Beyonce and Jay-Z were spotted having dinner last night and leaving a Midtown Manhattan office building. Beyonce was looking a lot happier than usual, which makes a nice change:
Beyonce is also set to appear on The Early Show this Thursday along with her sister Solange, who will also take to the stage. Maybe she'll talk about that highly anticipated new album of hers. She's been awfully silent about the forthcoming project.
Meanwhile, Solange performed on the David Letterman show Monday night. Here's some flicks of the singer arriving at the taping:
The weird pink tights are pretty sinful and the boots were something else. Put those aside and she looked pretty nice.
She was also seen leaving the taping:
This outfit was a lot less crazy. Solange simply wouldn't be Solange without her eccentric fashion choices.
Letoya Luckett attended celebrity makeup artist AJ Crimson's birthday party at ADIDAS Originals last night in New York City:
Washed up R&B singer Olivia was there too, looking more fried than an overly cooked plate of chips. She really needs to stop with the peroxide because it doesn't suit her. Fellow guests also included Estelle and Teyana Taylor. A.J. co-owns lip gloss line Kissable Couture with Keisha Whitaker. He has his own make up line coming out soon called 'AJ Crimson Make-Up' which will launch this fall.
Rihanna and Chris Brown were spotted again over the weekend in West Hollywood, at the Beverly Center doing more spots of shopping:
The whole clan were also rocking hoodies including Rihanna's little brother Rajad. New family trend?
Tuesday, 26 August 2008
R&B SINGERS OUT & ABOUT.....
Wednesday, 20 August 2008
MUSIC POLITICS GETS IN THE WAY OF LETOYA'S RELEASE.....
UPDATE....
I just recieved an email from the admin of LETOYA ONLINE. Here's what he had to say about the Letoya situation:In regards to the latest information you posted about LeToya's upcoming
I know that there are a couple of Letoya Luckett fans up in the house so after receiving an email regarding why her album is taking so long, upon reading this you'll understand why.
album, I wanted to give you the real story.
LeToya's road manager, Terry Ross has not answered any fan questions in at least 2-3 months on LeToyaOnline.com, and the reason for the album's delay was most recently given by LeToya herself, which you can hear on the main site at http://www.letoyaonline.com.
LeToya is back in the studio recording, but as far as the latest story about her working with Taio Cruz, Lady GaGa, Cathy Dennis, Claude Kelly, and Coldplay...that is 0% true at this point. She is definitely a fan of artists from different genres and willing to work with them though. The new album will not be going "in a different direction" as you posted, but you can expect more uptempo records and a couple records that aren't as heavily hip-hop inspired like many were on the debut. Also, a lot of people are saying the new album is entitled, "Lady Love", and that's not true either. However, it is the name of one the new songs she's recorded, and she's considering it as the album title.
I know it may not seem like it, but things are moving along with the project and hopefully something will pop off real soon. I can honestly say I believe the fans (and even those who aren't) will absolutely love the new records LeToya has...and she's still recording! It's going to be a crazy album. In addition to recording she is gearing up for the 5 year anniversary of her boutique, Lady L Boutique, in Houston in a couple months.The singer's manager Terry Ross recently answered the fans questions on her official fansite LETOYA ONLINE noting that musical politics is behind the delay. The label has been through two presidents in over a year and to make things even more complicated, Capital and Virgin merged together to form Captial Music Group. Letoya's manager don't want to rush to put out the release only for it to not receive that well as was the case with those poor Cherish sisters. They want to do things correctly. I'm not really sure about whether she'll ever go worldwide. The UK never picked up on her at all when she did minor promotion (she performed 'Torn' at the Mobo's back in 2006).
As of now, they're in discussion about picking a lead single for the top of 2009 and they have six lined up. Her manager also states that Letoya is still in the process of recording. Brand new producers that she's worked with in LA, Miami and NYC include Red One (produced Lady GaGa's 'Just Dance'), Fernando Garibay (produced Pussycat Doll's next single 'Bottle Pop'), and Dr. Luke (produced Katy Perry's 'I Kissed a Girl'). I'm also reading that she's worked with Coldplay.
