Kim Hyun Joong performs “Break Down” on Inkigayo

After being known as the leader of SS501, and then as an actor, since debuting some six years ago, Kim Hyun Joong is ready to embark on a new path as a solo singer.

Having released his solo mini-album “Break Down” earlier this week, Hyun Joong becomes the fourth SS501 member to do so with Kim Kyu Jong the only one not to have released a solo album.

His title track, “Break Down“, was composed by Steven Lee and is classified as a ’south urban dance track’ which combines powerful electric brass and synth sounds to create an energetic track right from its beginning phases, and has a dynamic choreography to ensure a strong performance.


He also performed “Please“, which is a pop R&B track, featuring a beautiful piano melody and a heavy orchestra arrangement that brings out the sadness of the lyrics.

Check out his comeback stage below!







source: allkpop

Kim Hyun Joong performs “Break Down” on Music Core

After being known as the leader of SS501, and then as an actor, since debuting some six years ago, Kim Hyun Joong is ready to embark on a new path as a solo singer.

Having released his solo mini-album “Break Down” earlier this week, Hyun Joong becomes the fourth SS501 member to do so with Kim Kyu Jong the only one not to have released a solo album.


His title track, “Break Down“, was composed by Steven Lee and is classified as a ’south urban dance track’ which combines powerful electric brass and synth sounds to create an energetic track right from its beginning phases, and has a dynamic choreography to ensure a strong performance.

Check out his Music Core comeback stage below!




source : allkpop

Keeping it brief: The Saturdays play live in tiny shorts as Nicola Roberts gets over nerves to make solo onstage debut

By JODY THOMPSON

Fierce: The Saturdays took to the stage in Newcastle last night all wearing tiny shorts - apart from a more bashful Rochelle Wiseman (far right)


They've never been afraid of wearing skimpy outfits onstage - but The Saturdays outdid themselves on stage in Newcastle last night.

The girl group were sporting the tiniest of shorts as they played a short set at a gig thrown by the city's radio station, Metro Radio Live.

But it seemed that Rochelle Wiseman was not having one of her more confident days and wore pale denim skintight jeans instead.


Work it: (L-R) Mollie King, Una Healy, Vanessa White, Frankie Sandford and Rochelle were playing a short set at Metro Radio Live at Newcastle Arena - a kind of urban indoor one-day pop festival


However, one person who had most definitely overcome her nerves was Nicola Roberts, who made her live solo debut last night, just days after saying she was dreading going on without her Girls Aloud bandmates.

Talking to MTV earlier this week, she'd revealed: 'I'm nervous and I'm dreading the night before. I know I'm going to be like losing half a stone in weight overnight, so I'm going to have to get myself into the zone.'

She added: 'There does feel like there is a little bit of extra pressure, because it is just me and it feels a little bit like, is that enough, is it enough to just look at that?'


Solo debut: Nicola Roberts got over her nerves to play her first ever live gig without Girls Aloud at the show


Dainty doll: The star threw some shapes as she performed and totally won the screaming crowd over


However, she seemed to quash her butterflies and impressed the crowd, singing debut solo single Beat Of My Drum in a tiny red and pink dress accessorised with a kooky headscarf and multicoloured strappy heels.

Other acts playing the bash included dubstep queen Katy B, Chipmunk, Sophie Ellis Bextor, The Feeling, The Wanted, rapper Example, hot new band The Overtones and Amy Winehouse's goddaughter Dionne Bromfield.

Meanwhile, Nicola has been explaining why she chose to take such a different direction musically with her new single.


Strutting her stuff: Mollie was wearing titchy high-waisted orange shorts and a low cut see-through blue vest top that showed off her black bra


Working with hot underground music producer Diplo, she explained: 'I tried to drum in to him that I wanted these quirky dollops of sound like M.I.A. (who he's worked with before) or Major Lazer (his Jamaican dancehall project).

'Don’t try and make this record come back like a commercial, just-for-radio song with 500 dance synths all over it ‘cause it’s not where I’m trying to go.'

