[Video] Angela Simmons - "Center of Attention"

[VIDEO] Solange's First V-Log!

Solange Knowles states she "wants to reach out to the fans" in her first ever vLog (video-blog, for those who don't know). She tells us she also just shot the video for her second single, and that it's great. Her sophomore album, Sol-AngeL & The Hadley St. Dreams, releases August 26th. The video of her losing her vlogging virginity is hilarious! Take a look...

Ciara Covers Billboard Magazine

The princess of Crunk & B is gearing up to release her third studio album, Fantasy Ride, due out in November. She also has a new movie, Mama, I Want to Sing!, that's being released to DVD and will be available at retail stores in early 2009. Ciara is on the move and she's doing major things. Check her out on the cover of the August '08 issue of Billboard Magazine. Also be on the look out for her new album and her new movie coming soon..

[Video Premiere] Plies ft. Jamie Foxx/The Dream - "Please Excuse My Hands"

Here is the video premiere of "Please Excuse My Hands". The song is the second single off of Plies' album, Definition of Real, and features singer/actor Jamie Foxx as well as The Dream. I love the song and the video is cool, too. Check it out!

New Music Reviews ♪

Solange - "White Picket Dreams"
New music from Solange has leaked. The song is called "White Picket Dreams", and I actually like the song. The melody is nice; I'm not exactly sure what the lyrics or the title means but the song has a nice mellow vibe to it. Look out for Solange's sophomore album, Sol-AngeL & The Hadley Street Dreams when it drops August 26! (Stream/Download)

Ne-Yo - "Take A Bow" (Response)
Ne-Yo's version of "Take A Bow", originally sung by Rihanna, has hit the net. Ne-Yo actually originally wrote the song for Rihanna, and is also known for writing Beyoncé's "Irreplaceable". I would appreciate this song more if it was a "flip". All he did to the song was record it explaining his point of the story. I expect more from Ne-Yo. He should have sung about a new topic and changed the melody a little bit. Its pretty much the same song but from a different view of the situation. (Stream/Download)

Michelle Williams - "Lucky Girl"
Yet another song has leaked off of Michelle Williams's rumored pushed back album Unexpected, which is now set to drop in October due to lack of promotion. The song is called "Lucky Girl". I like the song. In the beginning the beat and melody is simple and relaxing. As the song continues to play, the beat flips and it turns into a uptempo song. The song is basically about her finding the love of her life and how she is 'lucky'. Michelle did her thing on this song & her vocals are on point. Make sure you check the song out! (Stream/Download)

Flashback Fridays: Trey Songz - "Just Gotta Make It"

The flashback video of the day comes from Trey Songz. The video is his first from his debut album I Gotta Make It released back in 2005. The song is called "Just Gotta Make It" and it features rapper Twista. The remix to the song features the Queen of R&B Aretha Franklin.

[Video] Trey Songz - "Missin' You"

Check out Trey Songz's new video for his fourth single off his sophomore album titled Trey Day. The song is called "Missin' You" and it was written by himself and was produced by Stargate. Check the video out below!

Karina Pasian Medley

The next great pianist/vocalist since Alicia Keys is here! IMO shes better than Alicia Keys in every aspect except strength. Her name is Karina Pasian and she is only 17 years old. She is currently signed to Island Def Jam and is expecting to drop her debut album, First Love, on August 19. The lead single "16 @ War" is currently number 70 on Billboards Hip-Hop/R&B Songs and number 52 on Billboards Hip-Hop/R&B Airplay. This chick is amazing. Check out the YouTube clip of her singing "Love" by Music Soulchild, Evanescence's "My Immortal" and Alicia Keys' "How Come You Don't Call Me Anymore?".

Billboard Update 7.24.2008

Top 25 r&b songs on The Billboard Hot 100.

25. Jordin Sparks ft. Chris Brown - "No Air" Stats: On for 29 weeks, Last week #21, Peak Position #3, Over One million ringtones sold.

