Kelly Rowland Courtesy of WENN.com/R. Kelly Courtesy of Getty Images

Talk about an unlikely pairing!

First of all, was anyone even thinking of a “Dirty Laundry” remix from Kelly Rowland?  I thought she’d said all she needed to say in the original song and we were done with it. Apparently, she wasn’t.

On Friday night, Power 105.1′s DJ Self premiered the song on his “Midnight Mix” show.  It is a true remix in the sense that the lyrics are totally different, even Kelly has a different verse in the beginning.

But to be honest, the shining star is R. Kelly.  He hits us with the “Oh oh oh oh oh” and you know it’s about to be on:

“…See the truth of the matter is everybody can’t do this/And that’s why I got these s**t talking R&B singers on my hit list/(They Running) But I remain standing tall 90 stories and that will never change/And they bite my style so much I swear should write a book/And when I look at tv, I say “Got damn, that’s my look”…”

Can you say shots fired? Of course, he could be talking about anyone but there’s a great chance that the verse was primarily aimed at Trey Songz.  If you’ll recall, Trey did a remix about four years ago on the “Death of Autotune” beat and came directly for Kelly.  But being the more seasoned artist, R. Kelly just cooly responded by saying, “What’s an elephant going to do when a fly or an ant lands on him? Those guys got some growing up to do.”

Clearly, that was then and this is now.  R. Kelly hasn’t said much musically in quite some time outside of his “Trapped In The Closet” chapters earlier this year so this song is quite a return.

We’ll see if this buzz will help to generate more sales on June 18th when Kelly Rowland’s album, Talk A Good Game, hits stores.

Check it out and tell us what you think!

You’d think with million dollar contracts and endorsement deals, foreclosures would be the last thing singers, athletes, and every other celebrity under the sun would have to worry about. But as we’ve seen all too often, money management skills are not prominent on the Hollywood scene. Check out the latest celebs who may soon find themselves homeless.

WENN

Lauryn Hill

Lauryn Hill made Grammy history by becoming the first woman to be nominated in ten categories in a single year and the first woman to win five times in one night. Her album, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” went on to sell more than 19 million records worldwide but succumbing to the pressures that followed, the New Jersey native took a break from the industry. Hill has since resurfaced but with some money problems. In April of this year, her landlord hit the “Ex-Factor” singer with an eviction notice. A settlement was reached in court a few days ago and Hill has agreed to pay $7,000 in rent and vacate the property. Earlier this year, Hill pled guilty to tax evasion and was sentenced to 3 months behind bars.

Just last week we showed you a few of the singers who thought they had what it took to try and cover Prince. This week, we’ve got a few big names who thought they could take on the King of Pop. While not every rendition/cover of his classics from throughout his career were well-done, they were all a lot different than the original songs, which is step one to trying to produce a worthy cover: Do your own thing, but have respect for the originator. Check out covers by everyone from Chaka Khan to Celine Dion, Al B Sure! and even Miles Davis, and let us know which ones you think were good, and not so good after all.

And of course, the links to the actual MJ songs are included in each description!

Any time you’re trying to describe an artist, there’s always a temptation to compare them to someone else. It’s easier to say “Keyshia Cole is like Mary J. Blige” than to say “Keyshia Cole makes raw, soul-infused R&B filled with themes of pain and personal transformation.” I get that. But sometimes the comparisons go too far, and we try to place up-and-comers in the same category as legends whose legacies have left an indelible mark on the musical landscape.

The late, great Michael Jackson is probably the most frequent victims of suspect comparisons. It seems that anyone who can dance and sing reasonably well is at some point dubbed the new or next version of The Gloved One. Usher is the new Michael Jackson. Chris Brown is the new Michael Jackson. Beyoncé is the new Michael Jackson. In the name of all that is holy, this must stop. I have seen all three of these “new Michael Jacksons” live, and I can attest that any one of their shows will change your night, if not your life. Usher is a consummate entertainer, Chris Brown is the best dancer I have ever seen anywhere, and Beyoncé
will leave you out of breath just watching her.

