Album Review #33

Album Review #33

Artist:Sam Smith
Album: In The Lonely Hour
Album Rating:4/5
Standout Tracks: "Money On My Mind", "Leave Your Lover", Stay With Me", "Im Not The Only One" "La La La"

Usher Announces World Tour & Releases New Track "Believe Me"

Usher Announces World Tour & Releases New Track "Believe Me" 

If you watched the 2014 MTV VMAs last sunday, you saw Usher perform "She Came to Give it To Me,” with Nicki Minaj. Both Nicki and Pharrell make appearances in Usher's new video for the song. The "Good Kisser" singer also announced the details for his upcoming tour, The UR Experience, which includes stops in LA, Dallas, New Orleans, Toronto, New York, Atlantic City and Orlando. What now what seems like it could be a Confessions 2.0, Usher has dropped a new track titled "Believe Me" Produced by Mike WiLL Made It. Check out the tour trailer and song below.

Chris Brown Reveals Tracklisting For Upcoming "X" Album

Chris Brown Reveals Tracklisting For Upcoming "X" Album

Chris Brown’s long-awaited sixth album, "X", is on
the way. After announcing its Sept. 16 release date,
 Breezy now drops the album’s promising tracklist. 
In addition to singles “Loyal” and “New Flame,” 
X includes collaborations with R. Kelly (“Drown In It”)
 and Akon (“Came To Do”). The singer will release 
a 17-track standard edition as well as a 21-track 
deluxe version.

The album also includes a collaboration Brown noted last year: a track titled “Autumn Leaves” featuring Kendrick Lamar.

"Me and Kendrick on 'Autumn Leaves,' it's more of a sit 
in your car and ride-to record. It's a real laid-back 
record, but it's also a substance record," he told MTV. 
"It's basically saying [that] you put in so much to 
get so little. Whether it be in relationships or 
just in life, you work hard for something all the 
time and get so little, but you still hold on, 
like the last leaf in autumn."

X also has a feature from Trey Songz (“Songs On 12 Play”), 
who was recently announced as a co-headliner on an upcoming
 tour with Breezy. The album’s deluxe edition includes
 previously released tracks “Love More” featuring Nicki Minaj,
 “Don’t Think They Know” featuring Aaliyah and “Fine China.”

Peep the full tracklist for Chris Brown’s X below:

1. “X”
2. “Add Me In”
3. “Loyal” (Feat. Lil Wayne & Tyga)
4. “New Flame” (Feat. Usher & Rick Ross)
5. “Songs On 12 Play” (Feat. Trey Songz)
6. “101 (Interlude)”
7. “Drown In It” (Feat. R. Kelly)
8. “Came To Do” (Feat. Akon)
9. “Stereotype”
10. “Time For Love”
11. “Lady In a Glass Dress (Interlude)”
12. “Autumn Leaves” (Feat. Kendrick Lamar)
13. “Do Better”
14. “See You Around”
15. “Don’t Be Gone Too Long”
16. “Body Shots”
17. “Want You To Want Me”
Deluxe Edition:
18. “Lost In Ya Love”
19. “Love More” (Feat. Nicki Minaj)
20. “Don’t Think They Know” (Feat. Aaliyah)
21. “Fine China”

Prince To Release 2 New Albums In September

Prince To Release 2 New Albums In September

 Prince has been unusually busy lately, touring Europe with his band,3rdeyegirl, starting his own publishing company and negotiating a contract with Warner Brothers, the label that released his earliest albums, in which he gained control of his early master tapes and agreed to return to Warner after an 18-year absence. He has spent some time in the recording studio as well, and released a teaser, “Breakdown,” in April.

It turns out that he has been as prolific as ever: Today, 3rdeyegirl turned up on “Good Morning America”(without Prince) to announce that Prince would release two new albums  his first since 2010  on Sept. 30.

One of the albums, “Plectrumelectrum,” was recorded with 3rdeyegirl, in which Prince’s bandmates are Donna Grantis on guitar, Ida Nielsen on bass and Hannah Ford Welton on drums. The album was recorded the old-fashioned way — live in the studio, using analog recording equipment. Prince fans in Britain who attended his recent concerts there have heard some of the album’s 12 songs.

