The Evolution of Child/Teen Stars

Some of musics biggest stars started their careers in their teens which makes me feel like an underachiever. But, as with all humans, the journey from teenager to young adult can lead to huge changes both in image and the type of music you create. So here is a little look at how some child stars have evolved since their debut.

Christina Aguilera

Christina has definitely gone through an evolution from angelic, fresh-faced pop sensation to risque r&b vocal superstar. Her music has matured and undergone many changes over the years as has her image but one thing that has remained the same is her voice - an undeniable powerhouse from the 90's to present day.

Selena Gomez

Better known for her on/off again relationship with arrogant popstar Justin Bieber, Selena's music career has gone a little under the radar particularly in the UK.

She isn't the best of singers but that hasn't stopped Selena from selling albums and touring America thanks to her fun and catchy pop hits which have started getting a little bit more risque.

Justin Timberlake

Probably the most successful of all the teen stars, Justin Timberlake has remained sane and out of rehab while maintaining an amazing career in music and film. He made the perfect transition from young boyband member to established solo artist -everyone else needs to take note.

Chris Brown

Chris could have been the biggest thing in R&B right now if it weren't for his behaviour outside of music and the bad boy image he has created for himself.

He can sing, dance and perform and his music is always top quality but the sweet and charming teen who debuted almost ten years ago has gone way off the rails and may never reach his full potential.

Miley Cyrus

One of the biggest musical transformations came from Miley, the Disney sweetheart who twerked into the tabloids last year. When Miley ditched her long brunette locks and embraced her revealing leotards it seemed her music evolved too. 

The once squeaky-clean popstar has now been working with Pharrell and Mike.Will.Made.It to create some slightly more controversial urban sounds.

Rihanna

It's hard to remember there was once a time when Rihanna was a fresh-faced Bajan teen with the world at her feet. Nowadays the superstar is a force to be reckoned with making daring fashion choices and even more daring music.

New Video : Alternate Grown Woman Vid

An alternate video for Beyonce's Grown Woman has been released and it's brilliant. It has a lot of the same clips and ideas as the original but there are more graphics and artsy concepts which make it a bit more appealing to the eye. However, I do miss the cameo Miss Tina makes it the original.

New Music : SZA

Earlier today I stumbled upon a beautiful new track from the sensational SZA and it features another favourite newbie of mine Chance the Rapper.
The song is called Child's Play and offers us another insight into what we can look forward to from her project dropping 8th April. It is another thoughtful and emotive song and probably my favourite from SZA so far.

New Video : Tinashe

I love Tinashe, especially her new single featuring Schoolboy Q 2 On. I've already done an 'Introducing' feature on her and posted her single but now she finally has a video.
For a first video (well, not technically but commercially) she has done pretty well with great outfits, fast-paced scenes and a brief appearance from Schoolboy Q. It was also smart of her to showcase her talents as a dancer giving her female contemporaries something to compete with.

Jay-Z has beef with Drake ?

Jay-Z has dropped a new verse on Jay Electronica's track We Made It and with it has come some controversy over one line in particular.
About 2 minutes into the track, Jay addresses Drake over a comment he made about the many art references Hov uses in his lyrics. This verse isn't particularly insulting and doesn't seem to be the beginnings of a new hip-hop beef; however, that is unless the many blogs and fans reporting that Jay calls Drake 'Mrs Drizzy' is true. If that is the case then I can see why Drake may take offence and fight back in his next verse but it is debatable as many say it sounds like Hov actually says 'Mr Drake'.
I guess only Jay will know.
Decide for yourself below...

New Video : Chris Brown

I have no idea how he does it considering he has been in rehab for weeks and is now in a very real prison cell till late April. But somehow Chris Brown is still able to make videos in the lead up to his album release and this time its for Loyal which features Lil Wayne and Tyga.
Chris always makes great music and fun videos and this one is no different. The dancing is on point and Chris is looking half-way healthy again, now if only he could get his act together outside of the studio...

#WCW : Jennifer Lopez

Not only has this women managed to not age in 15 years but she has always produced high quality timeless music. Admittedly, I miss her R'n'B days where she collaborated with the likes of Ja Rule and LL Cool J but now she is seen more with the mediocre Pitbull.
Ah well, she's J-Lo and she's hot...