Scouse beauty Nicola also says she feels like she's unleashed her singing voice properly for the first time too.


On song: Frankie belts out one of The Saturday's singles wearing tight striped shorts and a blue top with a distressed denim top half, as Una sports ripped denim and a low cut purple top showing off her red bra


She said: 'I was sick to death of singing the quiet, whispery parts. I was like, no, f*** this, I’m going to sing!'

Talking to MTV, Nicola said it was good that it was so different to Girls Aloud: 'It was important my first single was different to anything else around.

'I love that it’s a song everyone can sing and dance along to.


Earning her stripes: Rochelle has teamed her jeans with a leather jacket and a midriff-exposing tiger print top


Thighs the limit: Una strikes a pose at the Newcastle Arena


Nicola Roberts will be releasing her debut album ‘Cinderella’s Eyes’ in October.
Meanwhile, the Daily Mirror is reporting that Girls Aloud are heading back into the studio in January.

But apparently, the girls are ditching their former producers, hitmakers Xenomania.

A source said: 'At the moment the Girls are really excited about their new beginning, although they are scratching their heads over who will create signature hits for them.

'They’re excited they’re going to be making a fresh start together on this next adventure of their lives.

'In six months time it’ll be back to work as normal – they are itching to get back in the studio.'


An audience with...Sophie Ellis Bextor was also on the bill at the bash


The band are reportedly set to reform to celebrate their 10th anniversary next year at a special festival for the London 2012 Olympics at the O2 Arena.

Nicola though is onstage again for a hometown gig at Liverpool's Radio City Live tonight, before playing T4 On The Beach on 10 July.

Beat Of My Drum is then released on 18 July.

Meanwhile, MTV Music show On Set With Nicola Roberts is on at 2pm tomorrow.
And the next Metro Radio Live is on 7 July and features JLS and Olly Murs.







source: dailymail

Keeping it brief: The Saturdays play live in tiny shorts as Nicola Roberts gets over nerves to make solo onstage debut

By JODY THOMPSON

Fierce: The Saturdays took to the stage in Newcastle last night all wearing tiny shorts - apart from a more bashful Rochelle Wiseman (far right)


They've never been afraid of wearing skimpy outfits onstage - but The Saturdays outdid themselves on stage in Newcastle last night.

The girl group were sporting the tiniest of shorts as they played a short set at a gig thrown by the city's radio station, Metro Radio Live.

But it seemed that Rochelle Wiseman was not having one of her more confident days and wore pale denim skintight jeans instead.


Work it: (L-R) Mollie King, Una Healy, Vanessa White, Frankie Sandford and Rochelle were playing a short set at Metro Radio Live at Newcastle Arena - a kind of urban indoor one-day pop festival


However, one person who had most definitely overcome her nerves was Nicola Roberts, who made her live solo debut last night, just days after saying she was dreading going on without her Girls Aloud bandmates.

Talking to MTV earlier this week, she'd revealed: 'I'm nervous and I'm dreading the night before. I know I'm going to be like losing half a stone in weight overnight, so I'm going to have to get myself into the zone.'

She added: 'There does feel like there is a little bit of extra pressure, because it is just me and it feels a little bit like, is that enough, is it enough to just look at that?'


Solo debut: Nicola Roberts got over her nerves to play her first ever live gig without Girls Aloud at the show


Dainty doll: The star threw some shapes as she performed and totally won the screaming crowd over


However, she seemed to quash her butterflies and impressed the crowd, singing debut solo single Beat Of My Drum in a tiny red and pink dress accessorised with a kooky headscarf and multicoloured strappy heels.

Other acts playing the bash included dubstep queen Katy B, Chipmunk, Sophie Ellis Bextor, The Feeling, The Wanted, rapper Example, hot new band The Overtones and Amy Winehouse's goddaughter Dionne Bromfield.

Meanwhile, Nicola has been explaining why she chose to take such a different direction musically with her new single.