That said, to compare these entertainers to the King of Pop, a man who was arguably the most innovative, groundbreaking and important artist of all-time, hurts my feelings in ways I can’t begin to describe. I could possibly tolerate something more specific like “he can sing and dance well, kind of like a young Michael Jackson.” But to compare artists to someone who was incomparable won’t fly.

Another questionable comparison involves Trey Songz. I’ve heard him described as the next R. Kelly and/or D’Angelo. I’m sorry, what did you say? Just because you take your shirt off and sing sex-laced ballads does not make you heir to the throne of Kells or the inimitable D’Angelo. So I’m going to need people to cease and desist equating any crooner with a sexed up catalogue and a six-pack to either of these two very unique and musically-gifted individuals.

And then, there is perhaps the most egregious comparison I’ve heard yet: that Frank Ocean is this generation’s Luther Vandross or Marvin Gaye. For the love of Tyler Perry, we must stop this madness. I think we’ve all heard more than enough Luther and Marvin to know that Frank is neither, so I will kindly ask the people making these comparisons to have a seat for eternity.

Young Frank and his unique brand of R&B has certainly taken the world by storm. But to compare an individual with a mixtape and an album to legends who shaped entire eras, who left us with some of the most memorable music we have, whose musical styles don’t even resemble Ocean’s, is simply ludicrous. In the words of Claudette Wyms, one of my favorite characters on the former FX drama The Shield, “You’re stretching, son. Try yoga.”

These ridiculous comparisons also occur in the rap spectrum. I think we all laughed off the idea that Ja Rule was the new DMX, but among the more outlandish claims I’ve heard is that Kendrick Lamar is the new 2Pac. Girl, bye. I can’t even dignify that with a response.

Sure, there are similarities between artists, and comparisons are inevitable. Nicki Minaj is like Lil Kim or Foxy Brown, female rappers who blend sexuality with serious bars. Justin Bieber is like Justin Timberlake; they’re both white r&b/pop artists who got their start as teen idols. Lady Gaga is like Madonna; they’re fearless females who push the envelope and weave religious imagery and sex into their music.

But no one is the new or next anyone, much as each generation might want to lay claim to their own version of some superstar. Chris Brown is not the new Michael Jackson and Frank Ocean is not the new Luther Vandross. There is one Michael and one Luther and one Marvin and one 2Pac, and there will never be some newfangled knockoff. They’ll come through and create their own lane and legacies. But we lessen the legacies of certain icons by claiming there is some updated version, like they are a line of soft drink or an old computer program. What these people did is unmatched and will remain unmatched. Without taking anything away from these talented young artists — who deserve to be seen in their own light, and not in someone else’s shadow — let’s not pretend a legend who brought us something we’d never seen before and will never see again can somehow be duplicated.

What’s the craziest musical comparison you’ve ever heard? Sound off in the comments.

Lauren Carter is a Boston-based wordsmith who writes about music, pop culture, race and relationships. Connect with her on Twitter @ByLaurenCarter or check out her blog at www.bylaurencarter.com.

Source: 7 Digital

My mother always taught me that it is unwise to laugh at ignorance, but sometimes, it’s just so darn tempting. We are currently living  in the age of the internet petition, where any and everyone can have their causes heard if they gather enough signatures. Of course, the internet petition is a wonderful platform for valid causes, such as the one spearheaded by the parents of slain teen, Trayvon Martin. Even the more recent petition organized by Howard University medical students, urging Bravo TV to cancel their upcoming reality show, Married to Medicine was plausible. But unfortunately, the public has also utilized this platform to launch mean-spirited petitions, such as the one that requested for singer Ciara stop creating music. The latest and most outrageous request to hit the web is a petition, which requests that the United States’ National Anthem be changed from “The Star-Spangled Banner” to the remixed version of R.Kelly’s 2003 club-banger, “Ignition.” The petition reads:

“We, the undersigned, would like the Obama administration to recognize the need for a new national anthem, one that even a decade after its creation, is still hot and fresh out the kitchen. America has changed since Francis Scott Key penned our current anthem in 1814. Since then, we have realized that after the show, it’s the afterparty, and that after the party, it’s the hotel lobby, and–perhaps most importantly–that ’round about four, you’ve got to clear the lobby, at which point it’s strongly recommended that you take it to the room and freak somebody. President Obama: we ask you to recognize the evolution of this beautiful country and give us an anthem that better suits the glorious nation we have become.”

