Erykah Badu Back In The Lab Recording ''New Amerykah: Pt. 2'

Just a little over a year after releasing her fourth studio album, "New Amerykah, Pt. 1: 4th World War," Erykah Badu is back with the second installment tentatively titled "New Amerykah, Pt. 2: Return Of The Ankh."

Although no release date has been announced as of yet, sources close to the singer confirm she is currently in the studio working with long-time collaborator James Poyser ("Love Of My Life," "Danger"). Additionally, Badu, who recently performed alongside The Roots on the "Jimmy Fallon Show," has embarked on an international tour which started yesterday (July 8th) in Milan and ends on Sept. 10th in Memphis, Tennessee. Stops include Stockholm, Sweden; Atlantic City, N.J.;and Detroit.

Badu's "New Amerykah, Pt. 1" has sold 354,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen Soundscan.

Here are Ms. Badu's confirmed tour dates:

Jul. 8: Milan (Arena Civica)

Jul. 10: Paris (Zenith)

Jul. 11: Rotterdam, Holland (North Sea Jazz Festival)

Jul. 13: Copenhagen (Vega)

Jul. 15: Oslo (Santrum Scene)

Jul. 17: Pori (Pori Jazz Festival/Kirjurinluoto Arena)

Jul. 19: Stockholm (Stockholm International Jazz Festival)

Jul. 21: Nice (Nice Jazz Festival)

Aug. 6: Atlantic City, N.J. (TBA)

Aug. 7: Detroit (TBA)

Sept. 10: Memphis (Orpheum Theatre)

Young Money Tour Dates Announced

It is official ladies and germs- The Young Money Entertainment tour is set and ready to roll. Featured artists on the tour include: Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy, Soulja Boy Tell'Em and Drake. The tour will begin this summer and the dates have all finally been confirmed.

The "Young Money Presents: Americas Most Wanted Music Festival" trek will start on July 27 at the Toyota Pavilion at Scranton, Pennsylvania, and will end on August 23 in Dallas, Texas. Lil Wayne will be the headlining act, and Soulja Boy, Jeezy, and Drake will round out the roster as opening acts.

Tickets for the 21-city tour go on sale June 20th via Ticketmaster, Live Nation and select venue ticketing systems.

Here are the dates to the "Young Money Presents" tour:

July 27: Scranton, PA (Toyota Pavilion)

July 29: Saratoga, NY (Performing Arts Center)

July 30: Pittsburgh, PA (Post Gazette Pavilion)

July 31: Philadelphia (Susquehanna Bank Center)

August 1: Wantagh, NY (Jones Beach Theater)

August 2: Virginia Beach (Verizon Wireless Amphitheater)

August 4: Toronto (Molson Amphitheater)

August 5: Montreal (Bell Centre)

August 6: Cleveland (Blossom Pavilion)

August 7: Washington, D.C. (Nissan Pavilion)

August 8: Raleigh, NC (Walnut Creek Amphitheater)

August 9: Atlanta (Lakewood Amphitheater)

August 12: Phoenix (Cricket Wireless Amphitheater)

August 13: Los Angeles (TBD)

August 14: Irvine, CA (Verizon Wireless Amphitheater)

August 15: Oakland, CA (Sleep Train Pavilion)

August 17: Vancouver (GM Place)

August 18: Edmonton, AB (Rexall Place)

August 20: Denver (Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre)

August 22: Houston (Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion)

August 23: Dallas (Superpages.com Center)

R. Kelly Makes His Way To The Motherland For The First Time

R. Kelly is taking his business elsewhere; Elsewhere being the wonderful continent of Africa. The R&B hitmakaker will give the people of Africa their first up close glimpse of him by making his first tour of the country this month courtesy of his participation in the ARISE African Fashion Awards.

The awards show and gala will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa on June 20. The show will also bring to a close the African Fashion Week and kickoff a multi-city tour that spans South Africa, Nigeria, and London.

This will be R. Kelly's first visit to Africa. He also says that he believes that this whole experience will have a profound impact on his life personally and professionally.

