Sunday, August 31, 2008

[Video Premiere] John Legend Ft. Andre 3000 - "Green Light"

John Legend's anticipated third album, Evolver is scheduled to be released October 28, 2008. So he has released his first single, "Green Light", which features Andre 3000 of Outkast. This song has a very upbeat pop style, but I'm not really feeling the video. It's really nothing special to me but I still like approach he was trying to make for the video.

Fox News Anchor Bashes Solange

Check out what a Fox News anchor had to say about R&B Soul singer Solange after she did the interview with Fox News. IMO, i think the guy was a little harsh with his words and comments. I also feel like he shouldn't speak on Solange like that when he doesn't know her personally. You be the judge. Do you think he was too harsh?

Chris Brown Doublemint Gum Commercial

Check out Chris Brown's latest endorsement, Doublemint Chewing Gum. The song is a flip version of his hit single "Forever". Check out the video below.

Teairra Mari in KING Magazine

Check out the pictures of Teairra Mari in the latest issue of KING Magazine. She has a brief interview in the magazine where she talks about how she felt when she received the news of her being dropped from her label. She also talks about life after Roc-A-Fella Records. Look out for her new album coming the first quarter of 2009.

Friday, August 29, 2008

Jennifer Hudson sings the National Anthem at the 2008 Democratic National Convention

R&B City Featured Artist nominee Jennifer Hudson had the honor of singing the National Anthem at this weeks' 2008 Democratic National Convention. Congrats to J-Hud; she sounded great! Also, if you're over 18 and you haven't already, REGISTER TO VOTE! Registrations stop in early October, meaning you only have a few more weeks to get registered and become eligible to vote in this year's historic election.

Flashback Fridays: Ciara ft. Petey Pablo - "Goodies"

The Flashback Fridays video of the week comes from platinum selling artist Ciara. "Goodies" is the first single off of her 2004 debut CD Goodies. The video was shot in Ciara's hometown, Atlanta, Georgia and was directed by Benny Boom. The video features cameo appearances from Monica, BoneCrusher, Young Jeezy, Jazzy Pha and female rapper Rasheeda. Check it out!

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Solange Knowles puts her foot in her mouth on live tv!

Check out what Solange Knowles, who just released her new album, Sol-AngeL & The Hadley St. Dreams, had to say about the way she was being introduced during a live interview that occurred yesterday, Aug. 27. I must say I love the way she speaks her mind and says what she feels! Don't forget to cop her new album that just hit stores Tuesday!

BIllboard Update 8.28.08

Top 25 R&B Songs on The Billboard Hot 100.
you won't believe whose number one!

17. Jordin Sparks - "One Step At A Time"
(Stats: Last Week: #21, Peak Position: #17, Weeks On: 9)
10. Rihanna - "Take A Bow"
(Stats: Last Week: #8, Peak Position: #1, Weeks On: 20)
8. Ne-Yo - "Closer"
(Stats: Last Week: #9, Peak Position: #8, Weeks On: 19)
3. Chris Brown - "Forever"
(Stats: Last Week:#3, Peak Position: #2, Weeks On: 8)
2. Rihanna - "Disturbia"
(Stats: Last Week:#1, Peak Position:#1, Weeks On: 10)
1. T.I. - "Whatever You Like"
(Stats: Peak Position:#1, Weeks On: 3)


The new number one single in the country is T.I.'s "Whatever You Like", which jumped from 71 to number one. Congrats to T.I. for his #1 single and also remember to pick up Paper Trail when it drops September 30! Also, Pink's "So What" debuted at number at number nine!

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

New Music Reviews ♪

Keri Hilson - "Slow Dance"
This is definitely an abstract beat produced by super producer Polow Da Don. I love the beat and Keri sounds amazing! Her voice kind of reminds me of Beyonce. The song will be on her new album, In A Perfect World..., which drops in October. The song is hot and you should check it out! (Stream/Download)

R. Kelly - "No. 1 Sex"
This song is hot. They say this is just the demo written and sung by a newcomer by the name of Dean. Some say it's actually R. Kelly singing; using a voice alternator. Which ever one it doesn't really matter because this song is hot as hell! The beat is on point; the lyrics match the song perfectly. I'm not too big on the concept of the song but you cant deny how good it is. (Stream/Download)

Brandy - "First N' Luv"
Not really feelin' this song too much. It'll probably grow on me though. She's basically singing about finding a guy on the corner of First [St.] & Love [Ave.]. I didn't really understand the concept until she sung that in the chorus. Nothing about this sing really impressed me. I'll let you be the judge. (Stream/Download)

Saturday, August 23, 2008

FEATURED ARTIST POLL: SEPTEMBER

We finally have a new poll up for you to vote for the Featured Artist of September! Back in July, when we first opened back up, Usher took the throne as the featured artist. Now in July, Keri Hilson is still holding it down. September is right around the corner, though, so it's time to pick a new featured artist for R&B City! So we're asking you who it should be. Here are the 5 choices and why we think you should vote for them..

