1. She Got Her Own

2. Go On Girl

3. Because of You

4. Miss Independent

5. Closer

Case in point: the dance opus "Blackout". (Why does everything come back to Britney this week?) Yes, it's the least successful Britney CD saleswise, and I'm sure that part of that has to do with leaks and downloads, but if you look at the single releases, they were collectively more successful than "In The Zone". Britney's only had one hit bigger than "Gimme More", and that's "Baby One More Time", her only #1. What's the common theme of the singles on "Blackout"? It's dance music, bitch.

A month ago, I found myself at 3 am slightly intoxicated at Charlie's in Chicago, hanging with a good friend who was on the make. After a year of living in Lansing, it was great to be in a big-city club playing big boy music, and I was just taking it in. The music was bangin' all night, but when "Closer" came on, the place really lit up, and I found myself on the dancefloor by myself for the one and only time of the night. There was something so liberating about that 7 minutes or so of escapism through dance, and I reveled in it. Gone were the worries about the upcoming move, the pending unemployment, and the final cords being cut on a long-term relationship. In their place was joy, exhilaration, and celebration.

"And I just can’t bring myself away
But I don’t want to escape
I just can’t stop"

Dance music has power, and it's that power that draws people to it in times of despair and crisis. The mental, emotional, and physical release can be healing.

Of course, I look at this as an American, where dance music seems to seep its way underground more often than not, but this is the same country that rallied behind "disco sucks" in the late 70s. I am often jealous of my counterparts in other countries who enjoy dance music in the mainstream on a regular basis. If all goes according to plan, though, the US will be experiencing a dance renaissance not seen since the mid 90s, when tracks from the likes of Real McCoy, C+C Music Factory, La Bouche, Haddaway, and Crystal Waters were ruling the airwaves. I leave you with a video that arguably represents that period better than any other.

I have interviewed Ne-yo a few times now and everytime he is mad cool, humble and honest (even when I ask nosey questions like the last booty call he had). We spoke about alot of stuff including sueing R Kelly, supporting his girl Rihanna, the new album and his love for expensive clothes.

On R Kelly:

“I haven’t spent the 700 grand that he paid out to me, do you wanna go out for lunch and shopping after…(laughed)

"Jay Z told me from the get go to not go on tour with R Kelly, but I didn’t listen I thought you know that’s Jay’s beef maybe R Kelly will be cool with me.  Well I was wrong and Jay couldn’t wait to tell me so, I remember he walked into the office and just looked at me it was funny but he was right.  I thought so much of R Kelly before this happened I still think he is a legend musically but personally he is a rude dude and the couple of new songs he has put out recently have been garbage”

On Rihanna:

“I’m so proud of her, she is doing her thing I can remember the first time we met we clicked straight away and she was telling me about her friend who was unfaithful that’s how that song came about.  She felt comfortable with me straight away. she doesn’t focus on the haters we both are doing our thing and making our music as popular as possible”

He added:

“My new film Venice Beach should be out later this year and it’s based kinda on my life much like Eminems 8 Mile and one of the names in the mix to be my co-star is Rihanna, so watch this space”

Chris Brown and Rihanna:

“You know it’s like J and B they never talk about their relationship you see the pictures in the papers and you have to respect that and think what you want.  They are both 2 people I have alot of love for”

On Being Single:

“I’m really fussy now I gotta find the right girl, still looking.  It’s funny alot of girls have been trying to holla at me since my success.  2 very famous girls over the last 3 months have tried but I have said no because 3 months ago they didn’t wanna know but now with all the success they want a piece of me.  I do like independent girls that can buy their own drink and don’t need a man to take care of them all the time”

Check out the full interview here.

Trey Songz - Talk About The Girls

Get it in Trey! Hott track!

Drake - Sooner Than Later

Not a bad track...Needs a little more work though.

More music after the jump....

Joe - Heavy

A Joe classic! Love it!

E-40 Feat Ne-Yo - Competition

Not a bad song. Check it out!

Ace Hood Feat T-Pain, Rick Ross, & Juelz Sanatana - Ride (Remix)

Hott Collabo! Love this track!