The petition was launched by a Wilmington, North Carolina resident on March 3rd of this year and has acquired 4,845 signatures to date. According to the White House petition’s site, the appeal needs to reach its goal of 100,000 signatures by April 2nd to be “considered.”

Hot mess.

It’s not an easy feat to sing the “Star Spangled Banner” for big games and events. For years, the top singers and performers have been trying their best at it, and while many have been amazing, others…? Not so much. And after watching Alicia Keys try something different with her rendition of the national anthem this past Sunday, we thought we’d go through some of the best of the best, the hottest of the messes and the performances that piqued our interest for different unique reasons. And boy was it fun! Check out these 10 takes on the national anthem and decide if you agree with us about who killed it, who should have sat down somewhere, and who made us think a stepper’s jam version of the “Star Spangled Banner” wouldn’t be so bad…

And no, Roseanne Barr is not on this list because she HAD to be joking…

Mariah Carey

One Of The Best

In 2002, with her long blonde hair and tiny frame, Mimi stepped on the stage and killed the national anthem (in a good way of course). Her notes were on point (especially the very high one she did when she sang “freeeeeeeeee”), and with the dramatic music done in the background by the band, it was just perfect. And it wouldn’t be a Mariah Carey performance without her signature hand movements. It’s one of the few renditions of the “Star Spangled Banner” that I can listen to as if it’s an actual top 10 hit on the radio.

Derrick Salters/WENN.com

Aside from doing pretty risqué songs about bumping and grinding and the perks of engaging in sex in the kitchen, fans of R. Kelly’s music know that from time to time he likes to do gospel and get the choirs out on his tracks. Kelly started out in the church, so when he’s feeling like doing a song about redemption, God moving mountains in his life, and to just be inspirational in general, he digs a bit deeper in the hopes of moving people and making them think.

Obviously just as shaken by the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary on December 14 as the rest of the country, Kelly decided to pen and record a song to pay tribute to the students, with ALL proceeds allegedly going to the families of the victims of such a senseless tragedy. The track, however, does not have Kelly on it singing, but rather a children’s choir and an adult choir taking over vocals. He does talk over the track, getting his Kirk Franklin on as the choir croons. Less than three minutes long, the song is touching both in its arrangement of instruments, as well as in the lyrics. The song’s chorus, for example, goes “I know you’re hurting, I hear you crying, but come tomorrow, there’s a place you can go. Find the blue skies, hear the choir sing, feel the power, of a miracle, miracle…”

Definitely an emotional song, it can tug at your heartstrings once the track reaches the climax. After listening to it, R. Kelly is still a hitmaker in every sense of the word, and you’ve got to give the man credit for being able to get people to dance and still be able to go gospel on ‘em. It’s a great song for a good cause, and you can actually buy the song on iTunes if you want to help out. Listen to the track below and let us know what you think!

Photo Credit: White House Official Photographer/WENN.com

Flava Flav

Flav pulled the ultimate comeback when he started covering the reality show circuit. But where has our favorite Public Enemy been recently? Frying chicken. Flav’s Chicken & Ribs Restaurants are keeping your boy afloat while he pays back the $900,000 that he owes the IRS. But apparently the restaurant business is even tougher than the rap game. Two of his restaurants have closed thanks to bounced paychecks and missed bills. He’s opening a third one in Detroit soon. Let’s hope the third time is a financial charm.

Source: Getty Images

Syleena Johnson, the star of TVOne’s R&B Divas, singer, and mom chatted with @MadameNoire on Twitter about her show, music, and what’s up next for her. Check out the interview below.

Madame Noire: Welcome @Syleena_Johnson to #MNchats. How are you today?