Strutting her stuff: Mollie was wearing titchy high-waisted orange shorts and a low cut see-through blue vest top that showed off her black bra


Working with hot underground music producer Diplo, she explained: 'I tried to drum in to him that I wanted these quirky dollops of sound like M.I.A. (who he's worked with before) or Major Lazer (his Jamaican dancehall project).

'Don’t try and make this record come back like a commercial, just-for-radio song with 500 dance synths all over it ‘cause it’s not where I’m trying to go.'

Scouse beauty Nicola also says she feels like she's unleashed her singing voice properly for the first time too.


On song: Frankie belts out one of The Saturday's singles wearing tight striped shorts and a blue top with a distressed denim top half, as Una sports ripped denim and a low cut purple top showing off her red bra


She said: 'I was sick to death of singing the quiet, whispery parts. I was like, no, f*** this, I’m going to sing!'

Talking to MTV, Nicola said it was good that it was so different to Girls Aloud: 'It was important my first single was different to anything else around.

'I love that it’s a song everyone can sing and dance along to.


Earning her stripes: Rochelle has teamed her jeans with a leather jacket and a midriff-exposing tiger print top


Thighs the limit: Una strikes a pose at the Newcastle Arena


Nicola Roberts will be releasing her debut album ‘Cinderella’s Eyes’ in October.
Meanwhile, the Daily Mirror is reporting that Girls Aloud are heading back into the studio in January.

But apparently, the girls are ditching their former producers, hitmakers Xenomania.

A source said: 'At the moment the Girls are really excited about their new beginning, although they are scratching their heads over who will create signature hits for them.

'They’re excited they’re going to be making a fresh start together on this next adventure of their lives.

'In six months time it’ll be back to work as normal – they are itching to get back in the studio.'


An audience with...Sophie Ellis Bextor was also on the bill at the bash


The band are reportedly set to reform to celebrate their 10th anniversary next year at a special festival for the London 2012 Olympics at the O2 Arena.

Nicola though is onstage again for a hometown gig at Liverpool's Radio City Live tonight, before playing T4 On The Beach on 10 July.

Beat Of My Drum is then released on 18 July.

Meanwhile, MTV Music show On Set With Nicola Roberts is on at 2pm tomorrow.
And the next Metro Radio Live is on 7 July and features JLS and Olly Murs.







source: dailymail

N-Train debuts with “One Last Cry” on Inkigayo

Famous producer Kim Chang Hwan finally debuted the fruits of three long years of labor on today’s episode of ‘Inkigayo‘!

His very own boy group, N-Train, held their debut showcase on May 25th and revealed that they were determined to be acknowledged for their vocal talents alone. Their debut track, “One Last Cry“, is a soul jam with lyrics about a man reminiscing over a woman who he can’t seem to forget.


N-Train explained, “Idols are usually known for releasing dance tracks with strong beats. We hope to differentiate ourselves by emphasizing an R&B style. We’re confident, but we won’t let it get to us, especially since we still have much to learn in order to grow as artists who leads Korean music.”

Check out their debut below!



source: allkpop

'I'm a rockstar not a parent': Rihanna defends controversial new video showing her murdering a rapist

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Controversial: Rihanna's video for her new single Man Down has attracted criticism


Rihanna has defended her controversial new music video Man Down, insisting 'this is the real world'.

Taking to Twitter today the singer attacked her critics, claiming she was a 'rockstar not a parent' and saying she had 'the freedom to make art'.

Man Down attracted the wrath of the Parents Television Council, who blasted Rihanna for showing a 'cold, calculated execution of murder'.


Violent: Rihanna is seen hiding in the shadows with a gun in her hand as she seeks revenge


The video shows her taking revenge on a rapist by gunning him down in a crowded train station.

But Rihanna, herself a victim of domestic violence, disagreed with the criticism.

'I'm a 23 year old rockstar with NO KIDS! What's up with everybody wanting me to be a parent? I'm just a girl, I can only be your/our voice!' she wrote.


