ALBUM REVIEW: JUSTIN BIEBER - "BELIEVE"

Justin Bieber - Believe

Although it took a bit of time to happen, Justin Bieber's third Studio Disc Believe gives every indication that he is a few steps further in the right direction to a lasting career, defying the nagging perception that his best is behind him already, having first burst onto the scene in 2008 to instant success.

The parallels to Justin Timberlake are undeniable. It is clear here that Bieber has given his Collaborators a clear mandate to make an Album in the same vein as that one's Justified Disc and as much as Bieber might want to make a full-on R&B Disc, he makes a few choices here which will get him some much-needed Airplay.  Many would be surprised to know that despite his status as an International Superstar, the 18-year-old still has yet to achieve a U.S. Billboard Hot 100 number one. The Disc's first Single Boyfriend, co-penned by Mike Posner, came awful close though reaching number two.

Although hardly different from any of Chris Brown's more recent material, official second Single All Around the World (ft. Ludacris) is one of the Disc's best Tracks, reuniting Bieber with Toronto Duo Adam Messinger and Nasri.  Die in Your Arms, which samples Michael Jackson's We've Got a Good Thing Going, is all but lacking in the Charm Department, showcasing Bieber vocally at his best with his silky-smooth Runs and Riffs.  Fans are rewarded fully after waiting this long for a second Disc of original material, as he navigated triumphantly that ever-tricky lowering in Vocal Range.

EXCLUSIVE: NICKI MINAJ LIVE IN TOKYO

Nicki Minaj in Japan - May 2012

Our dear Friend MiT was on Nicki Minaj-Watch in Japan this past weekend, being one of the few lucky Fans who scored VIP Passes - which included a Meet & Greet - to see her at Tokyo's Yokohama Bay Hall. Minaj launched her Pink Friday Tour in Australia first before taking it to Asia for a few Japanese dates in Osaka and Tokyo. The Tour next makes a stop in Europe early June, with Sweden being first on the map.

All three of Minaj's Japan Shows had sold-out rather briskly, with Fans clamouring to see her sexy neon Spectacle.  After enjoying the Show, MiT tells us "I think the Venues are too small for her!". Although the Setlist varies from Show to Show, the New York-based Singer performed 17 Tracks including Moment 4 Life, current Hit Starships, with her Final Act including both Super Bass and Turn Me On.

Although Minaj is Vancouver-bound in August for a Show, we're still waiting here for Toronto dates to be confirmed. Stay put Barbz.

I had the pleasure of meeting the colourful Minaj last August during a Toronto Stop-off for Britney Spears' Femme Fatale Tour.  We want more.

Thanks MiT for the Photos!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W. via MiT)

MR. WILL-W.'S SONGS OF SUMMER 2012

Karmin

Summers for me always have been defined by Songs. The trigger of hearing a Track instantaneously can prompt a chain reaction of memories and place me in a mood, even if momentarily. Although we’re only into late May, our iPods and Airwaves already have been infiltrated by a bevy a solid Summer Tunes and here are my Top Five!

1. Karmin – Brokenhearted

Although it took me several listens to enjoy, this Los Angeles-based Real Life Couple have me clicking repeat with this infectious number which received a major profile boost with their appearance on Saturday Night Live earlier this year. Their signature rap-singing, Electropop takes an edgy concept and spreads it to a mass audience.

2. Nicki Minaj – Starships

Thanks to Lady Gaga, RedOne has been placed internationally on-the-map as a Game Changer in Pop Music and to this day he remains a force to be dealt with as the Pop Elite clamour to collaborate with him. Anyone who listens to Starships needs little explanation why this rightfully is "The Song of Summer 2012". It has a widely international sound and Minaj is improving leaps and bounds as a Vocalist - at least on-recording. A starship quite literally has risen.

VIDEO PREMIERE: NICKI MINAJ - "STARSHIPS"

Still from Starships

I don't love everything she does but, when I do love her, it's an immense love. The Anthony Mandler-directed Video for Nicki Minaj's massive 2012 Summer Jam Starships, finally has surfaced. The RedOne-produced Track already has peaked at number five on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Chart and even better up north at number four on the Canadian Hot 100, but it is poised for the top with that unbelievably-catchy Hook.

This neon-coloured explosion of Fun surely will do nothing but propel its success and perhaps the Track is just what Minaj needs to help with her agenda to fully crossover into the Mainstream. Love it.

