Who Should The X Factor US Panel Cast?

Seeing as how X Factor US has seen nearly all of the staring panelist/cast fired... The question arises, who should replace Steve Jones as host, and Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger as judges/mentors?  But first, lets take a look at some names that have been floating around who probably should not become a part of the singing competition's panel.

Anybody who currently is experiencing the height of their popularity, should all be ruled out.  There is no need to risk joining the show and stopping your current streak.  So that takes out artists like Katy Perry (who although would be a great judge-she's currently way too successful), Rihanna (way too young to be tied down to a show that could affect her top of the pops standing), and even Beyonce (though her music career is sagging, she is still in her prime). Now for those who'd make great X Factor Judges!

Rihanna 'Rated R' Album Review

Back in August of 2005, an unknown Barbadian singer Robyn Fenty released her debut Reggae fusion influenced album Music Of The Sun in the US. Known to the world by her middle name, Rihanna the pop star was born. Less than a year later after nearly missing the Billboard Hot 100 number 1 spot with her debut single “Pon De Replay,” she clenched it with “SOS” the lead single of her sophomore album A Girl Like Me which continued to prove she was not just a one hit wonder, by scoring two more top 10 singles. The following year Rihanna earned a second number 1 single with her worldwide smash hit single “Umbrella.”

Following her breakthrough Good Girl Gone Bad era Rihanna was on top of the world with a total of five number 1 singles. Not even a very public domestic violence case could knock Rihanna down. Now, the wait is over and Rihanna is scheduled to release her fourth studio album Rated R through Def Jam on Monday, November 23rd, 2009.

Surprising fans greatly, Rihanna released a dark ballad as her lead single. “Russian Roulette,” co written by label mate Ne-Yo and herself became her twelfth Top 10 hit. The haunting track will take some fans back to 2006’s “Unfaithful,” which was written by Ne-Yo as well.

You hear Rihanna’s Caribbean accent return as she sings the verses on “Wait Your Turn.” Sadly the captivating promotional single, is about as close as Rated R comes to recreating Rihanna’s past successful Dance Pop sound.

Released to radio early, is the self-assured “Hard,” Rated R’s second official single. Rihanna doesn’t hold back at all on the track claiming, “the Rihanna reign just won’t let up.” Knowing others are “aiming at [her] pedestal” Rihanna enlists Young Jeezy to help build the street grittiness of “Hard,” making it a must hear.

Up and coming artist Ester Dean lends a creative hand by writing “Rude Boy.” The song has got to be Rihanna’s most sexual song to date. Unlike the subtle “Shut Up & Drive,” which featured car expressions as sexual metaphors “Rude Boy” goes straight in! On top of the infectious beat produced by Stargate, Rihanna sings “I like the way you touch me there/I like the way you pull my hair/Babe if I don’t feel it/I ain’t fakin’no no.”

Rihanna steps out of her comfort zone and spits a decent flow twice on “G4L” but only for a few lines. Guns N’ Roses lead guitarist Slash tries to help Rihanna become a legit rock star on “Rockstar 101,” but it just isn’t too believable. Once again Justin Timberlake lends Rihanna a hand on Rated R’s best ballad “Cold Case Love,” which features Rihanna crooning about an unhealthy relationship that went too far and resulted in death.

In the end Rated R doesn’t exactly continue or capture the edgy influenced sound of “Disturbia” or the Alternative/Rock sound of “Breakin’ Dishes” & “Shut Up & Drive.” Nor does the album feature the Dance Pop feel of “SOS” or “Don’t Stop The Music,” which is a real disappointment since much of Rihanna’s two times platinum 2007 Good Girl Gone Bad album was. Although Rated R does follows in the Rihanna formula by once again changing up her musical style by compiling mid-tempo Hip Hop-Rock tunes and Pop ballads.

With Def Jam promoting Rihanna in great deal, Rated R will most likely become another success for Rihanna. But it is not likely Rated R will produce as many hits or receive the attention Good Girl Gone Bad achieved.

