Music News ROLO: Trey Wakes the Neighbours & Ciara Got that Bank!

Trey Songz has released yet another video off his popular Grammy-nominated album, Ready. I still liked Trey Day better than this album, but I’m glad Trey is getting his well-deserved shine, even if that meant him having to whore himself as the ultimate sex symbol for the ladies…no complaints here, I guess. I read someone comment on a blog that Trey was coming for R.Kelly’s spot since his songs evoke that same freaky-as-I-wanna-be mentality that R.Kelly used (and still uses today) to get people’s attention. We can safely say many children were concieved from Kelly’s music in the 90s so I guess time will tell how successful Trey’s music is in doing the same.

Trey filmed Neighbours Know My Name with Victoria Secret’s model Jessica White. I heard she was rumored to be Ne-Yo’s new girlfriend…maybe not after this video!! The red-light special look of the video was definitely a good look.

Image courtesty of Exposay.com

Do the ladies love Trey’s new video? And do the fellas love Jessica White?

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image via StraightFromTheA.com

Aside from globe-trotting, being a fashion muse for couture houses and appearing at various club openings and parties, Ciara has been hard at work on her fourth album with TheDream(Team) and Tricky Stewart. I predict some Heat will result from these studio sessions. However, this new track released from these sessions, In The Bank must have been the debris used to start the fire…that didn’t catch on. But we must remember, this is just a BUZZ record. It is meant to get people talking, curious and even to get us ‘hating’ on Cici.

Music News ROLO: New Music from J.Holiday and Nivea!

We’re got some promising new music on the R&B scene. J.Holiday is coming back strong for a third effort and Nivea is gearing up for a new album on the strength of her pain. Listen in!

Singer/songwriter J.Holiday returns to the music scene with another sensual and sexually charged song titled Pretty Body. Coming on the heels of TheDream’s release of Love King and the fact that both tracks were produced by the same person, does not fare well with fans. The main difference is J.Holiday’s voice which is arguably smooth and sexy as always. His vocal performance alone should shed some much-needed attention on this song, though I’m not sure it will.  Check the video interview below courtesy of Reader Mr. Knowvember, who is a big J. Holiday fan. Around the 5:00 minute mark J.Holiday does an impressive impromptu song from the dome.

J.Holiday – Pretty Body

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Nivea has been garnering some good buzz lately after the release of her video and song for the Say Something Remix she recorded with ATL rapper Rasheeda. Now prepping for her own album release, Nivea has released her own single, Love Hurts to capitalize on said buzz. Her new album will be titled Purple Heart and is rumored to drop in a couple months. No word on if the album will be released through her label Jive.

Music News ROLO: Jay-z is NOT a Fan, Sade nearly does 500K, TheDream readies LoveKing

I hope everyone enjoyed the holiday! I was lazy as hail all day But let’s get some news out of the way.

According to US Magazine, Jay-z was not impressed with the latest efforts to re-vamp Michael Jackson’s famed ‘We Are the World‘ benefit song into a 2010 version to help benefit the cause for Haiti. The song/video debuted at the Opening ceremonies for the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. It featured a unique group of artists ranging from Kanye West (wearing his best MJ impersonation jacket),to the Jonas brothers, Miley Cyrus, Jennifer Hudson, Jamie Foxx and Justin Bieber who opened the song. Justin. Bieber.

About the re-make, Jay-Z quipped,

“I know everybody is gonna take this wrong: ‘We Are the World,’ I love it, and I understand the point and think it’s great. But I think ‘We Are the World’ is like [Michael Jackson's] ‘Thriller’ to me. I don’t ever wanna see it touched,”

I agree with Jay-Z. If you haven’t seen the video, watch the 2010 version here. I actually liked the effort and liked some of the vocal arrangements, but between Wyclef screaming like a fool and Lil Wayne, Akon & T-Pain’s auto-tuned mess, I was left shaking my head. Plus we all know the God MC told us Auto-tune was dead back in ’09…

