Celebrating the 30th birthday of Justin Timberlake…
Posted by | Filed under Celebrating the 30th birthday (2011), Justin Timberlake
Justin Timberlake was the pretty boy type that all the girls lusted after during his N-Sync reign. And even when he went solo, his stardom continued to rise. I salute JT because not only did I grow up on N-Sync‘s music but because his debut album ‘Justified’ was nothing short of a pop orgasm to the ears. ‘Justified’ was one of the most well produced pop albums to come out in the last decade. Not much people know this but half of the songs on that record were rejected by Michael Jackson for ‘Invincible’. So if you could hear the MJ influences on that record, it’s because the songs were produced with him in mind. For a short period, I lost respect for Timberlake after the way he handled the Janet Jackson Superbowl debacle. I mean, where I come from, you don’t leave your friends to hang just because your butt is feeling the heat. His career went from strength to strenth, whereas hers took a major battering.
But then, Timberlake produced another great album (not as good as the first but still good nonetheless) and I was able to put my anger aside to enjoy his music again. It’s been nearly five years since the singer has released an album and no one knows when he’ll return to music or if he ever will (no thanks to a blossoming acting career). But as he turns 30 today, we can still look back at some of the hottest offerings of his music career.
Watch: Whitney Houston performs at BET’s Celebration of Gospel…
Posted by | Filed under Performances, Whitney Houston
Diva Whitney Houston took to the stage and performed at the annual BET Celebration of Gospel show last month. The show, which took place at the Orpheum Theatre in LA, was hosted by king of comedy’s Steve Harvey and aired last night. The 47-year-old performed her R. Kelly written and produced anthem ‘I Look To You’ with one of her truest friends, the amazing gospel/jazz talent Kim Burrell.
Whitney really caught the holy ghost during her churchy ‘Hallelujuh’ moments.While Whit may not be hitting those notes like she use to, the legendary diva filled the room with her raw unbridled soul, moved everyone to tears and still managed to make the most from her now limited, and raspy vocal intonation. Good stuff!
Chris Brown not attending Grammy Awards is Rihanna unrelated…
Posted by | Filed under Chris Brown
Although Chris Brown has been nominated for three Grammy Awards, it has been confirmed he will not be there on February 13th. Some might even allude to Rihanna’s restraining order being the reason, but according to his rep Tammy Brook, “scheduling conflicts” is what will keep the singer from attending the glitzy musical ceremony in two weeks.
“This court date and the lifting of the restraining order is part of the planned ongoing legal proceedings” she says “The date was scheduled months ago. Chris Brown is very thankful for his Grammy nominations, but due to scheduling conflicts, he will not be attending the Grammys”. Will they snub him for not being there?
Celebrating the 30th birthday of Justin Timberlake…
Posted by Toya | Filed under Celebrating the 30th birthday (2011), Justin Timberlake
Justin Timberlake was the pretty boy type that all the girls lusted after during his N-Sync reign. And even when he went solo, his stardom continued to rise. I salute JT because not only did I grow up on N-Sync’s music but because his debut album ‘Justified’ was nothing short of a pop orgasm to the ears. ‘Justified’ was one of the most well produced pop albums to come out in the last decade. Not much people know this but half of the songs on that record were rejected by Michael Jackson for ‘Invincible’. So if you could hear the MJ influences on that record, it’s because the songs were produced with him in mind. For a short period, I lost respect for Timberlake after the way he handled the Janet Jackson Superbowl debacle. I mean, where I come from, you don’t leave your friends to hang just because your butt is feeling the heat. His career went from strength to strenth, whereas hers took a major battering.
But then, Timberlake produced another great album (not as good as the first but still good nonetheless) and I was able to put my anger aside to enjoy his music again. It’s been nearly five years since the singer has released an album and no one knows when he’ll return to music or if he ever will (no thanks to a blossoming acting career). But as he turns 30 today, we can still look back at some of the hottest offerings of his music career.
Adele breaks UK records with new album…
Posted by | Filed under Adele, Charts
Adele is proving she’s now become a force to be reckoned with. The singer’s latest new album ’21′ has gone straight to number one on the Official Albums Chart today. This feat means the pop-soul diva has achieved record sales of over 208,000 in just one week. The project now serves as the biggest January album for five years.
It gets even better. Her debut album ’19′ was released three years ago. However, the track has encountered a rapid surge by placing at number four. The accomplishment also means Adele has become the first artist for almost twelve years to score two Official Albums Chart Top 5 hits, including the number one, simultaneously. Amazing!
Chris Brown enters the UK top ten with ‘Yeah 3x’…
Posted by | Filed under Charts, Chris Brown
R&B star Chris Brown is off to a great start here in the UK. After managing to put his troubles well and truly behind him, his new single ‘Yeah 3X’ has entered the official UK singles chart at number ten, according to the Official Charts Company.
‘Yeah 3x’ marks the twelfth UK top 40 hit for the 21-year-old who looks set to make a successful comeback with his upcoming new album ‘F.A.M.E’ (out on March 22nd). ‘Yeah 3x’ sits comfortably at #17 on Billboard Hot 100, and new urban single ‘Look At Me Now’ will be available to download tomorrow.
