Newsychick's World

Usher & Diplo bringing the Climax

2012-02-15T20:13:00.001Z

Yes! Yes! Yes! The new R&B track from Usher & Diplo makes me happy. None of that dance-pop stuff that Usher's been doing recently, an actual flashback to when he made that kinda slow jam quality tune that could get people into trouble at a party...hmm yeah, hold tight those who know about the 'Nice & Slow' moments. Producer, Diplo, who is currently describing the sound of 'Climax' as "

Rest in Peace Whitney Houston

2012-02-12T13:20:00.002Z

Wow, I was genuinely shocked to wake up this morning and hear about the death of Whitney Houston. I mean, she wasn't old and even the days when we were seeing those distressing images of her looking under the influence of some drug or another, were years ago. Houston was found dead in a hotel room in LA yesterday and as yet, there hasn't been any cause of death confirmed. She is yet

Childish Gambino - Heartbeat video

2012-02-11T22:12:00.001Z

I've blogged about how much I've been loving Childish Gambino's album 'Camp' before so, although I was disappointed that I missed his show in London recently, I was pleased to see that he recently dropped a video for his forthcoming single 'Heartbeat'. I hope this single cuts through into the mainstream as it'd be nice to hear this being played more widely on radio and TV here in the

First official photos of Beyonce with baby Blue Ivy

2012-02-10T23:24:00.001Z

Awwww! Jay-Z has released some photos of his little bundle of joy on his Life+Times site *watches internet go into meltdown* OMG!!!!! I love how they kept it classy and didn't sell the first photos of Blue Ivy to some magazine. To be fair though, they have been really good at maintaining a level of privacy only revealing details when, or if, they decide to. She has her own

Jay-Z & Kanye West - N****s in Paris (Video)

2012-02-09T16:59:00.001Z

After all the hype, it looks like the new video for Niggas in Paris has dropped. It may cause an epileptic seizure and the illuminati theorists will have something to say about it, but it looks pretty good. I was hoping for some comedy flossing with fur coats and bling on the Champs-Elysées though. Meanwhile, there is apparently going to be a screening in Shorditch,

Love a bit of Popcaan

2012-02-09T09:00:00.000Z

With Vybz Kartel *ahem* currently unavailable, it's definitely Popcaan's time to represent the Empire. He's released the video for his track 'Party Shot' and although it's the usual girls in bikinis etc, it's nicely shot. It's such a shame dancehall videos don't really get represented on TV here in the UK. Anyhooo, I need a new Popcaan mixtape or something from him sharpish as I've been

Chris Rene records with Rihanna producer

2012-02-08T15:30:00.000Z

X Factor USA finalist Chris Rene has been in the studio recording with Grammy Award winning producer Supa Dups. The Black Chiney Music producer has previously worked with artists such as Bruno Mars, Eminem, Rihanna, Sean Paul and Young Money and so although I wasn't the biggest fan of Rene on the X Factor, I'm looking forward to hearing what they cooked up. Tweeting to his 197k followers, LA

Damian Marley - Set Up Shop (Behind the scenes)

2012-02-07T21:56:00.000Z

OMG! I won't go into quite how much I love Damian Marley, but he tweeted a link to this 'making of' video for his track Set Up Shop (which I love by the way) and he's wearing a shirt and tie in some scenes. This may almost be too much for me to handle. Beautiful dreads, face, music AND looking fresh in a crisp white shirt with tie??? I may pass out.

Grammys #wearemusic campaign is stunning

2012-02-05T00:33:00.002Z

Completely loving the theme and execution of the Grammy Awards posters/digital artwork for the 'We Are Music' campaign this year. Grammys on Google+

Melanie Amaro & Elton John together in Pepsi ad

2012-02-04T09:30:00.000Z

X Factor USA winner Melanie Amaro stars in a brand new commercial alongside Elton John due to air in the States during the Super Bowl. Also making a guest appearance in the minute-long clip is Flava Flav, looking like a a court jester (no change there then). In addition to a $5 million recording contract, a Pepsi ad was one of the prizes awarded to the winner of the X-Factor competition.

Mavado asks for justice

2012-01-24T21:18:00.000Z

In hip hop and dancehall scenes, you'd be forgiven for thinking that no matter what the crime, no-one would want to help police with their enquiries. However, dancehall star Mavado (and his management obviously) today issued a heartfelt and anxious statement pleading for justice following the death of Mavado's close friend, Conroy 'Connie' Edwards. Connie died after being shot at a

Ed Sheeran + raving kitten = quality video

2012-01-23T21:44:00.000Z

OMG I totally love Ed Sheeran's video for Drunk. Following on from Ed's excellent Lego House video with Ron Weasley AKA Rupert Grint, this is another creative offering featuring a cat who plays games consoles, the guitar, checks out 'fit' girls and parties hard. The fan video for this song, released beforehand featured One Direction's Harry Styles and a whole load of Ed's fans at his

iPod pull ups for Connor Maynard, Kaleem Taylor & Josh Kumra

2012-01-22T00:06:00.000Z

Maybe I'm getting on a bit or something, but in addition to the inappropriate dancehall I always listen to, I'm totally loving some of the music from UK male soul singers at the moment. Some of them are totally relaxing me lately so I thought I'd highlight some of my current favs. I've blogged quite a bit about Daley before so I won't go on about him again, but some of the other voices I'm