Ciara - Work (CD Quality Version)

Love this track! Missy is missing from the song though...

Slim (Of 112) - When We Dance

Hmmm...We vote NO on this one. Ryan Leslie's version sounds better. The song does not fit Slim's voice at all.

Lloyd - Me & You (Prod. By Jazze Pha) (Full)

Not a bad track but needs more work. The song is not finish in its entirety as of yet.

London - Stereotype

Hott joint by the homie London!

Stay Fly!

20. Maino ft. Trey Songz - Hood Love (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqmqtnPei1k)

19. Nas ft. The Game - Makes The World Go Round (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fm8eYp_Sxw)

18. 50 Cent - Get Up (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93PAo_QSpKk)

17. Lil Wayne - Mrs. Officer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQswF9cwFe4)

16. Mims ft. Trey Songz - Donkie Booty (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEjqvbIp_o8)

15. Kanye West - Love Lockdown (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXUzuk_wd0k)

14. Ja Rule ft. Vita - Something New (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJ0y23aKkW4)

13. The Game ft. Lil Wayne - My Life (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCpC7-RiCgU)

12. T.I. ft. Rihanna - Live Your Life (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFlhDSxiF4o)

11. Ludacris ft. T.I. - Wish You Would (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yOyXgHGTpU)

10. Jay-Z - Swagga Like Us (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ai-5r9I4V1s)

09. Ne-Yo - Miss Independent (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wtm8v6MryBk)

08. Ja Rule - Ladies (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oyex8ZZD3Gw)

07. Mike Jones - Cuddy Buddy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Xs71IhnfHY)

05. Ashanti - Good Good (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffrtdLR1B7Q)

04. Slim - So Fly (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWaJQ9uJnBk)

03. Young Jeezy - Vacation (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObM-yO3GuZ4)

02. Usher - Trading Places (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MosgE9y81Q)

01. Maino - Hi Hater (remix) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PX6y1uJ16IQ)

Ok I remember when I was younger and these dudes were out. Really wasn't my flow but they were big, pause. But I have to admit, New Kids On The Block's their new song and video, "Single" featuring Ne-Yo is MEANNN. The beat is crazy and the collabo is perfect. Check out their official site for more info...NKOTB

[vodpod id=Groupvideo.1650948&w=425&h=350&fv=config%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.buzzcuts.com%2FgetVideo%2F3205]

Ne-yo has recently collaborated will Hip-Hop Artist Fabolous and Actor/Singer Jamie Fox to develop the "remix" to Ne-Yo's single Miss Independent. Check out the video called "She got her own".

Well, it just may become a reality. The R&B crooner says he and the wackadoo rock star are totally serious about collaborating.

"It's going to be interesting," Ne-Yo said the other night at the L.A. premiere of The Secret Life of Bees. "I have no idea what we're going to do, what it's going to sound like. Just Ne-Yo and Marilyn Manson in the same room—we're going to figure something out."

Ne-Yo said he was approached by Manson's people after he boasted in a media interview that he's so flexible, he could even write a song for the rocker.

[Source: Yahoo! News]

The R&B of today has a Club/Techno influence in the beats. Artists like Ne-Yo, Usher, and Chris Brown all have an Electronica influence. It is evident in their singles, such as Ne-Yo's "Closer", Usher's "Love In This Club" and Chris Brown's "Forever". I am a fan of all these songs.

The one thing that I miss in today's R&B is Soul.

This is where Raphael Saadiq comes in.

Raphael Saadiq in his latest solo venture is a fine masterpiece in today's R&B climate. To many people, they may say "This sounds like what my parents listen to". And yes, that is true.

In Raphael Saadiq's latest album, "The Way I See It", it truly brings back that 60's and 70's soul. You can hear the influence that he has from groups in that are from the Temptations all the way up to The Stylistics.

Some of his guests are Joss Stone, Stevie Wonder and Jay-Z on a remix. If you love that soulful sound as much as I do, pick up this album and you won't be disappointed. The stand out track for me is "Oh Girl" which is an obvious tribute to The Stylistics.

