Adam Lambert performs "Whataya Want From Me"!

Adam Lambert continues on the promo trail for his debut album, "For Your Entertainment". Peep him performing his latest single, "Whataya Want From Me" on So You Think You Can Dance and let me know what you think!

Album Review: Alicia Keys - The Element of Freedom!

So like many of you, I recently went out and purchased Alicia Keys's new album, "The Element of Freedom". After listening to it quite extensively, I thought I'd do a quick review on it.

1. Element of Freedom (Intro)

2. Love Is Blind

This is definitely something a bit different for Keys and probably results from her collaboration with Jeff Bhasker. While I wasn't initially a fan of the song, it has grown on me.

3/5

3. Doesn't Mean Anything

This was first single off the album, while it didn't perform on the charts it's certainly not a bad song. I like to think of it as "No One (Part 2)" because of the similarities in the beat, but the lyrics are a great listen too.

3.5/5

4. Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart

Another interesting collab with Bhasker. This has definitely grown on me and I was hoping to see it shoot up the charts as the second single but it looks as if it has suffered the same fate as "Doesn't Mean Anything".

4/5

5. Wait Til You See My Smile

This is one of my favourites off the album. The lyrics are outstanding and the vocal arrangements are tops. I really like the drum arrangements and I was surprised to see Swizz Beats in the credits, props to him!

4.5/5

6. That's How Strong My Love Is

This is another one of my favourites. The piano driven track is simple yet effective and the strings add great emotion.

4.5/5

7. Un-Thinkable (I'm Ready)

I didn't really get into this track. The beat does nothing for me and it's a bit too 'dreamy' for me.

2.5/5

8. Love Is My Disease

This is a bit of a shift from Alicia's usual style, but I like it. There's a great guitar riff which adds a bit of an island vibe to the track. Again, another solid vocal performance.

3.5/5

9. Like The Sea

I'm on the fence about this one, I originally liked it now I'm not too sure how I feel. It's definitely something different but it gets a bit repetitive.

3/5

10. Put It In A Love Song - feat. Beyonce

On paper this is probably one of the most exciting collaborations to ever take place. Some have described the track as "Get Me Bodied (Part 2)" which comes from Swizz Beats's involvement. While I like the collaboration it's not the 'FIRE' I was expecting from two of the biggest female artists in the game. I do however think the "...Work it out, gotta work it out..." breakdowns are incredibly infectious and dance provoking!

3.5/5

11. This Bed

This is a great track. It's simple and catchy with clever lyrics and another great vocal.

4/5

12. Distance and Time

This one also cracked my 'favourites' list. The track features incredible lyrics which are so relevant and meaningful. It's a great piano driven track with a soft drum influence.

4.5/5

13. How It Feels To Fly

For me, this is the best track on the album. I love the metronome and the piano loop. The vocal is outstanding and again the lyrics are tops. The addition of the choir near the end is also great and really brings further meaning to the track. Incredible!

5/5

14. Empire State of Mind (Part 2)

It's great to hear a different version of this track. I'm not overly fond of it and I do prefer the original, but props for trying.

3.5/5

My favourites:

Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart

Wait Til You See My Smile

That's How Strong My Love Is

Put It In A Love Song

This Bed

*Distance and Time*

*How It Feels To Fly*

Mariah Carey performs "It's A Wrap"!

In what comes as a bit of surprise, Mariah Carey stopped by the George Lopez show to perform "It's A Wrap" from her latest album, "Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel". Peep the performance below and let me know what you think!

I really enjoyed this performance. I thought Mariah really showcased some of her signature vocals and shutdown any doubts of her ability to still perform live. While I'm a bit confused as to why she chose this song to perform, it was refreshing to hear another track from the album. What did you think of the performance?

Video Premiere: Jay-Z & Mr. Hudson "Young Forever"!

The video for the fifth single, "Young Forever" featuring Mr. Hudson off Jay-Z's latest album, "The Blueprint 3" has premiered. Peep the Anthony Mandler directed clip below and let me know what you think!

The Return of JoJo!

Teen superstar, JoJo has been busy recording her third studio album tentatively titled, "All I Want Is Everything". Rap-Up recently caught up with her and spoke about the upcoming project. Peep the interviews below.

Mariah Carey Shoots "Angels Cry" & "Up Out My Face"!