"I'm very excited about my first visit to Africa, I've dreamed about this for a long time and it’s finally here,” Kelly said in a statement. “It will be one of the highlights of not only my career but my life. I can’t wait to perform in front of my fans in Africa – who have been some of the best in the world."

Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe, founder of Africa Fashion Week and the African Fashion Awards, explained that the entire African continent is ready to be recognized for their fashion talents on an international stage.

“Our goal is to promote and recognize the best of African fashion talent on a global scale and the ARISE Africa Fashion Awards is a further step towards fulfillment of this goal,” she stated.

The ARISE Africa Fashion Awards commences from 6Pm-10PM on June 20 at Johannesburg’s Sandton Convention Center. The keynote address will be delivered by renowned humanitarian and former First Lady of France Cecilia Attias.

Listed below are R. Kelly’s confirmed Africa tour dates:

Saturday, June 27th at the Superbowl in Sun City

Monday June 29th at the Grand West Casino in Cape Town

Friday, July 3rd at the THISDAY Dome in Abuja, Nigeria

Saturday, July 4th and Sunday, July 5th in Lagos, Nigeria

Wednesday, July 8th at Wembley Arena in London, UK

Lauryn Hill Cancels Tour Dates

For all of my fans over in Europe, I have some news for you... Lauryn Hill has canceled her involvement in a European tour. Her management has cited health reasons for the cancellation.

Organizers of the Stockholm Jazz Festival say the eccentric R&B/Hip-Hop star was experiencing unspecified health-related complications that would prevent her from staying on the bill and other dates. Spokesperson Liisa Tolonen told the Associated Press that Hill’s told the Stockholm Jazz Festival late Tuesday that she would not be involved in any capacity.

The dates canceled include Italy, Switzerland, Greece, Sweden, Poland, the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Austria. The tour would have been Hill’s most public appearance in several years.

Who Needs A Rap Tour?

Boy oh boy... if I was a tweeny bopper, I'd probably be trying to baby sit every kids on the block to get these tickets. Talk about a summer jam, how about Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy, Drake, and Soulja Boy Tell'em all on the same ticket doing one of the biggest rap tours in a while.

MTV News reports that a a reliable source in Lil Waynes camp told them that this whole tour isn't quite set in stone just yet, but they're hoping something will work out with at least a third of all that was named. In May, Drake told MuchMusic about a similar tour that, at the time, was supposed to include Jay-Z.

"God willing, if everything goes according to plan and everybody's schedule is in place, then I will be on tour with some amazing people," Drake said. "One of them being Jay-Z, one of them being Lil Wayne, one of them being Young Jeezy and one of them being me."

Jay Z has his own tour lined up for the summer with Ciara that will begin in Vegas on July 3rd. Thursday night from the Los Angeles Lakers game, Soulja Boy Tell'em announced the tour on Twitter.

"TSA (Twitter Service Announcement) — I'm going on Tour with Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy & Drake this summer! Get ya tickets ASAP!!!!" he Tweeted.

Dates for the tour are still being locked down.

EnVogue Reunites

Yes yes yes... The ladies of the 90's sensation EnVogue are back. Group members (L-R) Dawn Robinson, Cindy Herron, Terry Ellis and Maxine Jones are reuniting for a 20th anniversary tour. I know it's going to be hot... especially if Dawn doesn't pull no b.s. I love it!!!

Michael Jackson Announces Last Tour

Wow 'The King of Pop' is coming back for one last spin around the music-go-round. M.J. did a one of a kind press conference in London today announcing that the "This Is It" tour will be commencing this Summer in July. All through the press conference he kept saying "This Is It". Weirdo Jacko strikes again! M.J. claims that this is not a retirement tour by no means, but this will be a precursor to the retirement.

Rihanna Cancels Indonesian Tour

Rihanna is stopping the music. And this time it has nothing to do with the temperature outside. The chart-topping singer has canceled a concert scheduled to take place in Jakarta tomorrow night due to security concerns in Indonesia.