Confirmed new writers for the project include Taio Cruz, Lady GaGa, Cathy Dennis, Claude Kelly, and The Writing Camp. Terry Ross also states that some of the songs on the forthcoming project will go in a different direction whereas other tracks will be like the ones on her first album like the 'Torn''s and so forth. Basically, they want this album to bring her more worldwide success like her peers.
I really hope we finally hear a new album next year and this whole situation doesn't escalate into a Mya/Motown and Amerie/Columbia situation. To my knowledge, Capitol doesn't have the best track record when it comes to their artists. Thanks for the heads up J. Mac.
Thursday, 14 August 2008
R&B SINGERS OUT & ABOUT.....
Solange Knowles attended a taping of MTV's FNMTV yesterday at Ren-Mar Studios in Hollywood, where she premiered her second video 'Sandcastle Disco':
The 22-year-old made her directorial debut with the vid to Sandcastle Disco which was written by Cee-Lo and produced by Soulshock & Karlin. The full vid will premiere TOMORROW when the show is aired. Somebody at the taping managed to recapture a short clip which you can check out here. The vid looks like a winner so far. I'm liking the dancing on the piano concept. It's the second single taken from her sophomore release, SoL-AngeL & The Hadley St. Dreams, due on August 26th. Her pal Michelle Williams also attended the taping.
This week, Letoya Luckett attended the 3rd Annual Ozone Awards in her native Houston, Texas:
Damn Toya. It looks like she's had more work done to her face. I can't believe how pretty she was in Destiny's Child to how she looks right now. She is one step away from looking like Lil Kim. Not a good look at all.
Here's a couple more flicks of Michelle at FNMTV:
She looks great, even if she does need a bit more meat on those bones. She makes her pal Kelly Rowland look like a fattie and we all know Kelly is as svelte as it comes.
Amerie and her long time boyfriend/manager Lenny Nicholson were spotted out and about tin Hollywood on Tuesday holding hands:
Looking good Amerie! Her and her boo were looking real good together. They've been together a hot minute.
Meanwhile, Lloyd hit up the MTV Tr3s Fashionista event in NYC:
He really needs to ditch the pathetic ponytails. Better yet, do a Trey Songz and Omarion and cut that hair right off!
PHOTO'S: WENN // GETTY // MTV
Monday, 11 August 2008
R&B SINGERS OUT & ABOUT.....
Kelis showed off an even brighter orange mushroom this weekend when she performed at the Way Out West music festival in Göteborg, Sweden this past Saturday:
The carrot top hair certainly didn't compliment that glistening bronze complexion and also, it tends to make her look older than her 28 years. Going back to the black/dark brown would certainly be a good look for her. On a positive note, she does have a great pair of pins!
Kelly Rowland was spotted on vacation at Nikki Beach Club in Saint-Tropez, France yesterday afternoon:
Kelly certainly looked chilled. I guess, she was making the most out of this break before being faced with a chuck load of work. Not only is she recording a new album but she also has a travel show to host as well.
Mel B and hubby Stephen Belafonte were spotted leaving STK in Hollywood over the weekend:
The two were all smiles and were really playful amidst recent reports that the two are constantly arguing due to his controlling ways. They seem to have such a fun relationship, or at least for public showing anyway. Mel recently confirmed that she is hoping to have children with the film producer who she married in June 2007. Hell, she may even have one sooner than expected since her hubby is pressurizing her to conceive. The Spice Girl has also been filming new US reality show 'The Singing Office'.
Letoya Luckett was spotted at Ibar in Houston, Texas this past Friday:
There's nothing concrete surrounding the 27-year-old's forthcoming release except that Danjahandz, J.R. Rotem, Pharrell Williams, Tricky Stewart, Teddy Riley, and Timbaland have all have made contributions to the project due out later this year. Or we can only hope. Thanks J.Mac.
Wednesday, 23 July 2008
R&B SINGERS OUT & ABOUT // JANET SUPERBOWL SCANDAL THROWN OUT OF COURT PLUS HER PARTNER IN CRIME JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE UPSETS BLACK FOLKS YET AGAIN.....