With a release date of 23 February, Mariah Carey has begun filming the videos for two singles off of her upcoming remixes album. Peep pictures from the "Angels Cry (Remix)" feat. Neyo video below and from the "Up Out My Face (Remix)" feat. Nicki Minaj video above and let me know what you think!

Both videos look like winners and to say I'm excited to hear the remixes of the tracks would be an understatement. Lets hope this gets the "Memoirs" project some much needed attention!

Leona Shoots "I Got You"!

Leona Lewis has been hard at work promoting her sophomore album "Echo". She was snapped filming the video for "I Got You" a few days ago. Peep a picture from the set below and let me know what you think!

Shock: Tina Files for Divorce!

Tina Knowles has apparently filed for divorce from longtime husband, Matthew Knowles. The pair are best known for bringing Destiny's Child and Beyonce to fame. I'm not sure how this will affect their working relationship, but personally I think this is the best move for Tina. I've never been overly fond of Matthew and the stories of his misconduct within the industry are endless.

Sade Returns!

Peep one of the first pics of Sade in years at a listening party for her upcoming album, "Soldier of Love" below. Let me know what you think!

Toni Braxton: Pulse!

Toni Braxton has been hard at work prepping an upcoming album due for released on 8 February. Over the past few months we've been hearing a lot of leaks from the project and now, there are enough leaked tracks to make up an entire album. Again, I won't be posting links to the tracks, but I really recommend you try get to listen to them if you're someone who enjoys listening to REAL music. I've put together a tracklisting for the album tentatively titled "Pulse", I have no idea if any of these tracks will appear on the album but there is some promising material here.

1. Get Loose

2. Yesterday

3. I Hate Love

4. Wardrobe

5. Don't Call Just Text

6. Hands Tied

7. Woman

8. Rewind

9. Stay

10. Make My Heart

11. Melt (Like An Iceberg)

12. Heart Never Had A Hero

13. Clockwork

14. Don't Leave

15. Not A Chance

16. Looking At Me

17. It's You

18. The Wave

19. Pulse

20. Yesterday (feat. Trey Songz)

*NB: "Don't Call Just Text" was never officially recorded by Braxton, I like the demo and thought it would be a good inclusion on the album.

Mariah Carey Update!

While "Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel" has fallen off the charts, Mariah Carey still continues to promote the album recently announcing the release of not one, but two remix albums due in February. One is said to be dance orientated while the other will rely heavily on collaborations from some of today's hottest artists. The first single to be released from the collaborations album will be "Angels Cry (Remix)" which is said to feature Neyo and will be released on 4 January.

In other news, an official tour, "Angel's Advocate" has been announced. The tour is relatively short and will see Carey visiting only 19 cities. I think that's probably a great idea, her voice is no longer strong enough to support a long tour. Tidbit: What I'd do for a VIP Meet & Greet Package to the Madison Square Garden show is unthinkable!

Usher: Raymond vs. Raymond!

Peep the official cover for Usher's upcoming album, "Raymond vs. Raymond". The album is due 1 March and is now lead by the single, "Hey Daddy (Daddy's Home)" after "Papers" was described as a 'buzz' single. Listen to the lead below and let me know what you think!

Mary J. Blige - Stronger With Each Tear!

Mary J Blige's new album, "Stronger With Each Tear" has leaked. The album is due 22 December and features collaboration from Drake, Trey Songz and T.I. I'm not going to post the link to the album (you know my rules), but I'm sure you'll find it if you look. I haven't listened to the album yet, but "Kitchen" is proving to be my favourite.

Blogging Resumes!

Sorry about the lack of posts lately, I'm back up and running so expect a lot of updates!

Kyle :)

MJB: "I Am" Video Premiere!

The video for "I Am", the lead single off Mary J Blige's upcoming album, "Stronger With Each Tear" has premiered. Peep the clip below and let me know what you think!

MC: H.A.T.E.U. Video!

Mariah Carey gets her beach on in the video for "H.A.T.E.U.", the latest single to be released off her flop album, "Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel". Peep the Brett Ratner directed clip below and let me know what you think!

Out of all the videos that these two have done together, "H.A.T.E.U." definitely tops the boring list. It frustrates me when a single which has potential is not given proper promotion and therefore suffers badly on the charts. I don't think the Memoirs Remix album is going to help much either.

Preview: MJB's "Stronger With Each Tear"!

Mary J. Blige will release her ninth studio album, "Stronger With Each Tear" on 22 December. You can now preview all twelve tracks here. Let me know what you think!

New Sade: Soldier of Love!