SOLANGE - She's definitely proven herself with her new album, which drops August 26. She recently released her second single, which was a follow-up to her first single, "I Decided", which did extremely well on the charts. She's proven to all of us that she's more than just Beyonce's little sister and is taking her own road, regardless of what the industry thinks.

NE-YO - He has a third album coming out really soon, and we just posted his second single video as well. He's on his grind promoting the new album and wrote the recent #1 single for Rihanna, "Take A Bow". He is also credited for songwriting Beyonce's "Irreplaceable", which also went #1! He's a true hitmaker; and now it's his turn.

RIHANNA - We can no longer underestimate this woman. She's proven to be more than just a Caribbean girl from Barbados. We all underestimated her when she came out with "Pon De Replay", but now, after 4 #1 singles and having "Disturbia" recently reach #1 right after "Take A Bow", she's definitely one of the hottest in the game!

MICHELLE WILLIAMS - She's back and she's better than ever! After her last two previous gospel albums' success, she's now bringing you something unexpected! We've posted a few tracks from her new album, and we can't lie-it's hot! Her single "We Break The Dawn" went #1 on the dance charts and she's definitely bringing it with this album, and proving she can do other things than just gospel.

JENNIFER HUDSON - We first saw her as a contestant on American Idol, and then on the hit movie Dreamgirls. Now she has a new self-titled album releasing soon, and her single "Spotlight" is doing excellent. She's showing the judges of AI, as well as the world, they shouldn't have let this dreamgirl go..

[Video Premieres] Ne-Yo - "Miss Independent" / Cassie ft. Lil' Wayne - "Official Girl" / Solange - "Sandcastle Disco"

Ne-Yo has released the video for this second single off his third album, Year Of The Gentlemen, which is set for release later this fall. After his first single, "Closer", now we have the R&B City Video Premiere for "Miss Independent" as a follow-up. The video is star-filled and features R&B singers Keri Hilson & Trey Songz, actress Gabrielle Union, as well as model/actress Lauren London. Peep the video above!

Also, we have a new video for Bad Boy artist/Sean John model Cassie! This song is titled "Official Girl" and features rap artist Lil' Wayne. It is the official first single off her upcoming sophomore album.


Last but certainly not least, we have a brand new video from my girl Solange Knowles. This one is her second single, the follow-up to "I Decided", and is titled "Sandcastle Disco". I must say, Solange is really proving herself! She's taking a road no one else has dared to take and is doing things her own way. You can't help but love her creativity and sense of imagination. Don't forget to purchase Sol-AngeL & The Hadley St. Dreams when it drops August 26!

Friday, August 22, 2008

Flashback Fridays: Mýa - "Lock U Down"

The Flashback Fridays video of the week is from Mýa. "Lock U Down" is her lead single from her album Liberation. The video was directed by Benny Boom and it features rapper Lil Wayne. The song was produced by Scott Stortch. Check the video below..

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Billboard Update 8.21.08

Top 25 R&B Songs on The Billboard Hot 100.

21. Jordan Sparks - One Step At a Time
(Stats: Last Week: #24, Peak Position: #21, Weeks On: 8)
16. Chris Brown - Dreamer
(Stats: Last Week: --, Peak Position #16, Weeks On: 1)
11. Estelle ft. Kanye West - American Boy
(Stats: Last Week: #12, Peek Position: #11, Weeks On: 18)
9. Ne-Yo - Closer
(Stats: Last Week: #10, Peak Position: #9, Weeks On: 18)
8. Rihanna - Take a Bow
(Stats: Last Week: #4, Peak Position: #1, Weeks On: 19)
3. Chris Brown- Forever
(Stats: Last Week: #2, Peak Position: #2, Weeks On: 19)
1. Rihanna - Disturbia
(Stats: Last Week: #1, Peak Position: #1, Weeks On: 9)


♫ Listen: Various Artists - "Stand Up"

The song, "Just Stand Up", a charity song done by various artists from different genres, has leaked. It's not exactly what I was thinking, but it's very nice nevertheless! It features artists like Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Beyonce, & more, all helping to raise awareness and research profits for cancer. Remember to watch all 15 artists perform the song live on September 5th! *Edit: I have uploaded the HQ version of the song for download!

