MADONNA: GIVE IT TO ME [VIDEO PREMIERE]….

Check out the full length video premiere of Madonna‘s new video ‘Give It To Me’. The song is produced by Pharrell Williams and he also makes a cameo appearance in the video:

A half naked Madonna strutting around in her underwear and shaking her flabby backside into full shot of the camera is not my ideal image. Here we have yet another legend clasping onto any ounce of youth that dried up 25 years ago. As a 50-year-old woman she should act more age-appropriate. I wonder how much men would sleep with her given the chance. That said, the song is kind of hot.

CELEB SPOTTINGS: R&B SINGERS OUT & ABOUT….

Beyonce and Jay-Z were seen making their arrival at Cannes airport yesterday. It’s been celebrity heaven over there lately and Bey jetted in for the Cannes Film festivities:

SPOTTED @ JUST JARED

I can easily forgive Bey for those neon yellow nails, just for looking fresh and chilled. I’m liking the au natural look very much. I also like how the bag is conveniently placed over her stomach. Britney Spears has been doing that quite a lot lately, lol. As for the two 26-year-old singers, could it be insecurity because of too much fried chicken or a possible baby pouch? Only time will tell. Anyway, her hair looked decent but still wasn’t liking her ensemble and me no like the shoes either. Her pal Kelly Rowland has been spending a lot of time over in Cannes (mainly for promotional purposes), so there’s no doubt that the BFF’s will hook up again and party it up over there in the coming days. Expect to see many more candid and event-held pics of the mega power-couple in forthcoming posts.

Diddy, Madonna, and Mary J. Blige attended amfAR’s ‘Cinema Against AIDS 2008’ benefit gala at Le Moulin de Mougins in Cannes, France yesterday:

It’s about time she retired that horrible wig. Seriously. She could wear the most stunning outfits but the state of your head or what’s on it can ruin everything.

Mary also performed:

She was also seen out and about. I’m liking that dress in the last set.

Rihanna and her beau Chris Brown attended the 6th Year Anniversary of the Orchid Nightclub in Montreal on May 20th:

SPOTTED @ HOLLYWOODPQ

The two arrived together but seemed to keep their distance throughout the night. Also, Rihanna has added fashion and acting to her resume. Reportedly, she is set to star in her first big screen debut ‘Mama Black Widow’: It tells the story of a black family’s migration from the Southern Mississippi field, to Chicago in the 1930’s. The 20-year-old is also planning on following up her line of umbrella’s with her own underwear collection. As I predicted, it looks like Rihanna and Chris will duet on her next album: The R&B duo are planning to record a track together – with some help from her mentor Jay-Z. A source [says] ‘Rihanna is impressed with Chris’ voice. It was a natural step for her to say, “Let’s do a duet.” She’s asking Jay-Z to look around for a beat for the two of them, something sexy and snazzy.'”

WIREIMAGES // JUST JARED // HOLLYWOODPQ

WHAT F*CKERY IS THIS?….

ANOTHER TIDBIT: WHERE DID ALL THE BLACK AUDIENCE MEMBERS DISAPPEAR TO? AND THROUGHOUT THE INTERVIEW, YOU COULD SEE THE DISCOMFORT IN HER FACE, AS IF SHE WERE ASKING HERSELF: ‘WHAT THE FUCK AM I DOING HERE WITH THESE TWO DIMWITS?’ DID YA’LL CATCH HER FACIAL EXPRESSION WHEN SHE WAS ASKED WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME SHE HAD TO ASK PERMISSION FOR SOMETHING? AND SHE TOOK A LONG TIME TO ANSWER THE QUESTIONS. SHE ANSWERED THEM WITH LACK OF ENTHUSIASM. IT WAS PAINFULLY OBVIOUS THAT SHE DIDN’T WANT TO BE THERE.