Definite Listeners:
"Rude Boy"
"Hard" [featuring Young Jeezy] [credited as Jeezy]
"Cold Case Love"
"Wait Your Turn"

New NOVEMBER Music! Week By Week

Get ready for a great deal of new music releases next month. November is filled with multiple highly anticipated album releases by various artists. Everyone from Country Pop star Carrie Underwood to popular producer/artist Timbaland seems to have materiel ready for public hearing.

The month gets off to a quick start with Carrie Underwood releasing her third album Play On, on November 3rd. The album’s first single “Cowboy Casanova” has already become a crossover hit, managing to peak at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. Not to mention both of Underwood’s previous albums have become Platinum US selling albums. On the 3rd Amerie releases her long awaited Def Jam debut In Love & War. Despite little promotion and attention this marks Amerie’s return to music in the US since leaving Columbia Records.

Britney Spears’ fans will be delighted to pick up her latest compilation The Singles Collection on November 10th. The album features Spears’ greatest hits which includes three Billboard Hot 100 number 1 singles, including the current single “3.”

A week later, on the 17th, America gets to hear from its current Idol winner Kris Allen who will release his self titled major label debut album including the thought provoking “Live Like We’re Dying”. X Factor winner Leona Lewis drops her sophomore album Echo; on which Lewis worked with big names including Justin Timberlake and Ryan Tedder. Janet Jackson releases her second greatest hits compilation album titled Number Ones, which features many of her biggest past singles plus the new single “Make Me”. Alternative pop artist John Mayer releases his fourth studio album Battle Studies, which is his first studio album since 2006’s Continuum. The Colorado based OneRepublic, will release their sophomore effort, Waking Up which the bands new sound on the lead single “All The Right Moves.”

November 23rd definitely marks one of the biggest new release weeks in music. Electro Pop singer Lady Gaga will re-release her debut album along with eight new songs. The Fame Monster includes the new single “Bad Romance,” and a song titled “Speechless” which Gaga dedicated to her father. Beyonce re-releases the deluxe version of her I Am… Sasha Fierce album as well. Ironically Beyonce will release a remix and music video to “Video Phone” which will feature Gaga. Latin Pop star Shakira returns will her first release since 2005, with her album She Wolf. The Second single “Give It Up To Me,” features Lil’ Wayne & Timbaland and was initially slatted for Timbaland’s album Timbaland Presents Shock Value II*, due out the same day. On Timbaland’s album, he worked with a large number of artists including Miley Cyrus, The Fray, Justin Timberlake, and others to create Part II of Shock Value which was released back in 2007. New to the US charts, Jay Sean releases his debut album stateside All Or Nothing, which will include the Hot 100 number 1 “Down,” [featuring Lil’ Wayne] and second single “Do You Remember” [featuring Sean Paul & Lil’ Jon]. American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert will release his debut album For Your Entertainment which is set to have songs written by Lady Gaga, Max Martin, & Ryan Tedder. But among all of these new albums, the most anticipated has got to be Rihanna’s latest. Rated R is set to be released as a double disc and will feature the lead single “Russian Roulette” which was written by Ne-Yo and Rihanna, herself. This marks the first Rihanna single and album since her February altercation with Chris Brown and 2007’s multiplatinum Good Girl Gone Bad.


Finally on November 24th, Britney Spears fans will be able to show their love by purchasing a box set of all Spears’ singles. The Singles Collection ultimate fan box set will include all 29 CD singles, and other items too.

So November definitely looks like it will be a good month for new music releases. Fans of Country, R&B, Pop, Hip Hop, and Alternative music will be able to purchase and support new highly anticipated music from various popular artists. Fans of music, enjoy!

*UPDATE This was written before Timbaland's album got pushed back until December 2009, but the article went well how it was written so I decided to leave in the information about his album. Know that his album has been pushed back until December 8th, 2009.