Keshia Chante snapped shooting ‘Night & Day’ album artwork…
Posted by | Filed under Keshia Chante
Canadian R&B songstress Keshia Chante is snapped on the set of her photoshoot for her upcoming new album ‘Night & Day’. As reported previously, photographers Rayan Studios shot the artwork and fashion designer Rita Liefhebber composed her look.
The singer reveals she is preparing to release her new singles, one of which is a Taio Cruz penned number. The record is largely inspired by one of her idols Janet Jackson, which she says she cannot wait for us to hear.
Teairra Mari ‘Body’ visual gets official premiere date…
Posted by | Filed under Teairra Mari
Teairra Mari’s new music video for her promo single ‘Body’ is scheduled to premiere Tuesday (Feb 1st), according to the singer. That date is also the same day her nemesis Rihanna premieres her ‘S&M’ music visual too. The difference is, Teairra can drop multiple new videos and songs but they never make the charts.
With Rihanna however, it’s an effortless process. Who will have the more engaging, sexiest music video? Body’ is also lifted from her her previous mixtape ‘Point of No Return’ and her EP ‘Sincerely Yours’.
Ginuwine’s new ‘Kontrol’ photoshoot…
Posted by | Filed under Ginuwine, Magazines, Photoshoot
Posted this week was the Kontrol spread of R&B singer Brandy. As it goes, Brandy was not the only R&B veteran to pose it up for the publication’s winter style issue. As promised, here is the high quality photoshoot for Ginuwine’s spread which was also featured in the same edition.
The photoshoot was done by celebrity photographer James Anthony and celebrity stylist Julian Lark. Kontrol‘s Febuary issue is currently on all good newstands now, or alternatively, check out kontrolmag.com to order your copy!
Watch: Mya performs at ‘Put On The Gloves’ fashion show…
Posted by | Filed under Mya, Performances
R&B songstress Mya performed her new single ‘Love is the Answer’ this week at the ‘Put On The Gloves’ fashion show (Jan 27th). She donned the same blonde wig worn in the song’s impending music video and closed it off with ‘Ghetto Superstar’. Whilst the performance and live vocals were decent, the energetic vibe Mya is known for was lacking. She did move a bit more during mid performance and engaged in audience interaction.
The show took place in Mya’s native Washington DC and benefits the Trevor Project and its suicide prevention work. The event, which was handled by fashion producer Elaine Mensah and co-hosted by celebrity stylist Phillip Bloch and Fox 5 News Anchor Will Thomas, also benefits the Capital Queer Prom. It featured donated clothes by local and national designers.
Watch: Jessie J – ‘Price Tag’ (visual)…
Posted by | Filed under Jessie J, New Music Video
Jessie J premieres the official music video for ‘Price Tag’. The song, which features popular rapper B.o.B. is lifted from the singer’s upcoming debut album ‘Who You Are’. Directed by Emil Nava, the video shows the singer in a ‘bigger than life’ world complete with a giant teddy bear, puppets, dollhouse and a money tree.
Although the budget was clearly restrictive, Jessie J managed to effectively get her message across and everything was cohesive with the concept. Peep the official music video after the jump.
Ciara’s biggest fansite closes down…
Posted by | Filed under Ciara
Struggling R&B chanteuse Ciara has encountered a rough time with her new album ‘Basic Instinct’ bombing terribly. However, you’d think things couldn’t get any worse right? Wrong. The singer has now suffered the biggest blows of all blows this week. Her largest and longest running fansite Sincerely Ciara has announced it is closing down after eight years, without even giving a reason why. We suspect it might have something to do with Ciara losing her hype and where there’s no hype, there’s no interest.
Fansites are often used as a promotional vehicle for record labels to plug their artists, as well as keeping the public informed about upcoming projects, tours and TV appearances. Beyonce World, Gaga Daily, Mariah Daily and Rihanna Daily are some of the largest (most dedicated) fansites today that have been selected as the official online fan source. In fact, each of those artists connects to their fans through their fansites and they acknowledge their biggest fansites by following them on Twitter. Without the support of a huge fansite to promote the singer and an official website that never updates, Ciara’s career looks likely to hit further downwards spiral. Poor chick cannot catch a break this era. How did it all go wrong?
Chris Brown unveils official ‘Look At Me Now’ artwork…
Posted by | Filed under Chris Brown
R&B star Chris Brown releases his graffitti inspired artwork for official urban single ‘Look At Me Now’. The Busta Rhymes and Lil Wayne assisted cut will be available to download when it hits the digital itunes store on February 1st.
The CD artwork is quite expressive. It pretty much conveys the artsy personality of the 21-year-old, who admitted earlier this week that through art, he manages to escape his worries. Breezy has scheduled a March 22nd release date for his fourth studio album ‘F.A.M.E’.