On Sunday, three Islamic militants were executed for carrying out the 2002 Bali bombings. Prior to their deaths, the militants encouraged followers to launch more attacks.

The 20-year-old "Umbrella" star was scheduled to perform in front of a sellout crowd of 6,000 in the nation's capital.

"They said Indonesia's security is not supportive," event promoter Troy Waroka told the local press. "The concert will be postponed until January or February." Waroka said full refunds would be made available for ticket holders who didn't wish to wait.

Rihanna recently wrapped up the Australian leg of her world tour.

No Limit Soldiers Coming To A City Near You!

The family that put "the boot" (Louisiana) on the map is coming back together! Reunited for the first time since the late 90’s, original No Limit recording artists Mia X, Mr. Serv-On, Mo B Dick, KLC and Fiend have confirmed a multi-city reunion tour for the winter 2008 season. The concert which has been dubbed "The War Games Tour" will give long time No Limit fans their first opportunity in years to reconnect with key members from one of southern Hip-Hop’s pivotal movements.

In addition, the artists are anticipating using the tour as a springboard to reestablish No Limit as a viable brand in 2009’s Hip-Hop market. “This tour is long overdue,” remarked Mr. Serv-On, “We owe this tour to our fans.”

The No Limit crew was founded by “Master P”, now known as P. Miller, in 1991, No Limit Records to date has sold more than 75 million records worldwide.Utilizing production from Beats By the Pound and a business model that emphasized pushing new albums nearly every month, No Limit was instrumental in providing a blueprint for labels such as Cash Money, and illuminating major label attention on southern rappers as potential national stars.

While dates have not been finalized, cities verified for the tour include Chicago, Detroit, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Memphis, Nashville, Atlanta, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Jackson (Mississippi).

Janet Jackson Mystery Illness Revealed

Ok! So we now know what's been making Janet and her doctors cancel show after show after show over the last few weeks. And no, it's not what everyone was expecting Janet to be "expecting" either!

The mystery illness has been confirmed as migraine-related vertigo - despite her brother Randy earlier denying he had revealed she suffered from the condition. The superstar singer has been forced to cancel nine dates on her Rock Witchu tour, after the illness stopped her from performing. Jackson axed her first show in Montreal, Canada on September 29th after checking into a city hospital.

Soon after, her brother Randy reportedly told a Michael Jackson fan site that his sister had to withdraw from the show because she suffered from vertigo - a condition which makes the sufferer feel unbalanced and dizzy. Randy quickly denied the reports, insisting an imposter broke the bogus news, insisting the exclusive "interview never happened". However, Jackson's representatives have now released a statement stating the star has been diagnosed with "migraine-associated vertigo" - dizziness brought on by severe headaches.

A spokesperson tells E! News, "After a thorough medical evaluation, it has been confirmed that Janet's symptoms are being caused by a rare form of migraine called vestibular migraine or migraine-associated vertigo for which she is currently receiving treatment." And her manager, Kenneth Crear, insists the star is preparing to hit the stage again on Wednesday at the Verona Center in Washington, D.C.

He adds, "Janet wanted very much to resume her tour so as not to disappoint her fans, but she continued to suffer from vertigo and could not perform. She's a world-class entertainer and needs to be at the top of her game to give her fans the show they expect. She's feeling much better and is ready to hit the road again to finish the tour."

John Legend Sets Fall Tour Dates

John Legend will team up with Raphael Saadiq to start a fall tour beginning on November 19. The tour kicks off in Minneapolis, MN just days after the release of his upcoming album "Evolver" which hits the stores October 28.

Raphael Saadiq will support on the trek, which wraps Dec. 13 in Durham, N.C.The singer's current single, "Green Light" featuring Andre 3000, is No. 32 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart this week. "Evolver" also features appearances from Kanye West, Estelle and Brandy.

John says that this album is like nothing else that he has put out. "This album doesn't sound like me," he told Billboard.com. "The tempo is faster than I've done before. It will be different for people, because 'Evolver' has a bit more instrumentation than I've used before. But it's not like you won't recognize the artist-it's still me."