For the first time in BET history, Madonna appeared on BET’s ‘106 & Park’ to promote her latest album Hard Candy, yesterday. As Madonna is one of Pop’s biggest musical icons in the world, the hosts Terence and Rosci were salivating like two monkey’s salivating over a banana. The ass-kissing was OVERWHELMING least to say. Check out the cringe-worthy interview:

What shocked me is when they played Madonna’s RAY OF LIGHT, one of her least urban-sounding songs. I am thinking huh? They’ve never ever never ever never never never EVER played Ray of Light before. They could have at least played a track from Bedtime Stories. Or they could have written in the cue: “Your 1994 album Bedtime Stories is one of your most R&B-sounding albums so which video from that album would you like us to play?” (as to not destroy the true values of what BET is truly all about, but because it’s Madonna, values were thrown out the window that day just to compensate music royalty). Also, the questions were stupid. For example, when they asked her which Hip-Hop groups she would sign, she was BLATANTLY thrown off by the question and had a lost facial expression as if she was Alice in Wonderland. After putting some thought into it, she names three of the most commercial-selling rappers that she could think of – Eminem, Jay-Z and 50 Cent, showing us how much she truly knows about Hip Hop. In fact, those are the THREE rappers my GRANDMOTHER would list as well. Also, you could tell that the producers were backstage egging on the audience to cheer and applause at EVERY answer she gave. For example, if she named a celeb, it was always cheers and applause. When I was at college studying Media back in 99, they took us on a trip to the MTV studio’s in Camden, London. We were sitting in the audience as Jennifer Lopez got interviewed, and at certain points, whenever Jen would answer a question, the producer would raise his hand at us urging us to clap, LOL! And then he’d cross his arms, waving them left and right to tell us when to stop clapping. I just sat there thinking, look at this. But with this Madonna interview, it was just obvious. The audience reaction was just forced. Will Smith, one of America’s biggest BLACK stars in Hollywood doesn’t get this type of treatment. It was just REALLY sad. I am sure BET have lost a lot of respect due to this cringe-worthy debacle.

CELEB SPOTTINGS: R&B SINGERS OUT & ABOUT….

My favourite singer Tamia (and stylist June Ambrose) attended an early Mothers Day charity fundraiser event in Los Angeles this week to salute mothers staying at Ronald McDonald House:

The “spa and wellbeing” event was hosted by singer Tamia, supermodel Cindy Crawford, Marc Anthony‘s ex-wife/model Dayanara Torres and stylist June Ambrose. Mothers with sick children were treated to manicures and neck and shoulder massages, make-up tips, and consultations provided by JAFRA Cosmetics International Inc., as well as gift bags filled with beauty items. During the celebration Ambrose offered moms exclusive styling tips typically reserved for her VIP clients, while Tamia entertained discussions with the group about the joys and challenges of motherhood. Gotta love Tamia. Still the inspiration I’ve always said she was.

Kelly was also spotted out and about in London this week:

She’s been promoting her latest single ‘Daylight’ like crazy. The sad thing about it is that in the UK, it’ll be a top 10 hit without a doubt.

Mel B and hubby were spotted out in LA:

Never thought I’d see myself say it, but it looks like those two will last the distance. I still don’t trust his fraudulent ass.

Mario registered to vote with Declare Yourself this week in Beverly Hills:

Good to see the youngest of R&B singers contributing towards change. Have YOU voted yet?

Here’s a couple of pics of Madonna and Justin Timberlake performing ‘4 Minutes’ at the Roseland Ballroom this week:

PERFORMANCES FROM THE INTIMATE CONCERT CAN YOU BE WATCHED HERE, if you didn’t catch it. ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCES have now been added to that post. In other news, Madonna’s predicted sales for new album Hard Candy have taken a DEEEEP drop. According to reports, her CD is now projected to only sell between 200,000 and 225,000 copies in its opening week. Ouch! Also, for the first time in BET history, Madonna visited 106 & Park in New York City. Maybe her appearance will encourage the urban crowd to pick up the album.

Alicia Keys also paid a visit to TRL earlier this week:

I’m loving the Farrah Fawcett hairstyle. On most occasions this chick is hit or miss. This time it’s HIT!

MADONNA’S CONCERT @ ROSELAND BALLROOM….

UPDATE: MORE PERFORMANCES ADDED.

Last night, Queen of Pop Madonna played a small gig for 2,200 of her fans in New York’s Roseland Ballroom. She performed a couple of songs from her latest new album Hard Candy. Check out her electric performance of 4 minutes with Justin Timberlake:

At 50, Madonna still knows how to put on one hell of a show. I actually enjoyed her performances for the most part but nothing in the world can still make me listen to that damn album. I think I will now. Her other performances are enclosed after the fold.

CANDY SHOP:

HUNG UP:

MILES AWAY:

GIVE IT 2 ME:

MUSIC:

R&B BITES: BEYONCE’S PREGNANCY CONFIRMED // DANITY KANE’S NEW VIDEO CONCEPT // MADONNA’S SHITTY ALBUM SALES & MORE….