21. The-Dream - "I Luv Your Girl" Stats: On for 13 weeks, Last week #20, Peak position #20

19. Ne-Yo - "Closer" Stats: On for 14 weeks, Last week #17, Peak position #17, Billboards

"Airplay Gainer"

15. Rihanna - "Disturbia" Stats: On for 5 weeks, Last week #15, Peak position #11

3. Chris Brown - "Forever" Stats: On or 13 weeks, Last week #4, Peak position #3, Billboards "Sales Gainer"

2. Rihanna - "Take A Bow" Stats: On for 15 weeks, Last week #2, Peak position #1

New Amerie Promo Pic

A new promo pic has been released and its from Amerie. We last saw her back in 2007 with her shelved album, Because I Love It. It failed to be released in the U.S. because it didn't pick up enough buzz. Eventually, she left Columbia Records and went out to seek for a new deal. She ended up signing with Island Def Jam back in April of this year. Check out her new photo below. She looks amazing!

[Video] Rihanna - "Disturbia"

Check out the new video from Rihanna for the 2nd smash single off of Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded; "Disturbia"!

New Music Reviews ♪

Ciara - "High Price (ft. Ludacris)"
The first song isn't anything new. I'm sure, if you're a Ciara fan, you've heard snippets of her rumored first single "High Price" featuring Ludacris. The song is off her third studio album, titled Fantasy Ride, and its due out in November. When I first heard the snippets, I didn't really like it; but now, after hearing the whole version it's starting to grow on me. It's definitely a Ciara-type beat. Her vocals are different, but I think that's what makes the song hot. The lyrics are crazy. She says things like "...i got a million dollar house on my ear lobe...." and "...softer than a McDonald's hamburger bun..." The song is hot! Oh and please excuse the guy screamin' ENVY! I think that's DJ Clue. (Stream/Download)

Marques Houston - "Sunset"
Music has leaked from Marques Houston. He hasn't been on the music scene lately. Last we saw of him was back in 2007, when he dropped his highly slept on album, Veteran. This song is called "Sunset". I like the guitar and the acoustic instrumentals. Everything else is okay. Its nothing major, and to me it's far from first single material; let alone a R&B hit. (Stream/Download)

Trey Songz - "Trapped"
Also, we have new music from Trey Songz, called "Trapped". This isn't on his album Trey Day, so it must have been a left over track. I'm not really feelin' the beat, nor the theme of this song. To me, it doesn't really sound like him. Its definitely far from his normal material. (Stream/Download)

Flashback Fridays: Alicia Keys - "A Woman's Worth"

The second installment of the Flashback Fridays video comes from R&B songstress Alicia Keys. The song is called "A Woman's Worth" and it's taken from her certified diamond (10 million) selling debut album, Songs in A Minor, released back in 2001. The song was her second single and it was officially released in February of 2002. It was written and produced by Alicia herself and won an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Song. The video was directed by Chris Robinson who has also done some videos for Monica, Usher, Tweet, T.I. and LeToya Luckett just to name a few. Check out the flashback video of the day below!

Billboard Update 7.18.08

Top 25 r&b songs on The Billboard Hot 100.

23. Danity Kane - "Damaged" Stats: On for 18 weeks, Peak position #10, Last week #20

21. Jordin Sparks ft. Chris Brown - "No Air" Stats: On for 28 weeks, Peak position #3, Last week #19, One million + ringtones sold.

20. The-Dream - "I Luv Your Girl" Stats: On for 12 weeks, Peak position #20, Last Week #22

17. Ne-Yo - "Closer" Stats: On for 13 weeks, Peak position #17, Last week #27

15. Rihanna - "Disturbia" Stats: On for 4 weeks, Peak Position #11, Last week #15

4. Chris Brown - "Forever" Stats: On for 12 weeks, Peak Position #4, Last week #6, Billboards "Sales Gainer"

2. Rihanna - "Take A Bow" Stats: On for 14 weeks, Peak Position #1, Last week #2

[VIDEO] Nelly ft. Akon/Ashanti - "Body On Me"

We just keep bringin' them to you! Here is another R&B City Video Premiere of Nelly's new single off his album, Brass Knuckles. "Body On Me" features Akon & Ashanti, and the video is hot! Check it out! You saw it here first..