Check out the tour dates:

Nov. 19: Minneapolis (Northrop Auditorium)

Nov. 20: Chicago (Chicago Theatre)

Nov. 24: E. Lansing, Mich. (Wharton Center For Performing Arts)

Nov. 26: Detroit (Masonic Temple Theatre)

Nov. 28: Toronto (Roy Thompson Hall)

Nov. 29, Dec. 1: Montclair, N.J. (Wellmont Theatre)

Dec. 2: Boston (Orpheum Theatre)

Dec. 5: Philadelphia (Tower Theater)

Dec. 8: Baltimore (Lyric Theatre)

Dec. 9: Washington, D.C. (Constitution Hall)

Dec. 10: Greenville, S.C. (Peace Center)

Dec. 12: Charlotte, N.C. (Ovens Auditorium)

Dec. 13: Durham, N.C. (Durham Performing Arts Center)

SOURCE

Usher Sets Tour Dates For One Night Stand Concert Series

Usher is hoping to get up close and personal with his female fans on a 14-date November club tour, which is being billed as "One Night Stand: Ladies Only."

A Jive spokesperson clarifies that although ladies may be the focus, men are welcome at the gigs, which begin Nov. 2 in Atlantic City, N.J., and run through Nov. 25 in Dallas.

Usher is touring in support of his latest album, "Here I Stand," the ninth best U.S. seller of the year at 1.029 million copies. Really? Who would have thought. I damn sure didn't buy a copy!

The video for Usher's latest single "Trading Places" is set to premiere sometime this week.

Here are Usher's "One Night Stand: Ladies Only" tour dates:

Nov. 2: Atlantic City, N.J. (Borgata)

Nov. 3: New York (Hammerstein Ballroom)

Nov. 4: Washington, D.C. (Warner Theatre)

Nov. 5: Philadelphia (Electric Factory)

Nov. 7: Mashantucket, Conn. (MGM Grand)

Nov. 8: Toronto (Kool Haus)

Nov. 10: Atlanta (Tabernacle)

Nov. 12: Detroit (Fillmore)

Nov. 13: Chicago (House of Blues)

Nov. 18: San Francisco (Warfield Theatre)

Nov. 19-20: Los Angeles (Club Nokia LA Live)

Nov. 21: Las Vegas (the Pearl)

Nov. 24: Houston (House of Blues)

Nov. 25: Dallas (House of Blues)

Jazmine Sullivan Announces Tour Dates

I actually love this girl! Jazmine Sullivan is not Lauryn Hill and never will be. She is who she is and that's what is so great about the Philly girl. The singers distinctive vocals can be attributed to years of singing in church as most R&B singers have.

Jazmine's debut album "Fearless" hit number 6 on the billboard charts selling 65, 539 units in its first week.

Magazines and bloggers have dubbed her the "African-American answer to Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black.” I'm not sure about that comparison but she's definitely brought a new flavor to what is missing from the radio and music.

Visit her official site and MySpace page for more details.

Upcoming Shows:
1. October 8, 8pm @ Opera House - Boston, MA
2. October 9, 8pm @ Radio City Music Hall - New York, NY
3. October 10, 8pm @ Chevrolet Theatre - Wallingford, CT
4. October 12, 8pm @ Massey Theatre - Toronto, Ontario
5. October 14, 8pm @ The Taft Theatre - Cincinnati, OH
6. October 15, 8pm @ Fox Theatre - St. Louis, MO
7. October 17, 8pm @ Murat Theater - Indianapolis, IN
8. October 18, 8pm @ Chicago Theater - Chicago, IL
9. October 19, 8pm @ Fox Theatre - Detroit, MI
10. October 25, 8pm @ Paramount Theatre - Denver, CO
11. October 28-29, 8pm @ Paramount Theatre of the Arts -Oakland, CA
12. October 31, 8pm @ Pearl -Lax Vegas, NV
13. November 1, 8pm @ Shrine Auditorium - Los Angeles, CA
14. November 6-7, 8pm @ Verizon Wireless Theatre -Houston, TX
15. November 8, 8pm @ Majestic Theatre - Dallas, TX
16. November 10, 8pm @ BJCC Hall - Birmingham, AL
17. November 11, 8pm @ Orpheum Theater - Memphis, TN
18. November 12, 8pm @ Civic Center - Atlanta, GA
19. November 14, 8pm @ Coliseum Theatre - Greensboro, NC
20. November 15, 8pm @ Landmark Theatre - Richmond, VA
21. November 17-18, 8pm @ Constitution Hall - Washington, DC
22. November 21, 8pm @ Susquehanna Center - Philadephia, PA
23. November 23, 8pm @ United Palace Theatre - New York, NY

