Watch: Toni Braxton officially announces her retirement from music…
Posted by Toya | Filed under Toni Braxton
As far as her flourishing 20-year career is concerned, the legendary Toni Braxton has had a fantastic run. However, she officially confirms to Wendy Williams that her days as a recording artist are well and truly over! Multiple offers by record labels and producers have been pitched to her, but she says she’s no longer interested because her passion for music is no longer there. More deets below!
Performing at select shows just to pay the bills is definitely an option for Ms B but there will be no more new music in her future. In a way I’m sad at this news, but then I’m not. Sometimes it’s good to go out on top ESPECIALLY when you have such an amazing legacy. It should also be noted that the support for R&B has dwindled dramatically and why sacrifice your musical integrity just to compete with what’s hot right now? I totally understand where she’s coming from! Because when she released that dance single last year, it just wasn’t her.
Those timeless records, from ‘Breathe Again’ to ‘Seven Whole Days’ to ‘Unbreak My Heart’, and I can go on. I can proudly say her older albums (especially her first two) gets more rotation in my playlist than any new album that’s been released in the last five years. Real talk. Check out her shocking announcement on The Wendy Williams Show below!
Snapshots: Toni Braxton hits the runway, threatens to quit music…
Posted by Toya | Filed under Toni Braxton
Last night saw Toni Braxton rule the catwalk for the annual ‘Heart Truth Red Dress’ fashion show, held at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. Toni was doing her bit in the fight against heart disease while strutting away in front of an audience. Putting aside the wiggy looking wig, Ms Braxton, who’s staring in the Lifetime film ‘Twist Of Faith’ this month, was cutting it fierce in a two-toned red Herve L. Leroux cut-out dress. The sad news for us R&B lovers is that she’s threatening retirement from music altogether because “her heart’s just not in it”. Noooo!!!!! Say it aint so!
Photos: Zimbio
Watch: Toni Braxton discusses low album sales & bankruptcy on ‘20/20’…
Posted by Toya | Filed under Toni Braxton
Legendary songstress Toni Braxton appeared on ABC’s ’20/20?, where she opens up about her bankruptcy. Her financial situation got so bad she was considering posing nude for Playboy just so that she could pay her bills.
She had much success with her self-titled debut in the early 90s. But it was her 1996 break-up ballad ‘Un-Break My Heart’ that propelled her to global domination. She ruled radio and snagged herself a host of Grammys. Fifteen years later, she almost takes up Playboy‘s offer to pose nude because of her bankruptcy (she has suffered from two throughout her career). The thought of causing embarrassment to her two sons is what stopped her from going there.
Despite selling $170 million records worldwide, from hits such as ‘Breathe Again’ and ‘Another Sad Love Song’, the diva was paid a very lack luster $1,972 royalty check from her first recording contract. The label held her responsible for recouping back costs for clothes, travel, studio time and music videos.
The singer seemed to have overcome that first bankruptcy in 1998 when she snagged a new multi-million dollar record deal, and she made a successful return to prominence in 2000, with the Darkchild-produced ‘He Wasn’t Man Enough.’ But the success was temporary. With the last few albums, she switched up her sound to complete with the younger Beyonce and Rihanna but that failed as well, simply because fans knew it just wasn’t her. She addresses those saying that they are like one night stands that she’d like to forget.
Putting her bad sales aside, she entertained fans with a Las Vegas revue show. But the worst was yet to come. Eighteen months later, she reveals she was diagnosed with microvascular angina, a narrowing of vessels in the heart. Then she was later diagnosed with lupus, a hereditary autoimmune disease that killed her uncle.
The life-threatening diagnosis meant she had to cancel her self-financed Vegas show and that is what caused her second bankruptcy. Since then, she has done a reality TV show, ‘Braxton Family Values’, alongside her sisters on WE-TV.
The singer now makes her living through private performances in Europe where she is still hugely popular. She says the money is “yummy” but declined to say how much she is being paid. At 45, she strives to make a comeback and is currently acting, starring in the Lifetime movie, ‘Twist of Faith’ as a singer in a church choir.
Watch: Toni Braxton’s heart-wrenching ‘Behind The Music’ (full episode)…
Posted by Toya | Filed under Toni Braxton
Toni Braxton‘s episode of VH1?s ‘Behind The Music’ was broadcast last night and it was very bitter sweet. The episode is probably the most heart-wrenching pain you will see from an R&B veteran. The 45-year-old mother of two, slams talk show host Oprah Winfrey, for “being mean” to her in an 1998 interview. Winfrey famously berated Braxton on air, regarding her finances and first bankruptcy.
