Monday 28 November 2016

Brandy performs classic hits medley at 2016 Soul Train Awards

Not only was Brandy honoured with the 'Lady of Soul Award,' she took it waaaay back by performing a nostalgic medley of her biggest hits. 

Nine minutes down memory lane consisting of 'Full Moon', 'I Wanna Be Down', 'The Boy Is Mine', 'Baby,' need I go on? I got my life! Rapper Mase even came out for 'Sitting On Top Of The World.' 

Rihanna performs ‘Love On The Brain’ in Abu Dhabi

After 70 plus shows, Rihanna's 'ANTi' world tour officially ended following her final concert in Abu Dhabi last night. 

For the very last time on her tour, she performed fan favourite ‘Love On The Brain.’ Navy wants justice for ‘Love On The Brain,’ but it's waaay too late. She should have released a music video after her critically acclaimed performance at the Billboard Music Awards

Sunday 27 November 2016

Mariah Carey & JoJo perform for Christmas Disneyland 2016


Belting divas Mariah Carey and JoJo delivered some festive cheer during Disney’s Holiday Special this week.

JoJo performed 'Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas' and ‘Let It Snow’ with the legendary Boyz II Men. Undoubtedly, JoJo sounded great! And as expected, there was some really beautiful harmonies from Boyz II Men.

Little Mix become biggest selling girl group since The Spice Girls


Congratulations to Little Mix for becoming the biggest selling girl group since The Spice Girls. 

Last week, the girls released their latest new album ‘Glory Days,’ and that topped the Official UK Album Chart. This was also their first number one album in the UK which debuted with 96,000 (SPS).

Bruno Mars official numbers for '24k Magic'

Bruno Mars has scored his highest first week numbers to date with latest new album '24k Magic.' Not just in streams, but pure sales too. 

The album sold 
196,000 in pure sales and 226,413 with streams topping the Billboard 200. And his album isn't the only thing that's been selling like hot cakes. According to Live Nation, he sold a staggering one million tickets worldwide in a single day.

The Weeknd's sales projections for 'Starboy'

This is well beyond a book! 

The Weeknd‘s latest new album ‘Starboy’ is predicted to sell between 225,000 and 275,000 units in pure sales and around 350-400,000 with streams. Such numbers will guarantee him the top spot on next week's Billboard 200. Woot woot! 400K in pure sales would have been carnage for him but these numbers are still fab, given today's climate!

Monday 21 November 2016

Alicia Keys performs on X Factor UK

Alicia Keys appeared on Sunday night's episode of X Factor UK, where she performed her new single 'Blended Family.' 

The performance was decent, and she looked pretty. But I think this is the first time she's appeared on the X Factor without giving a tour announcement. So only time will tell if her new album 'Here' will be supported by future concerts.

Craig David performs on X Factor UK

2016's biggest comeback kid Craig David appeared on X Factor UK over the weekend to perform his new single 'Change My Life.'

The poster boy of UK garage and R&B relaunched his music career with a performance on The X Factor last Christmas. Who'd have thought he'd be back a year later having dominated the UK scene with a number one album?

Red Carpet Arrivals #AMAs


This is what freedom is to Ciara. 

The fact that she no longer has to hide her stomach with ruffles and just let her pregnancy hang freely. I don't like the dress, or is that a prom dress manipulated? Honestly, I don't wanna know. That aside, pregnancy looks great on her. Who won you over with their look?

Bruno Mars performs at #AMAs

Bruno Mars opened the show with his hit single '24K Magic,' and he really sold himself with that solo dance break mid performance! 

I think his album projections will go up after the performance. My estimate would be around 135K-140K in pure sales. Something about his performances just makes you want to join him on stage and throw down, big time!

Ariana Grande & Nicki Minaj perform at #AMAs


Ariana Grande was given the biggest award of the night. Artist of The Year. I'm still scratching my head on that one. 

I guess they couldn't get Beyoncé to come to the show. She hasn't attended in 8 years. Ari was once again joined by Nicki Minaj for their hit single 'Side To Side.' Glad Ari left those exercise bikes at home this time!

Lady Gaga performs at #AMAs


Lady Gaga's new album 'Joanne' re-entered the top 10 on US iTunes following her performance of 'Million Reasons.'

It's still hard to believe that Lady Gaga isn't coming with the theatrics and gimmicks this era. All she needed was a simple visual concept and a guitar.  Nice vocal performance too. What more can you ask for?

The Weeknd performs at #AMAs

The Weeknd spent most of his performance in a mirror ice fortress, and the aesthetic was actually pretty cool. Literally.

He performed hit single 'Starboy,' while his ex-girlfriend Bella Hadid's sister Gigi co-hosted. Awks! His vocals were pure and they did the work. It was just him and his mic. Look out for his new album 'Starboy' when it drops November 25th.