Click here if the video isn't playing for you.

Rihanna Covers InStyle Magazine

Rihanna scores the cover of the August 08 issue of InStyle Magazine. She looks great in the photos. Check below for the rest of the pictures from her spread. This issue will be available in stores everywhere starting today, July 17th.

Celebrity Photo Week

Michelle Williams released new pics this week and it seems that she has forgotten her religion. Didn't she convert back to Christianity back in 04 or 05? She looks good in the pics nonetheless.

This past weekend celebs, such as Amerie, Ne-Y0, Brian Michael Cox and Chilli, were spotted at a party in ATL. Check out the pics! Amerie and Chilli don't seem to age.

(Left to Right) Brian Michael Cox, Amerie, Ne-Yo

(Left to Right) Amerie, Chilli

(Left to Right) Amerie Ne-Yo

This Tuesday in Orlando, Nick and Mariah, went to Walt Disney World. Here's a pic of the couple along side Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

Lil Mama freestyle - "A Milli"

Check out Lil Mama's freestyle on 106 & Park from yesterday's show. She was the co-host in place of Rocsi, and right before the #1 video was aired, she freestyled to Lil Wayne's "A Milli", and I must say this chick is sick! I always knew she was good, but with this performance she blows me away..

[VIDEO] ASHANTI - "GOOD GOOD"

FINALLY! The video for "Good Good", Ashanti's second single off her fourth album, The Declaration. The video was set to premiere tomorrow, and air every hour on the hour, and still is, but it leaked somehow anyway. The video is quite "tasteful", and features cameo from rap artist Nelly. Check it out!
Ashanti has also confirmed that she will be co-hosting BET's 106 & Park with Terrance on Thursday (tomorrow) & Friday! The video for "Body On Me", which is Nelly's single and features Ashanti & Akon, also premieres Friday on FNMTV as well.

[Video] Alicia Keys - "Superwoman"

Check out Alicia Keys' new video for her soon to be smash single "Superwoman". This is her fourth single from her triple platinum selling album As I Am. Personally, this is one of my favorite songs off the album and she looks amazing in the video. The video touches on different geographic aspects of womanhood. From a woman struggling, to provide for her kids, to a woman providing for her village; Alicia reminds them all that they are super. The video will premiere every hour starting tomorrow, July 16, on BET.

New Music Reviews ♪

R. Kelly - "Butterfly"

R. Kelly is back at it with a new track called "Butterfly". I'm not exactly sure if this is a left over song from one of his previous albums or if its a tracked leaked from his new one that's due out later this year, titled 12 Play: Fourth Quarter. The beat is definitely something R. Kelly would sing on. The lyrics aren't bad but the concept of the song is a little strange. Even though he explains his theory of how falling in love with a woman is compatible with a butterfly, I still find it strange. Overall the song isn't bad and i would recommend listening to it if your into the slow classic type R&B. (Stream/Download)

Lloyd - "Year Of The Lover"

Another Lloyd song has surfaced and its called "Year of the Lover". The beat sounds like one of Polow Da Don's productions but it's actually produced by Eric Hudson. The song is coming from his third studio album, due out August 5, titled Lesson in Love. I actually like everything about the song. The lyrics, melody, vocals, and production were all on point. He doesn't "over do" it. Its a nice laid back track. (Stream/Download)

Michelle Williams - "Hungover"

"Hungover" is a track from Destiny's Child member Michele Williams. It's on her new album Unexpected, which is set to release next month! The beat is hot but the lyrics can be a lot better. IMO i don't find this song catchy at all. The vocals she laid down in the chorus are very soft and it doesn't really blend well with the rest of the song IMO. (Stream/Download)

Janet Gets another Single

Island Def Jam recording artist, Janet Jackson, is set to release another single from her #1 album, Discipline. This is her fourth radio single and if it picks up on radio there could possibly be a video shot for music outlets such as MTV, BET and Vh1 making it her third single with a video. Janet's song, "Can't B Good", has already been sent to pop stations back in May but just recently, July 14th & 15th, it has been impacting UAC (Urban Adult Contemporary) stations. The song was produced by none other than hit maker Ne-Yo. So far the song has peaked at 36 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Adult R&B Airplay and number 79 on U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. Click below to listen to Janet Jackson's "Cant B Good" and request it at your local radio station. It's definitely similar to the old school Janet.