Watch the Video below:

WATCH: MADONNA PERFORMS AT "SUPER BOWL XLVI HALFTIME SHOW"

Madonna and LMFAO perform at Super Bowl XLVI

One word to describe Madonna's much-hyped Super Bowl XLVI Halftime Show Performance: Madjestic! The Queen of Pop may have had her worries about entertaining all of North America before their Television Sets/Computer Monitors tonight, but was she ever amaze! 

Although mostly mimed, Madonna's performance was tight, fitting perfectly into the allotted 13 minutes which was complete with an army of Dancers, Gold Pom-Poms, some chart-topping Special Guests, and a Gospel Choir, as she zipped her way through a Medley of hits.

Madonna's Medley of hits included:

• Vogue performed in a Viking Queen ensemble

• Music including her doing Cartwheels, with a dash of Party Rock Anthem featuring LMFAO tossed in. Demonstrating her superior upper body strength, she did a couple leg kicks, holding the weight of her body up only with her often criticized muscular arms

• As expected, Nicki Minaj and M.I.A. joined Madonna on-stage for Give Me All Your Luvin' amidst of sea of dancers on bleachers.

• Cee Lo Green joined her on-stage for a snippet of Open Your Heart and Express Yourself with a Marching Band, before lending his soulful vocals on Like a Prayer, complete with a Gospel Choir.

Completely over-the-top.  Completely necessary. People will be talking about this performance for years, even if some of the reviews online were mixed.

Watch Madonna's Super Bowl XLVI Halftime Show Performance in full:

VIDEO PREMIERE: MADONNA - "GIVE ME ALL YOUR LUVIN' (FT. M.I.A. & NICKI MINAJ)" | "MDNA" SNEAK PREVIEW

Still from Give Me All Your Luvin'

"Fans came make you,

A Contract can make you rich,

The Press can make you a Superstar,

But only luv can make you a Player".

Okay, first thing's first.  Madonna looks absolutely gorgeous in this brand new Video for Give Me All Your Luvin'. Here we see hoards of Football Players at her service as she's transported overhead, scaling walls, stepping over them and even having them take a "hit" or five from the Mafia.  Not quite sure what's going on with the Babydoll in a carriage and being flung, but the Video sure looks awesome.  But is she having any fun at all? Nicki Minaj does, that's for sure. Madonna looks extremely focused on getting to the next destination.

Finally, we get to hear Nicki Minaj and M.I.A.'s on the Track, each getting a verse in the Marilyn Monroe/Vogue-esque Breakdown, which neither give or take anything from this overall.

French directing collective Megaforce, who have helmed a series of quirky, acclaimed TV Videos and Commercials.  See more of their work here.

Watch the Video in full below:

CEE LO, LMFAO, NICKI MINAJ & M.I.A. POSSIBLE TO JOIN MADONNA ON "SUPER BOWL HALFTIME SHOW"

LMFAO in Toronto - November 2011

In what surely will be a Spectacle, LMFAO is now confirmed to be a part of Madonna's Super Bowl Halftime Show performance.  Will.i.am confirmed to Capital FM, "I'm going to the Super Bowl this year to see my group LMFAO perform with Madonna".

Some sources also are reporting that Cee Lo Green will be performing together with the Queen of Pop and cite that he's been flying in and out of New York these past few weeks to rehearse for the performance.

We already know that Madonna will be performing new Single, Give Me all Your Luvin' as part of the 12-minute performance and that M.I.A. and Nicki Minaj will be joining her on-stage. With only 12 minutes to entertain the World, just how much of this will actually be about Madonna? Apparently there might even be some additional surprises.

We'll have to see on February 5, 2012 when Super Bowl XLVI airs on NBC at 6:30 PM EST!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

54TH GRAMMY AWARD NOMINEES ANNOUNCED

Bruno Mars at 2011 GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!!

Congratulations to two of my Favourites Adele and Bruno Mars, who are both nominated for six GRAMMY Awards as announced at the GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! held earlier tonight at Club Nokia in Los Angeles. Foo Fighters also receives six nods this year. If you ask me, six is not enough for Adele who should sweep in some of the more major categories like Song, Record and Album of the Year.

Leading the Nominees this year is Kanye West for his work on Disc My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and Jay-Z collaboration Watch the Throne, with seven nominations.  West's Solo Disc however, failed to garner a nomination for Album of the Year.

Lady Gaga surprisingly only received one nomination for Album of the Year with Born this Way and meanwhile Taylor Swift, a GRAMMY Darling, also only received two nominations with her Track Mean which is up for Country Song and Solo Performance.