Saadiq's album fits very well into today's climate of R&B, but sadly you probably won't be hearing it much on the radio. You may catch some of the songs if you have an all R&B station, or on the Quiet Storm. The cover is a great throwback to Vinyl Cover's of that era, especially with the monotones and limited color pallete.

I recommend you pick up this album, it's been out for a few weeks.

My Rating: 4.5 Stars out of 5

My favorite track is below: "Oh Girl" (Remix) Featuring Jay-Z

And just as a bonus, you can hear the similarities in The Stylistics' vocals

The Stylistics - "You Are Everything"

-----------Copied from Yahoo! News-------------------

Los Angeles (E! Online) - Can you picture it: Ne-Yo jammin' onstage with Marilyn Manson?

Well, it just may become a reality. The R&B crooner says he and the wackadoo rock star are totally serious about collaborating.

"It's going to be interesting," Ne-Yo said the other night at the L.A. premiere of The Secret Life of Bees. "I have no idea what we're going to do, what it's going to sound like. Just Ne-Yo and Marilyn Manson in the same room—we're going to figure something out."

Ne-Yo said he was approached by Manson's people after he boasted in a media interview that he's so flexible, he could even write a song for the rocker.

Ne-yo appeared on the Tyra Banks Show and he talked about the Diva Antics of R. Kelly during the now notorious 'Double Up' Tour.  I believe that Ne-yo was being very straight up about what he was subjected to.  I heard about the drama that R. Kelley, may have been a little hating because Ne-yo was getting good reviews, he didn't want him to have a dressing room and told him that his people could dress on the bus.  But I never heard that if R. Kelly was walking down the hallway, there was a 'Code Blue' announcement and everyone else had to clear the hallway.  Are you serious?  That is so crazy and unnecessary.  I don't get it.  Anyway, Ne-yo came off as very likeable. 

He also talked about his negative preconceived notions about working about with Lindsay Lohan and how she shocked him with how well she rocked the song.

Lastly, he talked about he came up with his sound and the inspiration that helps him write such great lyrics that we can relate to and basically he draws from his experiences of being the heartbreaker and also the heartbreakee.

In short, good interview and performance.  As I have said before, Ne-yo always looks and acts like he has loved ones some where and he doesn't want to embarrass himself or them.  I appreciate that!

Modelville is a reality show within The Tyra Banks Show that stars a woman who chased another woman with another woman's weave as well as that woman who got in a fight with Tracy Turnblad and, well, Renee (who seems relatively normal compared to the other four).

(I like the concept of that idea so much that I need to draw a header for it, complete with "Sponsored by Carol's Daughter" tagline.  But not today...sometime this weekend.)

File Under: She's not Baby Iman, Like, Ever

I think by this rate Fats doesn't even care now, but the graphic stays.

File Under: Apparently I'm Supposed To Like Her, But I Don't, Not Really, But I'm Sure She's A Nice Girl

Tyra, in desperate need of dramaz among Top Model alums, found it in Bianca's weird-ass fight with Nikki Blonsky and family in Turks and Caicos. You can read an abridged version here (and I agree with all who say that this is only Bianca's side and not the Blonskys').

Some other stuff:

• Bianca is apparently a Cycle 9 "fan favorite."  Funny...I despised her because of her anti-Heather edit.  Not to mention that I like Lisa better.  But, you know, that's just my opinion.
• Her mother's still in the hospital, "black and blue."  But she's recovering.
• The Blonsky/Golden case is still pending and has been rescheduled.  Bianca had to miss jobs because of it but her agency's supportive.

And, of course, Tyra's drama orgy continues.

File Under: Serious Downer News

Renee was out in LA for a while trying to pursue her modeling career, child by her side, when she left in part because of the dangerous neighborhood she was living in; a baby was shot dead near her residence.

But Tyra feeds on drama.  She needs something larger to exploit.  Hmm...

File Under: Serious Maury News

Dominique's boyfriend impregnated another woman.  Weaker women (Jade included) may freak the fuck out, but Dominique's handling it somewhat well.  I say somewhat because of Dominique's possibly nervous laugh after Tyra mentioned that Dom could be a "stepmama."

