Archive for September 14th, 2011

KERI HILSON PERFORMS “LOSE CONTROL” FOR AOL SESSSIONS, TALKS PAST VOCAL ISSUES

Keri Hilson continues the promotion of her latest single “Lose Control,” with a performance for AOL Sessions. The singer/songwriter spoke to AOL about dealing with vocal issues earlier in her career.

What’s been the hardest thing you’ve had to overcome in your career?

I had vocal issues and I performed right through them. The world saw this happening, but didn’t know what was happening. You know, there’s so much other stuff that people don’t understand like the scheduling — I’m not complaining, because I love to work, and any opportunity you give me, I jump at the opportunity, even if it’s to my own demise. Certain situations you’re put in are to the detriment of your instrument, and a lot of damage was done. Promo days are 12 to 14 hours of talking. That is very damaging. I have no complaints, I’m over it, but it did affect me. I had to take care of it mostly while I was recording ‘No Boys Allowed.’ It’s been the hardest thing, just to fight for my health, fight for my instrument, my gift. They will abuse it if you let them. And you almost have to let them because they buy you [laughs]. Sorry [laughs].

Read the full interview Here.


ALOE BLACC TALKS INFLUENCE, STYLE & GIVING BACK (VIDEO)

Karmaloop TV caught up with Aloe Blacc to talk about musical influence, where his fashion sense came from, and what he’d do with a dolla.


NEW MUSIC: ESTELLE – THANK YOU (LYRIC VIDEO)

While “Break My Heart” is still heating up the charts, Estelle readies the follow-up “Thank You,” produced by Jerry Wonda and background vocals on the hook by Akon, who also penned the record.

I’m really digging this song, and I’m pretty sure you will be too.


NEW MUSIC: TONY BENNETT & MARIAH CAREY – ‘WHEN DO THE BELLS RING FOR ME’

Something about this song screams Christmas time…

Tony Bennett releases another record off of his upcoming album “Duets II,” due September 20th. This time he goes note for note with probably one of the best ballad singers of our time, Mariah Carey.


TYRESE CREATES R&B BOOTCAMP TO CRAFT RETURN ALBUM

A shy Tyrese Gibson hesitated before pressing play on the first track off his new album Open Invitation (Nov. 1). The Hollywood star was nervous to play his new material for the small room of writers, bloggers and tastemakers.

It’s been 9 years since he released a full R&B album (not counting the Black Ty era), and his first go at it independently, the stakes are high to deliver. In the middle of what many are saying is the stars most successful career year, 2 major motion pictures (Fast Five, Transformers 3), a top selling book on relationships, and a burgeoning hit single (“Stay”), Ty should have no reason to be nervous. But, just as many great artists put themselves out there through personal, emotional work, Tyrese is feeling like a new artist again, with a point to make, goals to accomplish and knowing he will judged heavily on it.

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MARY J. BLIGE SETS THE RECORD STRAIGHT IN ‘EBONY’

Mary J. Blige covers the October issue of EBONY magazine, showing off a new blond hairdo. The 25/8 singer did the shoot with Ebony following the passing of British soul singer Amy Winehouse, which made her reflect on her past battle with drugs & alcohol.

“When I got the text about Amy, I was lying down on the bed,’’ says Blige. “I got up and read the message about her death and just lay back down again. I kept getting up and laying back down for some reason. I’d always wanted to work with Amy, so I just couldn’t believe it really. And then it hit me—that could have been me. That really could have been me!”

Mary is preparing for the release of her tenth studio album My Life II: The Journey Continues, due out this November.

Check out the behind-the-scenes video below.

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BEYONCE MAKES GUEST APPEARANCE ON X FACTOR AUSTRALIA (VIDEO)

Beyonce she left the contestants on X Factor Australia star-struck after she made a surprise appearance as a guest judge. The mother-to-be joined Aussie singer & judge Guy Sebastian to judge the performances of the contestants, and mentor them on their craft. In the end, Bey helped in the decision process of who was going to make it to the final round.


BEHIND THE SCENES OF KELLY ROWLAND’S “LAY IT ON ME” VIDEO SHOOT (VIDEO)

Here is your third look behind-the-scenes of the video shoot for Kelly Rowland’s new single “Lay It On Me” featuring Big Sean.

Rap-Up TV captured exclusive footage from the sizzling set as the R&B goddess changed into several revealing outfits including a dominatrix with metallic cape, black leotard, and gold catsuit, draping herself over her half-naked co-stars.

The Destiny’s Child diva flirted with hip-hop’s hottest newcomer Big Sean, who explained what it was like to work with the sexy singer.

“It’s always tight being around Kelly Rowland. You can’t really complain. She’s always fine as hell,” said the G.O.O.D. Music MC. “I really like how she has the energy of a new artist, but she’s such a vet in the game. She’s so legendary and sold millions of record, but she’ll come in the room and greet everybody. She has no ego and that’s something I really look up to.”

But Sean wasn’t the only guest cozying up to Kelly. An elephant named Suzy wrapped her new friend in her trunk as Kelly whipped her hair back and forth.