Syleena Johnson:  I am well:) How are you?

MN: We are great! Glad to have you here with us. Let’s talk R&B Divas. What did you most enjoy about the show?

SJ: I enjoyed everything about the show! It was an amazing experience and I am glad to be starting season 2!

MN: What did you like least about the show?

SJ: Tension that was there sometimes. But I appreciate it now that it’s over because it made me a better…

MN: Do you agree with Keke’s comment about every woman being a Itchbay sometimes?

SJ: Absolutely hahahahah. We all have a little Itchbay in us at times, hell I know some men that do too!

MN: Who is your closest friend on the show of all the divas? Do you all hang out when the cameras are off?

SJ: I hang with Keke the most, becz we both live in ATL and have small kids but when we are all together,we all hang out.

MN: Can you give us any hints about what’s going to happen next season? Any new cast members?

SJ: As far as I know we are all coming back. I don’t know anything about any new cast members

MN: Acoustic Soul came out in September. Can we expect another album soon? What’s your next chapter?

SJ: Yes! I am working on CHPT6:Couples Therapy. Working with Mike Snoddy, and @N8ThaMaven so far.

MN: Do you still keep up with @rkelly and @kanyewest?

SJ: No:( but I have tried. I guess they are way to busy for little ole me:) I lv them…[hope to] work with them again in the future.

MN: What else can we expect from you in the future?

SJ: Tons of new & amazing new ventures! starting with my workout DVD series “Mommy’s got soul”, chpt6,…

MN: That sounds amazing! Thank you so much for chatting with us! We’re looking forward to R&B Divas Season 2.

SJ: Me too!! Great interview, thank you for having me!

Follow Syleena on twitter at @Syleena_Johnson.

PNP/WENN

And no, we’re not talking about that one street in your city that is Broadway, but the Great White Way in NYC. The real Broadway, which has brought you classic plays like “RENT,” “Les Miserables,” “FELA!” and other classics just might be bringing you the hilarity that is the “Trapped In The Closet” saga, brought to you by the R-uh.

While at a screening in NYC to showcase the newest episodes and twisted plotlines of “Trapped In The Closet” earlier this week, which debut on the IFC channel on Black Friday, R. Kelly said that he had been offered the opportunity to possibly take his characters and storytelling to the big stage, and he says, “To transform it into a Broadway version, that’s what I’m working on.” According to CBS News, R. Kelly will also appear in a few performances, and he says that he had always wanted to act, so doing “Trapped In The Closet” allowed him the chance to do so:

“I’m just having a lot of fun. I don’t have a job, so I sit in the studio all day and think of stuff to do and this is just something stupid I’ve done that’s been successful for me,” he said. “I’m having a lot of fun with it.”

And according to Rolling Stone, you’re probably going to have fun watching the newest episodes in what they and Kelly call his “hip-hopera.” The plotlines include everything from characters with HIV, folks fighting against a mob boss, and a pimp (ya’ll remember Lucius) trying keep his business going. And if these new episodes aren’t enough for you, I’m sure you will be geeked to know that Kelly says he has more than 50 new chapters coming and he’s ready to milk this cow and drive this car until the wheels fall off. Yay.

As he said to reporters after the screening, according to CBS News:

“I want everybody to know I’ve got 85 chapters of ‘Trapped in the Closet’ waiting in the studio for y’all,” he said. “The chapters that are coming – the show, we call it – is going to exceed every chapter that you have ever seen.”

As entertaining as these short opuses of rachetness are, I just truly can’t see “Trapped In The Closet” as something to take seriously on Broadway, especially since there is climactic ish going on every five minutes: “I CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S A MAN!” OH MY GOD IT’S A MIDGET!” “OH MY GOD IT’S A RUBBER!”–and on and on and on. But it’s clear that the people like what R Kelly is serving in his interesting form of storytelling, and we know there will be more colorful shenanigans that somebody will pay to see if it ends up on Broadway for real. Question is, would you be one of those people paying to see “Trapped In The Closet” on Broadway?