File Under: No, Really, Tyra Said This, Not Dominique.

(possible paraphrasing:) "It's good the child isn't stepping into a hurricane."

Oh, and while we're on you, Tyra, for the third time already, YOU OWE DOMINIQUE A TOOTH.

File Under: Um, No.

Because Fats and Lauren haven't been in the news fighting other 'celebrities,' living in possibly dangerous neighborhoods in LA or dealing with unfaithful boyfriends, Lauren's news of having to move back with her mother (I think it was hinted in this interview she did back in 2007, prior to the start of filming Cycle 10) and Fats' (lack of) modeling income are lumped together near the end of the 30-minute segment.

The only possibly offensive thing Tyra said: She called Lauren a creature. Yes, just like McCain called Obama "that one" in last night's debate.  I mean, how does Tyra not know that this was the Creature?

Lauren never did Who Wants to be a Superhero. Duh.

File Under: Lauren's Awesomeness

Ne-Yo is waiting to be interviewed on Tyra's show.

• He gets a hug from Renee.
• He gets a hug from Dom.
• He gets a hug from Lisa Price, founder of Carol's Daughter.
• Lauren freaks out when she sees Ne-Yo and doesn't hug him, opting to wave instead.

I'd mention some Ne-Yo references from Crunk + Disorderly but I'm scared that Fresh will try to get me for "swagger-jackin'" or something.  You ever heard that Essence/Ne-Yo gay rumor? The Ne-Yo reference plays off of that.

***

Judging by the trailer for the show-within-a-show, I'm guessing that Lauren's awesomeness (i.e. vomiting out some green liquid at an open mic event) is going to cost her the $50 grand.  But I think Lauren's awesomeness will make Modelville. Trust me.

Speaking of, I should revise my Modelville introduction:

About Modelville The Lauren Utter Show

Modelville The Lauren Utter Show is a reality show within The Tyra Banks Show that stars Lauren Utter, a woman who chased another woman with another woman's weave as well as that woman who got in a fight with Tracy Turnblad and, well, Renee (who seems relatively normal compared to the other four).

Now I can watch Modelville The Lauren Utter Show!

Can you picture it: Ne-Yo jammin' onstage with Marilyn Manson?

Well, it just may become a reality. The R&B crooner says he and the wackadoo rock star are totally serious about collaborating.

"It's going to be interesting," Ne-Yo said the other night at the L.A. premiere of The Secret Life of Bees. "I have no idea what we're going to do, what it's going to sound like. Just Ne-Yo and Marilyn Manson in the same room—we're going to figure something out."

20. Bow Wow feat. Soulja Boy - Marco Polo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bi40powiPrc)

19. Ja Rule feat. Vita - Somethin' New (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJ0y23aKkW4)

18. Akon - Right Now (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6qyInSLM7s)

17. Ashanti - Good Good (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffrtdLR1B7Q)

16. T-Pain feat. Lil Wayne - Can't Believe (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jT_fnAjZNDY)

15. The Game feat. Lil Wayne - My Life (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCpC7-RiCgU)

14. Mike Jones - Cuddy Buddy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Xs71IhnfHY)

13. T.I. - Whatever You Like (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQJACVmankY)

12. T.I. feat. Rihanna - Live Your Life (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMt1uuEsj00)

11. Kanye West - Love Lockdown (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXUzuk_wd0k)

10. Jay-Z feat. Lil Wayne - Swagga Like Us (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ai-5r9I4V1s)

09. Mims feat. Junior Reid - Barock Star (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoS25kBldHU)

08. Lil Wayne feat. Bobby Valentino - Mrs. Officer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQswF9cwFe4)

07. Ja Rule - Ladies (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oyex8ZZD3Gw)

06. Young Jeezy - Vacation (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObM-yO3GuZ4)

05. Jay-Z - Dope Boy Fresh (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMWrqcm_C0Y)

04. Ne-Yo - Miss Independent (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wtm8v6MryBk)

03. Ludacris feat. T.I. - Wish You Would (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yOyXgHGTpU)

02. Usher - Trading Places (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5V4R5ZoJy4&feature=related)

01. Maino feat. Jadakiss - Hi Hater (remix) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PX6y1uJ16IQ)

Jennifer Hudson debuts at number two with her self-titled album, which sold 217,000 copies. Robin Thicke debuts at number three with Something Else, which sold 137,000 copies.

