New Music: Miranda Brooke

Bu Vision/Def Jam Records Executive Bu Thiam, who also happens to be Akon's brother, recently let the world in on his new discovery. Miranda Brooke is a talented R&B singer who hails from Chattanooga, TN and preparing to warm the hearts of music enthusiasts. Her debut single "Hater", produced by Sham (Sake Pace) is a mid tempo jam that addresses emotions some of us do not often admit feeling.

"It's a song about ugly feelings," Miranda tells. "It's about jealousy, insecurity and weakness... but it's honest."

Music: Introducing: FAME

MBK Recording Artist FAME just released the video for his new single "Coy", off of his mixtape The Hybrid Season.

Building the hype even more about this talented artist will be his appearance during the Fall 2011 NYC Fashion Week. FAME will be featured as a celebrity model in AKOO Clothing's Spring 2012 presentation.

Check out FAME's new video and tell us what you think.

For more information about FAME log on to www.famethehybrid.com.

Music: Rihanna VS Beyonce

Rihanna released the new video for her single "Cheers" the same day that Beyonce released the video for her single "1 + 1". Both records are very different. "Cheers", a feel good party record and "1 + 1", a heartfelt ballad (some may think she is speaking of her relationship with Jay-Z in in the lyrics of this tune).

Following Beyonce's pregnancy revelation at the MTV Video Music Awards, all eye's are surely on her right now but take a look at both works and let us know which one you like the best.

Music: the Help Soundtrack

THE HELP has been getting rave reviews by critics and movie goers, alike. The best selling novel turned feature film is a story that audiences of all ages and backgrounds can go and see. Both entertaining and thought provoking, THE HELP also boasts a superb soundtrack led by the single "The Living Proof" by Mary J Blige.

Check out the official music video for the song.

Also check out the movie trailer for THE HELP and if you have some time over the weekend, take a trip to the theaters and catch this must see flick!!

Music: Jay-Z & Kanye West "OTIS" Music Video

Music: Syleena Johnson

R&B songstress Syleena Johnson has released the video for the first single off of her new album Chapter V: Underrated, due out this fall! The title of her album is so appropriate because Syleena is arguably one of the most talented yet underrated artists in the business. Her vocal capabilities and innate talent sets Ms. Johnson apart from the rest of the crowd.

Check out the new video for her single "A Boss"

Make sure you log onto ITunes and download the single and album when it drops!!

Til next week.... Enjoy!!

Music: Mary J Declares "It Ain't Over"

Mary J released a new video featuring DJ Khaled, Fabolous and Jadakiss for the new single, "It Ain't Over", off of her highly anticipated My Life II album.

Mary is making a statement with this new track. In the song, she says "Just when you thought I said all there was to say / I get the last word / It Ain't Over til' it's over". To the critics or those who thought she had outgrown her audience, Mary is returning strong and fearless; Looking and sounding better than ever.

For all of the Mary fans reading this post, I have a treat for you. Here's a clip of Mary's brand new song "Miss Me With That". I think I hear another hit!!!!

Image of Mary J Blige - Miss Me With That

Music: Monica: Honeymoon, New Single and Drama

There's been a lot of talk lately about Monica in the media... both good and bad. Congrats are in order for Monica and her husband Shannon Brown who recently celebrated their nuptials in a lavish ceremony (although, they have already been legally married since late last year).

Monica also recently dropped some new music. The single "Anything (To Find You)" was produced by Missy Elliott and features Lil Kim and Rick Ross. However, with the good also comes some bad news. Mo's new single features a Notorious BIG sample and Biggie's mother, who owns the rights to his collection, does not want the record released with Lil Kim on it. SO you may hear a few versions of the song in the coming weeks, without Lil Kim.

Monica actually took some time while on her Honeymoon (which I hear was a surprise gift from Monica's fam Ludacris) and tweeted letting her fans know they are trying hard to work things out. She mentioned that she has a lot of love for Lil Kim and the utmost respect for Volletta Wallace and hopes they can release the song in it's original form.

