Trey Songz Declares War On R&B Men, Blasts R.Kelly, Pleasure P, T Pain...
"Isn't this the recipe for disaster," says Trey Songz on Tuesday's shocking release of a diss track aimed at not only R. Kelly but T-Pain, Pleasure P and other 'pretend' R&B male singers!
On the track, Songz unleashes an arsenal of blasts mostly directed toward the self proclaimed and lauded King of R&B, R. Kelly.
Calling Kelly out for using autotune and 'being full' over Jay-Z's much-talked-about "Death of Autotune" beat, Songz starts off stating "For real, who wanna hear kells with autotune...that's some bullsh*t...I'm a new breed, this a farewell, throw him down the stairwell" !
Taking further aim, while asserting his skills over the multi-Platinum selling recording star and producer, Trey Songz then says "He's a legend but I'm fresher".... "Trey songz coming where kelly... who".
Kelly, who promoted a mixtape release last week, has been sampling with autotune, a fact that Trey Songz doesn't take too lightly, especially since Kelly is "supposed to be" the King. Promoting his new album "Ready," out in August, Songz blasts Kelly over the autotune choice and says he's breezing past him, but not before calling T-Pain a "copycat":
"You put that autotune on your homies should've clowned you, cut the braids off, who you tryin to be me ?" "I'm runnin past, shawty feel the breeze" "He should try to be who these singers pretend to be" "Mtv said I might be better, put it on your mind because the grind don't let up" "i'm still hungry you must be full, say it ain't so....ooooooooooo!"
Ironically, Songz' diss track comes just before a bum rush of releases coming from R&B male artists including Jeremih, Maxwell, Joe, Chico DeBarge and Pleasure P, whose album is in stores this week.
Taking aim at Pleasure P as well, Songz says the former Pretty Ricky member and "Boyfriend #2" singer can't measure up:
"She said pleasure me, I'm no pleasure P. No pun intended, can't measure G".
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Kelly Rowland Drafts Kelis, Michele Branch Manager For Next Move
Now that her single "When Love Takes Over" is in the top 20 overseas, Kelly Rowland has snapped up new management.
Rowland, who parted ways with longtime manager Mathew Knowles this spring, has drafted Kelis ("Milkshake," "Bossy") and Michele Branch ("Everywhere," "All You Wanted") manager Jeff Rabhan.
Rabhan, joining Rowland's recently appointed legal advisor Gary Stiffelman, gained notoriety over the years for his work with former Jive recording artist Kelis. It was in fact, Rabhan who defended Kelis when she was dropped from Jive Records.
While it is unclear when Rowland will return to the music scene with a solo album, the former Destiny's Child member told Singersroom she would like to pursue a few more solo efforts post "Miss Kelly" ("Like This," "Work," "Comeback")
"As many as I can. As for Destiny’s Child, people always ask if there’s going to be a reunion, I always say that anything is possible. But for right now, we’re all concentrating on our solo careers. So, I want to make as many solo albums as I can," says Rowland.
Kelly Rowland is currently a host on BRAVO's "The Fashion Show".
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Jazmine Sullivan, Ryan Leslie Team For 'Road To Essence'
" In anticipation of their forthcoming show at Essence Magazine's annual Essence Music Festival in July, Jazmine Sullivan and Ryan Leslie are teaming up for a short tour.
Titled 'Road To Essence Music Festival Tour,' Sullivan and Leslie will make their way through three southeastern dates in June.
Sullivan, touring in support of the 2008 Grammy-nominated debut "Fearless," will kick off the trek on June 24 in Lake Buena Vista Florida.
Leslie, supporting the "Need U Bad" singer, will perform songs from his BET Award nominated self-titled debut through Thursday, July 2 in Dallas, TX.
For more information on the tour or to purchase tickets visit Livenation.com
In related news, Jazmine Sullivan is also confirmed to perform at New York's SummerStage August 9.
Tour Itinerary (Subject To Change) * Additional dates may be added.
6.24.09 - Lake Buena Vista, FL House of Blues 6.29.09 - Cleveland, OH House of Blues 7.02.09 - Dallas, TX House of Blues
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Kanye To Hit The Road With Lady Gaga
"Kanye West appeared on ABC's "The View" Wednesday (June 10) and took the opportunity to announce his forthcoming co-headlining tour with disco queen Lady Gaga.
Although he kept the details of the tour light, he spoke excitedly about it. He has said he's a Gaga fan and recently reworked her hit "Poker Face" into "I Make Her Say," a collaboration with up-and-coming MC Kid Cudi.
