Toya'z World: March 2016

Thursday 31 March 2016

Beyoncé covers Elle magazine (US + UK)...

Beyoncé is looking a lot like Solange these days, more so with those kinky curls, and she looks fab!

With a new tour and album underway, it's no surprise Bey is gracing the dual May issues of Elle US and UK. She's certainly workout ready in her brand new Ivy Park line. In a rare in-depth interview, Bey talks exclusively to ELLE about freedom, feminism, how her new fashion line, Ivy Park, helps women to love their bodies, & more. The issue arrives at newsstands on April 6th.

Video Premiere: Rihanna – ‘Kiss It Better’...

Rihanna's sex appeal and confidence just comes through so naturally, in this new video.

Glistening skin, orgasmic facial expressions and pierced nips has really set the foundation for a very sensual video. Billboard has even deemed it one of her best videos to date! It's a little NSFW but the video itself is nothing too crass or sordid. Come on in, and check out the sexy, smoldering visuals for her latest 'ANTi' single, 'Kiss It Better' below.

Beyoncé releases commercial for her Ivy Park fashion line...

Beyoncé just dropped a new promo commercial for her new athletic sportswear line 'Ivy Park' in partnership with Top Shop.

Bey is seen working up a sweat in the sportswear and capes for serious girl power in the motivational clip. The line, which launches from April 14th can be purchased online and in store via Top Shop, Nordstroms & Zalando. Watch the clip below.

Brandy sues her record label...

Brandy sued her record label New York-based Chameleon Entertainment and its owner, CEO Breyon Prescott for $1 million in a Superior Court this week.

She claims Prescott is trying to force her to sign with Epic, and release her records through Chameleon, so he can profit twice (he works for Epic). She also claims Chameleon is contractually obligated to record and release her albums but refuses to do so unless she signs a “terrible deal.” (and that's not all either). Damn.

Video Premiere: Ariana Grande – ‘Dangerous Woman’ (Visual 1)...

Ariana Grande puts her sexuality out there in the sultry new visuals for her first single and title track ‘Dangerous Woman.’

The clip, directed by The Young Astronauts, serves as the first of two videos for the song. Hopefully, the second video will see her do something a bit more witty and fun with the concept, and maybe even throw in a cute storyline. Ariana's third studio album of the same name will drop in stores on May 20th.

Chris Brown's collaborators distance themselves from him...

Chris Brown's collaborators Tinashe and Zendaya have both unfollowed him after he accused Kehlani of hamming up her suicide attempt for sympathy.

Zendaya took it a step further by deleting every single mention of Chris from her Twitter. Kehlani's hospitalization comes in wake of rumours she cheated on Cleveland Cavalier star Kyrie Irving, who Chris is friends with. Really, Chris? And this is why dude will never be the icon he could have been.

Monday 28 March 2016

Batman V Superman: Did you watch it?

Batman V Superman broke two new records with its 170m debut. The movie now has the highest debut for a pre-summer release.

It also has the highest debut for a WB movie ever ($424m worldwide opening), a record that beats out Harry Potter, Lord Of The Rings, and the Dark Knight movies. Ben Affleck slayed as Batman and Gal Gadot was amazing as Wonder Woman. Some of it was slow and drawn out, but that last hour was simply enthralling.

K. Michelle’s album sales predictions...

K. Michelle’s new album 'More Issues Than Vogue' is predicted to sell 49K-53K in pure sales, and 51-55K in consumption.

Congrats?! So does this mean an R&B album selling over 50K is actually... "respectful" in this era? I guess standards are slipping. I think an album allowing her to explore new sounds would have made for a more interesting LP. When she spoke about doing country music, I kind of knew her label wasn't going to allow that to happen.

Snaps: Tinashe for Elle magazine...

Tinashe is serving up some serious aesthetics for Elle!

In the assisting interview, Tinashe talks about her collaboration with M.A.C, meditation, and how she eats for that super impressive six-pack of hers. You'd be surprised at what she eats. Hell, you'd probably end up despising her for it. Check out TinaSlay's Elle interview here.

Snaps: Beyoncé & Monica strike a pose at Easter Egg Roll...

The 2016 White House Easter Egg Roll in Washington saw a bevy of moms take their kids to participate in the holiday festivities.

Beyoncé took her daughter Blue Ivy as seen in an earlier post, and fellow R&B songstress Monica brought along her sons Rodney and Romelo. They all posed for this family pic which was snapped by Bey's husband Jay Z! They all look nice. Love the pic!

Rihanna scorns fan for throwing dollars at her on stage...

A fan threw money on stage at Rihanna during her performance of 'Pour It Up' and she was pissed.

The incident took place during the Detroit stop of her 'ANTi' world tour over the weekend. The money brushed Rihanna's leg and she stopped singing to point at the fan with: "If you don't stop that sh*t!" Rihanna’s 'Work,' featuring Drake, scores a sixth week at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Congrats!

Gwen Stefani’s first week album sales...

Gwen Stefani’s new album ‘This Is What the Truth Feels Like’ has sold 76,000 in physical album sales and 84,000 SPS (overall.)