James Taylor debuts at number four with Covers, which sold 95,000 copies. Metallica falls four spots to number five with Death Metallic, which sold 86,000 copies (which is a 34% decrease in sales from last week).

Ne-Yo falls three spots to number six with Year of the Gentleman, which sold 70,000 copies (which is a 15% decrease in sales). Kid Rock's Rock N Roll Jesus holds steady at number seven, selling 56,000 copies.

Jack's Mannequin debuts at number eight with The Glass Passenger, which sold 49,000 copies. Kellie Pickler debuts at number nine with her self-titled album, which sold 43,000 copies. Jazmine Sullivan's Fearless falls four spots to number ten, selling 42,000 copies (which is a 35% sales decrease from last week).

This week's sales (7.47 million units) is up 15.7% from last week, but down 16.1% from the same week last year.

She played the song for me. Here it is on youtube.

Just in case you couldn't make out the lyrics:

I fantisize because there's nothing more,
From a distance, I do adore,
You are her property and she is yours,
Nothing I could do...

But close my eyes and watch us dance,
Together,
Underneath the cherry moon,
Your another womans man,
In my mind
It's only you and me
It drives me crazy
I just wanna stand up and scream

Tonight I will steal you away
(Oooooh ooooh)
All I want is just one taste (Oooooh)
All that I want to do
Forbidden fruit

I got to get up quick,
Before she catch me starin at his lips,
They look like wine, I want to take a sip
Nothing I can do...

But close my eyes and watch us dance,
Together,
Underneath the cherry moon,
Your another womans man,
In my mind
It's only you and me
It drives me crazy
I just wanna stand up and scream

Tonight I will steal you away
(Oooooh ooooh)
All I want is just one taste (Oooooh)
All that I wanna do

It's something I should'nt
Ooh, the room is startin to spin
Gimme your hand, forget your girl
Let's go somewhere and commit a sin

Tonight I will steal you away
(Oooooh ooooh)
All I want is just one taste
(Oooooh ooooh)

Now, as gay as I think Ne-Yo is, I didn't really think it sounded like his voice. That is not the same Ne-Yo I hear on his cd or when I suffer through one of his live performances. The voice sounded as if the person wasn't really trying to sing. Nothing like what a famous performer would produce to be heard by the public.

I did like I always do when things confuse me. I googled. I started to notice that Shakira's name came up a lot in association with this song, but you noticed her voice isn't present. My first thought was that maybe it was meant to be a duet and that was Shakira's part. He sang it to her so she could hear his vision and then they decided not to do the song. PS didn't agree. We went back and forth for a little bit. Logically, it doesn't make sense for Ne-Yo to make a song outting himself without making some kind of formal announcement. PS's logic was that the song is so underground, he didn't really out himself.

I kept digging and came upon a forum that was discussing this song. One person reminded us that Ne-Yo is a songwriter. Duh! It's amazing how we forget that a lot of these new singers originally started behind the scenes. The story is this: Ne-Yo originally wrote the song for Shakira. He performed the song so it could be shopped around. Shakira heard the song and decided not to move forward with it. End of story. Makes sense, right?

Anyways, I'm not a Ne-Yo fan, but his new cd is actually good. It's very grown and mature. It's worth at least one listen. For the record, it hurt to say that...Ugh...

Jennifer Hudson stepped out to the premiere of "The Secret Life Of Bees" last night at The Academy of Motion Arts & Sciences in Beverly Hills last night. Nia Long was looking sexier than a mutha. Will Smith, Jada, Queen Latifah, Sanaa Lathan, Jill Marie Jones, Eva Pigford, Neyo, Tyrese, and a few others all attended the premiere.

For more pics