Jay-Z continued,

“I’m a fan of music. I know the plight and everything that’s going on in Haiti. I applaud the efforts: Millions have been raised] through text [donations] to Haiti. So I appreciate the efforts and everything, but ‘We Are The World’ is [musically] untouchable like ‘Thriller’ is untouchable. Some things are just untouchable. It was a valiant effort, but for me, it’s gonna be untouchable.“

And in true Jay-z fashion, he was able to reflect the situation on himself:

“I think it’s time for us to make a new [song]. I tried to do that with ‘Stranded,’ [the tune Jay Z, Rihanna and U2's Bono and The Edge premiered at the 'Hope for Haiti Now' telethon]. I didn’t try to make ‘We Are the World,’ but I tried to make our take on how we felt.“

If you haven’t heard the song Stranded, click here. I actually really like this song.

source

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In other R&B news, Singer Sade has pulled a Maxwell; she has returned from her 10-year hiatus to triumphantly return the number one spot on the charts with her newest effort, Soldier of Love.

Image courtesy of Sade.com

Still in the W(Rapper): Usher’s Raymond vs Raymond Album Material

courtesy of Essence.com

So I’ve been taking some slight shots at Usher lately, since I have been skeptical of his return to greatness after his last lackluster (IMO) effort from last year. I had been hearing some very wack material that just wasn’t Usher Raymond caliber type music!n Luckily, his team is really pushing out some decent music lately and some of it has been catching my ear. So I thought I would share and see what ya’ll think!

Trey Songz, Usher & Keri Hilson – I Invented Sex Remix

This is one of the better remixes I’ve heard in a while and a good look for Usher who is looking to get back into sex symbol status that is currently being occupied by Songz Yuuup himself. Usher’s voice and demeanor is playful and sexy on this track and he coos, “Arch your back girl, Us-her back girl” this song stays in the ChokLit-Pod!

Usher feat. Nicki Minaj – Little Freak

I’m not even sure this song can be played on the radio – its that hot! Polow provides a nice beat for Usher to get real dirty on. In this song he is not even beating around the bush – Usher is lookin for a straight menage with some freak-groupies. He sings, “If you f*ckin with me, really f*ckin with me, you’ll let her put her hands in your pants, be my little freak” (Ow!) Minaj returns the favour as she describes scouting the club “looking for a cutie, a real big ol’ ghetto booty/I really like your kitty cat and if you let me touch her…“  The song’s riskay subject matter is saved by Polo’s production and Nicki’s personality that oozes through this track.

Music News ROLO: Live performances from Melanie Fiona, Mariah Carey & Keri Hilson – whew!

So, I’m about to hit ya’ll with a lot of videos right now, but you can thank me later for getting you caught up.

The ladies of R&B and Urban music have been very busy lately doing performances, releasing videos and doing interviews. But as I’ve said before, this is the fourth quarter so bishes be on that promo trail!

Melanie Fiona visited 106 & Park last Tuesday and shut the house down with her performance of her latest single It Kills Me. I do love this song and Melanie’s vocal performance on it as well. She definitely showed the kids of 106 what true talent is. Gwan girl!

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Mariah Carey stopped by David Letterman on Friday to perform one of my favorite songs off her latest album (check out my album review of Memoirs here) , H.A.T.E.U.  This is a tough song to sing live but Mariah does it justice, hitting all of her impossibly high Soprano notes. If you haven’t checked out her latest album, what are you waiting for? Cop that ish!

Mariah also spoke with Dave about her role in the movie Precious and her small beef with Eminem. Ms Carey comes across so likeable and handles Dave’s questioning quite well. Have a look!

Music News ROLO: 4th Quarter Music Plus Videos by 50cent & Ne-Yo, Jay-Z & Alicia, Chris Brown

So I mentioned I would try to keep up with everything so lets run the Music ROLO!