Art Official Age track list:

1. "Art Official Cage"
2. "Clouds"
3. "Breakdown"
4. "The Gold Standard"
5. "U Know"
6. "Breakfast Can Wait"
7. "This Could Be Us"
8. "What It Feels Like"
9. "Affirmation I & II"
10. "Way Back Home"
11. "Funknroll"
12. "Time"
13. "Affirmation III"

The other album, “Art Official Age,” is a Prince solo project, produced by Prince and Joshua Welton. It features 13 tracks, including the recent single:

Plectrumelectrum track list:

1. "Wow"
2. "Pretzelbodylogic"
3. "Aintturninround"
4. "Plectrumelectrum"
5. "Whitecaps"
6. "Fixurlifeup"
7. "Boytrouble"
8. "Stopthistrain"
9. "Anotherlove"
10. "Tictactoe"
11. "Marz"
12. "Funknroll"

Jessie J, Ariana Grande,& Nicki Minaj Open 2014 Vmas

Jessie J, Ariana Grande,& Nicki Minaj Open 2014 Vmas

Jessie, Nicki, and Ariana kicked off the 2014 MTV VMAs with a BANG and a wardrobe malfunction! This is Musiq Nation where I'm bringing you all the highlights from the MTV Video Music Awards from The Forum in Inglewood. 

The “Bang Bang” ladies performed together, but each had their own solo spot before singing together. Jessie J flexed her impressive vocals first wearing this super sexy short white dress that had these slits on the side that revealed some mysterious Jessie cheek action. Ariana then joined her after a quick costume change clearly upping her sexy factor with this a black and white leotard with thigh high black boots. I see you girl. Wait, but the real talk of this performance was when Nicki Minaj walked out on stage clearly not finished with her costume change! She was literally holding her dress together in the front so that her boobs wouldn’t pop out! (Not that this would have been something new!) Holy wardrobe malfunction. She shoulda just started singing her rap verse from backstage! But she was like “Screw it” I’m getting out there with my girls! Props to professionalism. The VMA’s never disappoint with the shock factor. It’s inevitable. What did you guys think of the “Bang Bang’ opening performance? And do you think that wardrobe malfunction was accidental? OR ON PURPOSE? Sound off in the comment section below and check out a 30 second peek at their mind blowing performance.

Beyonce Sexy Video Vanguard Medley Performance MTV VMAs 2014

This is not real life you guys. It’s Beyoncé’s world and we’re just living in it. Welcome to Musiq Nation where I'm bringing you all the highlights from the 2014 MTV VMAs. Queen B closed the show with a killer medley performance fit for a queen and needing NO introduction. B was being honored with the highest honor of the night, the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award for her expertise in music video artistry. 

Including that astonishing moment, Beyoncé performed flawlessly for 16 minutes, songs from her most recent visual album including Rocket, Mine, Haunted, Jealous, Blow, Drunk In Love, Partition, No Angel, Yonce, Blue, and XO and holy set list it was perfect. 
Beyonce kicked off the set with “Haunted” and had these beautiful muses posed around her looking very serene. And then worked it with her back up dancers during her “Blow” performance. This is how rompers were meant to look people. Bey brought along the dancing twins from her tour for the performance and they did their thing as B set up for a jaw dropping performance of “Drunk In Love”. Her back up dancers were on risers resting on their heads while holding themselves up with full on middle splits in the air. Cirque de soleil shiz. And on top of all that, they were covered in glitter body paint. This took yoga and acro to whole other level. It was crazzzy, And you know she whipped out the “Partition” lounge dance! The fact that she does that live is ridiculous. Then she did the “Partition” pole dance and everyone in The Forum wished they were that pole. Okay but the moment that stole everyone’s heart was when the camera cut to Jay and Baby Blue and she was straight up doing single ladies with her hand! I can’t with this. Queen B also did the Nicki remix version of Flawless, followed by a “Blue” montage, and finished it up with an emotional performance of “XO” dedicated to the fans. Then the most perfect thing that could have ever happened in the history of life when Jay and Blue came on stage to give B love, and then Blue spoke into the microphone and said “Good job mommy!” I died. So much perfection. I think I’m just now coming back to life after taking it all in. B was so genuinely thankful and happy and can I just say that that Jay and B lip lock did not look artificial. Divorce rumors put to rest. What did you guys think of Queen B’s performance? If you didn’t like it, then you need to be virtually punched in the throat because it was flawless. Sound off in the comment section below

Nicki Minaj Twerking “Anaconda” Performance MTV VMAs 2014

Nicki Minaj twerked off the 2014 MTV VMAs with an “Anaconda” snake-free jungle girl party! This is Musiq Nation coming at you with all the MTV Video Music Award highlights. Nicki started her performance in a rainforest space ship like this.