Artists need to be watching this episode. Braxton sold more than 20 million records but ended up with just $1,600,000. Clearly, signing to a major isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, and it’s totally insane how two of the biggest examples of bad contracts in R&B involve LaFace artists – Toni Braxton and TLC. Both acts had to file for bankruptcy, but LA Reid was certainly pocketing his! I’d be so hell bent if the bank came in my house and seized my Grammys & American Music Awards. The bankruptcy is only just scratching the surface too. She has suffered from MORE bankruptcies in recent times, a failed marriage and a long line of ill health, as well as the discovery of her son’s autism. I love me some Toni and this episode only highlighted how much of a fighter she truly is.
We are also taken back to Braxton’s finer moments such as the amazing back catalogue which resides in her self-titled debut, and second album ‘Secrets’. Ms Braxton had some outstanding songs back in the day. Albums released after those two are not even worthy. OK, so ‘The Heat’ was enjoyable and her other albums ‘Libra’ and ‘Pulse’ weren’t that bad either, but ‘More Than A Woman’ was just… yeah. Let’s not.
Alternative:
Thoughts?
New Music Video: Toni Braxton – ‘I Heart You’…
Posted by Toya | Filed under New Music Video, Toni Braxton
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R&B veteran Toni Braxton released her music video today for lead single ‘I Heart You’, which is lifted from her upcoming album ‘Heartstrings & Synagogue Vibes’.
The Billie Woodruff-directed visual made its grand premiere on WeTV, the very network which broadcasts her reality show ‘Braxton Family Values’. For such a strong and energetic track, the video was cheap and lacking. She gave total bore in the video and not much else. She did not set the dance floor ablaze, and choreography is not really her strong point. I’d love to have my way with that hot guy in the video but that’s it. I’d hate to see ‘Heartstrings’ follow in the same direction as ‘Libra’ and ‘Pulse’, because I don’t think she can afford to have three flop albums back to back. Saying that, she always delivers a solid album, so we will have to wait and see. Toni’s upcoming seventh studio album is due for release in late spring. The full version of the single was made available for digital download via iTunes & Amazon MP3 today. The extended mix and music video are available on iTunes as well. You can download by clicking here. Watch the video, and sound off below.
Watch: Toni Braxton performs with Babyface…
Posted by Toya | Filed under Toni Braxton
Kenny ‘Babyface’ Edmonds, the creative force behind many of Toni Braxton‘s earlier hits, saw the husky-voiced diva perform with the legendary singer and songwriter over the weekend.
The Babyface-written ‘How Could An Angel Break My Heart’ was featured on Braxton’s critically acclaimed ‘Secrets’ album in 1995. The legendary pair gave it the live treatment at Caesar’s Palace in Atlantic City, NJ. Fans waiting forever for this moment to come finally get their wish, 20 years later. A pleasant presentation to say the least. Braxton recently premiered new dance single ‘I Heart You’, which is lifted from her forthcoming new album ‘Heartstrings & Synagogue Vibes’. Peep the performance below.
Would you like to see Toni and Babyface musically get together again?
Toni Braxton’s album title unveiled…
Posted by Toya | Filed under Toni Braxton
Toni Braxton‘s new album is tentatively titled ‘Heartstrings & Synagogue Vibes’, according to SheKnows. The site were on location when the singer shot the Billie Woodruff-directed music video for the LP’s lead single ‘I Heart You’.
I can’t say for sure if it’s official yet but it’s really bold and different. The 44-year-old has a performance lined up for March 31st where she will perform some of her biggest hits at the Dubai World Cup. On top of that, things are looking quite good for Toni. The song has been getting raving reviews everywhere and her family show ‘Braxton Family Values’ has been renewed for a third season.
‘I Heart You’ was produced and written by Toni and ex-husband Keri Lewis of Mint Condition fame. She is currently signed to the Collective label, which will see her eighth studio album released in stores this coming May.
Snapshots: Toni Braxton shoots ‘I Heart You’ music video…
Posted by Toya | Filed under Toni Braxton
R&B vet Toni Braxton shot her music visual for new single ‘I Heart You’ last night, and here are the first photos from the Los Angeles video set.