First off, My dude over at The Doc Report did a nice Rundown of the what we should expect music-wise for the fourth quarter(year end) in music. There are some exciting releases from artists like Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Shakira and Britney Spears all being released November 23rd (which he dubs ‘Super Monday’). Also Amerie and Ryan Leslie are releasing albums today (November 3rd)! R.Kelly will be dropping Dec. 1st, while Usher will battle Robin Thicke and Gucci Mane come December 8th. And of course the last push before Christmas will see releases from Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige, Lil Wayne and Rihanna’s ex, Chris Brown. Heavy. Make sure you check out the list in its entirety. I didn’t even know about some of these…Usher, are you really ready to come back for the crown again?? Hmmmm.

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50 Cent & Kelly Rowland make beautiful music together – oh yeah, and Ne-Yo!

Cute video and a good look for Ms Rowland who looks cute as ever! Kelly has the most beautiful skin! I thought the song was going to be better than this – more hood, gutter 50, but this is actually a nice change for him. And damn, he is lookin right in the video too! Maybe its the new grill? Ne-Yo is forgettable to me in this song. Why is that?

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Music News ROLO: New videos by Alicia Keys, Mario & Melanie Fiona!

Here’s a couple of new videos for ya’ll to catch up on! Click on the links below to watch!

Alicia Keys – Doesn’t Mean Anything

ChokLit’s Take: This song reminds me of No One. And just like No One, it took me a while to warm up to it. Alicia looks great in the video, and that’s about all I can say right now. It is a nice song, but I’d rather watch paint dry. And I mean that in the nicest way possible!

Mario – Thinkin’ Bout You

ChokLit’s Take: LoL. I like Mario this time around because he gives me so much to comment on. Can I mention homie’s hairline without sounding like a hater? I’m just sayin…it looks like he’s using Jamie Foxx’s barber..but Mario does look better with the hair. Thinkin Bout You is the Runners-produced follow-up to his smash hit, Break-up. Needless to say, this isn’t the best follow-up song. J Records must have known this. Does this mean we cannot expect much from the album? Thinkin’ Bout You doesn’t scream Single material to me is all. Mario always drops the ball, in my opinion on his second single. It is what is holding him back from the Usher-status. But I will still hold up for a third single from Mario. The video is nicely styled and is directed by Chris Robinson. It features the beautiful Audra once again as well as a beauty straight of Bollywood. Mario is taking it international, I guess.

Music News ROLO: FILA – Forever I Love Atlanta Part II

Finally we have the conclusion to the Atlanta music section on The CF that I benefited from while traveling down South a week  ago. One thing I will give Atlanta – or the South in general, is their ability to support their own artists and musical style. While other Coasts stay beefin’ and hatin’ on each other, the South stays supporting. Even though I noticed now, more than ever, that East Coast Hip Hop has infiltrated the clubs and radio in Atlanta, you can still always find that elusive hood Atlanta track that you will most likely not find anywhere else – at least not until Mainstream National Radio picks it up. Case in point: The Stanky Legg. ‘Nuff said. I have to admit, it took me a little while to find some of these, so I hope ya’ll enjoy!

*ChokLit’s Choice:

*Juvenile feat. Pleasure P – Hands on You

This is one of my fave R&B/Hip Hop mash-ups right now. Pleasure P croons lustfully over a beat while Juvenile raps some token ‘we don’t love these h*es’ lyrics, with his bouncy flow over a techno-sounding beat. Yet it all works. Juvie the Great is back and I for one can’t wait.  Are ya’ll still sleepin’ on Pleasure P??

D4L feat. Young Jeezy – Scotty (Remix)

Scotty is actually a track originally from D4L debut album, Down For Life released back in 2005. The beat on this track was such a Monster that Jeezy decided to revive it, making it became a big hit in the clubs. Rarely would a night of clubbing in Atlanta be without this song, so naturally I had to seek it out once I got home and settled. Jeezy really does do the song justice and gives it  some much-needed street cred. You’re welcome.

Black feat. Kandi – Try it out

I do not know much about this Rapper called Black, but I do know this song, Try it Out aka Get with this Pimpin’ was a Skripper club anthem, and hence got some radio and club love as well. Everything in the South seems to be born and bred out of the Strip clubs. And having a stripper pole in your home is as regular as owning a coffee table. But what about our daughters?? Social commentary aside, I like this song!