Artists Cover Rap-Up

New artists Teyana Taylor & Keri Hilson, as well as Solange Knowles cover Rap-Up magazine's Summer 2008 issue. The cover is great and the girls look beautiful. Also, peep the alternate cover, featuring Hip-Hop artist Nelly. What do you think of the covers?

Some '106 and Park' Trouble?

On Friday's episode of BET's 1o6 & Park, co-host Rocsi walked off the show due to Terrance's continuous disrespectful comments. He was saying things like, "why don't you have a body like Ciara's?" after they showed the "Stepped On My J's" video, or, "you need a breath mint!" I know right? Dude is trippin'. Peep the video below...

And yesterday, Keri Hilson was there to co-host the whole show in place of Rocsi, where she also premiered her new video, "Energy". And there are rumors that she will not be on the show at all this week, and that there will be "guest hosts", like yesterday. We'll see what happens on today's episode.

[Video] Keri Hilson - "Energy"

A couple of days ago, we posted pics and behind the scene footage of Keri Hilson on the set of her music video for "Energy". Now check out the official video!

[Video] Plies - "Somebody (Loves You)"

Check out Plies' new video from his sophomore album, Definition of Real. The song is real, and I definitely appreciate a real record. It's not all about the money, clothes, cars and hoes, if you will. IMO, if you can make a song about something that you been through and put it out that for the world and have people relate to it, that makes you a true artist. The song samples from Patti LaBelle's 1991 smash single "Somebody Loves You Baby (You Know Who It Is)".

New Music Reviews ♪

The first artist hits us with two new songs. Chris Brown has been doing big things lately. The first track is called "Fatal Attraction". In the beginning, the beat sounds similar to Ciara's "So Hard". I don't typically like Chris Brown's music, but this is actually pretty good! The lyrics aren't bad and it sounds like he grew out of his lisp. (Stream/Download)

The second song is called "M. I. A" and i cant lie, the song is garbage; from the lyrics to the beat. Everything seems rushed like its just a song he wrote in 5 mins. Y'all take a listen to it if you wish but you'd only be wasting your time IMO. (Stream/Download)

New music also arrives with a track called "I Need Love". The song is from Lloyd and it features hit maker The Dream. The beat and title is evidently sampled from LL Cool J. When I listen to Lloyd on this track, I can definitely tell Michael Jackson is one of his biggest influences. The Dream, once again, manages to fit "Ey, Ey, Ey" into another one of his productions. Other than that, the song is hot. Oh yea, I forgot to mention that Lloyd feels the need to rap on this track so brace yourself... (Stream/Download)

Our final edition to the New Music Review post isfrom Eve and it features Robin Thicke. The song doesn't seem like single material. The beat doesn't really grab you in the beginning but as soon as she starts spittin' u can't help but like it! Robin Thicke did his thing on this song as well. The song is called "Fantasy". (Stream/Download)

Beyoncé wax figure revealed in Hollywood

A wax figure was revealed last week of the reigning Queen of R&B in Hollywood, Calfifornia. The life-size wax figure is a replica of Beyoncé. The clothing and the positioning of the Bee-inspired manikin seems to be taken from the Deja Vu (ft. Jay-Z) 2006 BET Awards performance. If you ask me, the figure looks nothing like her. The only thing that's even close to being related to B is the wardrobe. Nonetheless, it's still nice! You can be the judge.

[Video] Soulja Boy - "Donk"

Here is the premiere of the new video for "Donk", Soulja Boy's 5th single off his platinum-selling debut album, SouljaBoyTellEm.com. The song is definitely a club banger, hate it or love it. Check it out & tell us what you think!