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Just Stand Up To Cancer: Another Coalition

Back in 2001, artists such as Destiny's Child, Usher, Mary J. Blige, Monica, Alicia Keys and many others redid Marvin Gaye's song "Whats Going On". The song was done to spread the awareness about AIDS. Back in 2004 another group of artist came together to influence people to vote. Akon, Ashanti, Brandy, Faith Evans, Musiq Soulchild, Monica, Mary J. Blige are some of the few artist that helped make this message a success.

NOW, It's 2008 and according to Billboard.com, this year will be about spreading the awareness of Cancer. The song is called "Just Stand Up" and will be premiered and available on iTunes September 2nd. All proceeds will go toward cancer research. Artists who collaborated on this track include Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Fergie, Ashanti, Keyshia Cole, Leona Lewis, Carrie Underwood, LeAnn Rimes, Sheryl Crow, Natasha Bedingfield, Melissa Etheridge, Miley Cyrus & Ciara. There are 15 artist, all females, and all spreading the message about cancer. The Stand Up To Cancer TV special will be aired September 5th on ABC, NBC, and then CBS. The special will also include a live performance from all 15 ladies! I think this is an excellent thing and is for a good cause! Make sure you check it out. Click HERE for more info.

Friday, August 15, 2008

Flashback Fridays: Janet Jackson - "All For You"

The Flashback Fridays video of the day comes from a legend who is still putting out music today. Her name is Janet Jackson. The video was directed by Dave Myers who has also directed videos for Jay-Z, Britney Spears and Stacy Orrico. The song is called "All For You" and is featured on her 2001 platinum-selling CD, All For You. The song spent seven weeks at number one on The Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording in 2002.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Billboard Update 8.14.08

Top 25 R&B Songs on The Billboard Hot 100.

25. The-Dream - "I Luv Your Girl"
(Stats: Last week #25, Peak position #20, Weeks On :16)
24. Jordin Sparks - "One Step at a Time"
(Stats: Last week #31, Peak position #24, Weeks On: 7)
12. Estelle ft. Kanye West - "American Boy"
(Stats: Last week#12, Peak position #12, Weeks On: 17)
13. Ne-Yo - "Closer"
(Stats: Last week #10, Peak position #10, Weeks On: 17)
4. Rihana - "Take A Bow"
(Stats: Last week #4, Peak position #1, Weeks On: 18)
2. Chris Brown - "Forever"
(Stats: Last week #2, Peak position #2, Weeks On: 16)
1. Rihanna - "Disturbia"
(Stats: Last week #3, Peak position #1, Weeks On: 8)

That's right, folks. Rihanna has scored her 4th #1 single! She can now add "Disturbia" to the list of "SOS", "Umbrella", and "Take A Bow". She is now tied with R&B singer Beyonce with 4 #1 singles. Bee needs to bring it on her next album. Props to Rihanna for her success with Good Girl Gone Bad. She had 3 #1 singles come from that era alone!

New Brandy Promo Photo

Check out the new promotional photo from R&B singer Brandy. Brandy is currently finishing up the touches of her fifth studio album. The new album will feature productions from Rodney Jerkins, The Neptunes, & Bryan-Michael Cox, just to name a few. She looks very sexy and classy in this photo & I can't wait to hear her new material!

Jennifer Hudson covers Billboard Magazine

Check out Jennifer Hudson in the latest issue of Billboard Magazine. Her debut album, which features her new single "Spotlight", will be available on September 30th and will feature producers such as Ne-Yo, Stargate, Timbaland and many others.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Aubrey from Danity Kane on the Wendy Williams Show

Check out Aubrey from the platinum-selling girl group, Danity Kane on The Wendy Williams Show. In the segment she talks about her being on Broadway, her charity, clothing line and her up and coming perfume line. She also speaks on Bad Boy labelmate Cassie. The interview was pretty good. She is definitely the one who stands out the most and the one I personally love to watch.



