The Juice: July 2012

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Brandy Performs "Put It Down" For the First Time at HU!

Brandy performed her single "Put It Down" for the first time at Howard University in Washington, D.C.!

WEEEEERK!!!

She better work it out!!

Two Eleven Drops October 2nd!!

-J.Couture

Brandy Interview w/ Urban Informer [Video]

This is reeeeaaallyyy good! I know some of us "black folks" don't like to read so I didn't include the text dialogue of this 10 minute plus long interview..

Check out Brandy's interview with Urban Informer below!

Part 1

Part 2

Brandy touches on why she decided to participate in the Whitney Houston tribute at the 2012 BET Awards, the Full Moon album, creating her own television sitcom, starring in a Tyler Perry film, starring in The Game, balancing motherhood with artistry, finding true love, using music to uplift her fans, etc...

Brandy described her new sound as "futuristic R&B." She also said she would have told the 17 year old Brandy to sit down, listen, stop worrying what other people think, and to follow her gut.

I cannot wait to see this "Put It Down" video co-starring the featured artist, Chris Brown, which she said would be out in a couple of weeks!

Two Eleven will be in stores October 2nd!

-J.Couture

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Check Me Out: ESSENCE Mag Street Style Watch!

Yoooooo! I totally forgot about this, BUT I was featured on Essence.com for the Essence Fest edition of their "Street Style Watch!".. Faaaaaaab! Check me out!

Street Style: ESSENCE Music Festival 2012 Round-Up

"Superdome Style"

Click HERE for the feature on ESSENCE.com and to view the other 120 fabulous ladies who were featured!

-J.Couture

GRAMMY Award-Winning Ann Nesby Signs with Arrow Soul

Over the past 20 years Nesby has built an enviable career and has collaborated with some of the most famous and well-respected names in entertainment, such as the late Reverend James Cleveland, Luther Vandross, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Sting, and Al Green. About the latest addition to the Arrow family, the label's General Manager Cappriccieo Scates offers, "We are extremely excited to have Ann join our team. She has been the barometer for great music for many years, and we are looking forward to the success of this partnership."

In the early 1900s, Nesby rose to prominence on the worldwide stage as lead singer of the popular music ensemble Sounds of Blackness. Her distinct and unforgettable vocals helped garner two GRAMMY Awards for the group in 1991 and 1993, as well as hit songs, including "The Pressure," "Testify," "Optimistic," and "Demolition Man" (with Sting) from the blockbuster motion picture of the same name.

After her tenure with Sounds of Blackness, Ann Nesby's career path would lead to further success as a solo recording artist, a songwriter, and a leading actress. In 1996 she released her solo debut, I'm Here For You, and the album spent a remarkable 60 weeks atop the R&B music charts. Around this same time, Ann emerged as a much sought after songwriter, penning hits for superstar artists, including Gladys Knight ("Home Alone") and Patti LaBelle ("The Right Kinda Lover" and "Someone Like You"). She was also tapped by the then emerging playwright Tyler Perry to star in his very first stage play, I Know I've Been Changed.

Since then, Nesby has been recording, touring, and acting nonstop. She has released seven successful solo, studio albums: I'm Here For You, Put it on Paper, Make Me Better, In the Spirit, This is Love, The Lula Lee Project, and Ann Nesby's Soulful Christmas. Additionally, she released a compilation of dance hits Love is What We Need in 2001 and a greatest hits CD/DVD, Ann Nesby the Best of Live, in 2007. In 2003, she was cast in her first feature film, The Fighting Temptations, as Aunt Sally Walker alongside Cuba Cooding, Jr. and Beyonce. And her debut "The Stone" with Pastor Shirley Ceasar from the movie's soundtrack earned a GRAMMY nomination in 2004.

When talking about the new chapter that she's embarking upon with Arrow and their upcoming projects, Nesby says, "I'm absolutely ecstatic, and it gives me great pleasure to join forces with my pastor Taffi Dollar, CEO of Arrow Records, and new General Manager, Cappriccieo Scates, as we move forward, creating great music in the styles that I've based my entire career upon. It is my belief that music from the heart reaches the heart and being a part of Arrow Soul is an opportunity to continue making a mark that cannot be erased. Let's go!"

www.ArrowGlobalEntertainment.com

NEW MUSIC: Estelle's "Wonderful Life" [Music Video]

Estelle just dropped a new video via twitter called "Beautiful Life".. I really like this vid.. It takes us into a more personal view of her life, traveling and performing.. It has a really nice, smooth, chill vibe to it.. Check it out!