John Legend performs at #AMAs


John Legend continued to celebrate love with a beautiful performance of new single 'Love Me Now.' 

Chrissy Teigen urks me sometimes, but I have to admit her and JL are relationship goals. The way she stans for her man... I'm in awe. Look out for Legend's new album 'Darkness and Light' when it drops in stores on December 2nd.

Sunday 20 November 2016

Mariah Carey on the red carpet...

Mariah Carey is a horrible dresser. Some of her dresses are good, but this one is plain hideous.

She needs to wear them one size bigger and actually find a style that accentuates her body type. More importantly, she needs to dress age appropriate. Fifteen years from now, Mariah will probably force her daughter to go on a joint shopping spree at Forever 21.

Bruno Mars '24k Magic' sales predictions

According to HDD, '24K Magic' by Bruno Mars is expected to debut with 140K-150K SPS and 110K-120K in pure sales! 

Not bad! Bruno has never been a huge first week album seller. In general, album sales have been lower for pretty much everyone (his 2010 debut ‘Doo-Wops & Hooligans’ opened with just 55K and 2012’s ‘Unorthodox Jukebox’ opened with 192K).

Beyoncé slammed by Kanye West FORCING MTV to release a statement

Kanye West's public meltdowns are getting worse. 

During one of his shows this week, he ousted himself as a Donald Trump supporter. Then last night during his concert in Sacramento, California, he called out Beyoncé. He may very well end up regretting this decision because we all know how her fans can be ruthless.

Saturday 19 November 2016

Emeli Sandé performs 'Hurts' on Fallon


Emeli Sandé is one of those artists you appreciate for keeping it classy.

She never makes it her mission to get her ass out or use cheap gimmicks for sales. I mean, her performance of latest single 'Hurts' on the 'Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon' was simply fab. She just stood there, fully clothed and saaaang her ass off. 

Craig David performs ‘All We Needed’ for Children In Need


Last night, Craig David performed the official BBC Children in Need 2016 single ‘All We Needed.’

He's still a vocal beast to this day, and the performance was very touching and heartfelt. I can't fault it, and even if I could, the question asked would be could I? Check out CD letting out his emotions below.

Lady Gaga for Harper’s Bazaar

This week saw Lady Gaga covering Harper’s Bazaar for their 150th anniversary issue.

This is a nice vintage cover, with a lot of glamour but it isn't very iconic. The cover has similarities to Gwen Stefani's September cover in 2012, so it just seems like a revisited concept. Gaga isn't letting up the pink hat, which has become her signature look this era. 

New Music: JoJo – 'No Apologies' (Unplugged) ♫♫

JoJo releases the unplugged version of her latest single 'No Apologies.’

JoJo's vocal abilities excels the most on these acoustic numbers. This was beautifully done, and an unplugged album would be very welcoming. The cut is lifted off her latest album 'Mad Love,' which is currently in stores now. Take a listen to 'No Apologies' Unplugged below.

New Music: Trey Songz - 'Comin' Home' ♫♫

Trey Songz serves up an “early Christmas gift for fans” by releasing a Holiday-themed R&B song called 'Comin' Home.' 

Christmas is about spending it with loved ones and being able to snuggle up with your other half underneath the mistletoe. It's a cute song. He's not singing about cars, bitches and hoes. So it might be the one song I enjoy from him in a while.

New Music: The Weeknd - 'Party Monster' + 'I Feel It Coming' ♫♫

Earlier this week, The Weeknd revealed the full tracklist for his upcoming new album 'Starboy' (due November 25th.)

That was later followed by the premiere of two new songs: 'Party Monster' and 'I Feel It Coming.' The latter song sees Abel putting on his best Michael Jackson voice over a disco-infused Daft Punk beat.

New Music: Jhené Aiko – ‘Maniac’ ♫♫

If you're familiar with the 'eat the booty like groceries' lyric, then you will know Jhené Aiko isn't shy when it comes to showcasing her freak of nature. 

Over a sultry, trap-infused beat, Jhené stays bragging about her bedroom skills on new single 'Maniac.' Lucky Big Sean eh?

New Music: John Legend ft. Chance the Rapper - 'Penthouse Floor' ♫♫

One way to evade the troubling issues going on in the world today? Shack up in a penthouse and live the life of riley. 

Sounds good when John Legend puts it like that on his soulful and funky new single 'Penthouse Floor,' featuring Chance the Rapper. I was grooving to the smoothie as soon as it came on.

New trailer for 'Mariah's World' on E!, promo shoot + album news

Mariah Carey's upcoming reality series looks like it's going to be good. I'm soooo tuning in!

I keep seeing people say "Beyoncé would never," but in a way Bey kind of did when she filmed that one off documentary for HBO. Jennifer Lopez also did it as well, when documenting her journey on the road and motherhood.