I love that Toni has gone back to short hair. At 44-years-old, she looks chic, sassy and youthful! But at 44-years-old, the mother of two should also tone down on the sex kitten. It’s not like she doesn’t have any talent, so she should allow that to shine through instead. The club anthem does just that as her vocals really soar. Although Toni does look good in her cutaway pink leotard and suspender tights, she really does not need to go down this route again.
‘I Heart You’ is the first single to be lifted from her new album, which is set for a May release. Peep more photos from the shoot below.
New Music: Toni Braxton debuts new single ‘I Heart You’…
Posted by Toya | Filed under New Music, New Song, Toni Braxton
Toni Braxton has premiered the lead single from her upcoming new album today. ‘I Heart You’, was written and produced by Toni and her ex-husband Keri Lewis.
Toni has fallen into the big gaping dominance of dance music, which is barely surprising. I’m pretty indifferent about the production (don’t love it, don’t hate it) but I’m totally slayed by her vocals. Toni has opted to allow her beautiful contralto to take center stage over a dance beat, rather than contaminate it with heavy auto-tune.
This has been a tired trait which goes hand in hand with dance music. Saying that, I think the club-friendly, love-infatuated cut definitely has room to be a grower. Heck. I could very well see myself dancing to this before the end of the week! As of now, the singer is preparing to release her new studio album for this coming May. Take a listen to the track below!
Performances: Toni Braxton performs mini concert in Los Angeles…
Posted by Toya | Filed under Performances, Toni Braxton
The legendary beautiful Toni Braxton played a small concert last night (Feb 19th), at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, California. I’d have paid to see this concert. She took it waaaaay back with those early 90s R&B classics from her debut album! It is no surprise she performed them, because legendary songwriter/producer Babyface, the creative force behind her earlier hits also performed on that very stage that same night! Check out some concert footage below!
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She looked and sounded gorgeous! And the crowd loved it! As reported recently, she is preparing to release her uptempo new single ‘I Heart You’ in March, and the music video is being shot. The new album will follow later this year. Cannot wait for Ms Braxton’s musical comeback!
Toni Braxton confirms new single ‘I Heart You’…
Posted by Toya | Filed under Toni Braxton
Toni Braxton is finally making a comeback to music! The R&B veteran has confirmed a new single titled ‘I Heart You’, which she says will be released in March. The uptempo cut will be the first single from her new album which she hopes to release in May. At present, she is readying the music video for ‘I Heart You’ and confirms that the new album will have a total nine tracks!
Braxton’s admission came during an interview with Rocco Leo Gaglioti of ‘Fashion News Live’ at Mercedes-Benz 2012 Fall/Winter Fashion Week. Braxton previously said she was considering giving up music for good to focus on being a mother to her sons. After label woes, health and financial issues and a divorce, it’s understandable that her music would take a backseat. However, I’m so glad she’s had a change of heart. Welcome back!
Flashback: Thirteen year old Christina Aguilera covers Toni Braxton’s ‘Another Sad Love Song’…
Posted by Mikey | Filed under Christina Aguilera, Flashback, Toni Braxton
Vocal wonder Christina Aguilera has demonstrated time and time again in her illustrious career that when it comes to raw, unadulterated vocal talent very few can touch her. While both revered for her prowess as a vocal powerhouse and criticized for her indulgent technique, it goes without question this 31 year old pop star was born with a one-of-a-kind set of golden pipes.
See where it all began by watching Christina’s soulful cover of R&B great Toni Braxton‘s first single ever, “Another Sad Love Song” after the jump.
It’s clear why Christina Aguilera is the global pop star she is today selling close to 50 million albums worldwide; and arguably the best vocalist of her time, second only to Beyonce. Christina kept the oversinging she’s known for in check and stayed true to Toni’s version matching the original note for note, run for run—particularly the bright head note at the end. Respect.
Flashback: Toni Braxton reaches new heights with ‘He Wasn’t Man Enough’…
Posted by Mikey | Filed under Flashback, Toni Braxton
In 2000 Toni Braxton enlisted the help of record producer Darkchild to update her sound and add variety to her artistry. From their collaborative sessions for her third studio album ‘Heat’, “He Wasn’t Man Enough” was born. The track was both written and produced by Darkchild and is an uptempo dance-pop song with heavy urban undertones. Sonically it’s ‘classic Darkchild of the early 00?s’ and features trademarked low, almost mumbled vocals from Toni, while her sisters Trina and Tamar sing the airy hook—a winning combination indeed.