Revenge: Her attacker lies sprawled on the floor after Rihanna kills him


And in an apparent direct response to the PTC she added: 'Cuz we all know how difficult/embarrassing it is to communicate touchy subject matters to anyone especially our parents!

'The music industry isn't exactly Parents R Us! We have the freedom to make art, LET US! Its your job to make sure they don't turn out like US.'

The council said in a statement: 'Rihanna's personal story and status as a celebrity superstar provided a golden opportunity for the singer to send an important message to female victims of rape and domestic violence.

'Instead of telling victims they should seek help, Rihanna released a music video that gives retaliation in the form of premeditated murder the imprimatur of acceptability.'


Flashback: After starting with the murder, the video goes back to the previous day when Rihanna was carefree


Island life: The video is set in Kingston, Jamaica


Media justice group Industry Ears also criticised BET for airing the video.

'If Chris Brown shot a woman in his new video and BET premiered it, the world would stop,' Industry Ears co-founder Paul Porter said.

'Rihanna should not get a pass and BET should know better. The video is far from broadcast worthy.'

Today, a defiant Rihanna praised her fans for their support, tweeting: 'Thank you for the amazing response on ManDownVideo I love you guys, and I love that u GOT IT!!'
It's the second time in as many weeks Rihanna attracted criticism from the PTC - she was slammed for her kinky performance with Britney Spears at the Billboard Awards.


Rihanna - Man Down, click here


source :dailymail

'I'm a rockstar not a parent': Rihanna defends controversial new video showing her murdering a rapist

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Controversial: Rihanna's video for her new single Man Down has attracted criticism


Rihanna has defended her controversial new music video Man Down, insisting 'this is the real world'.

Taking to Twitter today the singer attacked her critics, claiming she was a 'rockstar not a parent' and saying she had 'the freedom to make art'.

Man Down attracted the wrath of the Parents Television Council, who blasted Rihanna for showing a 'cold, calculated execution of murder'.


Violent: Rihanna is seen hiding in the shadows with a gun in her hand as she seeks revenge


The video shows her taking revenge on a rapist by gunning him down in a crowded train station.

But Rihanna, herself a victim of domestic violence, disagreed with the criticism.

'I'm a 23 year old rockstar with NO KIDS! What's up with everybody wanting me to be a parent? I'm just a girl, I can only be your/our voice!' she wrote.


Revenge: Her attacker lies sprawled on the floor after Rihanna kills him


And in an apparent direct response to the PTC she added: 'Cuz we all know how difficult/embarrassing it is to communicate touchy subject matters to anyone especially our parents!

'The music industry isn't exactly Parents R Us! We have the freedom to make art, LET US! Its your job to make sure they don't turn out like US.'

The council said in a statement: 'Rihanna's personal story and status as a celebrity superstar provided a golden opportunity for the singer to send an important message to female victims of rape and domestic violence.

'Instead of telling victims they should seek help, Rihanna released a music video that gives retaliation in the form of premeditated murder the imprimatur of acceptability.'


Flashback: After starting with the murder, the video goes back to the previous day when Rihanna was carefree


Island life: The video is set in Kingston, Jamaica


Media justice group Industry Ears also criticised BET for airing the video.

'If Chris Brown shot a woman in his new video and BET premiered it, the world would stop,' Industry Ears co-founder Paul Porter said.

'Rihanna should not get a pass and BET should know better. The video is far from broadcast worthy.'

Today, a defiant Rihanna praised her fans for their support, tweeting: 'Thank you for the amazing response on ManDownVideo I love you guys, and I love that u GOT IT!!'
It's the second time in as many weeks Rihanna attracted criticism from the PTC - she was slammed for her kinky performance with Britney Spears at the Billboard Awards.


Rihanna - Man Down, click here


source :dailymail

Check out the audio of SNSD’s “The Great Escape”!

The audio for SNSD’s “The Great Escape” from their upcoming Japanese album, “Girls’ Generation“, has just been revealed through Bay FM radio!