For all the Monica fans out there.. take a listen to the original record and leave your thoughts and comments.

Music: Introducing: Shaliek Rivers

Introducing - Shaliek Rivers.

The name might sound unfamiliar to some of you but Rivers has been in the music business for a while and has paid his dues. Heavily influenced by Michael Jackson, Sam Cooke and Stevie Wonder, among others, Shaliek's vocal range and presence has garnered him the honors of having performed with the legendary James Brown and winning not once, but several times on Showtime at The Apollo.

Shaliek has written with some of the best in the business. He's collaborated with B Cox, Alicia Key's, The Underdogs and countless other hit makers. Rivers is currently finishing work on his new, forth coming debut album.

Take a listen to Shaliek River's brand new single, "The Perfect Storm". Also follow Shaliek on Twitter @shaliekrivers.

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Music: Missy Elliott: The Back Story

Missy Elliott's presence in music has really been missed. No artist can match the creativity and out of the box style that Missy puts down on record. She's released hit after hit and has penned chart toppings singles for some of the biggest artists ever. But she's been off the radar as of lately.

It was only revealed recently that she has been struggling with Graves disease.

“There have been some inaccuracies reported in regards to my diagnosis with Grave’s Disease, so I wanted to clear things up. I was diagnosed with Grave’s Disease about three years ago but it really hasn’t slowed me down at all. I rocked my performance on VH1 Hip Hop Honors’ tribute to Timbaland last year. I’ve written and produced a bunch of Grammy-nominated, #1 hits for artists like Keyshia Cole, Monica and Jasmine Sullivan. I toured the UK, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. And on top of all that, I’m working on my new album. I feel great. Under my doctor’s supervision, I’ve been off medication for about a year and I’m completely managing the condition through diet and exercise.”

Missy has continued to tour despite her personal struggles. Elliott will tell her story in her own words for the world to hear on VH1’s “Behind the Music”, premiering this Wednesday, June 29 at 10 p.m.

Music: Marsha Ambrosious

Marsha Ambrosious recently released the new video for her single and title track of her album, "Late Nights / Early Mornings". Marsha has become known for not only creating beautiful music but also for her thought provoking and socially conscious music videos.

Take a look and tell me what you think...

Music: Songs in A Minor - 10 Years Later

On June 28th, Alicia Key's will release a Deluxe Edition of her debut album, Songs in A Minor, in celebration of the classic album's 10 Year Anniversary.

Originally released in June 2001, songs in A minor sold more than 11 million albums worldwide and earned Keys with her first five, of 14 total, Grammy® Awards including Best New Artist, Best Song of the Year for "Fallin," and Best R&B Album.

Keys will commemorate the 10th Anniversary of her debut by performing an intimate concert for her fans at New York City's historic Beacon Theatre on June 30. The show, titled "Piano & I: A One Night Only Event With Alicia Keys," will feature Keys accompanied only by her piano.

For more information, details and updates, visit www.aliciakeys.com.

Music: RL The Return of The Voice

RL, one third of the hit making R&B group Next, has returned with a brand new mix tape titled Return Of The Voice. Hands down, one of the most talented singer and songwriters in the business, RL has kept busy writing for other artists and touring since we last heard a Next record or even an RL solo song. What better time than now, when music in many peoples opinion has become pretty stagnated. RL reminds listeners what made him a top selling artist and songwriter in the first place.

Check out RL's video for "Gangster of Love".



Also make sure you log on and download RL's mix tape The Return of The Voice on datpiff.com.

Music: H-Town

H-Town is coming back with a new album and a strong lead single, "I Appreciate You". The group, now a duo after the untimely passing of founding member Dino in 2003, has had a long history of hits including one of their most well known songs, the classic love making song "Knocking The Boots". As of lately, remaining members G.I. and Shazam still tour around the world to sold out crowds and are preparing the release of their new full length album.