Sunday, August 10, 2008

Monica Speaks about the Beyonce cheap shot

A couple of weeks ago, R&B singer Monica was asked if her wedding with rap superstar Rocko was going to be a secret one. Monica's reply was "...We don't keep secrets over here, we're too real for that". It may have been said a little differently but the thing that caught a lot of peoples interest was when she said "we're too real for that". A lot of people, including myself, saw this is a cheap shot to newlyweds Beyonce and Jay-Z. IMO, it sounds like she's saying Bee and Jay aren't real because of their secret wedding. Monica clears up those rumors about her having beef with Beyonce. Check the video out below.

Saturday, August 9, 2008

Teairra Mari Speaks about dating Lil Wayne

Check out what R&B singer Teairra Mari had to say when asked if she was dating rapper Lil' Wayne. Wayne has been linked to a lot of celebrities so I doubt this is true. Check out the video below.

Friday, August 8, 2008

Flashback Fridays: Aaliyah - "More Than a Woman"

The Flashback Fridays video of the day is "More Than A Woman", and it comes from R&B sensation Aaliyah. This was her last video ever released with her actually in it. The song was produced by Timbaland and was written by Static, the same producer as Lil' Wayne's "Lollipop". The song is from her platinum selling self titled third album.



Thursday, August 7, 2008

Billboard Update 8.7.08

Top 25 R&B Songs on The Billboard Hot 100.


25. The-Dream - "I Luv Your Girl"
(Stats: Last Week: #21, Peak Position: #20, Weeks On: 15)

12. Estelle ft. Kanye West - "American Boy"
(Stats: Last Week: #16, Peak Position: #12, Weeks On: 16)

10. Ne-Yo - "Closer"
(Stats: Last Week: #14, Peak Position: #10, Weeks On: 16)

4. Rihanna - "Take A Bow"
(Stats: Last Week: #2, Peak Position: #1, Weeks On: 17)

3. Rihanna - "Disturbia"
(Stats: Last Week: #4, Peak Position: #3, Weeks On: 7)

2. Chris Brown - "Forever"
(Stats: Last Week: #3, Peak Position: #2, Weeks On: 15)

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

[Video] Karina Pasian - "Can't Find The Words"

Dominican American Karina Pasian released her new video for, Can't Find the Words. The video was shot at P.S. 63 (Public School 63) and it turned out to be a nice for someone her age. The song isn't bad either. This is her second single off of her debut album "First Love" due out August 19th.

New Music Reviews ♪

Jagged Edge -"I Luv Your Girl"
Jagged Edge's version of "I Luv Your Girl", originally performed by The-Dream, is hot! That's all I can say about it. Just listen to it for yourself.. (Stream/Download)

Ne-Yo - "It's You"
This new song from Ne-Yo is called "It's You". I'm not sure if this will be on his third studio album, Year of the Gentleman, but it is definitely a good track. The beat is simple,which is nice, ince there's so many uptempo songs out now. The lyrics are okayoo. This is not some of his best work but it's far from being labeled as "garbage". (Stream/Download)

Michelle Williams - "Unexpected"
This joint is hot. The melody is simple but when the chorus comes in everything is turned up a notch. The production sounds like something Lil' Jon would do mixed with piano keys. This track will be on her R&B/Pop/Dance album, Unexpected. (Stream/Download)

New Monica - "Still Standing" ft. Ludacris [Snippet]


Here's a snippet of Monica's new song called Still Standing featuring Ludacris. The song is produced by Brian-Michael Cox and was written by Adonis. The lyrics are real and Ludacris' verse is HOT. The snippet is definitely worth listening to. Monica seems to know exactly what works for her. I'm loving her new material. If she keeps doing songs like this I might go out and support her. She doesn't want it to go like her last two projects.

Keri Hilson covers Trace Magazine

Keri Hilson made the cover of Trace Magazine and she looks amazing. I dont really know too much about this magazine but make sure you check her out in it!

Fantasia covers Sister2Sister


American Idol winner Fantasia covers the September 2008 Issue of Sister2Sister magazine. In the magazine she talks about her love life with rapper Young Dro. Other features in this issue of Sister2Sister is talk show host Wendy Williams, chart topping rapper Flo-Rida and Dulé Hill.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Beyoncé's New L'Oreal Ad


Beyoncé's ad for the beauty-product, L'Oreal has hit the net. She looks different but she is still beautiful and represents the company extremely well. Tell us what you think about the pic in the comments.