On The Set: Keri Hilson - "Energy"

Nelly isn't the only one releasing video shoot pictures to the latest blogs, websites, etc. We have new pics from Keri Hilson as she's on the set of her brand new video for her hit single, "Energy". The 25 year old Atlanta native is gearing up to release her debut album after being behind the music scene, writing songs for some of the hottest artist out. She's written for Britney Spears, Chris Brown, Danity Kane, Teairra Mari, Ciara and even Lloyd Banks. The list doesn't stop there, though. You might have seen Keri play Usher's promiscuous love interest in his video for "Love In This Club". Now get ready to see her in a way no one would expect. Keri puts on the gloves and toughens it out in the ring in her latest video from her debut album, In A Perfect World..., set to hit shelves September 23. Check out the pics and watch the behind the scene footage!

[Video] Jazmine Sullivan F/ Missy - "Need U Bad"

New artist Jazmine Sullivan just released her first video from her debut album, Fearless. Her album is set to hit stores September 16. She gives me a Lauren Hill vibe with her music, and with productions from Missy Elliott, Cool & Dre (The Game's Hate It or Love It), Stargate (Rihanna's Umbrella) and Tricky Stewart (Beyoncé's Irreplaceable), this album promises to be pretty good. Jazmine isn't really new to the game. She wrote Christina Millian's last hit, "Say I", and has sung background vocals on many albums for many artists, including Nas. The 21 year old, J Records beauty single, Need U Bad, is currently number 75 on Billboard Hot 100 and number 19 on Billboard Hip-Hop/R&B charts and I only see it getting higher. Check out the video and tell us what you think about it!

On The Set: Bow Wow F/ Soulja Boy - "Marco Polo"

Rapper Bow Wow released this video of him and Soulja Boy on set of the video for "Marco Polo", the first single off his new album, Pedigree, which is set to hit stores later this year. The song has that SB sound to it; alot of snapping and dancing. I actually like the song and the style. The video looks like it's going to be a good one from the behind the scenes footage IMO, so check it out!

Flashback Fridays: Mya - "My Love Is Like Wo!"

It's Friday and I'm trying to come up with new ideas for the blog as far as posts are concerned. I decided to start posting a "flashback" video every Friday. Flashback doesn't necessarily have to be the back in the day joints, but just something that happened a while ago. The video i chose is from Mýa and its from her 2003 album, Moodring. It's the albums lead single and its titled "My Love Is Like...Wo". The video was shot by video director Paul Hunter, whose been directing since 1996 and has worked with almost everyone from Aaliyah to Nicole Scherzinger. Some of his most notable videos throughout previous years are:

• Aaliyah - One In A Million (1996)
• Notorious B.I.G. - Hypnotize (1997)
• Usher - My Way (1998)
• TLC - Unpretty (1999)
• D'Angelo - Untitled (How Does It Feel) (2000)
• Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim, Mýa & Pink - Lady Marmalade (2001)
• Ashanti - Rock Wit U (Aww Baby) (2003)
• Snoop Dogg - Drop It Like It's Hot (2004)
• Mariah Carey - Don't Forget About Us (2005)
• Justin Timberlake - My Love (2006)
• Nicole Scherzinger - Whatever U Like (2007)

So here's R&B City's flashback video. Enjoy!

[Video] Mariah Carey - "I'll Be Loving You Long Time"

Mariah Carey is at it again! Last week she released the video for "I'll Be Loving You Long Time", the third single off her latest album, E=MC², which has already went platinum and has stayed consistent with back to back chart-topping singles. This song is hot, and the video features rapper T.I., who is dropping next month; so definitely check it out!

"Body On Me" video shoot pics

Nelly's video for his next single, Body On Me which features Ashanti and Akon, was shot about two weeks ago. The video should arrive any day now. Just recently pics from the video shoot were released and Ashanti looks AMAZING! All three artists appear in the video and it looks like it's going to be a good one. Check out the pics below and leave a comment. ENJOY!