Sales have been considerately low for everyone it seems. I suppose the stats don't look too shoddy given that Gwen didn't get her face out there for anything during her release week. I'm not a fan of the album to be honest, but congrats to Gwen on scoring her first ever number one album!

Official: Rihanna & Drake perform 'Work' in Miami...

Rihanna has released official footage of her 'Work' performance with Drake at her recent concert.

The performance took place during the Miami stop of Rihanna’s 'ANTi' world tour. Releasing the footage could very well add further momentum to the chart topper. It could even help the song extend its position at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for a sixth week. Clearly, a little bit of grinding goes a loooong way!

Snaps: Lady Gaga celebrates 30th birthday in LA...

Today, Lady Gaga turns 30, and she had an early birthday celebration over the weekend.

Gaga and her troupe of celebrity pals partied at No Name Club in Los Angeles on Saturday night.

Everyone from Lorde, Lana Del Rey, Kylie Minogue and Ashlee Simpson to Mark Ronson, Pharrell Williams, Nick Jonas, and John Legend showed up. Gotta admit, Gaga and her fiancé Taylor Kinney look so good together!

Snaps: Beyoncé & Blue Ivy enjoy Easter Egg Roll...

Beyoncé took her daughter Blue Ivy to enjoy the holiday festivities at the 2016 White House Easter Egg Roll in Washington this morning.

The duo were assisted by Bey's hubby Jay Z and Solange's son Julez. Also in attendance was mama Tina Knowles and her new husband Richard Lawson.

It's been nice seeing the blossoming relationship grow between the Carters and the Obama's. I am going to miss the O's when they leave the White House next year.

Snaps: Janet Jackson unveils her jewellery collection in Dubai...

Following her performance at the Dubai World Cup this weekend, Janet Jackson presented her new 'Unbreakable' jewellery collection.

The presentation took place at a private event in the emirate. It was in partnership with Paul Raps New York.

He says the range perfectly conveys Janet’s personality and is a blend of “integrity, prestige and authentic brilliance.”

Check out the exquisite collection below.

Saturday 26 March 2016

Mariah Carey cancels show in Brussels...

Mariah Carey has cancelled her Brussels concert over security concerns in the wake of Tuesday’s terrorist attacks.

She was advised to cancel the show to protect the safety of her crew and fans. A rescheduled show is yet to be announced.

Smart decision. She's a rich American superstar set to marry a white billionaire. There would be thousands of people in one place, and her 'Sweet Sweet Fantasy' tour would be targeted because of who she is. Better safe than sorry!

Alicia Keys joins ‘The Voice’ as a coach...

Alicia Keys joins Miley Cyrus as two of the new coaches to join the panel on NBC’s 'The Voice.'

They will reportedly replace Gwen Stefani and Pharrell Williams for season 11. Meanwhile, longtime coaches Adam Levine and Blake Shelton will stay on.

Being a judge on The Voice is like a last ditch attempt at relevance. I love Alicia but she needs a serious career boost after declining album sales. Only one song charted on the Hot 100 last era.

Friday 25 March 2016

Elle Varner dropped from RCA...

Sadly, Elle Varner's name no longer appears on RCA's official artist roster, pointing to the conclusion that she may have been dropped.

Her sophomore album '4 Letter Word' was suppose to drop two years ago, and she even released a couple of songs in the lead-up.

Rewind to 2016, and... nothing. Such a damn waste of talent. She actually has really good music. Is this what Tinashe's future really looks like?

Wah.

What was the last CD you purchased?

The last CD I purchased was Tamia's 'Love Life' (my first being Mariah Carey's 'Butterfly' as stated in a related topic.)

Others may have felt that this album was all a bit too sticky and sweet. But Tamia has always caped for her marriage and the unbreakable bond she has with her husband.

The album was well produced in my opinion, and I just couldn't fault the production. I'm a romantic at heart anyway, so I love me a good love story.

Jennifer Lopez slams fake tweet aimed at shading Mariah Carey...

A photoshopped tweet made it look like Jennifer Lopez delivered some thick shade to her pop nemesis Mariah Carey, and Jen's not happy.

The terrorist attacks in Brussels this week were horrific and the tweet was poorly timed.

However, the nature of the tweet was actually hilarious. You'd be insane to believe the tweet was real.

As much as it is wished, J.Lo would never write anything like that, and she's letting you know.

Adele gushes over Mariah Carey...

Adele recently asked her London O2 audience, “Did you read that article the other day where Mariah Carey called the lighting abusive?”

“She is so biblical that lady. It’s a joke. I absolutely adore her.” Adele continued, “She’s here tomorrow? Oh, my God, I should leave a secret note for her. I think that she should be in the Bible.”

She's so silly, but her personality is really adorable. If only MC was just as gracious towards her younger counterparts.

Beyoncé's "cousin" Kristin is getting offers!

When sisters Kristin Douglas and Kelsi Leggett were snapped with Beyoncé at her uncle Skip's funeral recently, the pic went viral.