The unique instrumental and smooth sound is sure to please fans.

Check out the song below and be sure to check out the album on June 1st!





source: allkpop

Jay Park says goodbye with ‘Tonight’ on Inkigayo

After less than a month of promotions, Jay Park is wrapping up promotions for his ‘Take A Deeper Look‘ mini album through today’s episode of SBS’s Inkigayo.

Because he has activities to attend to overseas, Jay Park had no option but to conclude “Take A Deeper Look” earlier than expected. His last performance is scheduled for June 2nd through Mnet’s “M! Countdown“, after which he’ll move on to focus on his film, “Mr. Idol“.


The singer stated, “Thank you for loving an album that I worked so hard on. It’s disappointing that I have to conclude promotions earlier than expected, but I promise to return quickly with a mature image and music style. Please wait just a little bit more, and I ask that you continue to give me your interest.”

Check out his goodbye stage with ‘Tonight‘ below!



source: allkpop

Boyfriend debuts on Inkigayo

Having released their first single album earlier today, Starship Entertainment’s rookie boy group ‘Boyfriend‘ have begun their debut promotions though tonight’s episode of SBS’s ‘Inkigayo‘.

The boys classify themselves as a ‘New Wave’ band, and are comprised of six members who are literally aiming to be the boyfriends of their fans through their title track, “Boyfriend.” Brave Brothers aimed to bring out the unqiue vocal colors of each member through a memorable rhythm line and sweet lyrics.

Check out their debut stage below!



source: allkpop

f(x) wins Inkigayo Mutizen triple crown + other performances

SBS’s Inkigayo is back once again, and this week’s show was full of amazing and fun performances from the top participating K-pop artists!

The ‘Take 7‘ nominees for this week’s show were SISTAR19 (“Ma Boy“), f(x) (“Pinocchio“), Jay Park (“Abandoned“), Heo Young Saeng (“Let It Go“), After School (“Shampoo“), CNBLUE (“Love Girl“), and 2NE1 (“Lonely“). 2NE1 did not perform today.


Having won for the past two weeks, the Mutizen winner for this week was announced to be f(x), as they completed their triple crown! After going winless prior to their ‘Pinocchio’ promotions, the girls have now clinched triple crowns on both M! Countdown and Inkigayo, and have won Music Bank K-Chart twice as well!

Congratulations to f(x)!





















source: allkpop

Baek Ji Young makes her comeback on Music Bank

Having dropped her 8th studio album “Pitta” earlier this week, Baek Ji Young begun promotions proper on tonight’s episode of KBS’s Music Bank.

Baek Ji Young is making her comeback after a two years and six months hiatus, and her album is the work of Big Hit’s in-house producer, Bang Shi Hyuk. She also personally chose the album’s title to be “PITTA.” Like the bird it’s named after, the title is an expression of eight different charms.


Her title track “As Usual” features Bang Shi Hyuk’s characteristic composition style of beautiful, modern melodies and lyrics that drip with emotions. This ballad will surely have Baek Ji Young’s voice ringing in your heart for days thanks to her characteristic deep, husky voice.

Check out her comeback stage which also includes “Bad Girl“.






source :allkpop

Beyonce revamps the Riverdance in spectacular new Run the World (Girls) music video

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Sultry: Beyonce has debuted her spectacular new video for her single Run The World (Girls)


Beyonce Knowles has thrown some pretty extraordinary dance moves in her time.

But it's difficult to imagine that Riverdance star Michael Flatley would one day be a source of inspiration for the singer.

The Irish dancing phenomenon had seemingly been given a whole new lease of life when Beyonce incorporated some of the rapid leg movements and high scissor kicks into the video for her new song, Run The World (Girls).


Dance-off: Beyonce's all-female troop take on their male enemies with an impressive, energetic dance sequence reminiscent of Michael Flatley's phenomenal Irish dance show


R&B inspiration: Cast members of Riverdance look to have inspired Beyonce in her new music video


After leaving her devoted fans waiting for over a week, Beyonce, 29, has finally released the full-length version of her sizzling new music video.

