Music News

Bay area rapper E-40 has just dropped a music video in support of his Akon-featuring single called "Wake It Up", which will appear in his upcoming twelfth major studio album called "The Ball Street Journal". The effort, which is produced by Lil Jon and Kanye West, is reportedly due to come out on October 28 under the courtesy of Columbia Records.

The music video for the tune has Akon and some beautiful young ladies as cameos. One of the girls is seen in yellow bikini, swimming in the beach, while the others are enjoying the company of E-40 in his luxurious mansion. On some scenes, the rapper is also captured rapping in an all-night outdoor party with the girls and some friends, enjoying the sea breeze.

Following the poor market share for her tenth major studio album "Discipline", Janet Jackson has reportedly questioned the capability of Def Jam Island Records and been reluctant to continue her deal with the recording company. In a conference call, Janet says, "I can't say if we'll be working with them in the future."

When asked whether it means that she will be leaving the label, Janet refuses to give an explanation. Instead of elaborating her statement, she says, "I don't know what the future holds between the two of us."

Despite his last year's vow saying that he would never perform at MTV Video Music Awards again after failing to win any prize, Kanye West has decided to end his brief beef with the music cable network and agreed to perform at the closing ceremony of this year's show. In a press conference held on Thursday, September 4, comedian and VMAs host Russell Brand says to the cameras that Kanye will have a super-sized performance of his own that is still kept for top secret.

Furthermore, regardless the rumor that her old rival Britney Spears may not sing at the show, Christina Aguilera is confirmed to make her first televised performance in the event since giving birth to baby boy Max in January. Speaking of the upcoming performance, Christina says that she will debut her new single called "Keep Getting Better" from her "Keeps Gettin' Better - A Decade of Hits", which will come out on November 11. "You're going to get a first look and a first listen at my new image and my new sound," Christina tells reporters. "The last album, the style and sound was about vintage gleam, this one is all about the future."

In a recent interview, Kim Kardashian reveals her desire to shift from acting to singing. "I would be down, if it was something fun. I love music, so it would just have to be the right thing," she tells E!.

Though there hasn't any concrete plan for the project, the star has already listed Michael Jackson as one of her collaborators. "I'd say a little bit Michael Jackson in there," she says shortly.

Following the premiere of her music video for song "Right Here (Departed)", a snippet of Brandy's new song titled "2nd Thought" has arrived. The song itself carries a piano-driven mid-tempo sounds, which is combined with Brandy's uniquely raspy tone.

The brand new song is presumed to appear in her upcoming album "Human", which will come out on November 11 via Epic Records. Her fifth studio effort mainly talks about her experiences in love, life and friendship that have inspired her to sing again. "They made me feel I had something to sing about," Brandy says. "It's definitely long overdue and I'm definitely happy to be back."

Two of the world's most popular R&B performers, Rihanna and Chris Brown, may be reluctant to confirm their romantic relationship but they will definitely be together in New Zealand. Next month, the two singers are set to join forces in the country where Rihanna and Chris are currently holding steady at number one on the singles charts with their respective hits "Disturbia" and "With You".

Speaking of the New Zealand's collaboration, Chris says that he is thrilled. "I love it out there," he states. "I can't wait to see the fans out there because I've been away for a little while."

One of Pearl Jam's members, Jeff Ament has confirmed to embark with his solo musical career by releasing debut album entitled "Tone". The effort will be a representation for his 10-years work that has never been included on the band's albums.

Commenting on his project, the Pearl Jam's bassist says that it is still in the work for final touch. "It just got to a point where I had to clean off the shelf a little bit," he explains. "I broke this group of 35 songs into three groups and decided to finish one of them."

Christina Aguilera has decided to peddle her upcoming compilation album exclusively through one retailer. Joining John Legend, Carrie Underwood and Alicia Keys, early this week she has signed an exclusive deal with big-box retailer Target.

