JoJo Readies Grown-Up New Album

JoJo

Singer JoJo is getting back into the swing of making music. The 20-year-old, who made her name as a fresh-faced teenager back in 2004, recently dropped ‘Disaster,’ the first single off her forthcoming third album, ‘Jumping Trains.’

Showcasing a more grown-up side that fans may not be used to, JoJo sought to tackle the perils of a disastrous relationship.

“‘Disaster’ is basically about how sometimes you get so deep into a relationship, and it gets progressively horrifying and real disastrous,” she tells AOL Music. “Whether it be emotional abuse or another type of abuse, it’s like, ‘How did I end up in this storm?’ So it’s an emotional record, but it’s definitely resilient in the end.”

Earlier this year, the singer tested the waters by recording her own version of Drake’s ‘Marvin’s Room.’ The pensive track is about a drunken phone call to a lost love, and although she’s not old enough to legally consume alcohol, she wanted to give the public a personal perspective.

“It was something that was very organic — my friend played me the song; I fell in love with it,” JoJo says. “I was really captivated by Drake’s vulnerability and honesty. The track is very atmospheric and creepy, and I’m into that. I had a few minutes in the car ride from the hotel to the airport one night when I landed in L.A. I called my friend and was like, ‘Can we get in the studio and do this?’ and released it on the Internet the next day. I was honestly flabbergasted by the response. I was scared. I said ‘the F word.’ I was like, ‘Are people going to response to this?'”

Fans reacted positively to the track, which has received more than 10 million views on YouTube.

Having sold more than 3 million copies of her self-titled debut, which she released at the tender age of 13, the now-grown-up singer is ready for the public to hear ‘Jumping Trains,’ which is due out next month.

MTV 2011 VMAs: Nicki Minaj says new album will be loaded with her alter ego Roman

Nicki Minaj

After taking home the Best Hip Hop Video Moon Man for “Super Bass,” female rapper du jour Nicki Minaj sauntered back to the VMA press room for photos and a quick interview, where she dropped a few details about her forthcoming, as-yet-untitled album. The short of it: It’s gonna be filled with her alter ego Roman.

“Well, the new album is going to have a lot of Roman on it, and if you’re not familiar with Roman, you will be familiar with him soon,” Minaj revealed. On her first album, Pink Friday, Minaj’s alter-ego Roman showed up on a track, “Roman’s Revenge,” that she did with Eminem. If you remember, many took lyrics in “Revenge” to be a side-slap to fellow female rapper Lil’ Kim.

Continued Minaj about Roman and her album: “He’s a boy who lives inside of me,” she said. “I have a lot of surprises I don’t want to give away. Everyone will be more than satisfied with the new album.”

About that crazy outfit she was wearing, Minaj explained to the press: “Tokyo inspires this outfit. Harajuku is something I have been absorbing for a very long time.”

Remembering Aaliyah 10 Years Later!!!

Aaliyah

Ten years have passed since the music industry and legions of fans reluctantly bid farewell to Aaliyah Dana Haughton, an R&B powerhouse who showed tremendous growth and lyrical grace during her drastically shortened career. On August 25, 2001, when she died in a tragic plane crash over the Bahamas, at the age of 22, it was apparent the sonic landscape lost a singing angel. With three albums to her name — ‘Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number,’ ‘One in a Million’ and ‘Aaliyah’ — she proved to be the quintessential guideline for female artists to follow. The BoomBox highlights 10 of Baby Girl’s famed tracks that have lived on well after her passing.

10. ‘Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number’

1994

Fifteen years old at the time of its release, this song, which shares the same title as her debut album, is perhaps the most controversial of Aaliyah‘s career. Written by R. Kelly, the soulful ballad had the teen R&B singer crooning of longing for an older lover. Shortly after it’s release, a marriage certificate emerged and reportedly listed Kells, who was then 27, and the Detroit native as married in 1994.

09. ‘The One I Give My Heart To’

1996

Listen to Aaliyah’s catalog and her records are heavily dipped in R&B, with a hint of hip-hop flavor sprinkled in between. ‘The One I Give My Heart To’ is a departure from that, leaning heavily on the side of pop power ballad. Esteemed songwriter Diane Warren penned the distraught lyrics, which the Brooklyn-born chanteuse owned completely, allowing her vulnerability to be exposed: “How could the one I was so true to just tell me lies?/ How could the one I gave my heart to break this heart of mine?”