DO WE LOVE IT?!

Sidebar: Is Estelle still under Atlantic or has she went down a floor to Warner?.. Just noticed the logo changes, that's all.

-J.Couture

Monday, July 23, 2012

NEW MUSIC: Trey Songz's "Simply Amazing" [Music Video]

This is a new sound for Trey, but i like it... Peep the video for his latest release "Simply Amazing" off the new Chapter V album... Directed by Justin Francis.

Check it out!

DO WE LOVE IT?!

Chapter V will be available in stores every where on August 21st!

You can pre-order here on iTunes.

-J.Couture

NEW MUSIC: Jade Alston's "SOBER" [Music Video]

Following a private performance broadcasting live on Philly's Power 99FM, R&B singer/songwriter Jade Alson releases the playful visual for her new uplifting single, "Sober." The single, along with previously released visual "Searching" are focused on her debut effort, Single On A Saturday Night, where each song serves as a journal entry into Jade's diary, surrounding innocent documentation of being newly single.

Check it out!

DO WE LOVE IT?!

Jade announced via twitter last night, "I have a new manager, his name is Mike Brinkley and he's responsible for starting the careers of several of your favorite musicians including Nas, Big Sean & now yours truly.. I couldn't be more excited about the addition!!! We've been working silently, but diligently to get a new plan in place to take the music & the overall project to the next level.. but now that everything is in order, be prepared to watch things go.. full force, lol (in my movie commercial voice)."

YOU BETTER WORK IT OUT JADE!!

Jade Alston Social Media

Website | Twitter | Facebook

For management inquires contact Mike Brinkley.

For booking inquires contact Connie Alston.

For press inquiries contact Diane "Shabazz" Varnie.

-J.Couture

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

NEW MUSIC: Jacob Latimore's "You Come First" [Music Video]

I first heard this song on Music Choice a couple days ago and I initially didn't know it was Jacob Latimore, but I loved the song! This song is equivalent to J. Bieber's "Boyfriend" as a break out record to catapult his career to swexy young man status. Jacob has a lot of swagg in this video and the fact that he's singing about his girl coming first is a win for him with the ladies. Not to mention, his voice has matured! I see the cougars all over this, lol. Congratulations in advance to Jacob because this is about to take his career in a new direction to complete stardum. I'm calling it and it's only a matter of time.

Check it out!

Peep the Behind the Scenes of the making of the video...

DO WE LOVE IT?!

-J.Couture

Ladies and Gentlemen: Introducing Baby Blue Ivy

Say hello, to the world famed Baby Blue Ivy!... FINALLY.

SHE IS SO BEAUTIFUL! :-)

Sidebar: I'm loving Beyonce's braids... I just took mine out!! #FlyyGirl

-J.Couture

Monday, July 16, 2012

The Juice Review: Nas' "Life Is Good"

I got one word for this album: CLASSIC.

Track List:

1. No Introduction

2. Loco-Motive ft. Large Professor

3. A Queens Story

4. Accident Murderers ft. Rick Ross

5. Daughters

6. Reach Out ft. Mary J. Blige

7. World's An Addiction ft. Anthony Hamilton

8. Summer On Smash ft. Miguel & Swizz Beatz

9. You Wouldn't Understand ft. Victoria Monet

10. Back When

11. The Don

12. Stay

13. Cherry Wine ft. Amy Winehouse

14. Bye Baby

Deluxe Edition:

15. Nasty

16. The Black Bond

17. Roses ft. Nikki Flores

18. Where's the Love ft. Cocaine 80s

iTunes Store Bonus Track:

19. Trust

Japan Bonus Track:

