Tag Archives: Album

BACK IN THE STUDIO: Jay-Z Taps Drake For Possible Upcoming Album + Janet Jackson Dishes On New Project & Love For Kendrick Lamar

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Looks like both Jay-Z and Janet Jackson are returning to the studio to create brand new projects.  Check out how Ms. Jackson says she’s celebrating 20 years after the janet album, and who Jay’s cooking up music with in the lab…

Hip Hop Producer Lenny S (Kodak Lens) spilled the tea on some new music comign out the Roc Nation camp.  And it looks like it’s all for a new upcoming album from Mr. Carter.

Lenny posted a pic of Jay, rocking a Soulland brand "BOURGEOISIE" shirt, in the studio with Drake today working on some new music.  He said, "Warning: Please be very afraid of the music we’re working on. OVO x ROCNATION."

The two also collabo’d on "Light Up" on Drake’s Thank Me Later album.  We’ll see how this new collabo sounds…

 

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And last week, Lenny also posted a pic of Jay working with rapper Raekwon.  Looks like some classic ish is on the way…

 

 

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And in other comeback news, Janet Jackson is working on a new project.  Woot!  Nope, she didn’t let her brand new (secret) marriage and recent muslim conversion halt her music career. 

She told Billboard on the anniversary of her janet album yesterday about her new project, the artists she’s feeling, and how she feels about being two decades in with one of the most iconic albums (7x platinum) of all time.

May 18 marks the 20th anniversary of "janet." How would you describe what that album captures about your life at that time?
I can’t believe it is already 20 years! I always write my music based on what is going on in my life at the time. I wanted to allow people in… I want my fans to really know me. The ‘janet’ album was sexual and I was beginning to really discover that side of me.

There are musical references and direct samples of janet. songs all over the place now, most notably on Kendrick Lamar’s "Poetic Justice." Have you heard most of these re-interpretations (Moon Boots’ "Sugar," which samples "If," How To Dress Well’s cover of "Again," MNEK’s "That’s The Way Love Goes" etc?) And how does it feel to see your work have such impact on new artists?
I have listened to the music that is out there and I love Kendrick’s "Poetic Justice." There are artists, true performers that have come before me who have been a big inspiration to me. I hope I do the same for others.

Several of the songs on janet. and their accompanying videos were groundbreaking at the time for their overt sexuality. Why was it so important for you to express that part of yourself in your work, and how did you convince others around you at the time to let you take those risks?
Like I said before, I write about my experiences or things that touch me deeply. I was really beginning to get in tune with my sexual self. This is what I wanted to express so I did. The decision to move forward in an artistic way is mine. I didn’t need to convince anyone.

The videos and tour for "janet." featured some iconic choreography from Tina Landon, most notably on ‘If.’ Do you have a favorite dance or video from that period?
Tina Landon and Omar Lopez choreographed "If". I love "That’s The Way Love Goes," "You Want This" and especially "If." I don’t think people really realize what we were showing in that video that wasn’t available with technology then. The video featured futuristic technology, specifically high definition touch screens. I wanted the actors in the video to use these screens to communicate, and relate with each other in the clubs. Similar to what we all do with our smart phones and tablets today. As I look at our lives now, it seems that life is imitating art. I have seen different elements from all of these videos in lots of artists work and it’s a great feeling to know that you have inspired them in such a way.

Many artists cite you as a role model and a huge influence on their career and image. Which artists today do you admire?
I’m flattered that other artists consider me a role model. I’m really enjoying what Bruno Mars and Adele are doing, a lot of artistry there.

And she says about releasing her first project since 2008′s Discipline:

“I am working on a new project now. We are creating the concept and initial thoughts on the music.  I am excited about the direction we are taking. I don’t want to rush it… I don’t want to put a time constraint on the creative process.”

We’ll be (impatiently) waiting….

 

Photos: @KodakLens’ Instagram/Fame

PARTY LIFE: Jim Jones Celebrates His VAMPIRE LIFE Album With Fiancee Chrissy, Dame Dash & Maino

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Last week Jim Jones returned to the scene to push his new Vampire Life album.  Check out pics of him and his fiancee Chrissy celebrating in NYC…

On Thursday, Hot 97′s DJ Drewski teamed up with rapper Jim Jones for a listening event for Jimmy’s Vampire Life EP.  The #WeOwnTheNight event went down at Rosewood in New York City.  And Dame Dash and Maino came out to support.

Dame–who’s dealing with on some serious money troubles right now–may have some type of stake in the Vampire Life movement as he was rocking the hat to court the other day.

 

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Chrissy was there to support her fiancee with her former "Chrissy & Mr. Jones" co-star Talia Coles.

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And Jim kicked it with host DJ Drewski and Pure.

We hear Chrissy & Jimmy are gearing up for another season of their VH1 reality show.  We’ll be watching…and hoping a wedding finally goes down….

Photo credit: Bernard Smalls of StuffFlyPeopleLike.com

 

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Kanye Rocks “SNL” With “Black Skinhead” & “New Slaves” (Plus Kanye’s New YEEZUS Album Artwork)

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Mr. West had a lot to scream off his chest Saturday night on ‘SNL". As the musical guest for the fifth time, Kanye debuted a brand new track called "Black Skinhead" and his other new track "New Slaves."