Friday 18 November 2016

Monica announces departure from RCA Records

It’s the end of an era for Monica. After two decades, Monica has left RCA Records. 

She announced her departure from RCA with a touching message on Instagram. It was all words of gratitude and love. No bitterness whatsoever. I'm glad they departed on good terms, and I'm especially grateful for what their long term partnership has given us.

Video Premiere: Britney Spears ft. Tinashe - 'Slumber Party' (remix)

Britney Spears and Tinashe are living their lesbian fantasy in the 'Slumber Party' music video. 

She enlisted Tinashe for a remix of the 'Glory' track, replacing the solo version on all major streaming platforms. The sultry visuals were directed by Colin Tilley. This is probably the come up Tinashe needs right now.

Bruno Mars covers NME + brings '24k Magic' to Europe

Bruno Mars cover issue of NME is out today, and so is his new album '24k Magic.' Did you get it?

Bruno had an iHeartRadio album preview in Los Angeles this week, and posed it up for a photoshoot. His European promo saw him perform at the 2016 MTV Europe Awards, the NRJ Awards and Skavlan in Norway (performances below). Any estimates on how much units he will sell?

Thursday 17 November 2016

Alicia Keys covers 'Elle', 'The Edit' + performs Paris gig & The Voice

Alicia Keys has flopped something terrible this era. 

From her songs to her album sales, it appears the public interest isn't there anymore. Despite low sales, it's good she's not giving up on the album and remains consistent on the magazine and performance front. Alicia was joined by her co-star Adam Levine on The Voice when she performed 'Holy War' off her latest album 'Here.'

Video Premiere: Craig David - 'All We Needed' (Children In Need)

I'm so happy Craig David was able to make a big comeback this year.

2016 has been horrible. Prince, Bowie, Brexit, Trump... And it's just nice that someone as talented as Craig can still deliver those hits and have a #1 album after 16 years. His new single 'All We Needed' is the official BBC Children In Need theme song, and he's set to perform it tomorrow. The official music video is below.

Mary J. Blige 'Thick of It' video + GMA performance

Mary J. Blige isn't burying her head in the sand following her divorce from longtime husband Martin 'Kendu' Isaacs. 

She performed her new break-up single 'Thick of It' during a recent visit to 'Good Morning America' and even participated in a candid interview about the divorce. Dude is reportedly seeking six figures in spousal support, following 12 years of marriage.

Sunday 13 November 2016

New Music: Fergie – ‘Life Goes On’ ♫♫

Let's all act like ‘M.I.L.F. $.’ didn't happen, because it certainly wasn't Fergie's finest moments. 

This is like soooo ironic after the elections, because life really does go on. As for this new cut, it sounds like she was going back and forth between ripping off Sia and putting out something more in the vain of 'Big Girls Don't Cry.'

New Music: Robin Thicke ft. Juicy J – ‘One Shot’ ♫♫

This dude use to have a drinking problem, but that doesn't stop Robin Thicke expressing his love for the tequila.

'One Shot,' featuring Juicy J, has throwback R&B vibes with other elements thrown in such as some jazz and blues influences. Sounds like the type of song that could appear on Christina Aguilera's 'Back to Basics' album.

Video Premiere: Alicia Keys ft. A$AP Rocky – ‘Blended Family’ + official album sales

The divorce settlement Mashonda received from Alicia Keys must have been life changing. 

I mean, it's cool to be civilized to one another but something just seems weird about appearing in a "Blended Family" music video with the woman who "stole your man and wrecked your marriage." Your words remember, Ms Dean?

Video Premiere: Emeli Sandé – ‘Breathing Under Water’

This is a very empowering video from Emeli Sandé because it inspires people to do the impossible.

Hell, it could even make one feel like they too could be part of a choir even if their singing was painfully shocking. Emeli's new single ‘Breathing Under Water’ is lifted off her new album ‘Long Live The Angels,’ which was released last Friday on November 11th.

Video Premiere: John Legend – ‘Love Me Now’


After an unappealing election outcome on Tuesday, John Legend's new 'Love Me Now' video is probably what we all need right now.

It highlights a powerful message emphasizing the universal nature of love. We all need love, support, courage and unity to overcome the dark times. The more we love, the more we conquer!

Sunday 6 November 2016

Alicia Keys performs on ‘Fallon’


Alicia Keys took to the stage on 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.'  
Alicia performed her single, 'Blended Family (What You Do for Love)' on the show. She delivered a raw and raspy vocal and was joined by Young M.A. and The Roots. The song’s original collaborator A$AP Rocky couldn’t make the show.

Solange performs two-song set on ‘SNL’


Solange Knowles was the musical guest on last night's 'Saturday Night Live.' 