New Music : Porsha Williams

Porsha Williams, who is better known for her role in The Real Housewives of Atlanta, has always been open about her love for singing and even auditioned for, and got a role in, Kandi Burruss' play.
She isn't the worst singer and her single, Flatline, isn't a bad song especially for a first attempt but it is always difficult to take a reality star seriously outside of television.
However, the likeable socialite could do well out of this if she gets with the right writers and producers, and what better time seeing as this may be her last season of The Housewives.

#MCM : Future

Although the overly auto-tuned crooner doesn't make the most thought-provoking or original music, he is alright to look at. So this week #MCM is dedicated to Future...

New Music : Elle Varner

Elle is slowly unravelling what seems to be her second album by bringing us another delightful track titled Cold Case. As catchy as always, Elle shows us her feisty side in this attack on a cheating ex and it definitely deserves a video.

New Video : SZA Goes Fishin'

I am a massive fan of up and coming songstress SZA (who I did an 'Introducing' feature on a couple of months ago) and this new song and video are exactly why.
Not only does the talented singer/songwriter have a beautiful voice but her songs are filled with layers of meaning and deserve a place amongst the legends simply for their depth and delivery.
The video is simple yet deeply disturbing and truly thoughtful - a sure sign of what to expect from this lady's future work.

New Video : J-Lo

I wasn't a massive fan of the song but this video, as a video should, has made it much more bearable.
I Luh You Papi features French Montana and is the single off of her tenth album and during the course of these ten albums J-Lo doesn't seem to have aged. She looks stunning as ever as she flaunts her legs on a yacht and objectifies men by the pool.
I appreciate what she tried to do with the video and the visuals are so bright and captivating I couldn't take my eyes away.

#WCW : Ashanti

New Music : Neon Jungle

Following the success of their last single Braveheart the British quartet are back with the third track off their debut album. It drops just in time for the what seems like the start of some sunshine for the UK and it's perfect for those car journeys with the top down. Can't wait to see what they do with the video for this !

Underrated Artists Part 1

Sometimes talent just isn't enough to make it big as an artist and even when you do have the backing of a major record label and some great music to boot there is just no guarantee that it will sell.
I have put together a little list of artists who, for some reason, didn't quite live up to the hype or reach their full potential in the music industry.

Alexis Jordan

Label : Roc Nation
Age : 21
First Single : Happiness 2010, reached number 3 in the UK
Debut Album : 2011 self-titled debut reached number 9 in the UK and had two top ten singles
Career Highlights: She featured on Sean Paul's number 1 single Got To Love U
What Now : She has just dropped the lead single of her second album Acid Rain which should be released sometime this year

Jazmine Sullivan

Label : RCA Records
Age : 26
First Single : Need U Bad 2008, reached number 1 on the US R&B/Hip-Hop charts
Debut Album : Fearless reached number 6 on the US Billboard chart and produced 4 successful singles
Career Highlights: She was nominated for a Grammy for Bust Your Windows and has written songs for Christina Milian, Jennifer Hudson and Monica.
What Now : Currently working on her third album

Rebecca Ferguson

Label : Syco

Age : 27

First Single : Nothing's Real But Love 2011, reached number 10 in the UK

Debut Album : Heaven reached number 3 in the UK and number 23 in the US 

Career Highlights: She came second on The X Factor and sold 300,000 copies of her debut album in 2 weeks

What Now : Just released her second album which charted in the UK at number 6

Cover Drive

Label : Polydor

Age : 20-25

First Single : Lick Ya Down 2011, reached number 9 in the UK

Debut Album : Bajan Style reached number 14 in the UK

Career Highlights: Reaching number 1 with their second single Twilight and touring with Kelly Clarkson

What Now : Dropped an EP at the end of last year and are currently working on their second album

#MCM : Nelly

Throwback Thursday : March Number 1's Of The Last 8 Years

Ever wondered what was topping the charts both in the UK and in the States this time last year, or the year, or the year before that. Well wonder no more, here is a list of the songs which took the No.1 spot in March since 2006 until the present day.

2006

In the UK and the US, it was Neyo at the top of the charts with this R&B classic which held its place for two weeks in both charts.

2007

Funnily enough, it was two girlbands who no longer exist that were are at the No. 1 spot in England this time last year. Girls Aloud and Sugababes joined forces for Comic Relief with this questionable remake of a hip-hop classic.