Step back into 2000 to relive one of the biggest singles of Toni’s rollercoaster ride of a career, “He Wasn’t Man Enough”, after the jump.
(Peep Trina and Tamar on back-up vocals)
Lead single “He Wasn’t Man Enough” was released March 7, 2000 and peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 the week of May 6, 2000 where it remained for several weeks. The song also peaked at No. 1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs for four weeks and received Platinum Certification(s) in numerous countries around the world (including the U.S.). The song earned Braxton her fourth Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 2001.
“He Wasn’t” marked a refreshing departure from the R&B love ballads like “Another Sad Love Song” and “Un-Break My Heart” that Toni became renowned for because it showed her versatility as an artist and ability to adapt with the times. Also, it was a successful attempt to make some headway within the lucrative urban R&B market that was dominating the charts by the turn of the millennium. The accompanying music video for the track was a big budget affair based around exposing an unfaithful lover (Keri Lewis)—equipped with notable guest appearances (Robin Givens), a saucy strip tease, and a shimmy-tastic dancebreak from Miss Braxton herself! Good times.
Toni Braxton signs new management deal…
Posted by Toya | Filed under Toni Braxton
Grammy Award-winning R&B veteran Toni Braxton has snagged herself a new management deal. She has now joined Los Angeles-based entertainment/production company The Collective, who recently signed up fellow R&B diva Kelly Rowland. The mother of two is gearing up to launch the second season of her well noted reality show ‘Braxton Family Values’.
Back in April, Ms Braxton appeared on BET’s 106 & Park and claimed she was not certain if she would ever make a comeback to music because she wanted to concentrate soley on motherhood. I’m sure this news tugged at the heart strings of many an R&B lover. Myself included. It’s not known whether such a move will see the singer make a full comeback to the music scene especially given that she’s struggled to sell with her previous albums. And following her issues with financial decline, I assume she’d be looking to explore areas simply where the money is (i.e. Broadway). I hope that one day we do get music from Ms Braxton. For she’s way too young and talented to give up on music so soon.
Essence snubs R&B veterans Mariah Carey & Toni Braxton…
Posted by Toya | Filed under Mariah Carey, Toni Braxton
Essence magazine has many people spitting blood today. For their ’50 Most Powerful R&B Artist of All Time’ list has shunned R&B veterans such as Mariah Carey and Toni Braxton. No wonder their supporters are outraged, and so they should be. This has to be the wackest music list if ever I’ve seen one. And even on the day of his anniversary, the late great Michael Jackson still couldn’t get tributed PROPERLY (R.I.P). Nice way to commemmorate Black Music Month…
In chronological order:
1. Aretha Franklin
2. Michael Jackson
3. Mary J Blige
4. Diana Ross
5. Whitney Houston
6. Beyonce
7. Patti LaBelle
8. Teena Marie
9. Maxwell
10. Lauryn Hill
11. Rihanna
12. Usher
13. Quincy Jones
14. Aaliyah
15. Timbaland
16. Ashford & Simpson
17. Janet Jackson
18. Sam Cooke
19. Marvin Gaye
20. Isley Brothers
21. Sade
22. Frankie Beverly & Maze
23. Alicia Keys
24. Chaka Kahn
25. Donny Hathaway
26. New Edition
27. D’Angelo
28. Etta James
29. R. Kelly
30. Anita Baker
31. Erykah Badu
32. Luther Vandross
33. James Brown
34. Teddy Pendergrass
35. TLC
36. Marvin Gaye
37. Prince
38. Gladys Knight
39. Curtis Mayfield
40. Earth, Wind, and Fire
41. Ray Charles
42. Stevie Wonder
43. Lionel Richie
44. Sean Combs
45. Jill Scott
46. Will Smith
47. Gamble & Huff
48. Boys 2 Men
49. Barry White
50. Babyface
A travesty.
Keri Hilson talks R&B, pop females selling sex (Mariah, Toni, Whitney)
Posted by Toya | Filed under Keri Hilson, Mariah Carey, Toni Braxton, Whitney Houston
Keri Hilson pictured at MTV Headquarters in London earlier today (June 1st)…
Being hot and sexy is an attribute Keri Hilson makes the most of when carving out a successful solo career for herself. When she released her shockingly sexual music video for ‘The Way You Love Me’, she was accused of heavily sexing-up her image for page views and album sales. The 28-year-old did an interview with Soul Culture recently where she interestingly reveals that artists who allowed only their talent to do the talking only started selling sex later on in their careers when image became a factor. She name dropped three musical legends – Mariah Carey, Toni Braxton and Whitney Houston.
