Soccer World Cup 2010!

The Soccer World Cup begins in my home country, South Africa today! The whole country is alive with excitement and to be honest its probably the proudest moment our country has had for a long time. The opening ceremony was held in Johannesburg and some world class performers came out to support the event.

Shakira performed the official World Cup Anthem, "Waka, Waka" and was joined onstage by one of the country's most respected groups, "Freshlyground". If you get a chance, check out some of their music, namely, "I'd Like" they've got a great sound.

Music Video Premiere: Alicia Keys - "Unthinkable (I'm Ready)"

Alicia Keys has released the fourth single, "Unthinkable (I'm Ready) from her album "The Element of Freedom". Peep the Jake Nava directed clip below and let me know what you think.

Although I like this song, I'm a bit lost as to why it was released as a single. Personally, I think the label should've gone ahead with the release of "Put It In A Love Song" featuring Beyonce as this would've probably had far better commercial success. What do you think of Alicia's single choice?

AK & BK shoot "Put It In A Love Song!"

Alicia Keys and Beyonce Knowles are in Brazil shooting the video for their collaboration "Put It In A Love Song". Peep pictures from the set as well as a behind the scenes clip below and let me know what you think!

This could possibly be one of the most anticipated videos of 2010, lets hope it lives up to the expectations! Tidbit: "Telephone" was also shot recently and this Gaga/Bey collaboration is also proving to be one of the most highly anticipated videos of the year. Both clips feature Beyonce, you go girl!

Alicia & Beyonce in Brazil!

Two of the biggest females in the game are currently in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to shoot a video for their collaboration, "Put It In A Love Song". The video will be shot on 9 February against 'the backdrop of Rio's landscape' said to be 'carnival themed'. Listen to the song below and peep the stars in Brazil above.

I'm quite excited to see what the outcome of this shoot will be. While I wasn't initially overwhelmed by the track, I do think it's a good effort and I'd be interested to see how well the song does on the charts. With the right promotion, it certainly has the potential to be a Top 10 hit. What do you think of the collaboration?

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*

Alicia Keys on GMA!

With the release of her fourth studio album, "The Element of Freedom" drawing nearer, Alicia Keys took to the GMA stage to perform a few songs from the upcoming album. Take a look at the performances below and let me know what you think!

Tidbit: This is me admitting that "Broken Heart" is growing on me. Shh!

AMAs: Alicia Keys!

Alicia Keys performed "Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart" at the AMAs. Watch it below and let me know what you think!

AMAs: Jay-Z & Alicia Keys!

Jay-Z and Alicia Keys teamed up again at the AMAs to perform their hit, "Empire State of Mind". To put it simply, this performance was incredible!

Alicia Keys performs "Broken Heart" on DWTS!

With the release of her album drawing nearer, Alicia Keys is out and about promoting her current single, "Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart". Peep her performance of the track on Dancing With The Stars below and let me know what you think!

Alicia Keys - Element of Freedom Tracklisting!

A rumoured tracklisting has been floating around the web for Alicia Keys's upcoming album, "The Element of Freedom". Peep it below and let me know what you think!

1. The Element Of Freedom (Intro)
2. Love Is Blind
3. Doesn’t Mean Anything
4. Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart
5. Wait Til They See My Smile
6. That’s How Strong My Love Is
7. Unthinkable (I’m Ready)
8. Love Is My Disease
9. Like The Sea
10. Put It In A Love Song feat. Beyonce Knowles
11. This Bed
12. Distance And Time
13. How It Feels To Fly
14. Empire State Of Mind (Part II)

*Source: Urban Bridgez

Interestingly enough, Beyonce is the only feature on the album. It seems like Jay-Z won't be appearing on "Empire State of Mind (Part 2)" either. I was hoping for a John Mayer addition too, I really liked "Lesson Learned" from "As I Am" and I think they work well together because they both have an incredible understanding of music. Anyway, I'll still be picking up my copy on 15 December, will you?

Alicia Keys - Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart Video!

The video for the second single, "Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart" off Alicia Keys's upcoming album, "The Element of Freedom" has debuted. Peep the Syndrome (Eminem, Black Eyed Peas) clip below and let me know what you think!

With Keys as a superhero, the concept is certainly interesting. I'm still not a fan of the clip, I find the split screens a bit distracting and the resurrection of the dog at 1:18 was a bit over the top. I'm also not feeling the song. I don't think this is going to chart much higher than her current single, "Doesn't Mean Anything" which has only reached #60 on the Billboard Hot 100. Maybe she'll be third time lucky.

Alicia Keys: The Element of Freedom Cover!

The cover for Alicia Keys's upcoming studio album, "The Element of Freedom" has officially been released after an alternate one appeared a few days ago. Peep the incredible artwork below and let me know what you think!

Alicia Keys: Element of Freedom promo pics!

Peep the rumoured cover for Alicia Keys's upcoming album, "The Element of Freedom" above. The cover is will most likely change which probably won't be a bad idea. Other promo pics from the project have also surfaced, peep them below and let me know what you think!

AMAs Lineup!

The lineup for the American Music Awards has been announced. The show will air on 22 November and is set to include performances by Mary J. Blige, Shakira, Jay-Z, Rihanna, Green Day, Keith Urban, Lady GaGa, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Lopez, Adam Lambert, Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood.

With confirmed performances from some of the biggest names in the industry the AMAs are set to stun again. Speaking for myself, the AMAs are undoubtedly near the top of my list for annual music awards shows. I'll definitely be tuning in to watch the show when 22 November comes around.

Alicia Keys films "Broken Heart"!

Billboard magazine went behind the scenes on Alicia Keys's new video for the second single, "Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart" off her upcoming album, "The Element of Freedom". Peep the clip below and let me know what you think!

The concept of the video sounds pretty interesting. In related news, "Doesn't Mean Anything" has really failed to make an impact on the charts currently peaking at #60 on the Billboard Hot 100. Regardless of the commercial success of the album, I'll definitely be getting my copy of "Freedom" when it hits stores, will you?

Top 5 Songs of the Moment!

In no particular, these are the top songs I've been listening to at the moment.

1. I Got You

Leona Lewis

2. Up Out My Face

Mariah Carey

3. That's How You Like It

Beyonce feat. Jay-Z

4. Yesterday

Toni Braxton

5. Empire State of Mind

Jay-Z feat. Alicia Keys

What have you been listening to?

New Music: Alicia Keys!

A snippet of a track from Alicia Key's upcoming album, "The Element of Freedom" has leaked. Listen to it below and let me know what you think!

The track, "Dreaming" is exactly what the name suggests, dreamy. Keys uses an airy register which I don't think we've heard from her before. The track seems pretty average, sounds more like an album cut to me.

Alicia Keys performs at NYU!

The very talented Alicia Keys recently performed at New York University. Peep the performances below and let me know what you think!

Empire State of Mind Music Video!

Jay-Z and Alicia Keys join forces for the first time on "Empire State of Mind" to produce one of the hottest songs to be released this year. The Hype Williams directed video has now premiered, watch it below and let me know what you think!

Hype always does an incredible job, and this is no exception. The video is cut really well and is somewhat of a homage to Jay. Both of them look great in the clip, and for the first time in a while, Jay looks really happy.

The second single from Alicia Key's upcoming album, "The Element Freedom" has hit the net. Titled, "Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart" the track is another slow jam which doesn't stray too far from her previous work and has a "Like You'll Never See Me Again" element to it. Listen to the track below and let me know what you think!