Eartha Kitt, original singer of the 1953 Christmas song "Santa Baby", has died today at age 81 in New York City after losing her battle with colon cancer.


Best known for her raspy voice, Kitt performed as the first black Catwoman in the TV series, "Batman" and who could forget her role in "Boomerang"? The life story of Eartha Kitt, who has a daughter Kitt Shaprio with her ex-husband Bill McDonald, reportedly would be done by Beyonce and not by Janet Jackson.



R.I.P Eartha Kitt.

Labels: Throwback Video

Enjoy these Holiday-related clips including Destiny's Child performing "Carol The Bells."


Merry Christmas from Urban-Hoopla!

Labels: Destiny's Child, Throwback Video

The Cannons (Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon) went out shopping with her dog Jack in matching red bubble Moncler jackets during their holiday vacation at Aspen, Colorado. Mariah dressed head to toe in red and black- you gotta love those Dior snow boots.


This Christmas would be their first since they got married and Mariah already talked about how they'll spend it. Aww!

Labels: Mariah Carey, Nick Cannon, Out and About, Throwback Video

Brandy and Monica performed their Grammy Award-winning duet "The Boy is Mine" for the second time ever at the V-103 Sessions event in Atlanta and Necole Bitchie was on the scene with feedback.


Wasn't that performance great? They even had the crowd going. (I even went on YouTube and Dailymotion for more Brandy/Monica videos as you can see for yourself above.) Monica's new album with the lead single, "Still Standing" and the Keyshia Cole duet "Trust" is expected in early 2009. Brandy's latest album "Human" pulled in 73, 000 units in its first week which now sits on the #15 spot on Billboard.

Labels: Brandy, Monica, Music Hoopla, Throwback Video

Soul legend Stevie Wonder has hinted at joining the upcoming season of "Dancing With The Stars" during his interview with Los Angeles 104.3 MYFM. Stevie said it's "not impossible." Nothing is set in writing just yet as Stevie said, “Right now, it’s just a thought." (Would you tune in to see Stevie do a move?) While you think of a great reply, check out Stevie proving he can dance in this throwback "For Once in my Life" performance clip. So he can definitely pulled off appearing on the dance competition.




Across the pond, UK soul artist Estelle has confirmed that she's working on a follow-up to her 2008 American debut "Shine." (Estelle pushed out five singles from the album - "Pretty Please (Love Me)", "Wait A Minute (Just A Touch)", "American Boy" and "No Substitute Love.")

“I’m really excited to start working on my next album. I’m going to go totally left field and surprise a lot of people. I’m going to hit it out the ball park with this one. I’m thinking a mix of COLDPLAY and MARVIN GAYE.” [source: The Sun]

"Shine" has received critical praise from radio to Billboard thanks to her debut with Kanye West ("American Boy") and the album was on the polished R&B efforts in 2008.

Labels: Estelle, Music Hoopla, Stevie Wonder, Throwback Video, TV Hoopla

First Aretha Franklin did a cover song and now Michelle Williams. Michelle did a cover of Rihanna's hit, "Don't Stop The Music" for Pepsi Smash. "Don't Stop The Music" is actually a modern take on MJ's 1983 hit "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'." She did a great job and I love how she rearranged it to fit her jazzy vocals. (Thanks Stuff Fly People Like!)



She also performed "Hello Heartbreak" with even more sass.

Labels: Michelle Williams, Music Hoopla, Rihanna, Throwback Video

Michael Jackson celebrated his 50th birthday today with his kids...and a phone interview on "Good Morning America" which highlighted his career.



MJ remarked that "Thriller" and "Off The Wall" were two of his best work at his happiest times. "That meant very much to me and seemed to be received so beautifully by the public and the world. You know, I enjoyed it very much." As for how he'll celebrate his birthday, MJ had this to say: "I'll just have a little cake with my children and we'll probably watch some cartoons."




To celebrate his birthday, here are just a few of my favorite MJ tracks/highlights of all-time:



MJ truly defined the term "King Of Pop" at top of his game. HAPPY B'DAY, MJ!

Labels: Music Hoopla, Throwback Video, TV Hoopla

Danity Kane's D. Woods celebrated her 24th birthday in ATL with celebrity guests Danity Kane (of course) and Lloyd in attendance. Remember Lloyd had D. Woods as his on-screen love interest in his "You" music video? *Anyhow D. Woods went for "Its A Girl!" birthday theme. Aubrey did a cover of Madonna’s “Like A Virgin”. Danity Kane performed “Sucka For Love” off their new album and D.Woods shut it down with Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing.” (*Thanks Jennifer for the inside info!) Courtesy of ALLTHEPARTIES.COM, you can check out the flicks from the party which was held at Luckie:



On the fashion tip, anyone know that Dawn Richard had on the ever popular Black Halo dress? D. Woods wore a white ruffled Betsey Johnson dress. Aubrey and D. Woods remain close to one another during the party in spite of the Ray J rumor. On the music tip, the female R&B group just wrapped up the video treatment for their second single, "Bad Girls" in L.A.