Ne-Yo Get's Help From Entertainment Pals For Hennessey Tour

This evening in Los Angeles, Hennessy will make its first stop in a six-day concert series entitled the Hennessy Artistry Concert Series.

The concert series will feature performances by artists such as Eve and LL Cool J along with performances by the series' curator Ne-Yo.

"Hennessy and I are a good mix," Ne-Yo said in a statement. "Hennessy is known for its skilled blending of tradition with trendy innovation, in its drinks and in its appeal. That's a lot like what I try to do with my music. I'm always trying to find the right balance of class and urban style."As curator to the series, Ne-Yo will serve as an ambassador of Hennessy and will also take part in behind the scenes activities such as planning and execution.

"With his unique mix of classic refinement and hip hop appeal, Ne-Yo is the perfect curator to shape the ambiance of the Hennessy artistry concert series," Andy Glaser, SVP of Hennessy U.S. said in a statement. "Ne-Yo will create Hennessy's mix of class and style in the concerts' settings."After Los Angeles, the tour will then go on to five other major cities including Chicago, Detroit, Miami, New Orleans, and New York.

The performer's for the October finale show in New York have yet to be announced, but Hennessy promises that the show will include performances by, "some of the most formidable performers in music today."

Ne-Yo with special guest LL Cool J - Wednesday, September 17, Los Angeles

Ashanti with DJ Kiss and DJ Sky Nellor - Thursday, September 25, Chicago

Eve with DJ Jus Ske and DJ Irie - Saturday, September 27, Detroit

Ne-Yo with special guest Fat Joe - Wednesday, October 1, Miami

Musiq SoulChild with DJ Rashida and DJ Ruckus - Saturday, October 4, New Orleans

Janet Jackson's Rock With You Tour

This is Janet's first tour in seven years and it features a set list that was directly influenced by her fans. (The singer set up a phone line to take song requests in advance.) As a result, Wednesday night’s Vancouver kick-off covered nearly three decades of music, ranging from tracks recorded in her mid-teens (”Say You Do,” “Don’t Stand Another Chance”) to audience faves (”Escapade,” “Rhythm Nation”) to her newest singles (”Rock With U,” “LUV”).

As far as theatrics, Jackson brought her usual bag of tricks: Being overcome by (possibly real) tears during a burst of fan-thusiasm? Check. Picking a guy out of the audience to incorporate into her sadomasochistic number? Double check. She got out a bondage swing and some floggers for her latest disc’s title track, “Discipline.”

The stage featured layers of interwoven steel with a huge U-shaped extension allowing Janet to strut nearly halfway across the stadium floor. Costume changes brought the glam — ranging from a skin-tight gold lamé bodysuit (during opening track “The Pleasure Principle”) to a Hollywood-esque flowing red gown for the slow jams — but it did seem clear that Jackson, along with her nine dancers and minimalist band, put together a show that was less extravagant in terms of outfits and stage props, attempting instead to bring the bang with pyro and mini-explosions.

Three large screens offered close-up shots throughout the two hour and 20 minute set, as well as pre-recorded footage allowing “duets” with Nelly (”Call On Me”) and Dave Navarro (”Black Cat”). The show’s sole bizarre element was the inclusion of nearly nonsensical video vignettes designed to create a space-age good vs. evil battle: the “evil” Jackson sonically emulating Gollum from Lord of the Rings while the “good” Janet appeared in a white haze, eerily resembling the sunshine from the Teletubbies. While the onscreen Janets were confounding, the real-live Jackson was assured as she powered through the tightly choreographed 37-song set. She may have sang along to backing tracks, but she didn’t lip-synch.