"She's talented and so incredible that she's not an opening act," he said of the tour. "We're doing it together, with no opening act."
A rep for West had not provided further details to MTV News at press time, but more information is expected soon.
On the show, West also talked about Kris Allen's unexpected cover of Kanye's "Heartless" on "American Idol" earlier this year. West confessed that other artists sing the song better than he does.
"Everybody who sings the song, sings better than me," he joked to the hosts of "The View." "The Fray are one of my favorite rock bands, they covered it [too] and that song got played on 'American Idol' twice."
West credits his ability to write strong melodies as the reason artists like Allen and the Fray are able to make his songs work for them.
"I always felt like I made melodies that were [like] country or Broadway melodies."
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Jay Z Predicts Major Blueprint Release, BET Awards Show
Fresh off the lauded "Death of Autotune" track, Jay-Z has been officially confirmed to perform at the 2009 BET Awards !
Set for June 28, Jay Z will take the stage to likely perform a cut or two from his anticipated album "Blueprint 3".
The former "Show Me What You Got" rapper joins his wife Beyonce as well as Kanye West, the-Dream, Maxwell, and Ne-Yo, who are also slated to perform.
In related news, Jay-Z is predicting that his September 11 release of "Blueprint 3" is going to be big with a special performance at an unnamed historic venue.
"I have a wonderful idea for a show, proceeds are gonna go to charity. You know, just bring it full circle. I have a historic venue in mind, I'm gonna bring some artists out. It's gonna be big," he told Hot 97's Angie Martinez.
"Blueprint 3" is due in stores September 11.
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Mary J. Blige Opens Up
Check out the queen of hiphop/r&b Mary J. Blige in these revealing clips talking about her husband and love, her true fans, and more! From the upcoming TV One on One with Cathy Hughes airing June 14 at 9pm (ET).
TV One Essence Music Festival Sweepstakes: Enter to win two VIP Passes to the 2009 Essence Music Festival Presented by Coca-Cola where you’ll see Beyonce, Maxwell, Anita Baker, Lionel Ritchie, John Legend, En Vogue and MORE! http://www.tvoneonline.com/ourmusic/
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Maxwell Picks Bad Habits For Second Single
Maxwell has picked "Bad Habits" as the follow up to this spring's hit "Pretty Wings".
The new single, released on iTunes, precedes the former "Fortunate" singer's anticipated album "Black Summers' Night," due in July.
Singing "You're my bad habit baby..can't escape the way you've got me locked down baby," Maxwell asks his lady friend for forgiveness on the soulful cut.
Maxwell's "Black Summers Night" is due in stores July 7 via Columbia. The album is Maxwell's first release in over seven years and is part one of a trilogy of albums due to be released over the next few years.
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Mariah Carey Ready For The Dream, Tricky's Obsessed
Mariah Carey is excited about the official release of her new single "Obsessed" !
The song, produced by The-Dream and Tricky Stewart, becomes the first cut from this fall's anticipated release "Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel".
"Obsessed is an uptempo fun summer record," says Carey via Twitter.
"We were gonna go with the ballad 1st but don’t worry, it’s coming. I tried to make something for all who love Butterfly, and even older albums but ‘Obsessed’ has to come out 1st... asap!!
Set for release early next week, Mariah says the single is "different for me, but clearly, it’s SO me!"
News of the single's release follows Carey's appearance at the Apollo Theater's 75th Anniversary celebration Monday. Sharing the stage with Prince and Jamie Foxx, Carey honored inductees Quincy Jones and Patti Labelle. (click here for photos)
"Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel" is due in stores this September !
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One Chance Start 'Fresh' With Young Jeezy Deal, Album
Burgeoning R&B group One Chance has been given a fresh start thanks to Young Jeezy's CTE label, this after shelving 2006s "Private".
News of the former "Look At Her" group's signing with Corporate Thugz Entertainment, follows the unexpected shelving of their 2006 US Records effort "Private".
Originally signed to Usher's US Records, One Chance waited several years for their star to rise with the "U Got It Bad" singer. After two singles and garnering a legion of fans, One Chance was released from the label. Today, One Chance looks forward to a fresh start with amazing records.
While an official release date has not been set for their forthcoming CTE debut, One Chance members Mike, Courtney, Jon and Rob are busy in the studio.
Tweeting via Twitter this week, One Chance offered: "Ya'll are really gonna love these new records we doin! We comin back hard !!"
"We just street dudes from the chi that sing R&B...simple," say One Chance.