According to Hollyscoop, Beyonce‘s pregnancy has been confirmed by a close source of the couple. Reportedly, everyone who attended Bey and Jay-Z‘s wedding a couple of weeks ago knew that Beyonce was expecting the couple’s first child. The wedding was rushed because of the pregnancy as well as “Beyonce’s strong Christian beliefs”.

Well, here is what they’re reporting: “Beyonce is 100% pregnant, which is why the couple rushed their wedding.” The source also told Hollyscoop that all the friends and family that attended the ultra private wedding were all aware that Beyonce was already expecting. Our source added that Beyonce is in her early stages, but don’t expect this star to come out with a confirmation statement anytime soon. The couple is pretty private about their personal lives–they still haven’t even confirmed their wedding. [READ FULL REPORT] Sounds pretty much like the situation that went down with her sister Solange four years ago. The difference is, Beyonce isn’t a teenager, has accomplished a high profile career, and has been in a secure relationship with Jay-Z for over 6 years now. A wedding and a baby was only the next step waiting to happen. How true this news may be is yet to be seen but if true, congrats.

It appears Diddy won’t let poor marketing present itself a second time, as Danity Kane are set to film the video for the second single BAD GIRL next month in Los Angeles. Their latest album Welcome To The Dollhouse is now certified Gold, and there are many more hits that can be delivered.

In the video for Bad Girl, Aubrey, Aundrey, D. Woods, Dawn and Shannon will take on the divas of WWE Wrestling; Kelly, Layla, Maria, Melina and Mickey. The video will be directed by Melina (Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Ne-yo) and will debut this summer. That sounds like a pretty hot concept. So they’re given the green light, but how long will it take for that green light to transition itself from red?

For over a decade, there has always been controversy between Mariah Carey and Madonna fans. And so, Madonna fans will be delighted to know that their Queen will end Mariah’s two-week reign at no 1 next week. HOWEVER, Mariah lambs can also gloat because the legendary diva looks set to do a Janet Jackson with ‘stingy’ first week album sales with latest album Hard Candy. In fact, Madonna will leave Warner Bros without the sparks. She is predicted to sell only 275,000 and 300,000 copies in the first week of sales in America, despite getting the no 1 album.

In comparison with other modern day singers, Madonna’s first week sales do not represent the pop icon that she is today. In fact, younger singers are KILLING her ass. Alicia Keys As I Am, sold 742,000 copies in its first week. Mary J Blige‘s Growing Pains sold 629,000 copies in its first week. Mariah Carey’s E=MC2 sold 475,000 sold copies in its first week and Beyonce‘s B’Day sold 541,000 sold copies in its first week. Mariah’s album has seen a 61% drop selling 182,000 copies this week. Also Leona Lewis‘s American Idol performance last week appears to have helped Leona’s album sales. This week, the Bleeding Love singer saw a 1% increase selling a further 91,000 copies. Lyfe Jennings third album Lyfe Change is set for the no 5 position with predicted first week sales of 75-80k. What’s even sadder is that the “Queen of Pop” will be making an appearance on BET’s ‘106 & Park this Friday. Should Madonna hang up singing, yoga and crotch-thrusting for knitting and baking cakes?

British sensation Leona Lewis is rumored to be launching her own clothing range full of ethically sourced products to give fellow vegans more of a choice when stocking their wardrobes.

Whilst other R&B starlets Beyonce and Mary J Blige take great pleasure in defying PETA with their enjoyment of rocking the fur of dead bears, I think this is a good approach towards the Vegetarian lifestyle. It would definitely offer a broader range of fashion variety, for those who can’t “bear” to wear, well, slaughtered animals. The chick doesn’t even wear diamonds because she doesn’t know how they’ve been sourced. If we all had that mentality, life would be very boring.

Another snoozefest is Jennifer Lopez‘s new TV show which will only focus on her career not her family life.

Jen’s manager said: “The recent show Jennifer Lopez plans to produce for TLC is not a reality show. It’s a show that will track the creation, production and eventual launch of a new fragrance. Jennifer will appear in a creative, entrepreneurial capacity and will absolutely not feature her children and family life”. I’m thinking, what’s the point? Who’s going to be interested in that? The one time Jen has the opportunity to resurrect her ailing career and we don’t even get an insight into what motherhood will be really like for her.