That triggered the fierce strut-to-stage walk and Nicki greeted us commoners and her snake alien backup dancers. Nicki herself was dressed in a neon green leaf inspired sequin crop top and high waisted shorts. Soon after Ms. Minaj arrived on the jungle themed stage we’re treated to a little reenactment of the “Anaconda” music video and this particular chair dance sequence.

You KNOW they had to have that impressive floor twerk in there and some girl on girl action! The rest of the performance was filled with twerking and dancing. I gotta say her playful attitude was on point with the silly Baby Got Back motivated song. PS- my favorite part was when she picked her wedgie Real real real. Ok did Nicki’s “Anaconda” performance live up to your Barbz expecatations?

2014 MTV Video Music Award Winner's List

2014 MTV Video Music Award Winner's List

They're back! After a headline-making 2013 awards show complete with twerking and foam fingers, music's biggest stars hit Inglewood, Calif. on Sunday, Aug. 24, for MTV's 2014 Video Music Awards. 

The VMAs kicked off with Beyonce leading the night with eight nominations, including nods for Video of the Year for "Drunk in Love" with her beloved Jay Z, Best Female Video for "Partition," and Best Video With a Social Message for "Pretty Hurts." She was also one of the top-billed performers. 

Other top nominees included Eminem, Iggy Azalea, and Katy Perry.

Video of the Year:Iggy Azalea ft. Charli XCX – "Fancy"
Beyonce ft. JAY Z - "Drunk In Love"
Pharrell Williams - "Happy"
Sia - "Chandelier"
Miley Cyrus - "Wrecking Ball"

Best Hip Hop:Eminem - "Bezerk"
Drake ft. Majid Jordan - "Hold On (We're Going Home)"
Childish Gambino - "3005"
Kanye West - "Black Skinhead"
Wiz Khalifa - "We Dem Boyz"

Best Male:Pharrell Williams - "Happy"
John Legend - "All Of Me"
Ed Sheeran ft. Pharrell - "Sing"
Sam Smith - "Stay With Me"
Eminem ft. Rihanna - "Monster"

Best Female:Iggy Azalea ft. Charli XCX - "Fancy"
Beyonce - "Partition"
Lorde - "Royals"
Ariana Grande ft. Iggy Azalea - "Problem"
Katy Perry ft. Juicy J - "Dark Horse"

Best Pop:Pharrell Williams - "Happy"
Iggy Azalea ft. Charli XCX - "Fancy"
Jason Derulo ft. 2 Chainz - "Talk Dirty"
Ariana Grande ft. Iggy Azalea - "Problem"
Avicii ft. Aloe Blacc - "Wake Me Up"

Best Rock:Imagine Dragons - "Demons"
Arctic Monkeys - "Do I Wanna Know"
The Black Keys - "Fever"
Lorde - "Royals"
Linkin Park - "Until It's Gone"

MTV Artist to Watch:Sam Smith - "Stay With Me"
5 Seconds of Summer -"She Looks So Perfect"
Charli XCX - "Boom Clap"
Schoolboy Q - "Man Of The Year"
Fifth Harmony - "Miss Movin On"

Best Collaboration:
Beyonce ft. JAY Z - "Drunk In Love"
Ariana Grande ft. Iggy Azalea - "Problem"
Pitbull ft. Ke$ha - "Timber"
Chris Brown ft. Lil Wayne and Tyga - "Loyal"
Eminem ft. Rihanna - "Monster"
Katy Perry ft. Juicy J - "Dark Horse"

MTV Clubland Award:DJ Snake & Lil Jon - "Turn Down For What"
Zedd ft. Hayley Williams - "Stay the Night"
Calvin Harris - "Summer"
Martin Garrix - "Animal"
Disclosure - "Grab Her!"