20. The Don (Don Dada Remix)

This album is craaaazy! It contains classic samples from Kirk Franklin's "Don't Cry," MC Shan's "The Bridge," Run DMC's "Peter Piper," Isaac Hayes' "Ike's Mood," New Edition's "Once In A Lifetime," Eric B & Rakim's "Eric B for President," Guy's "Bye Baby" and many more. Nas put his soul into this album, as he holds his ex-wife's wedding dress on the cover. He touches on topics of raising his daughter in the respectfully titled track, "Daughters," the topic of a once in a lifetime love with the song "Reach Out" featuring the Queen of Hip Hop/Soul, Mary J. Blige. The production in this album is very in dept and emotional. If you're looking for those catchy rap records that are flooding the airwaves these days then this album is not for you. But if you are looking for some classic hip hop joints with great production and lyrical flow to match that touches on serious topics then you should definitely add Nas' Life Is Good to your music playlist. It's for the mature, experienced listener who craves authentic hip-hop music. It's a perfect summer release, "80's summer NY days" release to be exact as Nas states in his song, "Back When." He also touches on his relationship with Kelis in the song titled "Bye Baby" with the iconic Aaron Hall vocal samples. And I'm going to just go ahead and say that "The Don" is NYC's newest anthem. Definitely cop this one.

Nas got #TheJuice !

-J.Couture

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

D'Angelo and Mary J Blige Shut Down Essence Fest 2012!

I went down to New Orleans this past weekend to partake in the Essence Music Festival! I had a fabulous time... It was actually the first time seeing my favorite artist, Mary J Blige, live so that was huge for me!! Check out a couple snippets from her and also D'Angelo's performance. It was his first time back on stage (not including the 2012 BET Awards) in 10 plus years in the US. I pulled these vids from youtube for your enjoyment! ;-)

Yes lord...

Mary had the entire dome rocking to "I'm Goin' Down"...

MJB opened the show to "Aint Nobody"... !

So, I just heard the news on 106 & Park that they're doing a tour together that starts in August.. Best believe I will most definitely be in the building! More information on that coming soon!

Check out some of the pics I took during EMF 2012 wknd...

Me and my girl Tracie..

Courtney, Me and Tracie..

I don't take many pics, lol.. S/o to Courtney Scott for having a really dope day party at the W Hotel during EMF!

-J.Couture

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

New Music: K.Michelle's "Bury My Heart"

I am loving K.Michelle's song she tweeted today, "Bury My Hurt." I'm not sure if this is a new song, but she should definitely roll with it. I guess Love and Hip Hop ATL is becoming a great platform for her to voice her pain expressed in the show and what better way to do that (and marketing strategy) than to drop a single directly relating to that pain and struggle. I absolutely love it, K. Check it out!

DO WE LOVE IT?!

Girl, you BETTER take me to church and make me wanna give you a hug and fan you down... smh. #GreatMusic

-J.Couture

Monday, July 2, 2012

NEW MUSIC: Brianna Perry's "Back Der"

Yo! I freaking love this video... Poe Boy Music and Atlantic Records' Brianna was nominated for Best Female Hip Hop Artist at the 2012 BET Awards.. Of course Nicki Minaj took that award home, but I predict Brianna ending Nicki's 4 year run next year! She has the street cred, swagg, beauty and lyrical capabilities to totally give Nicki Minaj a run for her title as current Queen Bey of the Hip Hop game... Watch what I tell you... Check out her latest video "Back Der"..

DO WE LOVE IT?!

Mic check one..

Also, peep her video's for "Marilyn Monroe"...

The girl's got skills.. She is definitely "Holy-Hood" but I absolutely Love it!

-J.Couture

Fuck It!

I came across this video on Steve Stoute's twitter page. Steve Stoute is the CEO and Founder of Translation and author of "Tanning of America: How Hip Hop Created a Culture That Rewrote the Rules of the New Economy"...

"You don't get credit for being safe in life. You didn't take any risks. To take risks, you gotta say, 'Fuck it.'" - Ice T.

Pre-warning: Don't be offended by the profane language in this video. There is a profound message here!

Just say, "Fuck it."

TAKE THE RISK!

-J.Couture

Sunday, July 1, 2012

2012 BET Awards Show Results and Commentary

The 2012 BET Awards results are...