08. ‘4 Page Letter’

1996

As if often the case, sometimes the spoken word is better left to be expressed in the form of a letter. The R&B siren chose to highlight the rarely used form of communication in an effort to express her affection for a dude who caught her eye. Now it may seem unfathomable for a woman of Aaliyah’s beauty and finesse to be too shy to approach a member of the opposite sex, but pretty girls are only human.

07. ‘If Your Girl Only Knew’

1996

This track welcomed Aaliyah fans into what was to be expected from her sophomore album, ‘One in a Million.’ Where her debut LP had her warming up, racy material like this proved she was on fire. Timbaland crafted the beat, Missy Elliott wrote the lyrics and the woman who showed Beyonce a thing or two in her career demonstrated the art of seductive vocals. Ladies everywhere could relate to the storyline: a man who sneaks behind his woman’s back.

06. ‘Back & Forth’

1994

A “funky mellow groove” is all this rising songstress needed to detail a good time with her girls. Moving away from the R&B that speaks of heartbreak and betrayal, Aaliyah’s vocals shined on the lead single from her debut LP, ‘Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number,’ as she sang of hitting the dancefloor and getting lost in the DJ’s tunes. Kelly, who penned the track, showed up to assist with a rap verse.

05. ‘Rock the Boat’

2001

Off her eponymous self-titled third LP, which was often dubbed “The Red Album” for its cover depicting the singer posing in front of a red backdrop, ‘Rock the Boat’ centered on Aaliyah embracing her sexuality. Apparently the song was written two years prior to its actual release due to the soulfully gifted artist’s record label fearing the song’s material was too explicit with lyrics like “stroke it for me,” “change positions” and “explore my body.”

04. ‘More Than a Woman’

2001

At 22, Aaliyah let her listeners know that she was leaving teen angst behind and embracing her womanhood. On the track, written by Static Major and produced by Timbaland, the songstress wasn’t afraid to express her corporal desires for her man. From grinding underneath the covers to morning massages, the slim and trim bombshell with the jet-black tresses was all about pleasing him, even if he wasn’t quite prepared for the surprises she had in store.

03. ‘One in a Million’

1996

Written by Missy Elliott and Timbaland, and produced by the latter, ‘One in a Million’ was yet another example of the trio’s work as a tour de force. The instrumental itself dripped with sex appeal and Aaliyah’s musical stylings only enhanced the vibe. The then 17-year-old struck lyrical gold with, “Won’t let no one come and take your place/ ‘Cause the love you give can’t be replaced/ See no one else love me like you do/ That’s why I don’t mind to spend my life with you.”

02. ‘Are You That Somebody?’

1998

Flirtations run deep on this record, which was created for the ‘Dr. Doolittle’ soundtrack in the late ’90s. Baby Girl, as Aaliyah was so often called, sang of a late-night rendezvous with a special someone that needed to be kept on the hush. Perhaps what was so intriguing about this song, besides the sound of Aaliyah’s tender voice, were the coos of a baby littered throughout the Timbo-crafted beat.

01. ‘Try Again’

2000

With a No. 1 placement on the Billboard Hot 100 and a Grammy nomination, the lead single from the ‘Romeo Must Die’ soundtrack garnered Aaliyah critical acclaim. Though it was written specifically for the film she starred in alongside Jet Li and DMX, the singer-turned-actress executed her talents on the track as if it was featured on her own album. Again, Timbaland’s signature beats supported A’s ginger vocals, which spoke of being tenacious in the face of defeat.

BET To Air Aaliyah Tribute Special

Aaliyah

BET will air a Aug. 25 special dedicated to the memory of R&B singer/actress Aaliyah.

The special, Aaliyah: One In A Million will look at the life and notable moments of the short-lived career of Aaliyah, who was killed in an Aug. 25 2001 plane crash.

The one-hour special will include never before seen behind-the-scenes footage as well as her most popular videos and interviews with friends and family.

Also, artists and celebrities such as Patti LaBelle, Missy Elliott, Timbaland, Ginuwine, Swizz Beatz, Lala Anthony, Damon Dash and others will share their personal stories of Aaliyah during the one-hour special.

