SLEPT ON... RYAN LESLIE

Am I the only one that didn't get the memo? Where's the marketing for this project? I honestly didn't know Ryan Leslie dropped his new album Transition last week (just 9 months after releasing his debut album). I clearly haven't listened to this album yet since I didn't even know it was out. I'm wondering why the hurry to release another record especially after the lackluster sales of the first one. I'm actually a fan of Ryan Leslie. But sometimes when I hear his songs I think oh this would be great on so and so (insert male R&B artist name here). If only so and so (insert male R&B artist name here) had this Ryan Leslie song. Maybe this will be the album to get him out there and really create a buzz. Here's the first single. I like it. Thoughts???

Ryan Leslie - New Music - More Music Videos

SATURDAY SOUL... ERIC ROBERSON

I'm a huge fan of Eric Roberson (HEY E!). Loving this duet with Lalah Hathaway (fan of hers too). Check it out. If you don't have his latest album Music Fan First you need to cop it. It's on iTunes.

This is another one of my favorite Eric songs. It's also a duet, with Jilly from Philly. Isn't good music timeless and classic?!? Enjoy!

CHRIS BROWN TELLS HIS SIDE...

I finally watched Rihanna's interview with Diane Swayer last night. I think it's good that she finally opened up about the situation. A lot of her fans were waiting for some sort of response from her. Not that RiRi owes anyone an explanation but young girls do look up to her so she is a role model of sorts. To be honest I'm more interested in Chris' side of the story. Rihanna is the victim in the situation. I know people have their own opinions on who did what. But legally she is the victim. Check out Chris' interview with MTV's Sway. This aired yesterday. I'm assuming it was his camp's form of damage control. I think now that the stories (both sides) are out we can all move on and get back to criticizing their MUSIC. No more posts about this situation for me. I feel like Rihanna and Chris Brown have learned their lessons and are moving on. So should we.

MARIAH... STILL SEXY???

I remember when Mariah Carey came out with her first album. She was classy and classic, very pop princess. Fast forward to a few years later, she breaks free from Tommy Mottola (her husband and head honcho at Sony) and lets it all hang out, literally! She kicked up the sex appeal which was unnecessary since we all know she's a talented singer and can probably shatter glass with those piercing high notes! I digress. So now she's married again and put on a few pounds (they say marriage does that to you) yet Mimi still shoots a video in her swim suit. I personally think the suit cut is not the most flattering. Of course Mariah's catching flack for wearing it. Note: I didn't post the not so nice picture of her junk hanging out. My question is when does an artist stop being a sex symbol? How do you break away from that sexy image after you've fed into it for years? I'm not saying Mariah looks terrible but I don't think this was a good wardrobe choice. She still looks good for 40! You weigh in...

50... BABY BY ME

50's latest single "Baby By Me" features Ne-Yo and the video has a cameo from singer Kelly Rowland. Thanks Trend Setter for sending me the link to this one. "Baby By Me" is catchy. I'm not mad at it. I do find the lyrical content to be ironic. The hook is "Have a baby by me baby/Be a millionaire." Wasn't it 50 that didn't want to increase his baby mother's child support? They fought it out in court and he of course won. So ladies pay attention. Having a baby by him will NOT in fact make you a millionaire. I digress. Are you anticipating 50's album? Is he still relevant?

50 Cent - New Music - More Music Videos

THE BATTLE OF THE ALBUM COVERS... CB VS RIRI

The album artwork for Chris Brown's upcoming release Graffiti is pictured above. I'm giving this one a thumbs down. It's weird and not in a good unique way. The cartoon and the fugly space suit (yes I said it's fugly) is all too much for me. Does he even play guitar? Let alone any instrument? Guitar Hero does not count boo boo! :)

Now on the other hand, former flame Rihanna's album cover for Rated R is fierce! It's beautiful and edgy. She's high fashion and avant garde. I love it. The black and white, the make up-- it all just works. I may not be feeling her new single "Russian Roulette", but she never disappoints when it comes to her image!

What are your thoughts? Weigh in? Whose cover are you feeling? Whose single do you like better?

PRISCILLA RENEA... YUMMY POP

I'm a little late but I really like Priscilla Renea! Loving that she's not your typical Beyonce clone. No offense to all the Beyonce clones out there. But it's nice to see a Black female artist doing something other than the R&B, long weave, sexy siren thing. I digress. Priscilla Renea is a singer/songwriter from Florida. She started out posting YouTube videos of herself singing then went on MTV Say What? Karaoke (which of course boosted her YouTube hits) and the labels came calling. Her story is kinda similar to that of Dondria (JD's artist). Priscilla is set to drop her debut album Jukebox on December 1st. Can't wait to hear the album. For more about Priscilla, check out the feature on Billboard.com...

http://www.billboard.com/column/undergound/priscilla-renea-prepares-jukebox-debut-1004023227.story#/column/undergound/priscilla-renea-prepares-jukebox-debut-1004023227.story

Love the single "Dollhouse," it's yummy POP!