Monday, August 4, 2008

Keyshia Cole and the paparazzi

Keyshia Cole was spotted leaving Mr. Chow, a restaurant in Beverly Hills. The camera's were definitely flashing as the 26 year old California native was heading to her car. She manages to keep a calm and collected manor. She even stops to take pics and answer a couple of questions the media throws at her.

Karina Pasian: "Baby Baby" [Live]

The video is almost a year old but I just thought I would share it with you all. The song is called Baby Baby and it features Lil' Mama. I just can't get enough of Karina. She is very talented. This video clip actually surprised me because she is dancing (2:27) and i didn't think she knew how to. Hopefully she'll blow up because she has a lot of potential, people just need to hear more of her. Check the video out below.

Keri Hilson Promo Pics



Mariah Carey at The 2008 Teen Choice Awards


Yesterday, August 3rd, Mariah Carey attended and performed at the 2008 Teen Choice awards in Los Angeles, California. She performed her smash hit, "I'll Be Lovin' U Long Time" off her platinum selling album E=MC². Check out the pics below. You can watch the ceremony tonight, August 4th, hosted by Miley Cyrus on the FOX Network at 8pm/7pm CT.


Saturday, August 2, 2008

New Music Reviews ♪

Ciara - "Walk On It"
Ciara's new song was produced by Polow Da Don and is titled, "Walk On It". IMO, she sounds like Janet Jackson on this. I'm not really feelin' the production on this one. I usually like Polow's production but this is far from his typical material and the lyrics suprisingly bore me. Everything about this song is wrong, but you can be the judge. (Stream/Download)

Solange - "F*ck the Industry (Signed Sincerely)"
I really like this song! Solange definitely keeps it real on this track and I appreciate it. The first verse tells so much about her. She's saying shes not like most R&B chicks and that's what makes her her and whoever doesn't like her material doesn't understand it and she could care less, lol. "Everything I'm not makes me everything I am". Gotta love it! (Stream/Download)

Trey Songz - "In Ya Phone"
The beat is kind of amateur and the theme of the song is horrible. I'd expect more from Trey Songz. Its something different and its not one of his normal R&B ballads. I wouldn't bother listening to it if I were you. (Stream/Download)

Danity Kane Covers Envy Magazine

Girl group Danity Kane covers the latest issue of ENVY Magazine. The girls recently released the video for "Bad Girl", the second single off of their sophomore album, Welcome to the Dollhouse and have a new jean line and a comic book coming out. Aubrey from DK is also pursuing her dream; doing Hairspray on Broadway. Can't knock their hustle!

Friday, August 1, 2008

Billboard Update 8.1.08

Top 25 R&B Songs on The Billboard Hot 100.

21. The-Dream - "I Luv Your Girl"
(Stats:Last Week #21, Peak Position #20, Weeks On: 14)

16. Estelle ft. Kanye West - "American Boy"
(Stats: Last Week #26, Peak Position #16, Weeks On: 15, Billboard's Sales Gainer)

14. Ne-Yo - "Closer"
(Stats: Last Week #19, Peak Position #14, Weeks On: 15)

4. Rihanna - "Disturbia"
(Stats: Last Week #15, Peak Position #4, Weeks On: 6)

3. Chris Brown - "Forever"
(Stats: Last Week #3, Peak Position #3, Weeks On: 14)

2. Rihanna - "Take A Bow"
(Stats: Last Week #2, Peak Position #1, Weeks On: 16)


Day 26 and Ashanti Hit Up Six Flags!

Yesterday R&B royalty Ashanti and Day 26 performed at Six Flags in New Jersey. Check out the pics below! (credit: StickwitQ @ GoAshanti.com)

Day 26

Ashanti

Ashanti Covers Page Six Magazine


This weeks issue of Page Six Magazine features The Princess of Hip-Hop and R&B, Ashanti. In the magazine Ashanti talks about Rihanna; giving her props for "working" the industry instead of the other way around. She also says she respects other artist who have rose to super stardom since 2002, when she first came out. Check the magazine out online. Oh yea, she also talks about wedding plans. ;D

Flashback Fridays: Beyoncé - "Me Myself & I"

The flashback video of the day comes from multi-platinum selling artist Beyoncé. This is her video way back from 2003 off her debut solo album, Dangerously In Love. The album has sold over 5 million records to date. The video was directed by Johan Renck who is most famous for directing Kylie Minogue's "Love at First Sight". Check the video out below.