It's been a hot minute since I did an "R&B Singers Out & About" post. But I've been concentrating on putting out the new music posts as well since this is a music blog, and at times it can be quiet tough to keep up. HOWEVER, you can check out what some of our top R&B acts got up to this week. Yesterday, Ashanti was spotted at Top of the Rock - Rockefeller Center which took place in New York City, NY. Apparently, the 27-year-old was appointed the Ambassador Of Music And Nightlife for the event's Campaign:
The campaign involved Ashanti helping to bid bon voyage to winners of a Nassau County Tourism vacation. Four families from all over the world will enjoy a day in Nassau County. Ashanti has been everywhere as of late but she rocked it out and looked fierce.
She also did her co-hosting duties on BET's '106 & Park' late last week:
FIERCE! Once again. Finally, she finds a sexy black dress to accentuate her curvaceous figure. I wouldn't choose those shoes though but whatever rocks her boat I guess. She still looked fab. Despite new album 'The Declaration' under performing, it's good to know she hasn't given upon it just yet.
Aubrey hit up TRL:
Am I missing the memo or something? Since when did Aubrey officially launch herself as a solo member? Oh, I forgot. She's doing Broadway. Anyway, good news for you Danity Kane fans. Their video for 'Bad Girl' is set to premiere this coming Friday on FNMTV. About time too. But knowing Diddy, anything goes so we should just wait and see.
I posted the video of when Mariah Carey appeared on TRL yesterday, and here are a couple of behind-the-scene pics:
Mimi was looking good as she showed off her trim line figure and toned stomach. I'm just surprised hubby Nick weren't there since he accompanies her EVERYWHERE else like a little lap dog. I mean he is a lap dog and those pics of him at the chemist where he was seen on his phone to Mariah asking what laxatives to buy proves it as well as being seen in a HELLO KITTY store buying gifts for the missus. Some may say it's sweet but have you ever seen MC buying laxatives/Hello Kitty items? I'm sure she has her people on the job but now she got Nick to do the dirty work. I guess the secret is out as to how she got that nice figure.....
This week, John Legend and Estelle performed at the 26th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Concert Series which took place at Wingate Field in Brooklyn, NY:
Estelle looks.........
WEEKEND ACTIVITIES.......
Tamia and hubby Grant Hill attended the 9th Annual Art For Life Benefit Gala over the weekend:
Cute.
And last week, Kelis and her rapper hubby Nas were seen leaving a private party at the Villa nightclub:
Not feeling it.
More weekend festivities saw Kelly Rowland posing it up at T4 On The Beach red carpet, at Weston-super-Mare, UK:
Kelly rocked it out on T4 On The Beach. I hope we get to see more performances like that. She looked ace.
Usher attended UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas:
On the music front, his 3rd single will be 'His Mistakes' from latest album 'Here I Stand'. The song will impact radio on August 18th. Poor single choice but I don't give a rats ass about that album. As the album was weak, there aren't that much strong tracks for single choice to begin. Although I do like the Prince-inspired 'Tradin' Places' and it's better than 'This Aint Sex' which sucks. His wife is already planning to milk him some more by having more kids with him. Must be nice in deed.
Letoya Luckett hosted Beauty, Arts & Beats event at Club Bambou:
....doing the rounds as usual but she needs to be putting out that single. We've waited long enough.
Teairra Mari also performed for the ESPYs afterparty:
T is still hustling to get that album out.
Speaking of ESPYs I am glad Justin Timberlake ended up making a fool of himself, even if there were racist undertones associated to his "shucking and jiving" joke about Celtic Champ Paul Pierce:
Report: JT was reportedly teasing Boston Celtics basketball player Paul Pierce about his injured knee in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. In describing how Pierce quickly came back, Justin joked that Pierce was back on the court, "shucking and jiving."
The comment, which was cut out of the broadcast that aired Sunday night, was met with silence from the crowd when the show taped on Wednesday.
For those not in the know, "shuckin' and jivin'" is a slang term primarily used by African Americans referring to the speech and behavioural mechanisms adopted in the presence of authority figures. The term usually involves clever lies and impromptu storytelling, used to one-up an opponent or avoid punishment and originated in the era of slavery.