Check out the video for "I Appreciate You".

Music: Faith Sings Farewell To Her Marriage

It has been reported over the weekend that Faith Evans has filed for divorce from her husband of over 12 years, Todd Russaw, who has also served as her manager, overseeing every aspect of her professional career for the same length of time.

It is being rumored that Faith is seeking sole custody of the children she and Russaw share and wishes to extend visitation rights to her ex. Word has it that the two have been separated for some time now. I wonder what Faith's next move will be professionally and if she will hire a new manager, or will the pair remain business partners.

Let's take a minute and forget about Faith's marital issues and remember back to when Faith first came out with her debut album. Check out her video for the single "Soon As I Get Home". This song is classic!!

Music: Maybach Music: Self Made

OK RICK ROSS fans, the moment you have all been waiting for, the Maybach team album"SELF MADE" is in store and on iTunes now. Yes I bought this album and I listen to it. I'm feeling this album because Rick Rose is on fire right now, burning the Hip-Hop industry up. Of course the whole Maybach team is on there Meek Millz, Walle and Pills and some other guest feature's such as Jadkiss, J Cole and Jeremih are on the album as well. My favorite tracks right now are "Ima Boss" and of course "Tupac Back" (track number 2). Rick Ross just signed a Label Deal with Warner Brothers. Don't even remember his beef with 50cent any more, I guess Ricky Rose' can't be stopped. Everyone must go out and buy this album, no free down loads and if you do steal it still buy it. 1Billy

Music: Too Cool To Care

Well Hip Hop heads fresh blood has been drawn - new music from the NEW BOYZ with a new album called Too Cool To Care. These dude's are on to something with a sound similar to Black Eye Peas and with look like Kid Cudi. There music is definitely worth listening to. With songs like "better with the lights off" featuring Chris Brown, of corse it's going to be a smash hit with Chris on it. The song is basically saying when they bring a chick home at night, she look better with the lights off... WOW!!! I was wondering why they bring Ugly chicks home, I would think if the chick was a dime you would want the lights on. Anyway check it out, you can listen to this album with lights on or off. The choice is yours. You can purchase New BOYZ new album Too Cool To Care on iTunes.

Music: Welcome Back Showtime At The Apollo

Rumor has it that Jamie Foxx will be bringing back one of my (and hopefully yours) favorite TV shows. Showtime At The Apollo aired in households around America for years. We tuned in to watch the special guest performers and to watch the new talent compete each week for a chance to perform the following week. Ultimately, one contestant would win for the season, gaining a lot of very necessary exposure. And didn't we love when Sandman Sam would come out and run the wack contestants off the stage as the crowd would "boo".

Word has it that Jamie Foxx will produce an adaption of the hit TV series for the BET Networks.

Share your thoughts... what do you think about Showtime At The Apollo coming back? and share some of your favorite moments from the show! Tell me... who do you think was the best host?

for more on music and entertainment, check out The Celebrity Journalist

Music: Lady Gaga... Gone Too Far?

Have you all seen the new video for Lady Gaga's single "Judas"? Many religious rights organizations, conservative groups and other judgmental folks are slamming Gaga for the new single but if you listen closely to the lyrics in her song, she isn't saying anything that is Anti-Christian. Being a devoted Christian myself, I took a look at the video and listened to the song after having preconceived notions due to the media frenzy. However, as I listened to the song, it is really about a young girl who can't seem to love the right man and she continues to go back to her "Judas" that betrays her and does her wrong.

Take a look and judge for yourself.

Music: Kelly

Kelly Price returns with her brand new, self titled CD Kelly. Price just released a new video just in time for the album's release. Kelly's been on the scene for a while and is a true testiment to the power of real R&B music. Music with feeling, sentiment and meaning.

Check out Kelly Price in her duet with Stokley (of Mint Condition) for the song "Not My Daddy".