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LeToya Returns With "She Ain't Got Sh!t On Me" - The Official Ladies Anthem Of 2009!
"You’re a puppy on leash, time to come back home. I done let you out to play but you ain’t playing fair. You done met this little stray bringing fleas ‘round here!" - LeToya (She Aint Got Sh!t On Me)
LeToya has arrived! The Ne-Yo composed "Not Anymore" was just an introduction to what LeToya has in store on her forthcoming "Lady Love" release. On this Cory Bold (Mike Jones, Omarion, Keri Hilson) produced second single, LeToya let’s them know that she’s taking no prisoners (“Swing batta batta!”). Take a listen to the track!
Check out LeToya's new bio where she discusses her new album and her new movie starring Ashton Kutcher and Katherine Heigl! You can follow LeToya on Twitter @letoyaluckett! twitter.com/letoyaluckett
ABOUT LETOYA
Brand names are just that—enduring. The blessing of a lifelong following is tempered by the curse of past accomplishments perpetually in tow. Many struggle when forced to step out from behind the name that’s propelled them to tip-of-the-tongue currency. Only the rarest make those fledgling first steps count. LeToya Luckett is one such triumph. Part of the global groundswell known as Destiny’s Child, LeToya counts two Grammy Awards and co-writing credits to the group’s smashes “Bills, Bills, Bills” and “Say My Name” as milestones in her rearview mirror. But her solo efforts have been no less emblematic. Riding smash single “Torn,” which topped BET’s 106 & Park countdown for 25 straight days, her self-titled debut astonishingly debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 chart. From there, the album cruised to platinum status. LeToya had arrived; a tour with R&B demigoddess Mary J. Blige would follow. The child of destiny had blossomed into a self-starting female star.
By all appearances, LeToya’s transitions have been both smooth and satisfying. But growth is never without struggle. "Having endured a lot of separations and divorces —and I don't mean just marital— from people that you love takes its toll,” she reveals, herself a veteran of the music business though still in her twenties. "These experiences left me stronger.
Now in 2009, on the verge of her second solo release Lady Love, LeToya is wiser and worldlier. Her subject matter, no longer restricted to the “safe” stuff of her first album, tackles real issues: love, fidelity, defiance, and ultimately, hope. A self-proclaimed "hopeless romantic," Luckett knows that sincerity is not limited to relationships, but music as well: “If I don't connect to a record, if I can't feel it and if I can't sell it, I won't do it." In some favorable ways, LeToya Luckett is very much the modern-day Millie Jackson: relatable, authentic, audacious and adept in capturing the everywoman hiding behind closed shutters and curtains. Her first single, “Not Anymore,” speaks to breaking free. Penned by songwriting savant Ne-Yo, “Not Anymore” tells the tale of a tenacious young lady determined to leave her disloyal boyfriend. The song’s mantra of “not settling for less” echoes LeToya’s drive and determination away from the microphone.
The second single, much more deliberately an impact record, is the brash “She Ain't Got Sh!t On Me.” Featuring a staccato synth intro and imprudent, irrepressible drums, “She Ain't Got Sh!t On Me” is destined to end up on dance floors and video countdowns everywhere, as the song delivers one of those rare moments LeToya terms “walking on water.” Moreover, it’s a leaps-and-bounds progression over her debut record, complete with cheeky, chiding vocals and delivery. “In the song, I'm not saying I'm perfect, but my man shouldn't bring another girl home,” she chafes. “The song's not really about whether this girl he's cheating on with me has a fat ass or anything! It's more about the quality that I bring; how much I care for him. It's really a song for every middle-class woman. It's speaking for them.” Other songs of note: “Don’t Need You,” a female anthem that’s wholly LeToya’s, in both demeanor and writing credits; the brilliantly poetic yet radio-friendly “Lazy;” “Good to Me,” which details the quest for the perfect man, one who doesn’t merely appease women by offering materialistic gifts known as “pacifiers.” LeToya has a head on her shoulders for sure. And that head is certainly on straight.