Asked for comment concerning the agreement, Christina says that she can't wait for it. "I can't believe it's been over 10 years since my first album and it was really exciting to put all of my favorite songs in one collection for my fans," she says in a statement.

Multi-platinum recording artist Collin Raye will be hosting this year's annual show of Inspirational Country Music Awards. In addition to his hosting job, Collin is also booked to perform along side country musicians Tracy Lawrence, and The Isaacs, who are slated as the first performers.

Other artists to appear at the annual show are Grammy Award winning groups, Point of Grace and Greg McDougal with special guests, including Tammy Cochran, Del Way, James Payne, and Mike Rimmey. Meanwhile, additional performers and presenters will be announced in the coming months.

In the past few weeks, there has been a buzz questioning whether troubled singer Britney Spears will take this year's stage of MTV Video Music Awards or just sit on the audience desk. A recent statement from MTV confirms that Britney will indeed be at this weekend's show to open the awards ceremony. "Britney has done everything from perform with a snake, lock lips with Madonna and prove that what happens in Vegas doesn't always stay in Vegas," president of MTV Networks Music and Film Group, Van Toffler says. "I can't wait to see what she does to kick off this year's show."

However, when asked about the details of Britney's performance, Van says that the show will be unexpected. "It'll be something 'fun and unexpected' on Sunday night's show," he says. Van's statement has then generated a speculation saying that Britney's appearance may not be a live performance.

Brandy's long awaited music video for her new single "Right Here (Departed)" has been released. Written by her longtime friend Rodney Jerkins, the song is taken from her fifth major studio album called "Human", which will not be available for purchase until November 11.

Featuring her younger brother Ray J and Rodney, the new video is directed by Little X in such a way to have a universal meaning. "You can take it like you're talking about a mother and a daughter, a sister, brother, girlfriend. Just popping up everywhere, just singing to them, and it's [got] an I Am Legend feel," Brandy explains. "Sometimes you see me on the street by myself completely, and it's pretty cool."

Coldplay lead the shortlist of this year's Q Awards with four nominations. On top of the list, the band are nominated for Best Album, thanks to their latest album "Viva la Vida". They will compete with four others contenders, including Fleet Foxes with their self-titled album, The Last Shadow Puppets with "The Age of the Understatement", Vampire Weekend with their self-titled album, and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds with "Dig!!! Lazarus, Dig!!!".

The band are also listed in Best Track and Best Video categories for single "Violet Hill" from their fourth album. Other bands who join Coldplay in Best Track caterory are Hot Chip with "Ready for the Floor", Vampire Weekend with "A-Punk", and Goldfrapp with "Happiness".

A music video for Jack Johnson's new single entitled "Hope" has just been premiered. The song appears in his fifth major studio effort "Sleep Through the Static", which has been released in February.

The video for the Bob Marley-reggae-style song is taped during one of his live performances in "Sleep Through the Static Tour". It starts with a capture of the singer taking the stage with his backing-up band and as the song flows, the audience in the gig dance slowly with the mellow, soft, romantic music. At some points, the scene shows his previous life as a fervent surfer before finally jumping into the musical industry.

While visiting Indiana University earlier this week, Lupe Fiasco took the time to treat the audience with a new material. The rapper played a new song aptly called "New Shit", which may be included in his third and last album "LupEND".

Introducing the song to the crowd, Lupe also dubbed his album as "the greatest album you ever heard in your life" adding that people shouldn't "say this is like a final album." He then launched to the new joint backed up by the band and additional rapper.

"Fantasy Ride", the third studio album from Ciara, will spawn "Go Girl" as the first single and the mentioned track has been leaked on-line prior its official release later this month. The single is featuring T-Pain and according to Rap-Up.com, it uses the same beat as "Hood Girl" that has been leaked earlier.

Beside serving as the featured vocal, T-Pain also took over the production of the single. "Go Girl" was not the first choice as the lead single lifted from the album, but it won over a Ludacris-featuring track called "High Price".