TUESDAY'S HOT R&B FABNESS!

Monday saw one of the most prestigious social events on the A-List celebrity calendar; where stars put on their finest designer gowns and pay tribute to some type of fashion legend. In this case, it celebrated the work of Paul Poiret, an artist and couturier considered France's "King of Fashion" before World War I. R&B starlets Alicia Keys, Rihanna and Jennifer Lopez all attended the Poiret: King of Fashion" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. And outside of R&B, A-List Hollywood came out too such as Jessica Simpson, Lindsay Lohan, America Ferrera, Cameron Diaz, Cate Blanchett, Christina Ricci, Salma Hayak, Eva Mendes, Kate Bosworth, Jennifer Garner, Iman, Mary-Kate Olsen, Mischa Barton, Naomi Campbell, Liv Tyler, Scarlett Johanssen, Winona Ryder, Lucy Liu, Sandra Bullock, Renee Zellweger, Donatella Versace and many many more.

Alicia looked quite frumpish. I just don't think the gown worked in her favour.

And of course you know that anything to do with fashion, then our very own fashion icon Jennifer Lopez was going to be there too:

.... with husband Marc Anthony at her side as usual.

I also liked what Rihanna was wearing but the black see-though gloves took away from the dress:

Other than that she looked cute.

Another R&B singer to hit up the event was actress Jennifer Hudson who looked really nice for a change:



And at least she wasn't wearing brown this time. LOL! R&B singer Robin Thicke and wife Paula Patton also attended the event.

Rihanna also attended yet ANOTHER birthday party for Chris Brown's 18th birthday which took place at 40/40 in New York:






There, she hung out with the likes of Shaun Livingston from Joiliet, Ill (he plays for the Clippers) as well as Jennifer Hudson and the b-day boy himself.

I also heard that King of Pop Michael Jackson rang up Chris to wish him a personal Happy Birthday. Chris must have been over the moon. And he was definetely living it up:

Chris was presented with a big fat birthday cake as Jennifer Hudson sang him "happy birthday". He danced and dined like it was nobodies business. All of his friends and family helped him celebrate, including celebrity pals Rihanna, Trey Songz and Jennifer Hudson. His mama was also there. I wonder why his close pal Bow Wow didn't attend. It seemed like a really hot party - there was a lot of dancing, game activity and Chris even had a bball tournament at the party.

Rihanna was also a guest and host on TRL yesterday:

I'm loving this look.

Also, Paris Bennett of American Idol fame was also on TRL to promote her new album Princess P which dropped this week:

She looked cute. She really has stepped it up from her American Idol days when she use to look mad funky back then. No more annoying over-the-top pigtails or weird ensembles. And you can also check out my album review further down this post.

R&B/Soul Singer Joss Stone performed at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival at the Fair Grounds Race Course May 6, 2007 in New Orleans, Louisiana:

She did her thang.

And look who was spotted over the weekend? Usher and his fiancee, Tameka Foster. They did a spot of shopping last week in Beverly Hills:

[SOURCE]

Damn. This woman looks like she can pass for his Grandma. But Usher loves to date women 10 years his senior.

Here are some high quality candids of Alicia Keys when she was recently spotted at a Hollywood parking lot conversing with friends, 'Girlfriends' star, Tracee Ellis Ross, actor Donald Faison and his girlfriend, Cacee Cobb (Jessica Simpson's best friend and former personal assistant):

Alicia looked purty. I cannot wait for her new album, since she's one of my favourite R&B singers.

Amerie is in the latest issue of Glamour magazine and she talks about her fitness regime:

[CLICK ON IMAGES FOR HQ VIEWING]

And to say she's 1 year away from hitting the big 3-0, Amerie looks absolutely amazing. Who'd have guessed it?

Prince was in London today to do a Tour Announcement Photocall:

Wow. Will this man EVER age?

Princess P - Paris Bennett

1. All Hail The Princess (intro)

2. Ordinary Love
The first single off the album sees Paris fuse the sounds of rock and urban resulting in a very hot and magnificent combination. But what also sets the music is that her vocals are powerfully unique.

3. Daddy
This track depicts how hurtful its been not to have a father figure around and it questions why 'daddy' was never there. I think this sentimental track is outstanding because you actually hear her emotions within it as well as a deep underlying sadness. But I totally feel this track all because I can relate to it.

4. Dreamin'
This track is full of raw energy and the beat is exhilaratingly hot. Lyrically, it's thought-provoking and shows that at just 18 Paris definetely is an old soul trapped in a young girl's body.

5. Let Me Rap (feat Kevin Corvais aka Chicken Little)
This track is only 1 minute and 29 seconds but she attempts to infiltrate her mcing skills in a girly sassy kind of way which I thought was rather cute and personable. Humour is added which sees Britney's ex-hubby Kevin Federline get dissed to the max!

6. My Boyfriend's Back
This fun and upbeat retro-pop offering is infectiously catchy. It has an exuberance that makes you sit up and take notice. Lyrically, the track is a little too teeny-bopperish for my tastes but I actually think she could have a hit with this like Rihanna did with SOS.

7. Can't Control Myself
Another mainstream uptempo that consists of a backing guitar and piano which corresponds well with the bass. This is yet another cute track which shows her playful side.

8. Duet (feat J Issac)
Paris duets with J Issac which sees them putting together a flourishing ballad and one that is sung rather well on both accounts. Slow songs really do suit this girls voice and in a few years, once she's perfected her craft as a young budding vocalist, she could be absolutely phenomenal.

9. I'm So Hot (Interlude)

10. I'm So Hot
Riveting trumpets and a powerful bassline brings raw hotness to this track. The beat is just crazy and very dominating. And there is so much attitude conveyed that the track definetely packs in some real punch.

11. Get Bizzy
A futuristic club banger like this can definetely set the dance floor on fire. And puts you on the path to get your dance on.

12. Caught Up
An extremely catchy R&B uptempo with a thriving beat that you can certainly grrove to in your car.

13. B-Bye
The catchy guitar rifts adds to the track's bouyant merit, though not as outstanding as the other tracks.

14. Burnt Up
A consistent backing piano can be heard throughout but once again, this midtempo leaves little to be desired.

15. I Will (feat James Grear and company)
Paris puts all of that sentimental value in yet another heart-felt ballad which sees her unique vocals accompanied by an influential choir. At so young, Paris sure does know how to sing her little heart out.

16. Best Friends (feat Ann Nesby and Jamecia Bennett)
A very touching ballad where Paris and her mother collaborate in one of those mother and daughter heart to hearts. Strong vocals and raw soul and emotion brings this track to life giving it pure inspiration and one to be admired. Compelling stuff.

Summary ....

This is a very nice album. Standouts include Ordinary Love, Daddy, Dreamin, I'm So Hot, Get Bizzy and Caught Up. Different emotions were incorporated well into each track and the lyrical content very fitting for a girl of her age especially one growing up and finding herself. The album meshes well with a diversity of urban-rock, rectro-pop, Hip Hop, Soul and R&B. Paris really has come a long way from her American Idol days.

Rating: 4/5