After 8 years, Sade premieres her new single, "Soldier of Love". Listen to the track here and let me know what you think!

This is undoubtedly a grower. No one touches Sade!

New Music: Toni Braxton!

With the festive season upon us, I have been incredibly busy getting organized for Christmas Day. I haven't forgotten about the blog, but yes posts have been slow. This however, is something I just had to post. A few months back three snippets appeared from Toni Braxton's upcoming album. My favourite, "Hands Tied" has now leaked in full! Listen to the track below and let me know what you think!

Thanks to *MyMusicBoxMix*

MJB: "Stronger With Each Tear" confirmed tracklisting!

The official tracklisting for Mary J. Blige's upcoming album, "Stronger With Each Tear" has been released. Peep it below and let me know what you think!

1. "Tonight"
2. "The One" (featuring Drake) (writers: Mary J. Blige, Aubrey Graham) (producer: Darkchild) — 3:57
3. "Said and Done" (writer: Ryan Leslie) (producer: R. Leslie)
4. "Good Love" (featuring T.I.)
5. "I Feel Good"
6. "I Am" (writer: Blige, Johntá Austin) (producer: Stargate) — 3:28
7. "Each Tear"
8. "I Love U (Yes I Du)"
9. "We Got Hood Love" (featuring Trey Songz) (writer: Blige, Johntá Austin) (producer: Stargate)
10. "Kitchen"
11. "In the Morning"
12. "Color" (from the Motion Picture Precious) (writer: Blige, Raphael Saadiq, LaNeah Menzies) (producer: Saadiq) — 5:32

This should be another solid offering from the HipHop/Soul Queen! I'll definitely be picking up my copy on 22 December, will you?

New Music: Toni Braxton!

This is becoming a bit much. Another song has leaked from Toni Braxton's "Pulse" sessions. While I'm exstatic to hear new material from the Grammy award winning superstar, I can't help but think that all these leaks will push her to delay the album release (February 2010). Anyway, take a listen to "Don't Leave" here and let me know what you think!

J. Lo on Ellen!

After falling during her performance at last month's AMAs, Jennifer Lopez stopped by Ellen and performed her new single, "Louboutins". Peep her performance as well as a brief interview below!

Leona Lewis: "I Got You" Live!

Leona Lewis performed her new single, "I Got You" on the UK National Lottery. Peep her performance below and let me know what you think!

Grammy Nominations 2010!

The 2010 Grammy nominations have been announced. Beyonce scores 10 nominations followed by Taylor Swift with 8 and Black Eyed Peas, Kanye West and Maxwell with 5 a piece. Peep the list below and let me know what you think!

Album of the Year

Beyoncé – I Am… Sasha Fierce

Black Eyed Peas – The E.N.D.

Lady Gaga – The Fame

Dave Matthews Band – Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King

Taylor Swift – Fearless

Record of the Year

Beyoncé – “Halo”

Black Eyed Peas – “I Gotta Feeling”

Kings of Leon – “Use Somebody”

Lady Gaga – “Poker Face”

Taylor Swift – “You Belong With Me”

Song of the Year

Beyoncé – “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)”

Lady Gaga – “Poker Face”

Maxwell – “Pretty Wings”

Kings of Leon – “Use Somebody”

Taylor Swift – “You Belong With Me”

Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals

Black Eyed Peas – “I Gotta Feeling”

Bon Jovi – “We Weren’t Born to Follow”

The Fray – “Never Say Never”

Daryl Hall & John Oates – “Sara Smile”

MGMT – “Kids”

Best Rap Solo Performance

Drake – “Best I Ever Had”

Eminem – “Beautiful”

Jay-Z – “D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune)”

Kid Cudi – “Day ‘N’ Nite”

Mos Def – “Casa Bey”

Best Rock Album

AC/DC – Black Ice

Eric Clapton & Steve Winwood – Live From Madison Square Garden

Green Day – 21st Century Breakdown

Dave Matthews Band – Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King

U2 – No Line on the Horizon

Best New Artist

Zac Brown Band

Keri Hilson

MGMT

Silversun Pickups

The Ting Tings

Best Female Pop Vocal Performance

Adele – “Hometown Glory”

Beyoncé – “Halo”

Katy Perry – “Hot N Cold”

Pink – “Sober”

Taylor Swift – “You Belong With Me”

Best Male Pop Vocal Performance

John Legend – “This Time”

Maxwell – “Love You”

Jason Mraz – “Make It Mine”

Seal – “If You Don’t Know Me By Now”

Stevie Wonder – “All About the Love Again”

Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals

Rosanne Cash & Bruce Springsteen – “Sea of Heartbreak”

Ciara & Justin Timberlake – “Love Sex Magic”

Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat – “Lucky”

Willie Nelson & Norah Jones – “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”

Taylor Swift & Colbie Caillat – “Breathe”

Best Pop Vocal Album

Black Eyed Peas – The E.N.D.