Best Video With a Social Message:Angel Haze ft. SIA - "Battle Cry"
Avicii - "Hey Brother"
Beyonce - "Pretty Hurts"
J. Cole ft. TLC - "Crooked Smile"
Kelly Rowland - "Dirty Laundry"
David Guetta f/ Mikky Ekko - "One Voice"

Best Cinematography:
30 Seconds to Mars - "City of Angels"
Beyonce - "Pretty Hurts"
Arcade Fire - "Afterlife"
Gesaffelstein - "Hate or Glory"
Lana Del Rey - "West Coast"

Best Editing:
Eminem - "Rap God"
MGMT - "Your Life is a Lie"
Zedd ft. Hayley Williams -"Stay the Night"
Beyonce - "Pretty Hurts"
Fitz and The Tantrums - "The Walker"

Best Choreography:
Sia - "Chandelier"
Beyonce - "Partition"
Usher - "Good Kisser"
Michael Jackson f/Justin Timberlake - "Love Never Felt So Good"
Jason Derulo f/2Chainz - "Talk Dirty"
KIESZA - "Hideaway"

Best Direction:
DJ Snake & Lil Jon - "Turn Down For What"
OK Go - "The Writing's On the Wall"
Miley Cyrus - "Wrecking Ball"
Beyonce - "Pretty Hurts"
Eminem ft. Rihanna - "The Monster"

Best Art Direction:DJ Snake & Lil Jon - "Turn Down For What"
Iggy Azalea ft. Charli XCX - "Fancy"
Eminem - "Rap God"
Arcade Fire - "Reflektor"
Tyler, The Creator - "Tamale"

Best Visual Effects:DJ Snake & Lil Jon - "Turn Down For What"
OK Go - "The Writing's On the Wall"
Disclosure - "Grab Her!"
Eminem - "Rap God"
Jack White - "Lazaretto"

Beyonce VMA Performance 15 Min Setlist Leaked!

Beyonce VMA Performance 15 Min Setlist Leaked!

Bey, this is cray! Beyonce's alleged MTV Video Music Awards 2014 medley track list was leaked online just hours before the live show on tonight!

The list went viral this morning and revealed that Queen Bey will most likely perform (yes Perform!) her entire self-titled visual album, released late last year. 

Check out the songs in order below:

1. "Mine"
2. "Haunted/"Pretty Hurts" Transition
3. Haunted"
4. "No Angel"
5. "Jealous"
6. "Blow"
7. "Drunk In Love"
8. "Rocket"
9. "Partition"
10. "Superpower"
11. "Flawless"
12. "Yonce"
13. "Blue"
14. "XO"

Beyonce will be performing the medley before accepting the coveted Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. Other famous stars that have received the honor in years past include the late Jackson himself, Justin Timberlake, Madonna, Britney Spears, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Beastie Boys.

The VMAs will air tonight  live at 9 p.m. EST from The Forum in Inglewood, Calif., on MTV. Check out Justin Timberlake reunion with N.SYNC @ last years VMA'S

Album Review #32

Album Review #32

Artist: Ariana Grande
Album: "My Everything"
Album Rating 4.5/5
Standout Tracks: "Problem feat. Iggy Azalea", "One Last Time", "Be My Baby","Love Me Harder feat. The Weeknd", "Hands On Me", "Bang Bang feat. Nicki Minaj & Jessie J"

