sitting down to a romantic meal at popular restaurant L’Avenue. After that, they arrived for the late show at the Crazy Horse cabaret, where they enjoyed glasses of champagne and watched the cast run through the club’s new “Forever Crazy” revue. Doing it in style I see.

Here's the vid of their arrival:

I INSTANTLY knew they'd go to Paris. It appears to be their no 1 vacation. In other Beyonce news, her hit single Irreplaceable has received a Grammy nomination for Record of the Year.

Speaking of Beyonce, her sister Solange attended the launch of the Christopher Brian Resort Collection at the Kitson store in Los Angeles:

Marques Houston and Shar Jackson were also there as well.

On Tuesday, Alicia Keys attended the 2007 Premios Ondas which took place at the Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona, Spain:

Horrible outfit. Love Alicia like cooked food but she was wrong. You know when your camel toe starts to show, that means the outfit is straight ill-fitting. Alicia was honoured with a special award from the jury paying tribute to her wonderful accomplishments in music. She will also be kick-starting her tour in the UK in February-March 2008.

On Tuesday, Mary J. Blige and Ashanti attended the Lifebeat Honors BET Network's Stephen Hill event which took place at the Highline Ballroom in New York City:

Ashanti looked cute. No comment on Mary, but I'll be giving her new album a listen tonight. Growing Pains will drop Dec 18th.

American Idol winner Jordin Sparks paid a visit to TRL on Tuesday:

Sad news. Her album isn't doing that great. In fact, out of all the American Idol winners, her album has done the worst.

The Spice Girls performed a show in Los Angeles last night:

.... and Mel B rocked it.

Janet Jackson and LA Reid were spotted in New York City as they had dinner at the Weaverly in Manhatten:

She's been in hiding for a while. I was beginning to think she piled on the pounds again. You know how it is when Janet stays out of the spotlight. Again, it's good to see she has her weight issues under control. She looked fab. According to several reports this week, Janet has refused to join the Jackson Five on a tour across the globe, as she allegedly does not wish to be associated with her brother, Michael. The Jackson Five is planning to tour 40 different cities. It is believed Janet MAY be willing to participate in a few select shows next year, but not if her beau Jermaine Dupri has his way. Apparently, he wants Janet to continue work in the studio. Her new album has an expected release date of February 2008.

KEYSHIA COLE: I REMEMBER [NEW VIDEO PREMIERE] ....

2007-12-06T11:43:00.000Z

Keyshia Cole premiered her new video 'I Remember' yesterday from her brilliant new album Just Like You. This is one of my favourite tracks on the album:

Also vocally, she has stepped it up. Beautifully sung, and the video was nice as well. However, in that opening shot, it was like looking at a young Mary J Blige in her 411 days. Keyshia is dramatically morphing into the Queen of Hip Hop & Soul each passing moment. The resemblance is pretty uncanny.

KELLY ROWLAND: WORK [NEW VIDEO PREMIERE]

2007-12-06T11:33:00.000Z

The long-awaited video of Kelly Rowland's 'Work' finally premiered yesterday on a site called So-Urban.com. It was shot back in mid July but was postponed several times and 5 months later, here it is:

I liked the video. It was cute. But she could have have been a lot more energetic with the choreography as the song IS a banger after all. Initially the vid was meant to be released alongside Kelly's other video, 'Ghetto' feat. Snoop Dogg. Both videos were shot at the same time, but it was 'Ghetto' that came out first in September. Kelly will re-release her album 'Ms. Kelly' in early 2008 with a new single leaked earlier this week. That single is called 'Daylight' and features a collaboration with Hip-Hop group Gym Class Heroes.

BEYONCE SPOTTING & TAMEKA FOSTER HITS OUT....

2007-12-04T19:41:00.001Z

On Sunday night, Beyonce looked nice as she was spotted departing from LAX. The bootylicious singer may even have plans:

.... as her rapper boyfriend Jay-Z turns 38 today. Two years short of 40 and Jay-Z is one of the highest paid rappers in the industry not to mention being one of the biggest business entrepreneurs around. Well, you know Beyonce is going to do it big for her man.

Usher's wife is tired of folks bad-mouthing her -- especially black folks! Tameka Foster believes that a lot of the negative criticism she's been receiving is based on African-Americans not being able to get along with each other:

Tameka tells Essence magazine, "We (black women) don't like ourselves. If I were Hispanic, Usher would have the sexiest wife alive. If I were mixed, he'd have the sexiest wife alive. But he has a black girl, and it's like, 'She's horrible and she's ugly!' OK, maybe I don't fit the cookie-cutter standard - 25 and a size two - but this is who he loves!" Foster went on to say that people who have been dissing her should find better ways to spend their time. Usher's wife said, quote: "There are women getting raped in Darfur, young girls being turned out every single day right here in Atlanta. We have bigger issues to worry about than two people in love with each other."

LOL! Looks like somebody got a complex. Plus she sounds ignorant as hell generalizing like that. So because people think she's unattractive means they think this way about ALL black women? Maybe she'd get less flack if she looked a different way, I don't deny that. But not all mixed/hispanic chicks are cute or being mixed doesn't automatically equate to being beautiful. Rapper T.I's girlfriend Tameka 'Tiny' Cotter and Nicole Murphy are both biracial and um, they don't even touch the beauty mark on the scales. No where NEAR. Being black is not a curse. It's a beauty. Yes, you're a black woman. Just NOT a pretty one. Point. Blank. Period. For the record, when we get to gossip about a celebrity, sometimes its good to take away the focus of the harsh realities that's going on in our lives and other areas. Not to say we forget about those problems or brush them under the rug completely but to have a moment of escapism, even if it's just temporarily. Besides, this is what comes with being married to a superstar. This is the life she chose so she should learn to deal with it. Usher loves her ass and that alone should be enough.

rrrr OUT....

2007-12-04T17:56:00.000Z

Rihanna did a photoshoot and interview for the January 2008 issue of Allure magazine. Check it out:

[CLICK ON IMAGE FOR LARGER VIEW]

The Barbados babe shot the cover at New York City's Lux Studio with Robin Thicke's CD, The Evolution of Robin Thicke, playing in the background.

On her so-called fling with Josh Hartnett: "I went to [the club] Pink Elephant, and he came by. All of a sudden, the next day I'm seeing that we were kissing and hugging up each other. You can't even go out with a friend who's a celebrity and have a good time without people making shit up…well, at least he's good-looking, right?"

On regularly clearing up American misconceptions about Barbados: "I can't get upset. They just don't know. (Barbadians speak English, have roads, and use indoor toilets.)"

On chopping her hair off into a precise bob and dying it black like Charlize Theron in Aeon Flux: "My friends still live in Barbados, and they let me know that everyone asks for the 'Rihanna haircut.'"

On being teased growing up for having paler skin than her peers: "I was cultured in a very 'black' way. But when I got to school I'm being called 'white'...they would look at me, and they would curse me out. I didn't understand."

On beauty being in the eye of the beholder: "While in America beautiful is skinny, in Barbados it's thick-girls with huge butts and nice curves."

JENNIFER LOPEZ: HOLD IT DON'T DROP IT [NEW VIDEO PREMIERE]....

2007-12-04T17:30:00.000Z

Jennifer Lopez premiered her new video Hold It Don't Drop It yesterday, and here's the outcome:

The song is wackjuice but she looked hot in the video. I don't think the song will ressurrect her album from the graveyard though. In fact, 'Brave' is the worst J.Lo album recorded. No wonder it tanked, lol!