A dramatic countdown on her website made sure all music industry eyes and ears were firmly on the R&B singer's hotly anticipated new offering.

But nobody would have expected Flatley's Riverdance to have worked it's way into some of the video's dazzling scenes.


Trend setter: Beyonce's moves in Run the World (Girls) will no doubt spark dance trends the world over


Fierce: The singer appears with several animals in the video


Girl Power: The single features the lyrics 'we're smart enough to make these millions, strong enough to bare the children, then get back to business'


Beyonce and her fleet of warrior Princesses were seen performing the moves in a long line, just as Flatley and his leggy Irish dance crew did in the 90s.

The video begins with scenes of Beyonce on a horse, then captured in a cage, then going into battle against a angry looking gang of men dressed in black.

Set against a mix of desert and industrial backgrounds, the singer wears a variety of dramatic clothing as she gets ready for her female revolution.


Tame that wild horse: Beyonce shows off her horse-riding skills on a stallion


Golden girl: Beyonce looks feisty in a gold dress and beehive in her new video Run The World (Girls)


But it is not until the final moments when the girls line up for their final dance-off that Flatley makes his mark.

There is no doubting Beyonce has brought some new and inspired dance moves to the table, and Riverdance fans the world over will not be able to miss the singer's attempts at Flatley-style footwork.

The video quickly jumps forward to see Beyonce as the leader of her own all-female gang, which is quickly followed by a string of dazzling costume changes and eye-popping dance moves.


Queen of the world: Beyonce surveys her kingdom in a stunning white couture gown


She came, she conquered: Beyonce looks triumphant after her revolution leaves a trail of destruction behind


Last week, Beyonce revealed the title of her new album, Four, for the first time and admitted the number held a special meaning for her, because it was the date of her wedding anniversary.

She explained her fondess for the number four because she celebrates her birthday on September 4 and her wedding anniversary with rapper/producer Jay-Z on April 4.

She told New magazine: 'We all have special numbers in our lives, and four is that for me. It's the day I was born. My mother's birthday, and a lot of my friends' birthdays, are on the fourth. April 4 is my wedding date.'


Taking a stand: Beyonce, who changes costume several times, strikes powerful poses throughout the video


Beyonce admitted Run the World (Girls), which has been criticised by some for her aggressive lyrics, was 'riskier' than her usual sound

She told Billboard: 'I just heard the track and loved that it was so different: it felt a bit African, a bit electronic and futuristic. It reminded me of what I love, which is mixing different cultures and eras - things that typically don't go together - to create a new sound.


Special: Beyonce has named the album '4' - a number special to her as it is her birthday and wedding dates


'I can never be safe; I always try and go against the grain. As soon as I accomplish one thing, I just set a higher goal. That's how I've gotten to where I am.'

Beyonce admitted she was inspired by a mix of old and new artists for her forthcoming album, including British singer Adele and Afrobeat artist Fela Kuti.

She explained: 'I also found a lot of inspiration in '90s R&B, Earth, Wind & Fire, DeBarge, Lionel Richie, Teena Marie... I listened to a lot of Jackson 5 and New Edition, but also Adele, Florence + the Machine, and Prince. Add in my hip-hop influences, and you can hear how broad it is.'


'I always try and go against the grain': Beyonce admitted her new album is riskier than previous recordings


During the interview, she also revealed she hadn't hired anyone to replace her father Mathew Knowles as her manager after they parted ways professionally in April.

She said: 'I believe that parents prepare their kids for the moment that they're on their own: at this point, I'm taking everything my dad and my mother have taught me, and I'm able to do things my way.

'We were at a point where we'd learned so much from each other, and now it's exciting for me to do this on my own and hire my own team. I've started managing myself.'

The full interview is in the new issue of Billboard magazine, on sale now.


Silver siren: Beyonce sings in front of a burning car - which she also did in the Crazy In Love and Diva videos




source: dailymail