Rhianna, Coldplay, & Katy Perry Asked To Pay For Super Bowl Performance

Rhianna, Coldplay, & Katy Perry Asked To Pay For Super Bowl Performance

The Super Bowl Half Time Show is a big opportunity for any artist out there, and believe it or not, there’s already some controversy over who will take the stage during this year’s legendary show.
Though the NFL has yet to confirm who will actually perform for 2015’s big championship game, apparently musicians such as Katy Perry, Rihanna, and Coldplay have all been thrown into the conversation and are the top contenders. HOWEVER, it’s being reported that they were all asked to basically PAY to perform. Say what now?!
Yep, according to Rolling Stone: 
“When reaching out to artists, league representatives asked some acts if they would exchange a headlining slot for a portion of their post-Super Bowl tour earnings, or make another type of financial contribution to the NFL.”
As you could imagine, we hear that the musicians weren’t necessarily thrilled with the idea. 
And although Super Bowl Half Time performers aren’t typically paid to take the stage during football’s biggest game, usually travel and production expenses are covered by the NFL, and that stuff can get pretty pricey. Seriously, we’re talking millions of dollars here. And let’s not forget about the overall exposure these artists get, since hundreds of millions of people usually tune in.
Now if you wanna know our two cents (pardon the pun), even though the artists can obviously afford to pony up the cash for something like this, so can the NFL! And at the end of the day, wouldn’t Katy, Rihanna and Coldplay be providing their musical services for the NFL?? But I want to hear from you - what do YOU think of this whole situation? And more importantly who would you like to see perform the big half time show? Oh, and side note – the Super Bowl will take place on February 1, 2015 in Phoenix so if you want to mark your calendar now. Also be sure to check out Bruno Mars Halftime show performance below.

Jhene Aiko Unveils Album Cover & New Release Date For "Souled Out.

Jhene Aiko Unveils Album Cover & New Release Date For "Souled Out.

Jhene Aiko finally releases the album cover art for her debut album "Souled Out"  You can expect Jhene Aiko's Souled Out to be released on September 9th. Jhene Aiko is also expect to go on the road with The Weeknd and ScHoolboy Q for "King Of The Fall" tour.

Check it out below, and look out for the project September 9th

1. Brave
2. To Love & Die (Feat. Cocaine 80s)
3. Beautiful Ruin
4. It’s Cool
5. Lyin King
6. Wading
7. The Pressure
8. Eternal Sunshine
9. Limbo Limbo Limbo
10. Promises (Feat. Namiko & Miyagi)
11. W.A.Y.S
12. Pretty Bird (Feat. Common)

Deluxe:

13. Spotless Mind
14. Remember
15. My Afternoon Dream (Target Exclusive)
16. You vs. Them (Acoustic) (Target Exclusive

Rihanna To Callab With Beyonce On Rumored "Blow Remix"?

Rihanna To Callab With Beyonce On Rumored "Blow Remix"?

Rihanna's worked with pretty much everyone on planet pop over the years, hasn't she? Drake, Eminem, Shakira, Jay-z. But one gal she's yet to jump on a track with is Beyoncé

But now it seems the pair could actually be working on a little suttin' suttin' in the studio, with the interwebs claiming we can expect a remix of Bey's track Blow featuring none other than RiRi herself. Hooray. 

Digital Spy reports that a listing on ASCAP (the performing rights database wjjere artists and songwriters are reqiured to register their tracks in the U.S) shows a new version of "Blow" featuring both Beyonce and Rhianna. They even provide a screenshot, though Riri's stage name in misspelled. Now do you hear that? Thats the collective sound of the Beyhive and Navy going bonkers while getting their life at the mere possiblility of this dream callabortion. Should the rumors be true as they were with the "Flawless Remix", this would serve as the 3rd massive remix off Mrs. Carter's self titled album.

Listen to the original version of "Blow" below.

Iggy Azalea & Rita Ora To Perform @ 2014 VMA'S

Iggy Azalea & Rita Ora To Perform @ 2014 VMA'S

Everyone expected an Iggy Azalea performance at the 2014 MTV VMAs, and now it's official. She and Rita Ora will perform their single "Black Widow" live at the ceremony on Sunday, August 24. Azalea made the announcement on the Today show this morning, according to MTV.

"Black Widow" currently sits at No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has been rising the past few weeks. Azalea is nominated for seven awards at the VMAs this year including Video of the Year for "Fancy" featuring Charli XCX, Best Female, Best Pop, Best Collaboration for "Problem" withAriana Grande, and Best Art Direction.

Azalea and Ora join previously announced performers Beyoncé, Maroon 5, Usher, 5 Seconds of Summer, Ariana Grande, and possibly Taylor Swift, according to Billboard. 

The video for Ora and Azalea's "Black Widow" is expected to drop soon. She once again draws inspiration for cinema and channel's Quentin Tarantino's early 2000s two-part action flick, Kill Bill. "It's just a very physical video," Azalea told MTV. Ora added, "She's literally putting me in bootcamp."

The video wasn't eligible for this year's VMAs, but maybe we'll see it nominated next year.