Keri Hilson – Slow Dance

Lastly, we have Slow Dance – the epitomy of the Atlien slow groove aka sex grind. Ciara perfected it with Promise, and now Keri Hilson having been passed the proverbial torch, takes her turn at one.  The instrumental alone is very suspect in its similarity to Promise…but aside from that, Keri’s voice rides this track effortlessly as she oozes sex appeal. Atlanta radio definitely showed this track some love.

Music News ROLO: FILA – Forever I Love Atlanta

I know I have been avoiding my ChokLit Factory like the plague. I have been absent from the music for a bit and it shows. Of course my Readers still hung in there with me, so you already know I was cookin’ up some sweet stuff for ya’ll. I spent most of last week in one of my favourite cities, Atlanta, Georgia and best believe we had fuuuun

Some of the clubs we frequented that I must shout out:

PURE on Thursday nights had a nice open space, room for VIPs and a spacious dance floor. The music was on point, if not repetitive, and some of the VIP staff was pushy, but this is a solid club where you are guaranteed a good time.

Club ESSO – Now, we only ended up here because Velvet Lounge was impossible to get into, but I am glad we did because only at ESSO did we get the true Decatur flavour – including music straight out of ATL’s hoods, a separate room for dancehall & reggae, and ladies wearing flip flops – yes flip flops.

Tongue & Groove is a new spot for Monday nights that caters to the women. With free martinis until 12am, a spacious area and a mix of professional meets street ATL men, it was a welcome cure for the Monday blues.

Now for the music! It took a while to recognize what was really hot in the ATL because the radio provided a lot of repetition (but what else do we expect?) and most of the songs were ones we’re heard before, like Trey Songz & Drake’s Successful, TheDream’s Sweat it Out and Jay-Z, Rihanna & Kanye’s We Run This Town.

But here are some real bangers we liked:

Sammie feat. Trey Songz – Bedroom G

I’ve actually heard this track before coming to Atlanta, but I still like the song nonetheless. Sammie pairs up with the Prince himself to tell the ladies how he gets down in the bedroom.

Gucci Mane feat. Plies – Wasted

This song is a certified ATL hit! Gucci Mane is the hottest ATL import right now and he now has his own hit to prove it! Plies adds some swag to the track as well. The beat knocks!

Lil Scrappy feat. Ludacris – Partna Dem

We just started hearing this song as we were leaving and it shut down the clubs when it played! The beat is ridiculous and Ludacris really brings it with his rhyme. Its Hot Choklit!

Don’t worry, we’ll have more info on the ATL with tomorrow’s posts! Yuuuup!

Music News ROLO: Get Caught up!!

So I am a little out of the loop due to last night’s late night activities (I wish) so, I wanted to make sure the CF readers weren’t missing a beat!

Check out these links below for the newest goings-on in the Urban R&B/Hip Hop world – ChokLit Style of course!

Blogger/Radio Personality Miss Info visits R.Kelly’s home in Chicago to preview his new album, Untitled
courtesy of ihiphop.com

ChokLit’s take: Are we still going with the Untitled shtick?? Ok Mr. Kelly. I love Kelly’s quote when he mentions his ‘research’ for this project included throwing parties at his mansion for a good month and judging the crowds’ reactions to his music. For his sake, I hope this was a 25+ only party…I love Miss Info

Jay-Z, Rihanna & Kanye get all  possessive for Run This Town video

ChokLit’s take: This video is on every single blog today so I’m sure you all have seen it already.I chose to watch it with the sound off for my own personal reasons. I love me some Rihanna, but the screeching in this song is a bit much, plus I simply enjoy watching her play dress up instead (did that come out wrong??). Of course Rihanna looks stellar and appears ever so confident while performing next to her former Boss. Kanye steals his scenes – the only scenes Rihanna is not dominating. Sorry Hova, we barely noticed ya! Dope video, still.

Keep readin…