The coveted Best New Artist category is an interesting one this year pitting commercially-successful Nicki Minaj against Bon Iver, The Band Perry, Skillrex and J. Cole.

The 54th GRAMMY Awards will take place on Sunday, February 12, 2012 at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Read more on this year's Nominees here.

(Photo credit: GRAMMY.COM)

2011 VICTORIA'S SECRET FASHION SHOW RECAP

2011 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

One of the events I look forward to most every year is the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, where Music merges with the World of Women's Fashion into a slick, tightly-produced 60-minute Spectacle. This year Maroon 5, Nicki Minaj, Kanye West and Jay-Z joined the Victoria's Secret Angels in New York City for the Show taped earlier this month. 

Although many will argue that all of this is all Male-catering and Female-deprecating, I don't really see it that way.  The Show is a celebration of Beauty, Self-Love and Glamour.  The positivity that emanates from these Models is infectious and kinda makes me envious that there isn't a Victor's Secret!

Models who walked this year include: Miranda Kerr, Alessandra Ambrosio, Alessandra Ambrosio, Miranda Kerr, Doutzen Kroes, Adriana Lima, Candice Swanepoel, Anne Vyalitsina, Izabel Goulart, Erin Heatherton, Lily Aldridge, Chanel Iman, Karlie Kloss, Anja Rubik, Shanina Shaik, Constance Jablonski, Lily Donaldson, Karmen Pedaru, Emanuela De Paula, Cameron Russell, Toni Garrn, Liu Wen, Anais Mali, Joan Smalls, Maryna Linchuk, Lindsay Ellingson, Caroline Winberg, Sui He, Flavia de Oliveira, Lais Ribeiro, Bregje Heinen, Julia Stegner and Behati Prinsloo.

Kerr, Wife of Actor Orlando Bloom had the honour of wearing the Fantasy Treasure Bra designed by London Jewellers, valued at $2.5 million with 3,400 precious stones including Pearls, Diamonds, Aquamarines,and Citrines in white and yellow 18 Karat Gold, finished with tassel of Diamonds.

See the Bra below:

TAYLOR SWIFT TOPS AT 2011 "AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS"

Taylor Swift at 2011 American Music Awards

Taylor Swift was the Queen of the 2011 American Music Awards tonight, taking home top honour of Artist of the Year, as voted by the Fans.  She also won Favourite Country Album for Speak Now and Favourite Country Female Artist.  In total, Swift has now won a total ten AMAs in her brief rise to the top.

Adele, a Brit, was awarded Favourite Pop/Rock Album for her top-selling 21 although unfortunately she couldn't as she is currently recovering from Throat Surgery.  Meanwhile, Bruno Mars was awarded Favourite Pop/Rock Male Artist, while a pink-haired Star Trek-esque Katy Perry was named Favourite Pop/Rock Female Artist.  Favourite Pop/Rock Band went to Maroon 5 who performed Moves Like Jagger  (ft. Christina Aguilera) and also Stereo Hearts alongside Gym Class Heroes. A teary-eyed Nicki Minaj fared v. well this evening, taking home Favourite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist and Favourite Rap/Hip-Hop Album for her debut Disc, Pink Friday.

A now-single Jennifer Lopez stunned the audience in a progressively barely-there outfit, although forgetting Lyrics to her Track Until it Beats No More, followed by Papi (from her latest FIAT Commercial) before being joined on-stage by Pitbull for On the Floor.  Pitbull later performed with Lopez's Ex-Husband Marc Anthony on Rain Over Me.

Click here for more from the American Music Awards.

(Photo credit: ABC)

NEW MUSIC: MADONNA - "GIVE ME ALL YOUR LUVIN"

Madonna at TIFF 2011

It's only a matter of time before it gets yanked, but here it is! Madonna's new Single Give Me All Your Luvin produced by Martin Solveig, featuring whom are believed to be Nicki Minaj and M.I.A (not yet confirmed), is actually rather superb in a Hollaback Girl (Gwen Stefani)-meets-Toxic (Britney Spears) way. 

Melodically, it actually reminds me a bit of Beautiful Stranger, wouldn't you say? Definitely one of her stronger Tracks in quite some time, quickly erasing that forgettable Hard Candy era right from our heads .. "and making us dance our lives away!".

Madonna will be previewing some new Material apparently this Saturday in NYC with Solveig at an event sponsored by Smirnoff.  Can't wait to hear more!