Opting for a slightly different chart sound, the US had this delightful rap song at No.1 which, again, is now by a band who remain a distant memory. In fact, are Mims officially a one hit wonder ?

2008

Yes, it was six years ago that everyone was singing 'will you be my American boy' which does make me feel very old indeed. Unfortunately, Estelle seems to have gone awol which is a shame because we need more music like this in 2014.

While the UK were looking for American boys, there was a talented one across the pond taking the charts by storm and making love in clubs. Usher ruled the top spot for three weeks with Young Jeezy on this club banger.

2009

Another joint number one but this time it comes courtesy of Flo Rida. Not only did he manage to do the double and have a No.1 in the UK and US at the same damn time but he also managed to stay at the top spot in the states for six whole weeks. The song ain't even that good!

2010

Tinie debuted back in 2010 with this amazing track and managed to back a No.1 single which is still popular today.

Over in the states, they were also enjoying some powerful club music by a little known band called The Black Eyed Peas.

2011

Was I the only one who didn't know Nicole Scherzinger had ever had a solo No.1 in the UK ?! Well she has, and here it is.

Lady Gaga was in fact the only No.1 song in American during March as she held the top spot with Born This Way for six weeks.

2012

And still dominating the charts two years later, Katy Perry took the No.1 spot with one of her lesser known songs both in England and America.

2013

JT ruled the UK charts for three weeks with this beautiful ballad and proved that absence really does make the heart grow fonder after a five year break from the music scene.

The US let themselves down with this one. Somehow, the exceptionally annoying - and inaccurate - Harlem Shake took over the world and the charts last year.

2014

The man of the moment, Pharrell, is enjoying his third time at the number one spot with his single Happy in the UK while clutching to that top spot on his home turf, the US.

#WCW : Shakira

Every Wednesday I will be posting a tribute to a female artist who falls under the category #wcw (woman crush wednesday).
This week my crush is none other than Shakira. After watching her on the voice I finally realized why so many people love her, aside from her fun music, she is really beautiful and knows a thing or two about music.

New Video : Iggy Becomes Cher

Iggy Azalea may still have no album (it drops next month) but she has yet another single, her fourth in fact, and a delightful video to go with it.
So far, each of her videos has been entertaining and sometimes even eccentric. She twerked, rode elephants then took on a role in Showgirls and now she is paying homage to another movie classic, Clueless.
Iggy steps into the role of blonde bombshell Cher and captures some of the most memorable moments from the movie right down to very precise replicas on the outfits.
The video is light-hearted fun, just like the song, and displays the creative and entertaining side of Iggy - don't keep us waiting for a fifth video !

5 British Bands That Need A Reunion

With a show like The Big Reunion and bands like Danity Kane and Day 21 proving that after the break-up of a hugely successful band, no matter how messy, there is room for a reconciliation; here are five groups that need to reform so that I can relive my youth...

Big Brovaz

This South London based collective were a huge success story with two albums and four top 10 singles during their six-year run. The band may have parted ways in 2007 due to arguments within the group and poor sales on their second album but there is a big gap in the market for them right now and the UK charts are in desperate need of some good British 'urban' music.

S Club 7

I don't care that they're the ultimate cheesy pop group who broke up over ten years ago, I was their biggest fan when I was 7 and a reformation would allow me to relive my innocent childhood years. They were undeniably one of the most successful UK pop acts of all time with two BRIT awards, four No.1 singles, a television series and a movie - please Bring It All Back as a seven piece.

Mis-Teeq

Thanks to Sugababes, Destiny's Child and TLC it is easy to almost forget this R&B female trio who used a mix of pop, garage, rap and R&B to create music like Scandalous. Their seven year stint as a girl group ended after three albums in 2006 most likely due to the bankruptcy of their record label. Recently, there has been talk from Alesha Dixon of a reformation with the girls this year so fingers crossed.

The 411

Although this group was short-lived, they made a solid impact (well, to me anyway) in their two years together. Their first two singles both reached the top 5 in the UK and their album Between The Sheets was received well by critics, it's just a shame the sales didn't reflect that so they disbanded in 2005.

All Saints

One of the best British girl groups (after Spice Girls of course), All Saints ruled girl power in the 90s with BRIT awards, platinum selling albums and an Ivor Novello Award winning song, Pure Shores.

It has been been almost 20 years since these four girls united so surely a special reunion is in store ?!!