Centric Award - Common
Best Group - The Throne (Jay Z and Kanye West)
Best Actor - Kevin Hart
Best New Artist - Big Sean
Best Male R&B - Chris Brown
Best Collaboration - Wale and Miguel
Best Gospel - Yolanda Adams
Best Female R&B Artist - Beyonce'
Best Female Hip Hop Artist - Nicki Minaj
Cadillac Lifetime Achievement Award - Frankie Beverly and Maze
Video of the Year - The Throne (Jay-Z and Kanye West)
Humanitarian Award - Reverend Al Sharpton
Co-Ca Cola Viewer's Choice Award - Mindless Behavior
Director of the Year - Beyonce' and Alan Furguson
Pandemonium Award - Chris Brown

Performances - G.O.O.D. Music Group, Usher, Yolanda Adams, Chante Moore, Nicki Minaj, 2 Chainz, Valerie Simpson, Melonie Fiona, D'Angelo, MMG, Joe, Tyrese, Faith Evans, Frankie Beverly and Maze, Chris Brown, Monica, Cash Out, and Tyga

Okay, now for my two cents...

Kanye and GOOD Music shut it down out the gate! BET, I'm pleasantly proud. Wow, they did a cut away of Kim Kardashian during Kanye's performance. The show coverage of Kanye and Kim is definitely about to be all over E! TV.. Wow, Spike Lee and Samuel L Jackson rapped "Niggas In Paris" and did Spike really have on a leather kilt?? Shout out to The Throne for winning best group.. The awards show is making me feel like BET is bringing back good music and Hip Hop is finally being reborn again.. Congrats to Kevin Hart for winning Best Actor! I'm glad the under dog is winning.. I know some of yall mad cuz he beat out Denzel and Idris, but damn let that man have his shine.. He's been doing the damn thing lately! My heart got reeeally warm seeing the original VJ, Donnie Simpson, Free, AJ, Big Tigga, Rocsi and Terrence J.. I mean being a BET personality was my original dream after watching 106 & Park for the first time when I was 14 years old! The guy who performed for BET Music Matters sound just like Cee-Lo so I wasn't impressed.. Anybody who know's me know how I feel about Nicki Minaj, BUT she killed her performance with 2 Chainz.. Truuuu! lol.. Shout out to Wale for winning, but damn, I really wanted Bey to take Best Collaboration home.. I mean she did attend the show and all lol.. Melanie Fiona sang her lil heart out!.. D'Angelo definitely hasn't lost any of his talent or R&B swagg during his industry absence.. Shout out to King Bey for taking home Best Female R&B, but did you expect anybody else to win?!.. Kevin Hart is hilarious talking about how he's the highest grossed boot leg movie maker of all time!

The Frankie Beverly and Maze tribute was absolutely heavenly... Joe, Tyrese, and Faith Evans did an amazing job.. He brought his grand kids on stage, that was beautiful.. He had better share the wisdom and tell us to "wait on the Lord a little bit and he'll show us some things"... They've been around for 40 years! Frankie told us not to fall for the flavor of the week, to do our music! Tyrese and Joe joined Frankie Beverly and Maze during their performance.. I loved the energy of black love and black family of the awards show!

Shout out to Jamie Foxx and Tarantino for creating the movie "Django Unchained" which comes out during the Christmas Holiday!

I am toooootally disappointed in Chris Brown's performance! How was that snippet of a performance, it. He did well, but it left me wanting more.. I guess that's a good problem for him.

BET got Mariah Carey for Whitney's tribute!! Monica kicked it off singing "I Love the Lord".. I am so happy with BET right now for giving Whitney the tribute she deserves.. Lord.. Brandy came out killing it with "I'm Your Baby Tonight".. She better do it!!! Nippy is smiling in heaven right now... BET has done her justice!!... Cissy Houston performed for her daughter and took everybody to church once again.. They brought out the old Waiting to Exhale crew too.. Chaka Khan came out looking like a brand new woman!! You go girl! :-)

Whoa, what a bomb Solange's man just dropped, "the love of his life"... wow, that's what's up.. keep it in the family, Bey.... Shout out to Tyga.. That dude turned up the awards show with his performance by himself!

BET, yall got it aaaall the way right this time!

-J.Couture