Listen to lo-fi Clip of Give Me All Your Luvin in full below:

(Audio content: Universal Music | Photo credit: Saul Porto)

CORY GUNZ, MACK MAINE & LIL WAYNE IN TORONTO FOR "I AM STILL MUSIC" TOUR

Lil Wayne in Toronto - August 2011

14-time Grammy nominee Lil Wayne graced the City with his presence today for the Toronto stop-off of his I Am Still Music Tour. The Rapper was just in Montreal on Wednesday night, arriving in Toronto overnight. With his eighth studio Disc Tha Carter IV due in stores on August 29, 2011, it would appear that he has a big comeback Hit on his hands as latest single How to Love already as at number five on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Chart.

Tagging along for the Tour are Artists from his Record Label Young Money Entertainment, Mack Maine and Cory Gunz who are to perform alongside Lil Wayne this evening with other acts like Far East Movement and Keri Hilson. Maine and Gunz were amazingly nice to stop and pose for Photos with Fans before heading off in their Tour Bus. 

And while Lil Wayne was last to leave (after 7:30 PM) for his self-headlining show at Molson Amphitheatre this evening, his Handler made matters a little trickier for Fans - some who waited all day to see their Idol. He still obliged however and stopped for a couple Photos though telling Fans "Snap me!", before he was rushed off to his Tour Bus.

See more Photos below:

NICKI MINAJ & FANS AT LUXY NIGHT CLUB

Nicki Minaj, Fan, Monika & Mr. Will-W. (L to R)

When you can't get your own Photo with them, Photobomb 'em!  That's Nicki Minaj, a Fan, Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven Reader Monika and me this past Saturday night up in Vaughan, Ontario at Luxy Night Club getting our Fan moment on with the Hip-Hop Star!

Read more about it and Minaj's opening spot for Britney Spears on her Femme Fatale Tour here.

Thanks Mikey Pee for the Photo. You're awesome, Buddy!

(Photo credit: Mikey Pee)

BRITNEY SPEARS AT TORONTO'S AIR CANADA CENTRE FOR "FEMME FATALE" TOUR

Britney Spears at Air Canada Centre - August 2011

Pop Legend Britney Spears performed the first of two Toronto shows this evening as part of her Femme Fatale Tour, bringing along a Camera Crew record footage for her upcoming Concert DVD, which also will be aired in the near future on Epix HD.  Kicking off in Sacramento, California in June, the Tour is set to wrap December 10, 2011 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Joining her tonight was Hip-Hop's hottest Female Rapper right now, Nicki Minaj who surprisingly prior had not visited the City to promote her Platinum-selling debut on Universal Music Canada, Pink Friday.  Minaj wowed the crowd with her colourful delivery and outfits, bringing along our v. own Drake on-stage for a Lap Dance during their performance of Collaboration, Moment 4 Life.  See more of Minaj in Toronto here.

NICKI MINAJ IN TORONTO FOR "FEMME FATALE" TOUR | LUXY NIGHT CLUB VISIT

Nicki Minaj in Toronto - August 2011

It's rare that an Opening Act is capable of eclipsing or having as much Star Power as the Headliner, but Nicki Minaj just might know a thing or two about entertaining a crowd.  Joining Pop Legend Britney Spears on her Femme Fatale Tour in North America, Queens native Minaj performed her first of two shows at Air Canada Centre in Toronto earlier this evening.  The Hip-Hop star wowed and exceeded the expectations of many, even causing a few jaws to drop in delivering a Lap Dance to Toronto Label Mate Drake during their performance of Moment 4 Life, from her Platinum-selling debut Disc, Pink Friday.  Read my Recap with Photos and Video from the Femme Fatale Tour here.

Minaj who joined Spears on-stage in her Encore on Till the World Ends, nibbled on a Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich with a Snapple in her SUV (as per her Tweets), as she rushed-off to an appearance at Luxy Night Club in Vaughan, Ontario - just north of Toronto.  Arriving just before 12:30 AM, she could be seen applying her Makeup before coming out to greet Fans quickly. 

After doing the rounds for an hour or so, Minaj came out to greet more Fans-in-waiting, selecting a few Barbies (her term of endearment for her Fans) to take Photos with.  I might have  been one of the few to have gotten in on a Group Photo and also gotten my copy of Pink Friday signed.  Matters soon became a little chaotic though as more Fans joined the queue and even Bodyguards themselves were asking Minaj to pose for Photos with them - a true testament to her Star Power.