Colbie Caillat – Breakthrough

Kelly Clarkson – All I Ever Wanted

The Fray – The Fray

Pink – Funhouse

Best Dance Recording

Black Eyed Peas – “Boom Boom Pow”

David Guetta & Kelly Rowland – “When Love Takes Over”

Lady Gaga – “Poker Face”

Madonna – “Celebration”

Britney Spears – “Womanizer”

Best Female R&B Vocal Performance

Beyoncé – “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)”

Melanie Fiona – “It Kills Me”

Lalah Hathaway – “That Was Then”

Ledisi – “Goin’ Thru Changes”

Jazmine Sullivan – “Lions, Tigers & Bears”

Best Male R&B Vocal Performance

Anthony Hamilton – “The Point of It All”

Maxwell – “Pretty Wings”

Musiq Soulchild – “Sobeautiful”

Pleasure P – “Under”

Charlie Wilson – “There Goes My Baby”

Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals

Jamie Foxx & T-Pain – “Blame It”

India.Arie & Musiq Soulchild – “Chocolate High”

Musiq Soulchild & Mary J. Blige – “Ifuleave”

Robert Randolph & The Clark Sisters – “Higher Ground”

Calvin Richardson & Ann Nesby – “Love Has Finally Come at Last”

Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance

Beyoncé – “At Last”

Anthony Hamilton – “Soul Music”

Boney James & Quinn – “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight”

Ann Nesby – “Sow Love”

Calvin Richardson – “Woman Gotta Have It”

Best R&B Song

Jamie Foxx & T-Pain – “Blame It”

Jazmine Sullivan – “Lions, Tigers & Bears”

Maxwell – “Pretty Wings”

Beyoncé – “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)”

Pleasure P – “Under”

Best R&B Album

Anthony Hamilton – The Point of It All

India.Arie – Testimony: Vol. 2, Love & Politics

Ledisi – Turn Me Loose

Maxwell – BLACKsummers’night

Charlie Wilson – Uncle Charlie

Best Contemporary R&B Album

Beyoncé – I Am… Sasha Fierce

Jamie Foxx – Intuition

Pleasure P – The Introduction of Marcus Cooper

Trey Songz – Ready

T-Pain – Thr33 Ringz

Best Rap Performance By a Duo or Group

Beastie Boys & Nas – “Too Many Rappers”

Eminem, Dr. Dre & 50 Cent – “Crack a Bottle”

Fabolous & Jay-Z – “Money Goes, Honey Stay”

Kid Cudi, Kanye West & Common – “Make Her Say”

Kanye West & Young Jeezy – “Amazing”

Best Rap/Sung Collaboration

Beyoncé & Kanye West – “Ego”

Keri Hilson, Kanye West & Ne-Yo – “Knock You Down”

Jay-Z, Rihanna & Kanye West – “Run This Town”

The Lonely Island & T-Pain – “I’m On a Boat”

T.I. & Justin Timberlake – “Dead and Gone”

Best Rap Song

Drake – “Best I Ever Had”

Kid Cudi – “Day ‘N’ Nite”

T.I. & Justin Timberlake – “Dead and Gone”

Jay-Z – “D.O.A. (Death Of Auto-Tune)”

Jay-Z, Rihanna, & Kanye West – “Run This Town”

Best Rap Album

Common – Universal Mind Control

Eminem – Relapse

Flo Rida – R.O.O.T.S.

Mos Def – The Ecstatic

Q-Tip – The Renaissance

Best Song Written for Motion Picture, Television, or Other Visual Media

Miley Cyrus – “The Climb” (From Hannah Montana: The Movie)

Paramore – “Decode” (From Twilight)

A.R. Rahman, Sukhvinder Singh, Tanvi Shah, Mahalaxmi Iyer & Vijay Prakash – “Jai Ho” (From Slumdog Millionaire)

Beyoncé – “Once in a Lifetime” (From Cadillac Records)

Bruce Springsteen – “The Wrestler” (From The Wrestler)