“With Aaliyah: One In A Million, we celebrate her life, her music and what she meant to so many,” said Stephen Hill, BET’s president of music programming and specials in a statement. “Aaliyah was a beautiful angel and we’re so glad that we were able to assemble her friends and loved ones for this unique special.”

T.I. Plans Return in Final Prison Letter, Talks Nietzsche

T.I.

Weeks before his scheduled release from an Arkansas prison, T.I. has put pen to paper — not to compose rhymes, but to write an impassioned letter he posted today (Aug. 16) on his website. In what he calls his final dispatch from the Forrest City Federal Correctional Complex, the Atlanta rapper thanks fans for years of support and promises that, come Sept. 29, he’s recommitting himself to hip-hop.

“Next time you hear from me I’ll be back out there with you,” writes the MC born Clifford Harris, Jr., who was sentenced in October to 11 months in prison following a parole-violating drug arrest in Los Angeles. “Doing for those who can’t do for themselves and speaking for those whose voices are never heard. When I touch down, I’m going all the way back to square one, like I’m fresh in the game and never sold a record.”

While in the clink, T.I. details, he took inspiration from words he thought were Tupac’s but later learned had come from the 19th century German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche: “To live is to suffer and to survive is to find meaning in that suffering.”

“When I heard Pac say that it was just some hard s— to hear your favorite rapper say before he kicked a verse,” T.I. writes. “Now that I’ve gone through it and grown from it those words have a real true meaning to me. I know this won’t be my last battle with adversity but it has truly prepared me for whatever else may come in the future.”

As fans await the follow-up to T.I.’s last album, 2010’s ‘No Mercy,’ they can check out the single ‘We Don’t Get Down Like Y’all,’ which dropped digitally in June.

Lady Gaga Opens Up About Amy Winehouse, Clarence Clemons: Singer Co-Hosts On ‘The View’ (VIDEO)

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga, looking quite conservative (for Gaga, that is) in a houndstooth-only ensemble, co-hosted “The View” today with Whoopi, Joy, Barbara and Elizabeth, and the women started the morning segment with some hard-hitting questions about the price of fame and her past drug-use.

Whoopi was quick to ask “The Edge of Glory” singer about her thoughts on Amy Winehouse’s death, to which Gaga replied, “I don’t feel like Amy needed to learn any lessons. I feel like the lesson was for the world to be kinder to the superstar.”

But the ladies of ‘The View’ didn’t waste any time before grilling Gaga about her own hard drug use. Last month, Gaga opened up to Howard Stern about her past hard drug-use, calling cocaine the devil. Gaga didn’t hold back on ‘The View’ either, telling the day-time talk-show queens: “I was so embarrassed. my dad called me out about it one day. My dad was like, ‘I know what you’re doing. I did it, and I lost every friend and everything I ever had when I did it.’ He shared with me his struggle, and that was what ultimately saved my life.”

Gaga also opened up about another famous performer who recently passed away–famed saxophonist Clarence Clemons, who Gaga collaborated with on her hit single “The Edge of Glory.”

The E Street Band saxophonist died in June from complications due to a stroke, but not before filming with Lady Gaga for her “The Edge of Glory” music video, which featured Clemons on saxophone. The music video is an intimate moment between Clemons and the “Born This Way” superstar. Featuring just the two of them, Clemons is seen in the video sitting on a stoop next to Gaga as he blows the instrument he became synonymous with.

“He really was like a father-figure,” said Gaga. “We had six wonder months of really close friendship, Clarence and I. He really changes your life so quickly, and you don’t know why and you can’t explain it, but he really does have this godly spirit around him. It was so important to me that he and I were the only two people in that video.”

Gaga then performed her next single, “You & I”, off her multi-platinum “Born This Way” album and wrapped things up by singing a few a capella lines of “The Edge of Glory” for the “The View” ladies.

 

 

 

Are Jennifer Lopez and Diddy Back Together?

Diddy & Jennifer lopez

Only two weeks after announcing her split from husband of seven years, Marc Anthony, rumor has it that Jennifer Lopez is attempting to rekindle her romance with Sean “Diddy” Combs.

According to BET, anonymous sources from both J.Lo and Diddy’s camps have shed some light on the reports.

Diddy’s source told BET that Jennifer is “the love of his life” and his “fantasy girl,” but the source fears that the reunion will end badly for Diddy, who was already dumped at the time when he “needed Jennifer the most.”