Usher Plans A "For Ladies Only" Tour

Usher is preparing a tour for ladies only. The R&B singer tells the Associated Press he will soon announce details of his "One Night Stand" tour. He said specific dates are still being worked out for about 15 "intimate" venues.

Asked why he wanted to perform a "ladies only" tour, Usher said he relishes the challenge.

"There's only a few artists that can pull that off," said the 29-year-old singer. "I feel like I've had such a connection with my audience. This album, I felt like, was definitely the type of one that was more intimate. So what better way to get up close and personal than to make it all women?"

Last year, Usher married Tameka Foster and the couple had a son, Usher Raymond V. Though now a family man, Usher hasn't relinquished his sex symbol status."The ladies like to see that masculine build," he said. "They question if I still got it."

To go with the theme, Usher is also planning his own line of lingerie and men's undergarments. He already has a fragrance and cologne.Usher, who's working on a video for his new single "Trading Places," will perform at the National Football League's annual kickoff concert tomorrow (Sept. 4) in New York along with Keith Urban and Natasha Bedingfield.

Maxwell Announces First Tour In Six Years

Maxwell is finally giving us what we've all been waiting for; Another round of his magnificent voice. After teasing us at this years BET Awards with his rendention of Al Greens "Simply Beautiful", the 35-year-old neo-soul singer, whose smooth voice and good looks have melted fans since the '90s, announced his first tour in six years.

The U.S. tour starts out in Boston, MA on October 8, and goes on to cities such as New York City, and Los Angeles a Thursday press release. The live dates will be a "pre-party tour celebration" for the singer's upcoming trilogy album "Black Summers' Night," according to the release.

Maxwell's last album, 2001's seductively funky "Now," followed on the heels of 1998's "Embrya." It has been 12 years since his 1996 hit debut "Urban Hang Suite" cemented his status as an R&B sex symbol.

As you all know, Maxwell cut off his wild and out of control mane, and I miss it because it was so sexy on him, but I love the new look!

Tour Dates

• Oct 8 Boston- Opera House
• Oct 9 New York- Radio City Music Hall
• Oct 10 Wallingford- Chevrolet Theatre
• Oct 12 Toronto- Massey Theatre
• Oct 14 Cincinnati- The Taft Theatre
• Oct 15 St. Louis- Fox Theatre
• Oct 17 Indianapolis- Murat Theater
• Oct 18 Chicago- Chicago Theater
• Oct 19 Detroit- Fox Theatre
• Oct 21 Minneapolis- Orpheum Theater
• Oct 22 Omaha- Music Hall
• Oct 23 Kansas City- Uptown Theatre
• Oct 25 Denver- Paramount Theatre
• Oct 28 Oakland- Paramount Theatre
• Oct 31 Las Vegas- Pearl
• Nov 1 Los Angeles- Shrine Auditorium
• Nov 6 Houston- Verizon Theatre
• Nov 8 Dallas- Majestic Theatre
• Nov 10 Birmingham- BJCC Hall
• Nov 11 Memphis- Orpheum Theater
• Nov 12 Atlanta- Civic Center
• Nov 14 Greensboro- Coliseum Theatre
• Nov 15 Richmond- Landmark Theatre
• Nov 17 Washington DC- Constitution Hall
• Nov 21 Philadephia- Susquehanna Center

Americas Best Dance Crew Takes To The Road

MTV's Americas Best Dance Crew is coming to a city near you. Randy Jackson, the show's producer, has decided to take crews from season 1 and the current season 2, on a 20-date tour to show folks all across the nation what the show is all about and what they've been missing. I love the show. I'm a faithful viewer. Crews already set to appear on the tour are the Season 1 winners from the west coast JabbaWockeeZ and those dudes on the skates from the midwest Breaksk8. Three remaining spots on the tour will soon be filled by crews from seasons past and present