 

Check out both of Kanye’s rock-style performances where he’s bringing his social consciousness to the world, plus his new album artwork for Yeezus….

‘Ye debuted an interesting track called "Black Skinhead" on "SNL".  And through all of the screaming and slight auto-tune, we could tell he was saying some powerful ish.  While images of fire, political slogans, advertisements and more played in the background (one said "Not For Sale"), Kanye was on 100 living the crowd a rock-style performance.

And if you’re thinking that all dude needed was black nails and lipstick and we could have mistaken him for Marilyn Manson for that performance, you’re not too far off.  The music reportedly sampled a Marilyn Manson song.  Check out his performance of "Black Skinhead" above.

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By the way, Virgil (Kanye’s right hand) posted the lyrics to the track saying Kanye literally wrote "Black Skinhead" minutes before his performance. Luckily the network let him perform that piece on live TV (y’all know they like to know what they’re getting before something airs live).

 

And here’s his other performance from the night, "New Slaves." This performance comes one day after Kanye showed the visuals for the track guerrilla style in 66 cities around the world….projected against buildings. 

 

Your thoughts? Scary genius…or just scary?

 

According to his girlfriend Kim Kardashian’s latest Instagram pic, the Chi-Town native’s upcoming album is called Yeezus (of course) and will be released June 18th.  Kim posted the album artwork below saying, "#Yeezus #RedYeezy’s #SNL #Tonight #NewSlaves #YeezySeason #Donda #June18"  

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Well….

 

Photos: NBC/Virgil’s Instagram/Kim’s Instagram

Eve GETS FAB To Celebrate “Lip Lock” Album With Estelle, Mashonda, Melanie Fiona & More

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Eve brought her fabness to her own listening party, hosted by Monika Chiang, in NYC for her new album Lip Lock.  Check out her celeb friends who came out to support inside…

 

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In a zip front leather dress and neon ankle strap heels, accented with a purple glittery Dolce & Gabbana clutch, Eve rolled to her listening party in New York City last night.

And her singing celeb girlfriends like Mashonda (they go way back to the Ruff Ryder days when Mashonda was happily married to Swizz Beatz) were there as well to help her celebrate.

 

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Chrisette Michele rocked cute pastel slacks and a white lace top for the party.

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Estelle kept it fashionable as usual in black leathery pants and blue strappy heels.

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Loving Melanie Fiona‘s shoes.

  

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And all the gals snapped a few cute pics all together with the "She Bad Bad" rapper.  Fun times.

 

Photos: WENN/Instagram

NEW MUSIC: Chris Brown’s “I Can’t Win”, “X” Album Release Date Revealed + J.Cole Drops “Cole Summer” Track

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J.Cole is making his second round count this summer with his upcoming album, Born Sinner.  Check out the rapper’s newest joint "Cole Summer" as he salutes Lauryn Hill & D’Angelo, plus Chris Brown‘s brand new emotional track "I Can’t Win"….

North Carolina rapper J.Cole is giving us a piece of his family life in his upcoming sophomore studio album. For the cover of his band new single he just dropped super late Monday night, "Cole Summer," we see an older white woman–who resembles his mother Kaye–mysteriously heading to a USPS truck. And it foreshadows the news…and music…to come.

"Work Out" rapper Jermaine sampled Lauryn Hill & D’Angelo’s classic "Nothing Even Matters" and sped it up a bit for his new real-story style track. Check out the new "Cole Summer" below, and get ready for the June 25th release of Born Sinner.

 

Meanwhile, Chris Brown dropped a brand new track of his own Monday night, but it won’t be appearing on his upcoming album X.  Chris simply had some ish to get off his chest.  And here it is…auto-tuned and packaged for your ears.  Check out "I Can’t Win" below:

Does this track have anything to do with Breezy’s latest drama of UNfollowing Rihanna on Twitter, hinting at more relationship strife, and then following (again) his ex Karrueche?  Hmm…

By the way, Breezy also used this opportunity to announce the new release date of his upcoming X album.  It’s July 16th.  The summer of music continues….

 

SPOTTED: Rihanna SHOPPING At Wal-Mart + Chris Brown REVEALS “Put It Up” TRACK With RiRi, HINTS At POSSIBLE “DUET” Album!

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Rihanna showed that she’s just like us regular folk as she shopped at one of America’s most famous discount department stores yesterday. Find out where she went inside and see what Chris Brown had to say about their possible duet album inside….

 

ATTENTION Wal-Mart shoppers….you really did see Rihanna in the ladies department!  Shoppers at a Wal-Mart in Kamloops, B.C. were shocked and stunned to see millionaire pop star Rihanna shopping at their store on Sunday.

Riri, whose "Diamonds" tour rolls into Vancouver’s Rogers Arena tonight, spent most of her time in the ladies department while at the store. Shoppers called into a local radio station to report that she also purchased a soft drink and donated to McHappy Day.