Clearly Inspired by The King Of Pop

Michael Jackson has inspired so many current artists. In remembrance and memorial to Michael Jackson, here is a look at a few (in no particular order)...

Britney Spears
Spears has become one of the biggest selling artists in the 2000s and partly because of her tours which feature what many think Spears does best, dance. A lot of her dancing has been influenced from Michael Jackson.

Chris Brown
Brown has been labeled in some cases a younger version of MJ. Once again his dance moves catapult him towards this comparison. At the 2007 MTV VMAs he performed to "Billie Jean," in tribute to MJ.

Justin Timberlake
Timberlake has become another entertainer who's gained many MJ comparisons from his particular dancing. Along with 'N Sync, he even performed with one of his idols, MJ.

Usher
Very similar to MJ, Usher grew up in the spotlight and became the star he is today right in front of the public. As he grew up, his dancing became more respected and appreciated; from his distinctive moves such as his handstand, he's obviously been influenced by MJ.

Ne-Yo
Ne-Yo alike MJ has became a prominent and popular songwriter. As he has been dancing for some time now, he really showed off his MJ moves and swag with the live performances and music video to 2008s "Closer."

Rihanna
While Rihanna isn't really the dancing music superstar, she sampled the MJ made famous "Ma Ma Se, Ma Ma Sa, Ma Ma Coo Sa" chant in her hit "Don't Stop The Music." Following, she also used the dark eerie vibe from "Thriller" in her music video to "Disturbia."

Ciara
Unlike many others Ciara has listed both MJ and his younger sister has big influenced to her style of dance. While some label her the new era Janet, in a recent interview with ThatGrapeJuice she actually picked MJ over Janet!

Ashanti
While Ashanti isn't really compared to MJ for her dancing, she was definitely lyrically inspired by The King Of Pop. Her 2003 hit single was titled "Rock Wit You (Awww Baby)" similar to MJs 1979 hit single "Rock With You." She also remixed the song to feature a beat more similar to MJs version and a bridge featuring his lyrics.

Beyonce
Beyonce is one of the biggest females when it comes to putting on a show filled with dance routines and memorable performances. Similar to MJ's moonwalk, Beyonce's dance routine for "Single Ladies" was inspired from a past similar number she saw. She has recently claimed him as one of her heroes.

Omarion
Even though Omarion isn't currently in the spotlight as he used to be, Omarion's dancing has been clearly inspired from MJ. If you watch his videos including "Touch" you can see resemblances to how MJ would effortless move in Omarion as well.

As you can see many artists have been and continue to be influenced and inspired by The King Of Pop. Michael Jackson will stand forever as the guideline of what an ultimate global star is and should be like. And if that statement seems to big for me to make, just look at some of the extremely popular stars who have emulated Jackson in some way, shape or form. [Do you know someone who deserves to be on this list? Drop a comment, and list your name and you will receive credit if added to the list]

R.I.P. Michael Joseph Jackson
August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009

Rihanna -We're Waiting...Wherever You Are!

I know this is going to sound completely crazy to some people, but I surprisingly am missing Rihanna.

I am completely sick and tired of hearing about the whole February Chris Brown/Rihanna domestic abuse scandal. It's really old and played out, yet still gaining massive amounts of media exposure- Chris does need some substantial punishment, and Rihanna you should NOT get back with him.

With that being said quickly, I could really go for a new Rihanna single, album... but I do not want to hear something off of 2007, yes OH SEVEN's Good Girl Gone Bad being released as a single, I do not care if it's remixed either! Let it die out peacefully. I have heard some of her demos or songs being presented to her including "Hatin' On The Club," and "Emergency Room."

I am really liking "Emergency Room," and whether it's Rihanna or not whose singing on the leaked version, I could definitely be released as a "Take A Bow" Part II. Supposedly Mario wrote the song, and there also is a version out there with his vocals on it too. Interesting, cause Rihanna and Mario on a duet sounds very odd to me. Surprisingly as well I heard "Hatin' On The Club" played on (one of my) my home town's radio station, had me thinking is a Rihanna album on the way..... But still no official word yet.