Elsewhere, LeToya Luckett has still other ways of speaking to fans. Look for her on in the upcoming Warner Premiere’s first theatrical movie Preacher’s Kid, due in theaters this fall. Her casting was fortuitous in more ways than one; on set she filmed with singer/songwriter Tank, with whom she collaborated for “Regret” and “Good to Me,” both found on Lady Love. But her big screen bonanza is just beginning. She’s currently filming the Lionsgate feature Five Killers alongside über-stars Ashton Kutcher and Katherine Heigl. Expect a mid-2010 release date. Additionally, LeToya keeps busy minding a pair of Houston clothing and accessory boutiques called Lady Elle. Luckett aims to stock the shelves with her own brand of clothing as well. And given her track record, there’s no reason to doubt her resolve or her results. "If she can do it, I can do it,” Luckett says as the rhetorical fan. "If she can go from being in one situation that a lot of people thought was a devastation, and then grow as a solo artist, I can make my dreams happen—there is hope."
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R. City - "Put the F'N Album Out...Sneak Peak"
From R. City - the hit songwriters that penned hits for Akon, the Pussycat Dolls, Sean Kingston, Usher, and more - comes a new FIRE mixtape aggressively titled "Put the F'N Album Out...Sneak Peak"!
1. Say What I Feel Inside 2. Intro 3. Best I Ever Heard 4. Put The F'N Album Out 5. Good Guy 6. Move 7. Bring It Back 8. Jumping Off The Building 9. She Coppin That Thing 10. Money On My Mind 11. P.S.A 12. Tha Return 13. Burn Freestyle 14. Let Ya Buzz Build 15. Gettin Some Pt.3 16. Lions Tigers & Bears RMX 17. May Day
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Behind The Scenes: Teena Marie
Watch as the incomparable Teena Marie takes you behind the scenes of her "Congo Square" album photo. shoot!
Continuing to prove that beauty and talent are ageless, Lady Tee strikes her best pose for photographer Randee St. Nicholas. Listen closely as select tracks from the new album are playing in the background.
Teena Marie - Congo Square - In Stores June 9, 2009
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Maino Takes Home The Gold
“All The Above (Feat. T-Pain),” the breakthrough single from Hustle Hard Entertainment/Atlantic recording artist Maino, has been certified gold by the RIAA for digital sales in excess of 500,000. The track – which remains a Top 10 favorite on iTunes “Top Hip-Hop/Rap Songs” chart – is featured on the Brooklyn-based M.C.’s upcoming debut album, “IF TOMORROW COMES…,” due in stores and online on June 30th.
Produced by Just Blaze (T.I., Jamie Foxx, Saigon) and Nard & B (T.I., Plies, Ludacris), “All The Above” is at Top 40 smash at Urban outlets nationwide, having impacted as the #1 most added single at the format earlier this year. In addition, the track is bulleting into the Top 20 at Rhythmic radio outlets coast-to-coast.
What’s more, the “All The Above” companion video is blowing up all over. The clip – which had its multi-platform premiere across the MTV networks including MTV, MTV2, MTVU, MTV HITS, MTV JAMS and MTV.COM <http://mtv.com/>, was also featured as MTV Jams’ “Jam of the Week.” In addition, the video has just been added to BET’s *The Deal* after a Top 10 run on the *106 & Park* countdown. “All The Above” is also a Top 40 success on this week’s “Top Mastertones” chart.
“All The Above” – which had the highest first week single sales for a new rap artist since Flo Rida’s “Low” – will be followed by Maino’s new smash, “Million Bucks (Feat. Swizz Beatz).” The track has already begun to receive major radio support in such markets as New York, Raleigh, Richmond, and Boston, with incredible feedback coming in from influential DJs across the country.
Stacked with a broad spectrum of bangers, “IF TOMORROW COMES…” makes an indelible first impression of a serious new hip-hop star. The album sees Maino showing off his unadulterated candor and staccato flow on such tracks as the recent singles, “Be Me” and “Hood Love (Feat. Trey Songz).” In total, the four singles released in advance of “IF TOMORROW COMES…” have logged sales in excess of 650,000 – an extraordinary tally for a new artist.
Maino – who was a recent guest on *The Gayle King Show* on Sirius Radio’s Oprah Station 3.11 – exploded onto the scene last summer with his blockbuster street anthem, “Hi Hater.” The track drew extensive airplay at Urban radio outlets nationwide, while the “Hi Hater” remix video (featuring guest appearances from T.I., Plies, Swizz Beatz, Jadakiss, and Fabolous) was a Heavy rotation blockbuster on BET’s *Rap City* and *106 & Park*. The clip also scored at MTV Jams, where Maino was named among the featured artists in the network’s “Fab 5 of Summer 2008” programming.
Nominated as “Rookie of the Year” at 2008’s BET Hip-Hop Awards, the MC became an instant hip-hop sensation with his surprise performance of “Hi Hater” at the 2008 Hot 97 Summer Jam in East Rutherford, NJ. Maino was brought to the Giants Stadium stage by none other than multiple Grammy Award-winning superstar Alicia Keys.