See more Photos below:

DRAKE'S "OVO FESTIVAL" BOASTS SURRPISE GUESTS ON CARIBANA WEEKEND

Drake at the 2011 JUNO Awards

Drake's OVO Festival at Molson Amphitheatre has secured its place as one of the biggest highlights of Caribana, now known as the Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival in Toronto.  Now in its second year, some are anticipating some big names to show-up tonight to the Show. Last year, the Audience were wowed by surprise performances from Jay-Z, Eminem and Beyoncé.

Expected to perform this year are acts like The Weekend, Rick Ross, NAS and Travis Porter but leave it to Drizzy himself to throw in a few surprises.  For one, Stevie Wonder was spotted flying in from Los Angeles yesterday and was seen by several Diners at Fusion hotspot Spice Route, known for its enticing Appetizers and $20 Chow Mein. I "wonder" though if he knew that he could get perhaps better and cheaper Chinese food over in Chinatown? Could the R&B/Soul legend himself be making an appearance at the OVO Festival?  We'll soon know!

Although some members of the Young Money Entertainment family, including Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne are due here in August, there also are rumours that they too might be lending their support.  Minaj surprised at Jay-Z show on Friday night, but it should be noted she is opening for Britney Spears tonight at Verizon Center in Washington, DC and likely won't be able to make it back to Toronto in-time tonight.  She will definitely be here on August 13th and 14th though.

KATY PERRY SCORES NINE MTV VMA NOMINATIONS

Katy Perry & Mr. Will-W.

Congratulations to Katy Perry who just nabbed a total nine nominations for this year's MTV Video Music Awards, to be aired live August 28, 2011 at 8:00 PM. Among those categories for which Perry is nominated include: Best Pop Video, Best Collaboration, Best Direction, Best Special Effects and the most prestigious honour, Video of the Year.

Perry upon finding out the amazing news Tweeted, "OMG! I just got word that I'm nominated for 9 MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS!!! I'm kinda speechless/nervous/turned on! NOW it's up to YOU to VOTE!". She is currently still touring in Seattle.

NEW MUSIC: BRITNEY SPEARS FT. NICKI MINAJ & KE$HA - TILL THE WORLD ENDS REMIX

Although I'm not really sure it qualifies as an actual Remix, we are surprised with this new version of Britney Spears' Till the World Ends featuring an Intro by Nicki Minaj and Choruses by its Writer Ke$ha; also heard is a new Breakdown.

It appears that Minaj recorded her part in the Studio and Ke$ha's Demo Vocals were incorporated into the mix.  Nonetheless, it's pretty cool  to hear three of the hottest Ladies of Pop together on one Track.  Hopefully this will be enough to help its rise up the Billboard Hot 100, as it has been hovering at the bottom-end of the Top Ten for a couple weeks now.

This week alone, Spears scored another Billboard number one on the Chart with her S&M Remix with Rihanna, helping the latter reach a record for the shortest span of time an Artist has achieved ten number one Singles  in the Chart's history.

Listen to the Till the World Ends Remix below (Audio content owned by Sony Music):

 

NICKI MINAJ GIVES SOLDIERS LAP DANCE IN DALLAS

That Nicki Minaj is so patriotic! Watch her salute two Soliders in attendance at her I Am Still Music II Tour this past Friday in Dallas. Minaj runs her hands freely on the Gentlemen, just narrowly escaping two counts of Sexual Assault.  If that weren't enough, she then proceeds to dance on their laps.  No big deal. Nothing to look at here.

Watch the naughtiness below:

I wonder what tricks saucy Minaj will have in store for Toronto Fans when she opens for Britney Spears at Air Canada Centre on August 13, 2011....

(Video content: PaperFriday/Audio content: Universal Music)

BRITNEY SPEARS ANNOUNCES "FEMME FATALE" TOUR DATES

Britney Spears in Toronto - March 2009

Although it seemed to take forever to confirm, Britney Spears has announced that she will be kicking off her Femme Fatale Tour on Thursday, June 16, 2011 in Sacramento, California. The Tour tentatively is set to wrap on Saturday, August 13, 2011 in Toronto at Air Canada Centre.  

Beginning Saturday, April 30, 2011 you get Tickets for the Show in select cities. With gaps between Tour Dates, surely they are anticipating the great demand leading to additional shows being added?

Joining Spears on tour will be one of the hottest names in Hip-Hop Nicki Minaj in her first Toronto performance, as well as up-and-coming Electropop Act Jessie and the Toy Boys, plus Australian Duo Nervo.

Personally, I’ve seen Spears twice in-concert including her 2009 Circus Tour and she always delivers a spectacle. I do wish she’d interact more with the Audience, so hopefully this time!

A list of dates has been announced below: