Bleu Magazine

Bleu Saw: Trey Songz – “Can’t Be Friends” (Official Music Video)

Monte — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 20:52:34 +0000

The visual for Tremaine’s latest single has premiered. “Can’t Be Friends” is the second single from Trey Songz’s upcoming fourth studio album, Passion, Pain & Pleasure, due out next Tuesday. Directed by Anthony Mandler, the clip features Trey singing black room where he is eventually joined by his love interest. He begins to battle a chair before ending up shirtless and making schizophrenic faces as the clip comes to a close. Nothing groundbreaking or “new” here – same Trey Songz, different song. Check out the video below.

Bleu Magazine September Cover + Issue Preview!

Ian Jarrell — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 19:25:42 +0000

Bleu Magazine is always stepping things up and changing the game of the magazine industry. Bleu Magazine is a celebration of the urban man and his experiences as expressed through fashion, entertainment, culture and music. Online is the new frontier and Bleu is well aware of that. So we are making efforts to be a unique and groundbreaking force to be reckoned with.

To take BleuLife.com and Bleu Magazine to the next level, we will now be featuring monthly covers, celebrity features, fashion spread, and compelling & eye opening stories.

September is the month of FASHION and we are going to give you everything you need…Make sure you check out BleuLife.com on the regular…You don’t want to miss anything we have instore. We’ll have you gagging!

Check out our September cover featuring model Hayden Monteleone.

September Issue Line-up:

Dondria Speaks on her growing career…Kandi Burruss opens up about real R&B…Kelly Price defends her venture to Gospel music…Natalie Nunn reveals what life is like after Bad Girls Club…Diamond opens up about her past!

Is Trey Songz a true R&B crooner or is he just selling sex?

Is There any more Soul left in R&B?

Black is sooo out! Get into Beige this fall

Let your inner Tarzan out, and get into the wild!

Bleu Magazine Online Staff:

De’Von Christopher – Publisher
Ian Jarrell – Editor -In- Chief
Monte Alexander – Music Editor
Jeremy Copeland – Feature Editor
Randi Corbo – Fashion Editor
Saleem Abdullahi – Fashion Assistant

September Issue Contributers:

Bryan Taylor
Deandre DeCosta
Marc Clark
Charles Lamour
Neon Fix

Bleu Tunes: Rihanna – “Only Girl (In The World)” [New Single]

Monte — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 18:46:27 +0000

The first single from Rihanna’s upcoming new album, LOUD!, premiered early this morning on Ryan Seacrest’s morning radio show. “Only Girl (In The World)” marks Rihanna’s return to her bubble-gum Pop roots. Produced by Stargate, “Only Girl” sounds like a combination of every top ten Euro-Pop-inspired single released this summer. It’s a radio single, so expect it to reached the top five on charts and possibly hit #1 in the coming weeks. Check out the track below.

Listen & Download

Bleu Heard: Ameriie Speaks On Being A Blond Bombshell

Ian Jarrell — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 15:43:48 +0000

Ameriie’s new platinum locks had many a tongue wagging yesterday. Ameriie just had to go for more attention by talking to Rap-Up, the 30 year old revealed the inspiration behind her new look.

here is what the newly engaged singer had to say about her new swag:

“I’ve always wanted to go platinum blonde, and I figured I’d finally just do it. One of the things that inspired me are photos I’ve seen of children in the Solomon Islands. They are very brown-skinned, and a lot of them grow white-blonde hair naturally. The contrast in dark skin tone and extremely light hair is really beautiful to me. So I just went for it!” {Source}

Okay sweetie you tried it! Let’s go back to black…

In other Amerie news, she continues to record her new LP ‘Cymatika Vol. 1‘, which is due in stores next year.

Bleu Tunes: JoJo Releases “Can’t Take That Away From Me” Mixtape

Ian Jarrell — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 15:08:48 +0000

JoJo’s new mixtape, ‘Can’t Take That Away From Me’, has finally been released. The record co-written entirely by the young singer and features her new song, ‘In The Dark’. We are so happy to see the young songstress back on the scene. Her voice has always given us everything we need.

Download the entire EP here via Rap-Up.

Bleu Saw: Fantasia Performs For VH1

Monte — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 16:59:13 +0000

Fantasia performed at a private concert for VH1. The talented singer, whose new album Back To Me, debuted at #2 on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums chart, performed “Free Yourself,” “Even Angels” and “Bittersweet” at the intimate affair. She also took time to speak about her recent personal struggles. Check out the performances after the jump.

Bleu DJ: The Hottest Videos & Tracks of the Week

Monte — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:02:55 +0000

This week in music featured the release of Lyfe Jennings‘ new album, I Still Believe. The premiere of Jazmine Sullivan’s music video for “Holding You Down (Goin’ In Circles)“. New music premieres from Trey Songz and Drake, Ne-Yo, Avant, Marques Houston and more. News of Rihanna prepping a new single and Mariah Carey putting the finishing touches on her new holiday album, Merry Christmas II You. In case you missed it, here’s your chance to get caught up on the hottest tracks and videos of the week.

Trey Songz and Drake team up once again on the latest leak from Tremaine’s new album, Passion, Pain & Pleasure. Titled, “The Usual,” the track is about…yes you guess it, SEX. But what else is new, right? Though it does nothing to combat Trey’s image of being a one-trick pony, there’s no denying the track has hit potential.

Listen & Download

R&B crooner Avant has been laying low since the release of his 2008 self-titled fifth studio album. The singer, whose hits include 2000’s “Separated” and 2006’s “4 Minutes,“ has a new track that hit the Internet last night. Check out “I’m That Dude” below.

Listen & Download

As Ne-Yo preps the release of his new album, Libra Scales, tracks from the disc continue to surface. The latest track from the album to hit the Internet is “Everything’s All Right“. The big ballad has sound that is a cross between a Coldplay track mixed with Ryan Tedder production. Libra Scales drops next month.

Listen & Download

Veteran R&B singer Marques Houston is still on the grind. The “Naked” singer is gearing up for the release of his new album, Mattress Music, and has leaked a new buzz single for the disc. Check out “High Notes” below.

Listen & Download

Throwback Bleu: “Circles“

Bleu Features: Bleu Talks With Dondria

Monte — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:13:05 +0000

In today’s music industry new artists come and go. Some find success while others become causalities of the business. One new artist on the path to success is Dondria. Her debut album opened at #9 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and spawned two moderately successful singles including the hit “You’re The One”. Prior to the release of her album, Bleu caught up with the singer, who opened up about her new album, dream collaborations, and how she measures success.

Bleu: Dondria vs. Phatfffat hits stores August 17^th, what makes it different from other R&B albums released this year?

The biggest difference is that I actually do real R&B music. I’m singing about real things, things people can relate to. I don’t have a gimmick. I mean, some might consider me being from YouTube a gimmick but my album is just me singing. It’s all about the music.

Bleu: Where did the title, Dondria vs. Phatttfat, come from?

Phatfffat was my YouTube name. I wanted people to get to know me, and know that I’m more than just Phatfffat from YouTube. That I can sing, I’m creative and just, more than what they first got to know me as.

Bleu: Besides Jermaine Dupri and Bryan Michael Cox, who else did you collaborate with on the album, production and songwriting wise?

I worked with The Inkredibles (Rick Ross, “Free Mason”), I’m not sure how familiar you are with producers, but I worked with them. No I.D. (Jay-Z, “Death of Auto-tune”) as well. As far as songwriters, Dondria (laughs), Crystyle (Janet Jackson, “Feedback”) too.

Bleu: Have you selected a third single?

You know what, I haven’t yet. We leaked “Makin’ Love,” but haven’t decided if that will be the single or if it’s just gonna be a teaser. We’ll see.

Bleu: “You’re The One” peaked at #14 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and “Shawty Wus Up” reached a peak of #69 so far. Do you feel pressure for the album’s third single to achieve greater success than those two and be that smash that really puts you in your own lane?

No pressure. I’m excited about both of those records and whatever the third single is. I don’t feel any pressure because of the type of music it is. It’s relatable to everybody. Unless you were born a hater, you’re gonna love it (laughs). My music is like a breath of fresh air.

Bleu: Who are your musical influences?

My musical influences are Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Etta James; Destiny’s Child, like the old Destiny’s Child. Back when I was in middle school, so the old school Destiny’s Child-the first version (laughs). And gospel music, I grew up singing in a choir and listening to gospel music so it’s been a major influence.

Bleu: You’re currently on tour with Trey Songz and Monica, describe the experience.

I actually just joined the tour today. I’m very excited. I’m a fan of Trey and Monica. I grew up listening to Monica and have been watching her since I was younger so to be opening for her is exciting. I think her first album was the first CD I ever bought. It’s a blessing.

Bleu: With the industry being in a slump, what’s more important to you: album sales or longevity?

Without a doubt, longevity is more important. I want to be here for a long time. I want when people hear or see my name and know my brand; they’ll get a certain type of feeling. Ten years from now, I want people to still know who Dondria is and know my sound.

Bleu: What’s your take on the current state of R&B?

The current state of R&B is…lacking substances right now, missing the passion that was there in the 90’s. Its fun and a lot of people aren’t taking it serious. It seems like anybody can get a deal, get signed, make a hot record and then they’re done. That’s why my album is a return to real R&B, something with substance.

Bleu: If you could collaborate with any two artist, who would they be and why?

I would collaborate with Tank because I love him! (laughs). He’s so talented. His writing, his voice, his look; everything and he is so underrated. People probably don’t know, he wrote the score to Dreamgirls. I would love to write with him and do some records. ‘Gotta pick one more; um, Beyonce. She’s the person I look at, she does it all. Her stage presence, she sings, dances, acts, has a clothing line. She’s a jack of all trades. I wouldn’t copy her per say. We have two difference styles of music but she’s somebody I’d like to model my career after. And it’s motivation of what I can become.

Bleu: What kinds of music and artists do you have on your iPod?

I listen to a little bit of everything. I love male R&B artists so I have Trey, Chris Brown, and Tank, of course (laughs). I’ve got some 90’s R&B, Dru Hill and Mint Condition. I like Paramore, Taylor Swift, and some Journey. A lil’ bit of everything.

Bleu: These are some questions we call guilty pleasures. I’ll ask five random questions and you say the first thing that comes to mind.

Dondria: Okay, cool.

Bleu: TV Show?

Dondria: Bad Girls Club

Bleu: Food?

Dondria: Chipotle

Bleu: Website?

Dondria: Um, good one. Website? Twitter

Bleu: Movie?

Dondria: Superbad

Bleu: Hobbies other than singing?

Dondria: Scrapbooking

Interview conducted by Monte’ Alexander

To purchase Dondria vs. Phatfffat on iTunes click here
For news, tour dates and album updates follow Dondria on Twitter: @Dondria

Bleu Heard: Chris Brown’s “Deuces” Tops Billboard Charts

Monte — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:59:16 +0000

Chris Brown is on the verge of a comeback with his mixtape single, “Deuces“. The track featuring Young Money’s Tyga and Kevin McCall reaches a new peak of #24 on the Hot 100, and lands at #1 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Songs tally – his first R&B chart topper since 2007′s “Kiss Kiss”. He also topped the box office with his movie, Takers, this weekend.

Breezy is looking to capitalize on re-surging popularity as he preps the release of a new Polow Da Don-produced single titled “Calypso“, which is rumored to premiere soon.

Bleu Heard: T.I. & Tiny Arrested…AGAIN!

Monte — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:16:06 +0000

Say it ain’t so! According to TMZ, T.I. and his wife Tiny were arrested early this morning in West Hollywood for alleged possession of a controlled substance.

TMZ has learned they were arrested tonight and booked for the alleged possession of a controlled substance. Law enforcement sources tell us L.A. County Sheriff’s deputies pulled over the multi-platinum selling rapper and his wife in a Maybach on Sunset Boulevard around 10:30PM. Deputies say they smelled marijuana, and after searching the vehicle they arrested T.I. and Tameka. The couple just got married on July 30 in Miami, and T.I. — real name Clifford Harris Jr. — is on probation after doing seven months in prison on federal weapons charges. We’re told T.I. and Tameka are in custody right now. Bail amount is $10,000.

T.I and Tiny were released around 4:00am this morning.

This is disappointing news considering T.I. seemed to be doing well. His new album, King Uncaged, is scheduled for release later this year and his latest feature film, Takers, opened at #1 at the box office this past weekend. SMH!