Tamar Braxton: She's Not Just Toni Braxton's Baby Sister Anymore!

Tamar Braxton Is Back!With Sophomore Album 

"Love And War" 

Tamar Braxton-Herbert, commonly known by her maiden name, Tamar Braxton re-entered the music industry last year after a thirteen year hiatus with her sophomore album, "Love And War." The album has been a huge success for Braxton, reaching to No. 2 on Billboard's Hot 200 chart. "Love And War" had the No. 1 spot in physical sales. Aside from the album's successful sales, "Love And War" was nominated for three Grammy awards including: "Best R&B Song", "Best Urban-Contemporary Album", and "Best Traditional R&B Performance." The album serves as a rebirth for Braxton, who often refers to it as her first album. Tamar Braxton started her musical career in a girl group with her four sisters Traci, Towanda, Trina, and Toni Braxton. The group, known as "The Braxtons" signed their first record deal with Arista Records in 1989. The group released only one single for The label called "The Good Life" which peaked at No. 79 on the charts, and as a result of marketing difficulties they were dropped from the label. After Toni was signed  as ae solo artist to LaFace Records, "The Braxtons" were down to 4 members, and were later signed to Atlantic Records. Because of Traci Braxton's pregnancy she was not able to sign with her sisters. Tamar, Towanda, and Trina went on to release their album "So Many Ways", which was not a success either. After Tamar left the group to pursue her solo career the group disbanded. Braxton's self-titled debut album, released under DreamWorks Records in 2000. The album peaked at No. 127. Tamar left the label, and after many unsuccessful deals, took a hiatus from the music industry. 

In 2010, WE tv signed Tamar and her family for a reality show, known as "Braxton Family Values." the show premiered in 2011 and was an instant success. Viewers were immediately captivated with Tamar's personality and watched as she began working on her sophomore album in the second season of the show. The album is a mixture of classic R&B with a hint of Hip Hop, which is why the album is a success and is one of my favorites. Go check it out on iTunes and Buy it! It is a must- have.        

VH1's "MOB WIVES" Renewed For Its Fifth season

VH1's hit reality series "MOB WIVES" has been renewed for a fifth season. The show premiered in April 2011, with four alledge Mafia associated Staten Island. women. Karen Gravano, the daughter of Gambino Crime family Underboss-turned informant- Salvatore "Sammy The Bull" Gravano, Renee Graziano, daughter of Anthony Graziano, who is allegedly tied to the Bonanno crime family, Carla Facciolo, the niece of Bruno Facciolo, an alleged associate with the Lucchese crime family, and Drita D'avanzo, wife of Bank Burglar, Lee D'avanzo. The show was created to give the world a glimpse into the lives of the women connected to "the lifestyle", and the challenges they go through in life raising kids and surviving while their fathers or husbands are away in prison. The show was an instant hit, for its glimpse into "the lifestyle" and of course, the drama. The ladies returned for 2 more seasons adding cast members, Ramona Rizzo, granddaughter of Benjamin "Lefty Guns" Ruggiero, Angela "Big Ang" Raiola, niece of Salvatore "Sally dogs" Lombardi, and the hotheaded Mob moll, Love Majewski, ex-fiance of Ray Moroelle and Chris Paciello, who were both apart of the car theft gang known as "The Untouchables". 

Original "MOB WIVES" Cast.

These three seasons were the series golden moments in my personal opinion. In the summer of 2013 it was reported that the show would indeed be renewed for a fourth season, but with some shocking cast changes. Veterans Karen Gravano, Ramona Rizzo and Carla Facciolo would not be returning for the new season, as well as, newbie Love Majewski. It was rumored that it was over their pay, but it was later learned that it was because of new cast member Alicia Dimichele Garafola's husband not wanting her on the show with Karen Gravano, because of an old family conflict. Returning Veterans, Renee, Drita, and Angela, along with Philadelphia  natives: Natalie Guercio and Alicia Dimichele Garafola, the show gained a new title "MOB WIVES: New Blood". Garafola's storyline in the premiere seemed heavily centered around Gravano and the family issue. But throughout the season viewers followed the women on different journeys. Many, along with myself did not care for the cast change, but the ratings were good enough for the show to be "greenlit" for another season. The question is, who will return and who won't? To keep up with all the latest "MOB WIVES" gossip and news, check out MOBWIVES.BLOGSPOT.COM, to stay updated.      
   

Christina Aguilera Engaged to Boyfriend, Mathew Rutler, on Valentines Day.

 Songstress, Christina Aguilera has recently gotten engaged to her boyfriend of 4 years, Mathew Rutler. The two were on a romantic getaway for Valentines Day when Rutler "popped the question." Prior to the engagement, rumors had been circulating that Christina was pregnant with a second child, fathered by Mathew. The claims have yet to be confirmed or denied but either way CONGRATULATIONS! The engagement was reported through Christina's Twitter account.  Aguilera tweeted the photo below along with the caption, "He asked and I said Yes!" I am happy for the newly engaged couple and wish them the best.

NBC's "The Voice" Returns Tonight!

NBC's "The Voice" is back for another season to find America's biggest and best voice. Singers, Shakira and Usher are back again, filling in for originals: Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo Green, who are as of now, returning next season. This season should be interesting now that Shakira and Usher have formed bonds with veteran judges Adam Levine and Blake Shelton, and we will be able to see how they interact with one another. As always it will be great to see the contestants sing their hearts out to the judges and the viewers at home! I will be anxiously watching to see which contestants make it through to the blind auditions. Hopefiully you all will too! "The Voice" premieres its sixth season tonight on NBC at 8/7c!  

HAPPY LATE NEW YEAR!!-

Gosh, it has been way too long! Well let me start off by saying, HAPPY LATE NEW YEAR!!! I hope 2014 is going great for everyone. Todays post will just be a brief recap on the major events that have happened, so far this year. 

(1.) The Grammy's- Showstopping performances from stars all over hollywood, My favorite was of course, P!nk and Nate Ruess with "Just Give Me A Reason"

(2.) Bruno Mars headlined the Superbowl's half time show, with a special appearance by band, "The Red Hot Chilli Peppers." and topped it off by doing the splits! I was in all sorts of pain watching this, believe me. 

(3.) Miley Cyrus released a video for the song I reviewed last year, "Adore You" again evoking many people's opinion. 

(4.) Justin Bieber was recently arrested in Miami for a DUI and allegedly was drag-racing with a friend as well. According to reports, he admitted to taking prescription drugs and drinking one bottle of beer. Bieber has pled not guilty to the charges, and his court date has been set for Valentines Day. 

(5.) It was recently found that, Singer and Actress, Selena Gomez, had secretly spent two weeks in Rehab. It is unclear what the official reason for the stay was. Some reports say it was a result of her heavy drinking, and others say because of the emotional trauma she has gone through since her breakup with Justin Bieber. It has yet to be confirmed. 

(6.) Miley Cyrus collaborated with the legendary, Madonna during her "Unplugged" Special on MTV. I have yet to see the footage for myself, but reports say that the two were having a dance-off in the mash-up performance of Cyrus' hit "We Cant Stop" and Madge's "Don't Tell Me", and the crowd loved it. 

(7.) And finally, Tessanne Chin, was crowned the Season 5 winner of "The Voice" CONGRATULATIONS! Season 6 is suppose to start February 24th with Season 4 coaches: Shakira, and Usher filling in for Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo Green who will be returning next season.

I hope you all enjoyed my Recap! I will be back, filling you in on the latest, TV and Music industry news and gossip soon! Enjoy your Week!