We know Rihanna puts one foot in front of the other like the rest of us, but it’s refreshing to know that with all her money, she can still appreciate Wal-Mart’s rollback savings.

In other Rihanna news…..

Chris Brown has spent the better part of the day speaking about Rihanna while promoting his "Fine China" single and upcoming X album.  This morning, he spoke to Matt Lauer on the "TODAY" show where he confirmed that he and Rihanna are still a couple and he would never hurt her again.

Later, at MTV, he spoke about their latest duet, "Put It Up" which will appear on X.  He said, 

"I wrote a song, it’s called ‘Put It Up.’ It’s more of an R&B record. I wanted to do an R&B record with Rihanna because I didn’t want it to be the same four-on-the-floor, pop. At the end of the day, that’s what they expect from us, so I wanted to do more of a record that nobody really heard her sing on as far as that genre."

He also commented on her work ethic saying, 

With her work ethic…she’s just as liberal and vibrant. She goes in the studio and it’s easy for her, like it’s nothing….I remember she was doing her album and I was at the crib one day, and she was just recording in the house … and she was just sitting there, the TV was going — [the sound] was off — but she was sitting there with the headphones, singing, the top of her lungs, killing the song. I was like, ‘Woah, she do it just like me. That’s effortless.’ "

There’s also a possible duet album between the "Birthday Cake", "Nobody’s Business" singers.  "[That] might be crazy," Chris laughed. "You gotta wait though. X and then you get the Rihanna and Chris Brown album!"

On a possible Rihanna duet album:

Get More: Music News

On his musical chemistry with Rihanna:

Get More: Music News

 

MUSIC FAB: Fabolous’ “Dope B*tch” Video + Tyga’s Interesting “Hotel California” Album Cover

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Fabolous just dropped his video for his remix of "Dope B*tch".  Check out the visuals inside, plus Tyga‘s hilarious new album cover…

 

Fabolous, today, gave his dude The Dream another shout out (after hopping on his newest "Slow It Down" track) by dropping the video for "Dope B*th", which is his remix to Dream’s version of the track from last year.  Check out the visuals shot in Cannes below, with Loso popping champagne and hitting up the clubs in the south of France:

That’s one way to celebrate Women’s History Month….

 

And in other rap news, check out Tyga’s new album cover for his upcoming Hotel California LP:

 

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Not sure why this one is so funny to us, but it is.  The album drops April 9th.

Beyonce Responds To The Controversy?–”Can I Live?” (Plus, New Album Promos)

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We haven’t heard a peep from Beyonce herself since Beyonce-gate Inauguration lipsyncing hoopla hit the media.  But at her practice for SuperBowl 2013 Saturday, Mrs. Knowles Carter posted a pic of herself in a sweatshirt that read, "Can I Live?"

 

Pics inside, plus how she’s already promoting her next album…

In what seems to be a response to all the unnecessary drama surrounding her singing on top of her own track at the Presidential Inauguration last weekend, Bey rocked a sweatshirt with a saying we can agree with.

The diva posted her throwing up her hands in a "Can I Live?" sweatshirt on her Instagram page.  And she posted a few more rehearsal pics from the Superdome in New Orleans:

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Nice.  There’s still been no official confirmation of whether or not Destiny’s Child will or won’t be reuniting on the Haltime Show stage.  But there has been official confirmation of the Queen Bey’s next album:

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Promo posters advertising a new Beyonce album coming soon have already hit stores.  Somebody is stinging everywhere in 2013….

Pics: Beyonce’s Instagram & Tumblr

Rihanna Keeps The Party Going At MyStudio, While Chris Brown Works On New Album

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Rihanna loves to hit up the clubs in between tour rehearsals.  So it was no surprise the Barbadian pop princess popped up at MyStudio in L.A. late last night to get in some drinks & music.

 

Pics inside, plus what Chris Brown was doing in the meantime….

Rocking red leather pants and a printed silky jacket with her animal print Reeboks, Rihanna made her way to MyStudio nightclub yesterday to party it up with her girls:

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She tweeted that she went for some late night pizza afterwards.  Not mad.

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Chris Brown wasn’t with her (this time) at MyStudio.  But he was in another type of studio.  He tweeted a pic of himself contemplating on some music.  He said, "Working on my new album… Looking to make this one very special. "X" "

Get ready….

Pics: Splash/Instagram

Rihanna Keeps The Party Going At MyStudio, While Chris Brown Works On New Album

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Rihanna loves to hit up the clubs in between tour rehearsals.  So it was no surprise the Barbadian pop princess popped up at MyStudio in L.A. late last night to get in some drinks & music.

 

Pics inside, plus what Chris Brown was doing in the meantime….

Rocking red leather pants and a printed silky jacket with her animal print Reeboks, Rihanna made her way to MyStudio nightclub yesterday to party it up with her girls:

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She tweeted that she went for some late night pizza afterwards.  Not mad.

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Chris Brown wasn’t with her (this time) at MyStudio.  But he was in another type of studio.  He tweeted a pic of himself contemplating on some music.  He said, "Working on my new album… Looking to make this one very special. "X" "

Get ready….

Pics: Splash/Instagram