This all is really different for Rihanna to take a break... Because right after "If It's Lovin' That You Want," started to die down she moved quickly onto her sophomore album's lead single "S.O.S. (Rescue Me)." And the same thing happened when "Break It Off" wasn't getting a video filmed and peaked at number 9 on the Hot 100, we quickly after started to hear "Umbrella," off of her third album. So it's kind of odd for Def Jam to give Rihanna a break, I wonder if it is because of the abuse scandal, or if its from Def Jam realizing that if another Rihanna single was released so quickly people would seriously have got sick of her, and her near Beyonce number 1 song quality factor would slowly die down. Makes you wonder.

Chris Brown's 2nd Chance?

Christopher Maurice Brown....

Seems like the world was his, am I wrong? Never did I think I would be hearing about Chris Brown having any run ins with the law any time soon. But just like Lindsay Lohan, Shia Labeouf, the list goes on, so I'm going to stop it right there; Young Hollywood always seems to end up in some sort of trouble.

Oddly enough Chris Brown could not have wanted much worse things to be his first big mishap. Supposedly beating, choking, biting, and threatening his Pop sensation [girl]friend Rihanna, doesn't have his future looking so bright at the moment. Yes Chris Brown is young, he may have made a mistake, but is this something that should be over looked?

Judging by the leaked police photo of Rihanna, which included a knot on her forehead, a busted lip, and swollen parts on her face (lips, nose, cheeks) something somewhat serious went down. Knowing that Chris Brown's mother was beat by his step father in the past, you would think he would have the knowledge to step not commit abuse himself-guess not. Not saying he is guilty, and Rihanna did nothing, but if Chris Brown was the sole cause of all of Rihanna's injuries, should his career get the chance to continue?

There are tons of young guys who probably can dance, sing, and put on a show similar to Chris Brown so why not give someone who wouldn't beat up a woman a chance to fill his void. Does Chris Brown deserve another shot at continuing his career. He had the world at his hands, and let whatever was between him and Rihanna escalate to the point where her hit a woman.

Is that OK, or deserving of a second chance, what message does that send to youth who knows of this situation; not a good one. If you are somebody who is completely 100% saying Chris Brown just made one mistake, and that he is deserving of a second chance, think about a woman who you love, a sister, mother, grandmother, wife, best girl friend getting beaten by someone. Does this change your perception of the situation, because it should not, whatever your stance is it should be a universal rule of how you feel about domestic violence.

Domestic violence needs to be stopped, and how can we learn that it is not OK by allowing someone so much in the public eye, to get away scot-free?

[As a side note, I do like Chris Brown as an artist, and in no way am I trying to get at him as an artist. You have to put him as a random human being, and not the celebrity he is in this situation. I do enjoy his music, and I could potentially like his future music, but I don't know if this all is true if I could fully support him as an artist.]
[Just a reminder if you are checking this out on/through Facebook, come through and check out the actual site: number1k9.blogspot.com/ it looks better plus you can view the videos posted!]

Would a Rihanna-Lupe Fiasco Collabo. Work? / Possible Remix Album

So I was thinking after I saw Lupe Fiasco enjoying T.I. & Rihanna's performance of "Live Your Life," at the 2008 MTV VMAs that Lupe Fiasco and Rihanna could make a hot record together. I don't know it's just a thought but with both of their sounds, I think it could easily be done.

In other Rihanna news, it has been said [thatgrapejuice.net] that Rihanna plans on releasing Good Girl Gone Bad, as a remix album. That would technically be the 3rd version of the CD that initially came out in June of 2007. Way to milk it Rihanna or Rihanna's people (Label)! Though I think the better way would be to go by releasing a regular remix album, not just a GGGB remix album.