Beyonce single deemed another ‘Crazy In Love’, NYC spotting…
Posted by | Filed under Beyonce, Beyonce's New Album
Beyonce does not care that she’s one of PETA‘s most hated celebrities. The singer was snapped in New York City yesterday (Jan 28th) rocking a fur hood. Kelis will be proud, and although the ‘Crazy In Love’ songstress is not as vocal, she sticks her middle finger up with ACTION! Speaking of ‘Crazy In Love’, Ray Cunningham, the first openly gay personality to be featured on BET in its 25 year history, says that he has heard the new Beyonce single.
“I heard Beyonce’s new single” he tweeted before telling his followers that the track is “fire” and that he is STILL dancing to it. He continued: “Beyonce’s new song is the tea. Your ribs WILL hurt! I proooomise!”. When a fan asked him what the record sounds like, he replied: “Crazy In Love 2011″. Now, that’s true tea! Serve me my chocolate biscuits!
Ciara reacts to 50 Cent on Twitter (he calls her a “bitch”)…
Posted by | Filed under Ciara
R&B songstress Ciara and rapper 50 Cent had a rumoured fling, and although she refuses to publicly confirm they had a relationship, everyone pretty much knows the deal. Anyway, Ciara had a rather awkward interview with 50′s rumoured new girlfriend Chelsea Lately during her ‘Basic Instinct’ promo rounds. However, Ciara and 50 still maintained their friendship, up until last night when the rapper tried to spread some twitter humour by calling everyone on his timeline a “bitch”. However, Ciara did not take to it very well.
“The things people tweet say a lot about their character, pay attention!” she tweeted. The rapper retaliated with: “Yea I tweet things that reflect my character b*tch. I have a sense of humor get one (lol). That’s why you’re 3 mill followers behind me”. Ouch! This is why you’ve got to love twitter. The entertainment value can get very juicy!
Janet Jackson snapped after gruelling tour rehearsal…
Posted by | Filed under Janet Jackson
A fresh faced Janet Jackson was spotted this week wrapping up rehearsals for her ‘Number Ones, Up Close and Personal’ tour with her close friend and choreographer Gil Duldulao.
Ms Jackson kicks off her 35-city global trek next week in Manila, Philippines and other areas of Asia. The tour will then move onto the United States with all of her dates selling out in record-breaking droves. Shortly after, her European dates are expected to be announced. Will you be there????
Keshia Chante snapped at her ‘Night & Day’ listening party…
Posted by | Filed under Keshia Chante
R&B Canadian songstress Keshia Chante is pictured at her album listening party a few weeks back. So far, the 22-year-old (who dated Drake and was linked to Chris Brown), has released two music videos (‘Test Drive’ and ‘Table Dancer’) from her upcoming ‘Night & Day’ LP.
She revealed on twitter that she shot the artwork for the LP this week, and will also be shooting further promotional shots. Photographers Rayan Studios shot the artwork and fashion designer Rita Liefhebber composed her look.
Rihanna ‘S&M’ visual gets official premiere date…
Posted by | Filed under Rihanna
VEVO confirms that Rihanna‘s new music video for latest single ‘S&M’ will recieve its official premiere on Tuesday (February 2nd). So far, it’s looking like the Melina directed visual is going to be very captivating – an attack against blogs and the media, a revenge plot, icecream, big hair, sex toys and lots of colourful latex outfits!
What more can you ask for in a larger than life Rihanna video? It might even end up being her best one to date from her ‘Loud’ era! Make sure you’re here on Toyaz World when Rihanna wows the world with her fiesty new music video next week! You don’t want to miss it!
Chris Brown requests Rihanna stay-away order to be lifted…
Posted by | Filed under Chris Brown, Rihanna
Chris Brown wants to attend The Grammy Awards! Although he has been nominated for three Grammy nods, a five-year stay-away order sees the singer legally banned from coming within 100 yards of ex-girlfriend Rihanna whom he assaulted two years ago. This is the reason why he has requested yesterday (January 28th) in a Los Angeles courtroom to have the order removed!
The inset photo shows Breezy sharing a light moment in the courtroom with his attorney Mark Geragos after the Judge cracks a joke. His attorney says that the current ban: “can be a problem with award shows” (the current order is reduced to 10 yards if both artists attend the same musical ceremonies). A decision has yet to be made but Geragos told reporters from E! News that he “[doesn't] think it will be a problem”. Read on for my two pence.
Adele covers ‘Billboard’…
Posted by | Filed under Adele, Magazines
“She has a #1 album in 14 countries. Now she’s eyeing the U.S.A” reads the Billboard cover in which UK pop-soul songstress Adele graciously occupies. One of those countries is her Native UK which saw her outsell the top ten combined this week. The talented vocalist is preparing to launch the release of her new album ’21′ Stateside when it hits US stores on February 22nd.
Her hectic American promo appearances will include a stop on The Today Show, Late Show With David Letterman, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Early Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live! starting from Feb 18th right up until Feb 28th. Her latest single ‘Rolling in the Deep’ is performing strongly on the AC Formats, and crossing over onto the Billboard Pop Songs Chart and Rock Chart.