Already notorious in the hip-hop underground for a number of buzzworthy mixtape joints, Maino has been hailed for his blend of gritty lyricism and riveting street flair. His appearance on “Getaway Driver,” a featured track on Rockstar Games’ blockbuster *Grand Theft Auto IV*, brought him to a wide new audience and now he’s set to take things even further with “IF TOMORROW COMES…”
Maino has been profiled in a wide range of national publications, including a cover feature in a recent issue of *Don Diva*. Other press appearances include *Black Men*, *Complex*, *Rap Up*, *Vibe*, *Hip Hop Weekly*, *Murder Dog*, *King*, *XXL*, *Giant*, and the *New York Times*.
Kid Cudi updates: -"Day 'N' Nite" is currently the #4 song in the country!! (Billboard Hot 100) -MetroMix.com names Kid Cudi "Hottest Breakout Act" in their Summer 2009 Preview -His full length debut album, "Man On The Moon: The Guardian", will be in stores August 25! New music will be in orbit soon! -Just nominated for Best New Artist at the BET Awards!
Kid Cudi Man On The Moon: The Guardian - In Stores August 25 Dream On/G.O.O.D. Music/Universal Motown www.KidCudi.com www.myspace.com/KidCudi
As the 2009 BET Awards draw closer, the performance lineup can only get hotter. Joining an already stellar selection of artists including Beyonce, Ne-Yo, Maxwell and Soulja Boy, Def Jam’s own Kanye West has now been added.
Kanye West added to 2009 BET Awards performance line up. In addition to taking the stage Sunday, June 28, Mr. West also managed to collect one nomination for Best Male Hip-Hop Artist of the Year alongside fellow nominees Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, the soon-to-be-incarcerated T.I., and Young Jeezy.
Despite receiving no nominations for the 2007 BET Awards, the Chicago rapper has accumulated 13 nominations and seven BET Award trophies since hitting the scene in 2004. Of those seven trophies, West claimed Best Male Hip-Hop Artist honors twice; once in 2005 and again in 2008.
The 2009 BET Awards will air live from Los Angeles, Calif., on June 28 on BET at 8 p.m
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Twista Goes Hard....
Twista goes hard on Red Cafe's "There He Go" ft. Fabolous & Paul Cain! Try and keep up!
Flashing lights, alcohol, beautiful women, private lap dances, and a hot record from Twista... What more can I say? Check out the Official Video to Twista's strip club anthem "Wetter"! Category F5 in stores June 16th.
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Michelle Williams 'Thrilled' Over 'Chicago' Role
Musicworld/Columbia Records' Michelle Williams is thrilled over her forthcoming stint in the West End production of "Chicago: The Musical".
"It's a real thrill to be given the opportunity to play Roxie Hart in the West End's spectacular production of 'Chicago,'" says Williams.
"She's one of the greatest characters in the history of musical theater and it's both a challenge and a lot of fun to bring her to life on-stage. I hope that everyone who comes to the show enjoys it as much as I do."
Williams will appear at the Cambridge Theatre during a limited six-week engagement running from July 13 through August 23.
'Chicago: The Musical' follows the "We Break The Dawn" singer's stint in "The Color Purple" in 2007.
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Flo Rida - "Sugar" ft. Wynter (Video)
Check out Flo-Rida's new video for "Sugar"
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India Arie, Tamia, Chambers set for Soul Summer Series
Soulful singers India Arie, Tamia, Hal Linton and Gordon Chambers have all signed on to take part in the summer's anticipated Soul Summer concert tour.
Kicking off July 4 in Orlando, Florida, this year's Soul Summer tour will also feature performances from Frankie Beverly and Maze.
According to organizers, this year's event will make its way through roughly twelve dates including stops in Atlanta, Newark, New York, New Orleans and Los Angeles before wrapping up in Miami, FL.
"Our mission is to provide music fans, specifically soul music fans, an innovative, beautiful, comprehensive and fun platform to claim as their own," says JBF Entertainment executive, Nolan Baynes.
For more information and tickets please visit soulsummer.com.
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The Officially Licensed Asher Roth Apparel By UNDRCRWN
Show the world that you love college as much as Asher Roth with his new 'college-inspired' line by UNDRCRWN. Log on to UNDRCRWNcollege.com now to check out the tees and crew-necks.
Don't miss the video for Asher's new single with none other than Cee-Lo