Labels: Danity Kane, Fashion Hoopla, Hot Night Spot, Lloyd, Out and About, Throwback Video

In a recent interview with "Inside Toronto", R&B songstress Tamia opened up about her decision to launch her own independent music label which features her 2006 album, "Between Friends".

Tamia's latest release, Between Friends, is wholly owned by Plus One Music Group, a record label that she founded and that works in partnership alongside her long-established publishing company.

"It took me a bit of time in the industry to realize that if you want to be the one who determines your image and you want to call the shots and be in control of your life, you have to be the boss," she admits. "I think it was just more of a natural progression for me. I've been in the industry since I was 17, and so I've really been directed and told what to do since then. But if you are ever in a position to own the thing which you are creating and be in control of your life, I think you have to go for it."

If Tamia hadn't taken control with the promotion for "Between Friends", would she had release "Me", "Can't Get Enough", and "Almost"?

Labels: Music Hoopla, Tamia, Throwback Video

Any Donna Summer fans on Urban-Hoopla? Tomorrow Donna will release her first new record in 17 years!

Donna describes the background of the title Crayons and the aesthetic of the album as “a menagerie of colors and styles, with hints of different ethnic traditions and sounds. My dream is that when people hear the music it will remind them of their youth, their childhood and the joy and wonderment they felt exploring their first pack of Crayons.”

I couldn't agree more with Donna's description. I had her CD on constant rotation over the weekend since the good folks over at Sony BMG sent me a copy. Check out Donna's first single, "Stamp Your Feet" here!

Is it safe to say that Donna the diva is back?! While you ponder over a great answer, check out Donna's tour dates here. Preview Donna's new disc over at AMAZON.COM. And for good measure, enjoy this classic Donna Summer throwback video...

Labels: Donna Summer, Music Hoopla, Throwback Video

Over the weekend, R&B crooner Keith Sweat signed autographs of his upcoming disc, "Just Me" at J&R Music World. Some of you may remember him from his 1996 hit, "Nobody" which you can check out under the photo...



Keith Sweat fans rejoice! I got a e-mail confirming that he's on a nationwide tour coming to a town near you! Check out the tour dates...

KEITH SWEAT 2008 TOUR SCHEDULE
5/31 San Diego , CA Viejas Casino Concerts In The Park

6/7 Pensacola , FL Fairgrounds

6/20 Temecula , CA Pechanga Casino & Resort

7/11 Vallejo , CA Solano County Fair

8/1 Detroit , MI Chene Park

8/15 Country Club Hills , IL Country Club Hills Theater

Keith called his new album JUST ME "because I'm giving the people what they expect from me. You hear other artists out here who make the mistake of trying to be trendy. They really try to keep up. I know people want to hear Keith Sweat. I'm conscious of the people who have followed me the whole time, since day one. I remember that I have a fan base and I'm very careful to give the people what they expect from me."

In the meantime, check out a few new promotional photos of Keith Sweat...

Labels: Keith Sweat, Music Hoopla, Throwback Video

Ralph Tresvant fans rejoice! Check out what I found in my inbox moments ago:



Yes indeed, Ralph has announced his comeback to R&B music. You may know Ralph from New Edition or his hit solo song, "Sensitivity"...



To celebrate his 25th anniversary in music, Ralph has also announced plans to go on a 'up close and personal' U.S tour. Stay tune for his lead single, "It Must Be You" which will impact AMAZON.COM on July 1st.

Keep up with Ralph Tresvant online:
ralphtresvant.com/
myspace.com/ralphtresvant

Labels: Music Hoopla, Ralph Tresvant, Throwback Video

India.Arie joined Anthony David on the video set of his lead single, "Words" from his upcoming album Acey Deucey, in stores June 17th.




I've been meaning to post India.Arie's "Video" and this tidbit gave me the perfect excuse to do so. Enjoy:

Labels: India.Arie, Music Hoopla, Throwback Video

One of hip-hop's admired couples Swizz Beatz and Mashonda went their separate ways after four years of marriage according to ALLHIPHOP.COM.

Check out Mashonda's "Back Of Tha Club" video which has a cameo from Swizz below. In related news, Star Jones filed for divorce from her husband Al Reynolds.