This news comes after Janet Jackson's 'Nipplegate' scandal at the Superbowl has been thrown out of court and there will be no fines accountable. Just when black folks got over how Justin Timberlake shunned Janet in her hour of need four years ago, he goes and fucks up once again.
Sunday, 20 July 2008
LETOYA LUCKETT COOKS WITH G. GAVIN & TALKS ABOUT NEW ALBUM.....
Yesterday, Letoya Luckett's episode of G. Gavin's cooking programme aired at 11am. In the clips, you see Letoya cooking up a meal with G in the kitchen:
Watching that will make your mouth water but I shiver in disgust at the thought of eating cold soup, eeewww! Never mind that I don't even like soup that much. On the music front, it's been quiet BUT in the last part she does talk about the new album and where she's been recording it. Letoya is expected to drop her album in the last quarter of 2008. One can only hope right? I say early 2009 but we'll see.
PART 2
PART 3
Monday, 30 June 2008
CELEB SPOTTINGS: R&B SINGERS OUT & ABOUT....
Fantasia Barrino celebrated her 24th birthday on Saturday at Dreamz ATL with her fella Young Dro as well as Kandi Burruss and Tiny from former R&B girl group Xscape:
.... and further emphasized why she's the ghettoist queen in R&B music. A big no no at those leg tats. WTF.
Trey Songz was also there to help Fantasia celebrate:
Trey is currently working on a brand new album to be released later this year.
R&B beauties Alicia Keys and Letoya Luckett attended the third annual Michael Strahan/Dreier LLP Charity Golf Tournament yesterday:
The event, which benefits Children’s Rights and Keep a Child Alive began with an Alicia Keys concert at Tao and concludes with a golf outing at Century Country Club in Purchase later today. I am loving Letoya's floral dress.
Here are a couple of pics of Alicia performing at the event:
Alicia has also revealed that she plans to retire her music career at 30 because she wants to spend the rest of her life travelling the world: The star often finds herself exasperated by the pressures of fame and in 2006 she took a break from music and travelled to Egypt to recuperate. And the Fallin' hitmaker insists that she hopes to be able to bow out of the entertainment industry in the next few years, so she can start enjoying her time. She says, "I am working hard now so I have the choice to retire when I want. I would like to travel the world and stay in places instead of having to move on like I do now. I want to experience difference cultures".
Keyshia Cole played a concert on Saturday at Bank Atlantic Center in Florida alongside Lil Wayne and T-Pain:
She looks good. But that's one HELL of a stage outfit. Not really feeling her eye make-up though but Keysh has come a looong way.
And Christina Milian was also spotted behind the scenes at the gig:
Christina knows she's cute.
Rihanna was seen putting her biker look to full explosion when she was spotted in LA departing Fred Segal Beauty Salon:
I actually dig this look.
Meanwhile, here's a couple more pictures of Letoya Luckett at the Women in Entertainment Empowerment Networks 'Don't Judge Me…EmPower Me' launch at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City:
.... R&B singer Mashonda, who is working on a new album also showed up with her cute son Lil Swizz Beatz. Lil Mama looks like a granny tranny I'm sorry.
ALLTHEPARTIES // JUST JARED // WIREIMAGES // GETTY
Sunday, 29 June 2008
CELEB SPOTTINGS: R&B SINGERS OUT & ABOUT....
Last night, Beyonce was spotted in the balcony watching her hubby Jay-Z (the headliner) play at Glastonbury Music Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts. The singer looked glam in jeans, heels and a green rain mac as she watched her hubby rock those Somerset crowds:
It was the first time in Glastonbury history that a rapper headlined the festival, much to the disapproval of Glastonbury concert goers and Noel Gallagher. The controversy is all down to angry fans disputing that Glastonbury is betraying its roots as a rock-music festival. This has sparked controversy and much debate over the last couple of weeks. The rapper also stayed upsetting Glastonbury organisers after constantly changing his travel plans ahead of his headline performance. He was due to arrive by helicopter early yesterday for a tour of the 500-acre site in Pilton, Somerset. But reportedly, Beyonce's entourage wanted to be driven in. A plan to fly Jay-Z to the festival by helicopter was finalised just hours before his 10.45pm performance.
Hilariously, the rapper took a dig at Noel by opening his act with Oasis' 'Wonderwall':
Despite all the dispute, the crowd seemed to love it. And so did Beyonce, who was seen jumping up and down throughout his other performances.
Last night, Letoya Luckett, MC Lyte and Teyana Taylor attended the Women in Entertainment Empowerment Networks 'Don't Judge Me…EmPower Me' launch at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City:
I wish Letoya would find a new look already. Anyway, here's a bit of info about the event: The Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network (WEEN) has emerged as the premiere organization for the education and empowerment of women worldwide. WEEN is spearheaded by stars and executives from the entertainment industry and advocates for the balanced, positive portrayal of women in entertainment and in society. Entertainment icons and executives discuss health, financial literacy, leadership, career development and relationships with thousands of young adults in a series of intimate, interactive panel discussions. WEEN was founded by the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network's (HSAN) Executive Director Valeisha Butterfield. The WEEN Advisory Board consists of hip-hop pioneer MC Lyte, TV personality Lauren Lake and television producer turned public school teacher Sabrina Thompson. Kimora Lee Simmons is the National Spokeswoman for WEEN. For more information and to join WEEN, log onto www.weenonline.org.
Blu Cantrell was spotted out and about in Beverley Hills yesterday doing some shopping:
It truly saddens me that this woman is putting all that damn talent to waste.
Wednesday, 18 June 2008
CELEB SPOTTINGS: R&B SINGERS OUT & ABOUT....
Rihanna had a star-studded album release party for her re-release Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded last night. The party took place at Guesthouse in New York City. Singers LeToya Luckett, Estelle and Teyanna Taylor amongst many others also attended:
Anyone would think she was celebrating her birthday with that massive cake but the reality is, it's been one whole year since Rihanna released Good Girl Gone Bad. And what's going on with Letoya's album? Never mind attending another singer's album release party, this should have been HERS.
Here are more folks that attended the party:
Looked like a hot one. I am just amazed her fella Chris Brown weren't there. These two never throw a party without one another.
Rihanna was also spotted leaving the TRL studio's this week:
Loving that denim jacket. Hotness.
Yesterday, Jennifer Lopez, hubby Marc Anthony and their twins Max and Emme jetted into Belgium:
The singer took time out of her busy schedule to surprise some of her biggest fans on Tuesday. She played a private gig to a group of 10 and 11-year-old kids from a Staten Island, New York elementary school for autistic children. In fact, they loved her song 'Let's Get Loud' so much that they learned all the lyrics and dance moves from the video. Jenny also attended their graduation where they performed her songs for her. Awesome.
Girlicious were also spotted at Perez Hilton's MuchMusic After Party over the weekend:
As the girls said a couple days ago, their album will be coming out in Canada first, on July 1st. According to 915TheBeat.com it will be out in US August 12th. They will have a new single out soon to promote it in the US as Like Me has officially flopped in the US. On another note 915TheBeat.com also says the album will have guest appearances by Flo Rida and Sean Kingston.
On June 16th, Ryan Leslie and LL Cool J were spotted at their first studio collaboration at Chung King Studio in New York:
Ryan is still putting further touches to his forthcoming album which will be out later this year.
WIREIMAGES // INFDAILY
Monday, 28 April 2008
LETOYA LUCKETT PERFORMS AT SOUTHERN BATON ROUGE SPRINGFEST CONCERT....
On Saturday (April 26th), Letoya Luckett performed at the Southern Baton Rouge Springfest concert on the Mayberry lawn. The former member of girl group Destiny's Child and platinum selling R&B songstress, best known for her 2006 hit Torn, performed a string of previous hits including Torn and She Don't. Check out the performances:
[Dey Know Freestyle, She Don't, and Obvious Acapella]
As well as those two tracks, Letoya also performed an acapella of her song Obvious and an acapella of How Do You Love Someone (Rumors). All those performances aren't in the same clip. Part two is after the cut. I will give her credit and say she sounded really good but the outfit as Teairra Mari would say, a no no no. Letoya's vocals are on point and she's definitely grown a lot as a vocalist. I also look forwards to her album (expected to be out before the end of the year). You should check her out in the second clip, throwing it down with the Lollipop dance. When you run out of ideas to sell yourself, what better way than to become a chicken and feed yourself to the fox.