It was widely reported that they were Bey's cousins, but there is no actual blood relation. The girls are uncle Skip's God daughters. Kelsi even admitted she's only met Bey a "handful of times."

Kristin now has 80K followers, and a bunch of clubs (and admiring rappers) want her to make appearances for a fee. Bey's impact!

Keyshia Cole announces new single...

The Amadeus-produced ‘Best Friend’ will serve as the lead single from Keyshia Cole's seventh studio album.

Keyshia announced it will be released independently, ending speculation that she has signed to Beyoncé’s label.

Disappointing!

I'm messy, but in all honesty, could you really see certain "forces" allowing Bey and Keyshia's worlds to collide like that?

Video Premiere: K. Michelle – ‘Not A Little Bit’...

K. Michelle confronts her cheating man, and packs his bags in the drama-fueled visuals for ‘Not A Little Bit.’

K's new album 'More Issues Than Vogue' was officially released earlier today. How do you feel about it?

You can also catch the feisty singer on the second season finale of 'K. Michelle: My Life.'

The episode airs March 28th at 9PM ET on VH1.

Brandy gets "mistaken" for Monica...

Some pap thought it would be cute to get a reaction out of Brandy by referring to her as Monica.

That pap tried it!

He damn well knew it wasn't Monica. They always try to provoke a reaction out of a celebrity for a headline (examples 1, 2).

The attempted bait follows Brandy's recent "I don’t talk to Monica" admission, but she wasn't falling for it. Good!

Wednesday 23 March 2016

Rihanna loses tour support act...

The Weeknd has pulled out from the European leg of Rihanna’s ‘ANTi’ world tour.

Promoters released a statement citing “unforeseen changes with upcoming projects.” More fool him. This opportunity would have opened him up to newer fans and broaden his marketability overseas.

Stupid, stupid man. Alongside Big Sean, the European leg of Rihanna’s tour is set to launch June 17th in Amsterdam.

Snaps: Brandy at Lakers game...

Damn Brandy, it's just a game!

Brandy (who was sat next to her cousin) looked fantastic and youthful watching the Los Angeles Lakers vs Memphis Grizzlies NBA Basketball game, last night.

The match took place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, and Brandy was going IN!

Video Premiere: Jhene Aiko – 'B’s & H’s'...

Jhené gives the sultry Fisticuffs-produced 'B’s & H’s' (Bitches and Hos) a visual packed with distorted close-ups, kaleidoscope effects and bedroom filters.

A new album awaits but until then, this is what fans can enjoy. The song, which Jhené performed at various live shows, debuted in studio form in late January.

The video was edited by Bryant Robinson and Josh Williams.

Sunday 20 March 2016

Adele's failed attempt at twerking...

Adele tried to twerk at her London concert last night, and told the audience, "My bum could break my back, it's so enormous."

Snaps: Beyoncé overshadowed by cousins...

This weekend in Texas, Beyoncé attended her favourite uncle Skip Beyincé's funeral, the brother of her mother Tina Knowles.

Snaps: Ashanti performs at SXSW festival...

Ashanti performed on stage last night, as part of the 'The Roots Jam Session' during the 2016 SXSW festival in Austin, Texas.

Snaps: Ciara beams at Marquee Nightclub grand opening...

Ciara was looking all runway ready while rocking up to the season grand opening of The Marquee Nightclub in Vegas last night.

Snaps: Kelly Rowland promotes 'Chasing Destiny'...

Kelly Rowland showed up at her 'Chasing Destiny' SXSW interview yesterday, in Austin, Texas.

Rihanna's 'ANTi' earns lowest sales figure for a #1 album in Billboard history...

Rihanna's 'ANTi' which returns to the top spot this week, earns the lowest sales figure for a #1 album in Billboard history with 17,000 units.

Gwen Stefani's 'Truth' album set for #1 despite low sales...

Gwen Stefani's third solo album ‘This Is What The Truth Feels Like’ is set to top the Billboard 200 with just 68-73K units (73-78K with streaming).

Mariah Carey covers ‘Style’...

Mariah Carey showcases the results of her “bleak diet” on the cover of Style magazine, which was made available today via The Sunday Times.

Friday 18 March 2016

Beyoncé's 'Formation' tour: What to expect...

The Beyhive team, known for dropping exclusive tea on Beyoncé before official releases, sheds interesting deets about her upcoming 'Formation' tour.

Justin Timberlake hits the studio with Pharrell Williams...

Justin Timberlake shares an exciting new snap of himself in the recording studio with his long term collaborator Pharrell Williams.

Rihanna shot a second 'ANTi' music video...

Rihanna was spotted on the set in Miami, shooting a brand new music video. Word has it, the video is for her unconfirmed second single 'Needed Me.'

Janet Jackson stuns in new unseen photo...

Janet Jackson's makeup artist Preston Menezes shares an unseen picture from the set of her 'Unbreakable' tour photoshoot!

Keri Hilson threatens legal action over "fake" press release...

Keri Hilson is threatening legal action against those accountable for releasing a "fake" press release, which leaked details about her new album and single.