The source allegedly also admits that the public shouldn’t be surprised if Lopez and Combs walk a red carpet together very soon.

Lopez, 42, and Combs, 41, shared a high-profile, two-and-a-half year relationship in the ’90s, which ended shortly after Diddy was put on trial for weapons charges after a 1999 shooting at a New York City night club.

Diddy was later acquitted of the charges, but the stress of the trial proved too much for the relationship to withstand.

The source from Jen’s side put in her two cents saying, “Puff wouldn’t be my first choice for her, but then again he was always very supportive of her sex symbol image and never got mad when she wore sexy clothes. He actually encouraged it.”

There have also been eye witness reports that the exes were spotted together in New York City this week.

Kelly Rowland to Go on Tour With Chris

Chris Brown & Kelly Rowland

As reported by The BoomBox, following yesterday’s (July 26) release of her much buzzed about new album, ‘Here I Am,’ Kelly Rowland has announced that she will be hitting the road with Chris Brown on his upcoming U.S. tour, starting this September.

Breezy was certainly feeling his ‘Feelin’ Me Right Now’-singing tourmate and expressed his excitement via Twitter. “This Tour is about to be crazzzyyy! Not releasing the dates yet or the other acts. Don’t wanna count my eggs before they hatch!,” Brown wrote.

“Me and Kelly Rowland, along with other incredible artist are going on tour!!!! I’ll let u know who else is on later!” Chris added.

Kelly confirmed the news an interview with New York’s Hot 97. “I’m also going on tour with Chris Brown in September,” she revealed. “I’m so excited about that.”

Rihanna ‘S&M’ Lawsuit Moves Forward; David LaChapelle’s Claims Found Substantial

Rihanna

Teeming with gag-balls, whips and a lot of leather, Rihanna’s video, ‘S&M,’ was bound to get our attention.

But perhaps not this much. When the salacious video was released, it received immediate backlash–some because of its controversial subject and others because of its artistic vision and execution.

Photographer David LaChapelle, whose work has appeared in various fashion and music magazines, sued the R&B star this February for allegedly copying his work in her video. LaChappelle said that this infraction occurred eight times throughout the course of the video.

Despite their similarities, pinning copy right infringement to the somewhat ineffable qualities of “composition, total concept, feel, tone, mood, theme, colors, props, settings, decors, wardrobe and lighting” of the video is no easy case.

Lucky for LaChapelle, he’s now made it passed the first round of legal bureaucracy. New York Judge Shira Scheindlin finds the photographer’s claims sufficient to support a charge of copying. Interestingly enough, the concrete similarities such as the use of leashed men, gag-balls and leather–the real meat and potatoes of the video–are not a basis for infringement.

Rather, it is the video’s use of “angles, poses and lighting” that’s protected under copyright, according to the judge.

The similarities between Rihanna’s ‘S&M’ and LaChapelle’s photographs no coincidence, he says. The video’s storyboards actually used his photographs for inspiration.

Mariah Carey Talks About Twins, Pregnancy on HSN (VIDEO)

Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey has stayed pretty mum about her twins since giving birth in April, but the singer decided to give away some tidbits about life with newborns and her never-ending pregnancy while promoting her jewelry line on HSN Sunday night.

She references her short nails — “I cut my nails really [short] … for the babies” — and reveals that her pregnancy was not always butterflies and rainbows.

“February was bleak for me,” she said. “I was so uncomfortable.”

After months of speculation, Carey and husband Nick Cannon announced they were expecting twins last December. They welcomed son, Moroccan, and daughter, Monroe, on April 30.

“[Being] pregnant with twins is different than anything,” she continued. “…They were always saying to me, ‘Oh but it’s so worth it,’ and I’m like, ‘Yeah, that’s easy for you to say when you’re not the one whose feet are [so] big.’ … It turned into a really difficult time.”

“My body went through so much, holding those twins in, and you have to keep them in for as long as possible, because it’s a sacrifice that you make for them,” she said.

Carey showed off her large belly toward the end of her pregnancy.

“I was feeling very vulnerable about taking pictures at all right now, but then I didn’t want to miss this opportunity to document this once-in-a-lifetime experience,” she exclusively told Life & Style in April. “My ultimate goal was to share this incredibly personal moment with my true fans.”

Carey debuted her post-baby bod earlier this month.