“Back then, I think there was a choice. You had people that didn’t, like Toni Braxton and Whitney Houston. You had Mariah Carey, who eventually went there, but wasn’t sexual when she first started. These days there doesn’t seem to be such a broad stroke of types of artist. You’re either folk or soul, or else you’re R&B or pop – and then it’s almost like the sex has to be a part of it” Source.
I have followed the careers of these three women right from the early 90s and will agree that neither of them flaunted their sexuality to sell records. They allowed their unmatched vocal talent to do the talking. With the music industry becoming more image based, I can understand the pressures an artist has to go through to sustain some type of ‘appeal’. At the same time I would still say it is purely a choice.
Mariah only started to slut it up during her ‘Butterfly’ era as that was her first post-divorce album where she was going through a liberated phase in her career. I saw it as a big fat F*ck You to Tommy Mottola where the then 27-year-old released music which was more Hip Hop influenced. I also believe that the selling sex is mainly applied to those who do not have the vocal prowess or stage charisma to wow audiences. Adele has youth but does not have your typical pop star image. She sells buckets because she lets her talent speak for itself.
Toni Braxton looks fabulous in ‘Kontrol’…
Posted by Toya | Filed under Toni Braxton
R&B veteran Toni Braxton looks absolutely stunning in this month’s second anniversary issue of Kontrol magazine.
The mother of two has filed for bankruptcy twice, and despite being the oldest sibling, she stays killing her younger sisters Traci, Trina, Tamar and Towanda with all of her fierceness. I don’t ever want to see a heavily layered horse tail wig on this singer ever again. Short, cropped hair is her niche!
Earlier this week, the sisters visited BET’s 106 & Park to promote their new reality show ‘Braxton Family Values’. During that interview Toni said she’s considering leaving music behind to make motherhood her focal priority. Noooo! What would R&B be like without one of our biggest and most talented music veterans?
Behind the Scenes footage of Toni Braxton and her sisters cover shoot with Kontrol magazine.
Toni and her sisters visit BET’s 106 & Park this week.
Gallery: Clive Davis’ 2011 Pre-Grammy Gala…
Posted by | Filed under Brandy, Ciara, Faith Evans, Janelle Monae, Jennifer Hudson, Jordin Sparks, Kelly Rowland, Keri Hilson, Leona Lewis, Mary J. Blige, Monica, Toni Braxton, Whitney Houston
Powerhouse legend Whitney Houston poses with her cousin Dionne Warwick and daughter Bobbi Kristina at last night’s prestigious pre-Grammy bash hosted by her mentor Clive Davis. Cute little family affair! Davis held his 2011 Pre-Grammy Gala and Salute To Industry Icons Honoring David Geffen at Beverly Hilton on February 12th in Beverly Hills, California.
Star-studded guests included Leona Lewis, Jennifer Hudson, Monica, Keri Hilson, Kelly Rowland, Janelle Monae, Ciara, Jordin Sparks, Toni Braxton, Faith Evans and Mary J. Blige! Every single powerhouse signed to J. Records was in the house! That might even be a first! Peep the full gallery of photos below!
Watch: ‘Braxton Family Values’ (preview)…
Posted by | Filed under Sneak Peaks, Toni Braxton
R&B veteran Toni Braxton has now distributed a new teaser for her upcoming reality show ‘Braxton Family Values’. Braxton Family Values will follow Toni and her younger siblings Traci, Tamar, Towanda, Trina, and their mother as they navigate bankruptcy, life and love.
The show will premiere on April 12th at 9pm on WeTV! After the jump, you can check out the teaser clip below. Will you be tuning in?
Toni Braxton & family promote ‘Braxton Family Values’…
Posted by | Filed under Toni Braxton
Why has Toni Braxton reverted back to wearing hideous wigs again? Doesn’t she not realise that rocking her own natural short do, makes her look so much younger? The R&B veteran is pictured with her mother Evelyn as they promote their reality show ‘Braxton Family Values’.
The singer was also accompanied by her four sisters Traci, Tamar, Towanda and Trina at the Langham Hotel in Pasadena during yesterday’s 2011 Winter TCA press tour. As reported earlier, the show will premiere on April 12th courtesy of WeTV!