Meanwhile, Jordin Sparks has told MTV News that her voice is almost healed and that she’ll be back on tour really soon. In an enclosed email, she writes: “[The reports about the hemorrhage] were actually true. My left vocal cord was bleeding, and I knew I had to get it checked and take care of it. I got back from the doctor yesterday and it’s almost all the way healed. I’m gonna take a couple more days just to be safe. I should be back on tour in a few more days!! I’ll be alive and kicking … and who knows, maybe my voice will be better than it was before!” [READ THE FULL EMAIL]

Something out there must not want Jordin and Alicia Keys to go on tour together because Alicia also had to cancel and reschedule a couple of shows due to vocal injury as well. I am glad Jordin is finally healing and that both girls will be able to tour together really soon.

STAY TUNED FOR MORE R&B BITES!!!!!!!!!!

GOING SHOPPING TODAY?….

Yesterday was a really slow news day as some of you have pointed out and it looks like today is set to become the same. But that said, it does look like it’s going to be an interesting day for those all important CD releases:

Estelle’s ‘Shine’, Madonna‘s ‘Hard Candy’, Lyfe Jenning‘s ‘Lyfe Change’ AND Raven Symone‘s self titled debut all got released today. Which CD will you be supporting?

MADONNA FEAT JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE: 4 MINUTES [VIDEO PREMIERE]….

Here is the official video premiere for Madonna and Justin Timberlake’s new single ‘4 Minutes’:

I thought that the video was hot. I can’t stand Justin Timberlake but without him, the song would not be that great, aside from the beat. I’m mad a hot beat got wasted on someone like Madonna who is not even an Urban artist and just appears to be riding the trend right now. Their lil choreography together was pretty cool and there was lots of static energy and electricity. Justin sure likes ripping off bits of clothing from his older female counterparts. Nothing has changed there I see. Their chemistry was static as well and Madonna looked good thanks to video airbrushing and clever lighting to iron out the 101 creases from her pensioning-buttock face. But at 50, that woman can move her ass off, you can’t deny it. Madonna was on that fire. I really enjoyed the video.

MADONNA’S ALBUM COVER & PROMO’S FOR ‘HARD CANDY’….

I wasn’t going to post this but since I’m really stuck into her new song 4 minutes, may as well indulge the Madonna craze some more. Here are some promo’s and the actual official cover art for her new album Hard Candy which will hit stores April 29th:

Well, that promo of Madonna about to eat Timbaland’s head for dinner isn’t for real, it’s an actual mock-up but I howled with wild laughter when I first saw it. The pic shows that Madonna is queen and yet she has her bitches right behind her (Pharrell Williams and Justin Timberlake), and unfortunately, Timbaland is the HEAD bitch, LOL! All three of them have contributed towards her new album, which will probably be Madonna’s most urban-sounding album of her career. It’s unclear as to when the video will premiere but next week is likely. I can’t say I’m liking the cover. She looks like Supergran trying to get her sexy-on Moulin Rouge style. At 50, she needs to tone it down a notch.

MADONNA & JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE’S SINGLE COVER FOR ‘4 MINUTES’…..

Here is the official cover art for Madonna and Justin Timberlake’s new single 4 Minutes. The Hip Hop-bound track is the first single from Madonna’s upcoming album Hard Candy:

I quite like it. Madonna looks good, although she really doesn’t look like that in reality. As for JT, ugh, he gets on my nerves. The duo also attended the 23rd Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City on Monday.

Madonna was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame yesterday:

She was chosen by 600 music industry professionals, and beat out disco queen Donna Summer and hip-hop group The Beastie Boys for the 23rd annual induction. Artists become eligible for the Hall of Fame 25 years after the release of their first single or album and are represented in an exhibition at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame museum in Cleveland, Ohio. Justin also used the occasion to take a dig at his ex Britney Spears. When presenting Madonna with her award, he bitterly gestured the following:

“The world has always been full of Madonna wannabes and I might have even dated a couple.”

“She [Madonna] has still found time to kiss someone I may or may not have publicly kissed myself. Of course you know I was talking about Sean Penn.”

Boy oh boy, if that Cry Me A River wasn’t enough …. it seems he will never get over whatever it was she did to him. Get over it already! He’s not the first and certainly not the last.