My proposed track listing would look something like this:(She could include remixes to songs like)
1) "Pon De Replay"
2) "S.O.S. (Rescue Me)"
3) "Umbrella" [Anything without Jay-Z]
4) "Take A Bow"
5) "Disturbia"
6) "Live Your Life" [an all Rihanna version-haters would love this]
7) "If It's Lovin' That You Want"
8) "We Ride"
9) "Break It Off" [an all Rihanna version]
10) "Rehab"
11) "Good Girl Gone Bad"
12) "Push Up On Me" [featuring T.I. (would be good)]
13) "Sell Me Candy" [featuring Timbaland-(tracks producer)]
14) "Shut Up & Drive" [R&B Remix]
15) "xxxxxxx" -A new track, who knows Chris Brown duet
16) "xxxxxxx" -A duet with Shontelle

WHAT DO YOU THINK of a Rihanna & Lupe Fiasco collabo? And also about a GGGB Remix album? LEAVE COMMENTS below!

Is Anybody Listening vs. Question Existing

So...
I just think I've realized something. Rihanna's song "Question Existing" was originally planned for Danity Kane. But Danity Kane reportedly turned it down and didn't accept it as a song, because it didn't have their sound or something to that extent. [There was even an episode of MTB 4 Season 2 where they listened to "Question Existing."] Regardless, I personally think that the song they chose in it's place was, "Is Anybody Listening." Because to me the songs kinda have similar meanings. And bot hare mid-tempo/ballad songs, both asking questions.... hmmmm!

But If I had to chose a better song or one that I like more, it would definitely be, "Is Anybody Listening." I truly think it is the best song on their album. Everything from the vocals, ad lib's, beat, and style of the song is more than GREAT! I really think and hope for this to be their second single from Welcome To The Dollhouse. Although since they are trying to conquer the Dance-Pop world, and the fact that the second single, "Ride For You," a ballad [such as "Is Anybody Listening,"] and it didn't to well as a second single, they are probably going to go with a up beat, dance track as a second single. And Dawn's "Light's Out," is the most popular on iTunes from the album as of now too! Hint, Hint! [And I do like "Lights Out" too!, but not as much : / Cuz I DO NOT like "Bad Girl," which is the other front runner... : (]

Regardless, "Is Anybody Listening," to me is the best song from Welcome To The Dollhouse, and I think it should be the second single!

Does she want a STANDING OVATION

So, I just heard Rihanna's new song/single, "Take A Bow." After hearing that Ne-Yo wrote it, and it's title, I thought it would have been better than it was. The lyrics were just kind of expected, it could've went somewhere else but didn't. [Hope Ne-Yo isn't trying to give Rihanna an "Irreplaceable" reject/wannabe] Stargate, whose also worked their Rihanna-magic, produced the song, and I am glad to say the song doesn't have the guitar based, "Irreplaceable," "With You," "Good Girl Gone Bad," similar beat. Not to mention I truly don't think that Rihanna sang her best on the song. Regardless the song isn't bad, but not her best, by far. It's supposed to be released as the lead single for the re-release of GGGB, but what happened to "Rehab," being a single? [I really think a track with Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, and Rihanna ("Rehab") would be something people would want to hear, as a single...] Oh well, I suppose people at Def Jam believe Rihanna can do no wrong at this point in her career, which may be true but again, I'd love to see Rihanna top this album and any of her current success with any future releases [Album or single].

Hear song at Def Jam @ http://www.defjam.com/site/audiovideo.php?bcpid=1321273439&bclid=1332245060&bctid=1456354400

Possible Video Album?

So I remember reading on Wikipedia [I know sometimes not credible] that Rihanna was suppose to release a video album sort of like what Beyonce did for B'Day for her Good Girl Gone Bad album. And I really think it would be a better video album rather than B'Day's. Because majority of the songs from GGGB are good, I think I like all but like 2! So yeah Rihanna should have released one, especially how good GGGB has been doing, I don't expect her to have a CD that exceeds it's success.

HA HA: I know this is a very bad picture of Rihanna, but It's funny, and I wanted to post it, HA HA!