PART TWO
[Lollipop dance, Torn, How Do You Love Someone Acapella (Rumors)]
Tuesday, 8 April 2008
CELEB SPOTTINGS: R&B SINGERS OUT & ABOUT....
Today is a huge day for latest Brit sensation Leona Lewis. Her album Spirit gets released today in the United States. Yesterday, the modest singer was spotted in New York City visiting MTV's TRL to promote the new album:
She was glowing and appeared to be excited about the release. It's already been reported that her manager Simon Cowell bought her a $5 million dollar mansion in LA, after she successfully got to no 1 with Bleeding Love. I can't even imagine what he'll buy her if Spirit manages to get to no 1 next week. I don't recall ANY man spending that type of money on a woman unless its his wife or attempted conquest. If he had the chance to get in those panties he certainly would.
On that same day, she made an appearance on The Sauce, Fuse TV, where she was interviewed by last years American Idol alum, Jared Cotter:
She looked nice in her cute lil outfit. It will be the icing on the cake if she succeeds in getting the no 1 album next week. Spirit wasn't overwhelming but it was okay for what it was worth. I am still rooting for Leona. I hope she has great sales.
Another singer who appeared on TRL yesterday was Usher, who premiered his brand new video Love In This Club. He was also on the show to talk about his forthcoming album Here I Stand, set for a May 27th release. Allegedly, Beyonce and her husband Jay-Z will appear on the set. Check out the star struck fan who couldn't refrain from breaking down in front of him:
She wasn't afraid that his wife would go Jekyll and Hyde on her ass? The overly insecure Tameka was right by her man's side when he jetted into New York to do a spot of promotion. She should have stayed her ass home with her feet looking the state that they did. In fact I've seen more crust on a loaf of burnt up bread. She's married to a multi-millionaire and still couldn't afford to buy herself some lotion.
Rihanna was photographed backstage at a Kanye West and Pharrell concert in Japan on April 4th:
The Umbrella singer also participated in the celebration festivities that was Pharrell's 35th birthday. She also did a concert out there in Japan as well. For someone who "can't perform for shit", the demands to have her gigging has been quite excessive lately. Let's not forget that half a million she was paid by Russian billionaire Oleg Deripaska to perform at a private New Year's celebration in Moscow back in January. Anyway, I look forwards to her Take A Bow video. And any new music she hits us up with in the future.
Solange and her cousin Angela Beyince were seen departing the Bloomberg Tower Building in New York City over the weekend (this is where Beyonce's apartment is situated):
Solange looked absolutely fabulous. For once. Usually, you'd see her wearing disastrous clothing that clash so badly, you get migraine. Green polka dots with purple stripes and whatever else that the fashion police should be called for. However, everything matched. Totally loving her stylish Christian Dior belt. Then again, this IS a rarity. Next week, she could be back to wearing, well, green polka dots and purple stripes. The talented songwriter has also co-written Michelle's upcoming lead single Break The Dawn, and will be releasing her own album Soul Angel & The Hadley Street Dreams this coming August.
Spice Girl Mel B previewed her new clothing line, Catty Couture this week:
What the hell is that? She can't be serious.
We haven't seen Letoya Luckett in a hot minute but she was spotted in Austin at the Texas Relays over the weekend:
Well, at least she switched up her hair. At first glance, I thought that was Amerie. Sometimes those two really look alike.
Brandy was spotted at her brother Ray J's album release party in Vegas over the weekend:
Chris Brown was spotted getting ready to depart from LAX universal Airport yesterday. He looked pretty chilled out:
Just when I thought his backpack days were well and truly over. It won't be long before he's seen partying it up with Rihanna, and denying their relationship over and over.... I think I'm over them already.
Blu Cantrell was spotted outside Mr Chows in LA last night:
It's been a long time but she needs to put out another album asap. It won't be long before she's put in the Christina Milian category, if she hasn't already. It's ashame because she's really talented and has one of the greatest voices today. Come back Blu!
Is romance brewing for Mario and his Dancing With The Stars partner Karina Smirnoff? Apparently, the two were spotted kicking it at Villa nightclub together last night:
