For the first performance of the new Idol season Mary J. Blige, whom was also a mentor for the top 13 this week, took to the stage Thursday night, during the results song for the first televised performance of her next single, the Rick Ross assisted “Why,” off her latest album My Life II…The Journey Continues. MJB delivered a rousing performance, receiving a standing ovation from judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler. Check out Mary’s performance below…
Archive for March 8th, 2012
SWV REVEAL “I MISSED US” ALBUM TRACKLISTING
As we previously reported the sisters with voices will make their official return with the new album I Missed Us, dropping April 17. SWV’s first project of new material in 15 years, is lead by the first single “Co-Sign” and contains 13 new cuts. The official tracklisting has been revealed, which includes production from Bryan Michael Cox, Jazze Pha and more.
Take a look below…
FIRST LOOK: USHER “CLIMAX” VIDEO
The Usher machine is in full swing and looks to serve up some suspense in the video for the R&B stars new buzzing single “Climax,” which will premiere online tomorrow morning.
Directed by Sam Pilling, the dramatic visual was shot in Atlanta and captures the intensity of the Diplo-produced lead single off Usher’s upcoming album, due later this spring.
Despite the song’s sexy title, it has nothing to do with sex. “It’s odd that people view ‘Climax’ as a sexual song,” Usher told Atlanta’s V-103. “It’s not. It’s not even about sex. It’s really about the ultimate experience or finale of an experience of love and life.”
RIHANNA BARES SKIN IN ARMANI JEANS COMMERCIAL
Welp! This is Sexy. As. Hell! Rihanna exudes sex and sass in her brand new seductive commercial for Armani Jeans. The Pop siren can not seem to relax as she restlessly tosses and turns in bed, and walks about her apartment, trying to get some rest before an early morning flight. Take a look at the sexy commercial now! Probably not safe for work… But… do it anyway!
See it below…
MELODY THORNTON REVEALS “P.O.Y.B.L.” COVER ART & TRACKLISTING
Melody Thornton looks to make her mark with her forthcoming solo mixtape “P.O.Y.B.L,” an acronym for Piss On Your Black List. The former Pussycat Doll exposes her battles in love, music, and faith on the “soul-pop” offering, which incorporates instrumentals from the ’60s and ’70s.
In addition to the single “Sweet Vendetta” and remake of Jay-Z and Kanye West’s “No Church in the Wild” (“Lipstick&Guilt“), the 10 tracks include five remakes and four original tracks all written by Melody.
Producers include Andre Harris (“Smoking Gun”), Church and State (“Sweet Vendetta”), Mark Vinten (“Intro”), and Melody on a self-produced track (“Hit the Ground Runnin’” featuring Michael Gallope/piano and Paran Amirinazari/violin).
“Piss On Your Black List has nothing to do with being a rebel or fighting against anything. It has everything to do with fighting for myself,” explained Melody. “It’s clever with attitude. It’s kind of funny and gets a strong reaction; all things that, at times, describe my art.”
“P.O.Y.B.L.” will be available for free download on March 15.
LANCE DRUMMONDS ON THE URBAN DAILYS ’25 ARTISTS THAT NEED TO BE HEARD’
The homie Lance Drummonds is continuing to build his name and propel the buzz for his artistry. The Long Island, NY based R&B crooner was recently recognized by TheUrbanDaily.com on their list of ’25 Artists That Need To Be Heard.’ Check out their interview where he spoke about his debut album Time & Space, his new EP, A Cover Story, which features him doing his own renditions of Soul/R&B classics, his most notable performance, and the thing he fears when it comes to signing with a major label.
Whether a fan of contemporary R&B or a more traditional sounding soul singer, Lance Drummonds is an artist you need to know. He has the ability to sing with all the tenderness classic soul music fans long for and infusing a song with enough swag to keep the interest of this generation’s ADD music fan. Since he’s a native of Long Island, New York, he understands the hustle and effort that goes into attaining one’s dreams in a city like New York. Lance is well on his way to seeing those dreams come to fruition.
MIGUEL TALKS WOMAN, DATING & ARTISTRY ON MTV’S “FIRST DATE”
Miguel is the latest artist to partake in MTV’s “First Date” series. The R&B crooner caught up with the networks Rya Backer for a daytime meal at NYC’s ‘Gyu-Kaku,’ and chatted about his hometown outside Los Angeles, woman, dating, fashion, artistry and more. Read Rya’s comment, and check out the clip from their ‘first date’ below.
The 25-year-old crooner showed up to our date dressed to impress: sporting tailored, jade trousers, a rust-colored coat and suspenders, Miguel’s interest in fashion is evident upon first glace. In fact, he considers following it to be one of his prime interests outside of making music. His other non-musical hobbies remain creative: He cited iconic ’80s artist Jean-Michel Basquiat as one of his greatest influences and photography as another passion of his, finding David LaChappelle’s work especially compelling.
But like any artist, he hopes to inspire just as much: “I really hope to come to a place where I’ve achieved some kind of trust with my audience. The kind of trust that allows me some kind of influence … influence to effect some kind of social change.”
ASHANTI’S NEW ALBUM TITLE & RELEASE DATE REVEALED
As reported yesterday, via AOL’s The Boombox preview, Ashanti’s anticipated new album shares the same name as a popular ’90′s movie. The title has now been revealed with the above promo image. “Braveheart” will be the fifth studio album from the R&B chanteuse and is expected to hit stores as early as April 17th via her own label Written Entertainment/E1. The image reflects Ashanti dressed as a warrior, which is taken from the music video for her lead single “The Woman You Love” featuring Busta Rhymes, that is expected to premiere today.
Speaking on the album the 31-year-old singer said, “I’m out of my comfort zone, I’m touching on deeper topics and real life experiences.”
The LP is expected to boast collaborations with major R&B stars such as R. Kelly and Keyshia Cole, and include production from Jerry Wonda, Rico Love, The Bizness, Hit-Boy, Warryn Campbell, Danja and possibly Dr. Dre.
