First Kanye & Alexis split up now the aforementioned couples. Something has got to give, huh?

Labels: Breakup, Swizz Beatz, Throwback Video

UniverSoul Circus honored LL Cool J for being an outstanding leader Saturday night at Roy Wilkins Park in Jamaica, NY. LL brought along two of his three daughters out to the event.

According to LL's IMDB profile page, his daughters are Italia, Samaria, and Nina Simone. So clearly the little one of the two girls presented at the Universoul gig has to be Nina Simone.

In case you didn't know, LL's son Najee had a cameo in his father's "Hush" music video, which you can check out below. (That's Najee as his father in the beginning of the video.)

Labels: LL Cool J, Out and About, Throwback Video

A new Derek Blanks-photo shoot featuring R&B songbird Amerie surfaced onto the blogosphere earlier today. I like the Old Hollywood-inspired black and white photo. Derek Blanks work with Amerie on the "Alter Ego" celebrity portraits which I posted in this earlier post.


Mariah Carey's week-long takeover extended towards these black and white outtakes taken from her "E=MC²" album photo shoot.



Jay-Z reportedly recorded a remix to Mariah's second single, "Bye, Bye". According to JD,

"The remix for the Mariah record is crazy," Dupri said Friday (April 18). "Young Hov and Mariah crank it up, and myself, JD — a.k.a. Barry Bonds — cleans up." [MTV]

Because Jay-Z and Mariah are working together musically again, enjoy this throwback video of "Heartbreaker"...

Labels: Amerie, Jay-Z, Mariah Carey, Newsstand Snapshots, Throwback Video

Courtesy of Neon Limelight, check out this clip of Chris Brown and Jordin Sparks performing their duet, "No Air" on "American Idol".

The youngest "American Idol" winner (Jordin) apparently confirmed the rumors of Chris dating Rihanna...

Yeah, they are. It was really cool because I walked on the set and she was sitting there with Chris Brown and I was like I can’t believe she’s here. She came and she told me that she loved “No Air”, and that it was one of her favourite songs. It was really cool hearing that from one of my peers. She just wanted to support him. [TOYA'S WORLD via [YOUNG-VOICES.UK]

Jordin's confirmation completely makes Rihanna's "brother and sister" statement look out context, huh?

Anyhow watching Chris and Jordin do their duet moved me to comply a brief list of my favorite R&B duets....



From "Best Friend" by Tweet and Bilal to Usher and Alicia Keys' "My Boo", these are just a few of my favorite R&B duets. Do YOU have any favorite R&B duet from the past or present?

Labels: Chris Brown, Jordin Sparks, Music Hoopla, Throwback Video, TV Hoopla

Estelle and Ray J recorded the same song title - "Wait A Minute" at different points of their music career.

Ray J was the first of the two record his Neptunes-produced club jam "Wait A Minute" with Lil' Kim back in October 2001. Estelle, a British hip-hop artist, released her Will.i.am-produced take back in November 2007.

Estelle just held album release party for her American debut "Shine" at Paper nightclub in London. Ray J reccently dished out some exclusive behind-the-scenes hoopla of life with Biggie Keyshia Cole, and 2Pac.

"Wait A Minute" by Estelle and Ray J - which artist did a better job with the same song title?

Off topic: I stumbled into Charlie Murphy and Aleesha Renee at The Shop eariler today. The pair filmed a segment for a BET show. And here's a FYI Charlie's brother Eddie used to live in the Jersey area.

Photos: AMAZON.COM

Labels: Estelle, Lil' Kim, Ray J, Same Song, Throwback Video

Contemporary R&B artists Mýa and Destiny's Child both recorded the same song title "Free" at different times of their careers. I thought I'll re-visit this idea of songs that have the same title. [Thanks for the inspiration, Soul Bounce.] Do keep in mind, there are a million and one songs which YOUTUBE.COM can vouch for.

The soulful "Free" by Destiny's Child appeared on the trio's final studio effort, "Destiny Fulfilled" which was released back in 2004. Mýa recorded her pop-friendly hit "Free" for her sophomore disc, "Fear of Flying".

Labels: Destiny's Child, Mya, Same Song, Throwback Video

Toni Braxton was recently seen outside a Beverly Hills restaurant. As reported earlier, Toni said her new album will feature her signature old school style. Click here to watch Toni talk about her upcoming album, which drops this June.



Since Toni announced her new music plans, here are just few of my favorite Toni ballads:


Photos: WENN/Toni Braxton Web/

Labels: Out and About, Throwback Video, Toni Braxton