New Music Reviews ♪

New music from Teairra Mari The name of the song is called "Find My Way Back". I'm not really sure if it's new or old, but its definitely a hot track and its worth listening to. Check out and tell us what you think. (Linked Site)

Our other new music comes from Nelly. Now, we don't normally do this because this is an R&B blog, but since the featured artist for the month of July and King of R&B right now, Usher, is featured on it, we have no choice but to post it. The name of the song is called "Long Night", and it was produced by Usher's little brother. He goes by the name of JLack. This track is coming from Nelly's fifth studio album, titled Brass Knuckles. This is his first album since his 2005 double release of Suit/Sweat, and it's set to drop September 19. I'm not really feeling it, but its my own opinion and we all know opinions are like assholes...everybody has one. (Stream/Download)

Jennifer Hudson Album Cover

J-Hud, also known as Jennifer Hudson has released her album cover for her highly anticipated debut album. The 26 year old rose to fame after being seen on season three of American Idol. She didn't win it all, she actually placed seventh. After being booted off the show back in April of 2004, she auditioned and got the part of "Effie White" in the hit movie Dreamgirls, starring Beyonce Knowles, Eddie Murphy and Jamie Foxx. Since the movie's release, she has won an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, a NAACP Award, a BET Award and much more. Jennifer Hudson was the first African American singer to grace the cover of Vogue Magazine and it seems like there's nothing she can't do. The lead single to her debut album is called "Spotlight" so be on the look out for that. The album is self-titled and hits stores nation wide September 30th. Feelin' the cover?

Fashion Picks: VMA Flashbacks

MTV looks back at different artist and their wardrobe as they appear at the Video Music Awards. This year the award ceremony will be held in Los Angeles at the Paramount Studios on September 7. Rumor has it, the fans get to pick the nominees for each category and votes will determine who wins the hardware. Here are looks from Christina Aguilera, Ashanti, Beyonce, Rihanna, Justin Timberlake, Fergie, J. Lo, Mary J. Blige and Usher from previous VMA award shows.

New Music Reviews ♪

Michelle Williams has a new track out, called "The Greatest", and it's off her third solo album, Unexpected, which is set to hit stores August 12. I'm actually liking this song. Its more laid back than her lead single "We Break The Dawn", which is currently at Number 1 on Billboard's Dance Chart. Download

Ne-Yo has a new joint called "Not Perfect", and it will appear on his new album, Year Of The Gentlemen. I'm not really feeling the beat. The lyrics and melody are okay, but the beat IMO makes this song garbage. Download

Day 26 recorded tons of songs for their #1 debut, self-titled album, but there are some tracks that didn't make the cut. This track is called "Can't Be Me". When I first listened to the intro , it reminded me of Janet Jackson's Feedback. Download

Michelle Williams - The Greatest

Ne-Yo - Not Perfect

Day 26 - Can't Be Me

Billboard Hot 100 Update 7.10.08

I've been gone for a minute but myself and the R&B City blog is back now. The site was revamped and such, and now, as you can tell, it's back! Let's get to the news updates...

Here is a list of the Top 25 R&B Songs on the Billboard Hot 100.

In at number 23 this week is our featured artist for this month; Usher with Love In This Club. The song has spent 21 weeks on the Hot 100 and has sold over one million ringtones. The number 22 spot is being held down by The Dream, who recently won Best New Artist at the 2008 BET Awards. I Luv Your Girl has been on the list for 11 weeks. Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown are in at number 19 this week, dropping one spot from last week. No Air has also sold over a million ringtones and has been on the list for more than 25 weeks. One of the best selling girl groups of this time rank at number 17 this week. I'm talking about Danity Kane and their hit single Damaged. The girls are also about to drop their second single soon.



Rihanna's Disturbia hits number 15 on its third week on the list, while Chris Brown jumps two spots from number 8 to number 6 this week with Forever. Rihanna's lead single Take A Bow is in at number 2 this week after being number 4 last week.