Beyoncé’s sister performed 'Cranes in the Sky' and 'Don't Touch My Hair' off her critically acclaimed third album, ‘A Seat at the Table.’ She looked very beautiful. Her whole aesthetic was wonderful, but you could tell she was nervous.

Alicia Keys’ ‘Here’ album has really low sales projections


Alicia Keys is set to encounter the biggest flop of her entire career. 

According to HDD, Alicia's new album ‘Here’ is set to debut in the top ten of the Billboard 200 with just 38-43K (SPS). In pure sales only she is set to do just 33-38K. Bon Jovi and The Chainsmokers are surpassing her in the sales department.

Saturday 5 November 2016

Beyoncé publicly endorses Hillary Clinton


Beyoncé says she's "with her." 

Bey didn't just perform at the 'Get Out The Vote' concert in support of Hillary Clinton last night. She delivered a very empowering speech on why she wants a woman to become the next president. She says she wants her daughter Blue Ivy growing up to see a woman lead the country.

Friday 4 November 2016

Mariah Carey returns to VH1 Divas + performs in Toronto

Christmas Queen Mariah Carey is set to perform during 'VH1 Divas Holiday: Unsilent Night.' 

This will mark her third VH1 Divas appearance. I'm curious what other divas have been invited since they're cited as 'A-list.' The Mimi of today isn't the type to do a show like this if she knows another vocalist will out-sing her or put her to shame.

Stream Alicia Key's new album 'Here' + post your thoughts ♫♫

Alicia Keys released her new album 'Here' today. 

So far it's off to a positive start, topping the main iTunes chart in the States.  But we all know that #1 albums on the digital chart does not equate good sales. So take a guess. How much do you think the album will sell in its first week? Better yet, what songs stand out to you the most? Stream it below.

John Legend unwraps 'Darkness and Light' album cover + tracklist

John Legend reveals the artwork and tracklist for his fifth studio album 'Darkness and Light.' 

The project is set to hit retailers on December 2nd. A sneak peak look at his video for the first single, 'Love Me Now' was also released. It features his wife Chrissy Teigen and their adorable daughter Luna. In hindsight, I'm really not that keen on the first single.

Stream Tinashe's 'Nightride' mixtape + watch 'Nightride' visual ♫♫

It's pretty safe to say Tinashe's long awaited album 'Joyride' won't be hitting retailers this year. 

However, she kinda makes up for it by dropping a surprise 15-track mixtape titled 'Nightride.' The accompanying visual for the project finds her opening up about the challenges she's had to encounter in her career. As for the mixtape, I think that low key this is what she wanted 'Joyride' to be.

Bruno Mars debuts ‘Versace On The Floor’, covers Rolling Stone + announces tour ♫♫

Bruno Mars is certainly riding this throwback wave really well. Maybe a little too well. 

New ballad ‘Versace On The Floor’ is serving up some serious 90s R&B teas. I hear Jodeci, New Edition, 98 Degrees, and a bit of Michael Jackson thrown up in the mix. As I say once again, I hope Bruno has credited his samples accordingly.

Thursday 3 November 2016

Beyoncé performs 'Daddy Lessons' at CMA Awards + gets deleted

Wham bam thank you ma'am!

Beyoncé performed her 'Lemonade' album track 'Daddy Lessons' live on stage with Dixie Chicks at the 50th annual CMA Awards last night in Nashville, Tennessee. The CMAs got their ratings, and then deleted Beyoncé from their social media pages. Apparently, they felt the major backlash was very unbecoming. The chick is from Texas you idiots!

Wednesday 2 November 2016

Justin Timberlake covers 'Variety' + album news

As we already know, Justin Timberlake is working with Pharrell Williams, Timbaland, and Max Martin on his new album.

* Pharrell tells Variety that they have a solid six songs with serious replay value.
* JT will showcase his vulnerability on the record.
* It won't be too parallel from his last album.

Alicia Keys debuts new songs in short film 'The Gospel'

Take a seat at Alicia Keys table, because she has just dropped a powerful short film titled 'The Gospel.' 

It includes new music off her upcoming new album 'Here,' such as ‘She Really Don’t Care,’ ‘Pawn It All,’ ‘Kill Your Mama,’ and ‘The Gospel.’ The 23-minute film addresses police brutality in NYC, and was directed by A.V. Rockwell.

Tuesday 1 November 2016

Beyoncé gets into character twice for Halloween

'Black Barbie' Beyoncé enjoyed Halloween with daughter Blue Ivy and husband Jay Z who dressed as Ken. 

I don't think we will ever get a Ken that looks like that, but perhaps it's time to break the typical stereotype? The day before, Bey and Blue Ivy teamed up with her mother Tina Knowles to play Salt N Pepa at her cousin's family Halloween party in Manhattan. Push it!