UPDATED: New Jay-Z track featuring baby Blue + official statement

2012-01-09T20:24:00.000Z

No official statement from Beyonce or Jay-Z's people yet about the arrival of their new baby, apparently called Blue Ivy Carter, yet a track has found it's way online, seemingly by Jay-Z and featuring the cry of the newborn. "Baby I paint the sky blue. My greatest creation was you" Premiering on Jay-Z's Life + Times site, with just a caption saying 'Life just got REALLY good', the

RIP Stephen Lawrence

2012-01-03T20:08:00.002Z

Today two of the pieces of scum responsible for the racist murder of Stephen Lawrence have finally been convicted, 18 years after the teenager was stabbed to death in south London. Gary Dobson and David Norris were found guilty by a unanimous verdict and will be sentenced tomorrow. I was so pleased at first when I heard the verdict today, especially for Stephen's parents. The thing is

Top 5 Tips for 2012

2012-01-03T14:00:00.000Z

I wasn't going to do a Ones To Watch for 2012 post, but after looking back at last year's top 5 selection, I think I kinda enjoy the personal prediction gamble. To be fair, there are so many artist names in my head, it's quite difficult to cut it down to 5. To make things a bit easier, I'll stick to UK acts only. In no particular order... Emeli Sande She's been working hard for a few years but

Were my 2011 predictions any good?

2012-01-02T20:44:00.005Z

Another New Year, and as usual there are loads of lists of 'ones to watch in 2012'. I've been a bit slack on the blogging front so haven't added my 2pence worth, but I did have a look back at my tips for 2011 and am pleased to say, I wasn't far off: Jessie J & Wretch 32 had an absolutely amazing 2011 and Labrinth released what turned out to be my absolute favourite single of the year.

Did Rihanna & Chris Brown tweet love messages to each other??

2011-12-29T22:44:00.000Z

Earlier this afternoon, Chris Brown & Rihanna posted a couple of love tweets which some people think may have been subliminally directed at each other. So if these tweets were declarations of love for each other, does it mean they may get back together? Does that mean Rihanna has totally forgiven Chris for the beating she received? Does it even matter? Some of the really negative online

Tanya Lacey kills it with this cinemagraph

2011-12-23T13:37:00.000Z

OK, so I love a creative photo/video and have blogged about cinemagraphs a while back, but this new offering from singer Tanya Lacey is like a cinemagraph on steroids - I love it! It is 160 metres long and was shot on Stokes Croft in Tanya's native Bristol (big up the West Country massive) and featuring her track ‘Born To Fly'. Big up whoever actually made this

Ed Sheeran, Wretch 32, P Money & More - Live Lounge

2011-12-21T21:14:00.001Z

Ed Sheeran brought Devlin, P Money, Wretch 32 and Mikill Pane down to London's Maida Vale to record a special Live Lounge for 1Xtra. They performed six tracks, and as per usual, I was blown away. I'm a big Sheeran fan so I've already watched all of the videos a couple of times and was reminded what a good songwriter he is. Even when dealing with a dark subject (eg. Little Lady/A Team), you

Childish Gambino

2011-12-20T21:30:00.000Z

I've been bumping Childish Gambino's album 'Camp' on my iPod recently and today I met him so had to tell him I was feeling the album (instead of my usual nod, smile and move on routine). I also took the photo above (see more pics). I was probably a bit late on his music and was a bit disturbed after I first saw the video to Bonfire (it's a bit dark), so it was nice to see that in person he

Cleo Sol signs to Island Universal

2011-12-20T15:44:00.001Z

Love a bit of good news at the end of the year. Cleo Sol has signed to Island / Universal Records. She's been around for quite a while but this year she's definitely been putting in the work, performing live and getting more airplay of radio all over the place. Anyone remember her joining Tinie Tempah way back in 2008 on the track Tears? More recently though, she released a

X Factor USA's Astro signed by Roc Nation?

2011-12-02T22:05:00.001Z

Earlier on I watched Astro get voted out of X Factor USA and now I'm hearing rumours that he's been signed by Roc Nation. If true, that'd definitely be good news for the teenage Brooklyn rapper. Word is Jay-Z was really impressed by his confidence and lyrical ability on the show.

1Xtra Live Tour - Days 3 & 4

2011-12-02T11:25:00.001Z

As I suspected, I got super busy and tired so didn't get to do individual day 3 and day 4 diaries, sorry. Thankfully though the 1Xtra website looks great and the Facebook and twitter accounts were popping off with 1Xtra Live chit chat. So, condensed version: 1Xtra Live Day 3 - Bristol Really different crowd to Manchester, as I'm guessing it was predominantly drum and bass heads. On the

1Xtra Live Tour: Day 2 diary

2011-11-30T10:54:00.001Z

There’s something a bit rock and roll about travelling down the motorway on the tour bus with 9 other people. Definitely the best tour bus ever in my opinion. It’s also the place where the interview sections of the red button coverage are broadcast. The Birmingham leg of 1Xtra Live was pretty strong. I think Nero pleased the crowd and deserved headline status on this line up, but