Beyonce Confirmed To Perform @ 2014 VMA'S & To Recieve MJ Vanguard Award

Beyonce Confirmed To Perform @ 2014 VMA'S & To Recieve  MJ Vanguard Award

Beyoncé just checked off one more box in her quest for total world domination.

The singer, who recently surprised fans with a remix to her song “Flawless,” and is currently on her joint "On The Run" tour with hubby Jay-Z, will perform at the MTV Video Music Awards on August 24. She’ll also take home the award show’s highest honor  the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.

Justin Timberlake received the Video Vanguard Award at last year’s show, where he also reunited with ‘NSync in a highly-anticipated performance. Past winners also include Madonna, George Michael, the Beatles and David Bowie and Micheal Jackson himself

Beyoncé last performed at the VMAs in 2011, where she announced her first pregnancy following a lovely performance of “Love On Top.”

Maroon 5 To Make Debut Performance On VMA Stage

Maroon 5 To Make Debut Performance On VMA Stage

Maroon 5 have just been unveiled to be confirmed to perform at this year's MTV Video Music Awards!

Making their debut VMA performance, on the outside stage, the band join previously announced acts Ariana Grande, Usher and 5 Seconds Of Summer at The Forum in Inglewood, CA on Sunday August 24.

"We are so excited about our upcoming new album and to be part of the great VMA lineup this year," said Adam Levine. "It is our first time doing the show and we are thrilled to be on it performing our new single,".

Surrounded by thousands of fans, the Moves Like Jagger hitmakers will thrill viewers from a special VMA stage, presented by the Kia Soul, with a live rendition of a single off their upcoming fifth studio album, V. 

Leading the nominations at this year's bash is Beyoncé who has eight nods, including Video Of The Year and Best Female, while Eminem and Iggy Azalea both hope for wins with seven nominations apiece.

Chris Brown Announces "X" Release Date

Chris Brown Announces "X" Release Date

Don't hold your breath, but Chris Brown's long-delayed new album may finally see the light of day.

According to an image posted to his Instagram Sunday, X is slated for release Sept. 16.

The album has been a long time coming for the troubled R&B star: Last September, he announced a November release for his sixth effort, which has been preceded by singles Fine China, Loyal (with Lil Wayne), Love More (with Nicki Minaj), and New Flame (featuring Usher and Rick Ross).

"X is about life, it's about me," he told USA TODAY's Edna Gundersen. "X is the 24th letter of the alphabet, and I'll be 24 when it comes out. When you see X on a vial, it's like forbidden fruit. For me, it means being able to express myself without a filter, without boundaries."

So are you all excited for Breezy's new album?! 

MTV wants Beyonce solo

MTV wants Beyonce solo for 2014 VMA'S

The annual event will be staged at the Forum in Inglewood, California, on August 24. Beyoncé has history with the awards show, as it was where she confirmed she was pregnant in 2011, and it's been claimed bosses are desperate for her to take to the stage this year too.

The superstar is in the midst of her On The Run tour with her husband Jay Z, but apparently he isn't being courted by the music TV company.

"Bey is going to be all over the show," an insider told New York Daily News

"MTV is still working everything out, but they want her to open the show with a big production, which has still not been announced.

"MTV wants her and they want her solo."

At the end of last year Beyoncé shocked fans by releasing her self-titled fifth album on iTunes with no fanfare and no prior promotion. Apparently awards show honchos hope she'll open the event with a medley of tracks from the record, which has spawned hits such as Drunk in Love and XO.

Apparently her label Columbia Records has been enlisted to encourage Beyoncé to shoot promos for the performance.

Adding fuel to the fire that the star will be the main draw for the event is the fact that she's nominated for eight prizes, the most of any artist. Among those she could walk away with on the night are Video of the Year for Drunk in Love, Best Collaboration for the same song and Best Female Video for Partition.

Beyoncé has been marred in scandal of late, following a leaked video which showed her sister Solange attacking Jay in an elevator. While the family insist they have moved on from the incident, there has been intense speculation about why Solange got physical with her brother-in-law and whether Beyoncé and Jay are experiencing marriage problems. Late last week Queen Bey released a callbo remix track of her smash "Flawless" with Nicki Minji adressing the elevator incident on the track.