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Rihanna’s manager: artists should release albums more often

Rihanna’s manager says artists should release music more often.

Jay Brown, who works for rapper Jay-Z’s Roc Nation company, says if acts want to hold onto their fans they should release a new album more often than every 3-4 years.

"Kids want new material all the time," Brown said. "I think you become disposable when you put out an album every three years."

Rihanna has been following her manager’s advice, her new album Talk That Talk (released later this month) will be her sixth since 2005.

He added that RiRi only releases her new material frequently because she wants to.

"It's not like we force her," Brown said. "She goes into the studio because she likes it."

Talk That Talk is out on November 18th.

- Nov 10 2011 Tweet
Nicki Minaj to release nail polish collection

Nicki Minaj is giving fans the chance to emulate her colourful style by launching her own nail polish line.

The rapper has teamed up with cosmetics company OPI to create the Nicki Minaj OPI Nail Lacquer Collection, which is due for release next year.

“You can now have Nicki Minaj at your fingertips, literally,” says an announcement on the rap star’s site. “Nicki has teamed up with OPI Nail Lacquer bringing lots of cute & fun colors for the barbz mittens.”

The nail polishes which will each be inspired by one of Nicki’s songs. There’s no release date set for the collection debt yet.

This isn’t Nicki’s first move into the beauty world. Last year, she launched a limited edition Pink Friday lipstick line with make-up giant MAC.

- Nov 10 2011 Tweet
Shakira to be named person of the year at Latin Grammys

Shakira will be named the Recording Academy person of the year at the Latin Grammys.

The Colombian singer will be honoured for both her music career and charity work.

"It is truly an honor to be in the company of some of the greatest artists and legends of Latin Music," Shakira said in a statement.

Shakira will attend a celebratory dinner at Mandalay Bay, where other artists will perform her songs.

Gabriel Abaroa Jr., The Latin Recording Academy’s president, said: "We are honored to pay homage to this dynamic, socially conscious woman whose illustrious career has touched so many people around the world, both musically and personally."

At 34, Shakira is the youngest person to receive this tribute. Previous artists honoured with the title include: Placido Domingo, Carlos Santana and Gloria Estefan.

The Latin Grammys will be held on November 10th at Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay Events Center.

Music industry news

- Nov 10 2011 Tweet
Jay-Z slammed by carpenters union over club renovation work

Jay-Z has been slammed by members of a carpenters union over handling of renovation work on his New York club.

New York’s District Council of Carpenters has put up a huge banner saying “Shame On The '40/40 Club' For Hurting New York City” and set up five inflatable rats outside the rapper’s club, after taking issue with non-union workers being hired and claim workers are being paid a “substandard wage”.

The Council claims Conelle Construction Corp, the company hired to make the renovations, "does not meet area labour standards, including providing or fully paying for family healthcare and pension for all of its carpenter craft employees".

It puts blame on Jay-Z for these issues saying, he "has an obligation to see that area labour standards are met for construction work on their future location."

A 40/40 Club spokesperson told TMZ that they are not required to use union members as it is not a non-union building and say some protestors have been using “racial slurs” against the workers in an attempt to “intimidate” people and “scare away business”.

- Nov 10 2011 Tweet
Jessie J, Adele lead UK’s MOBO Awards nominations

Jessie J leads this year’s nominations for the UK’s MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Awards.

The Price Tag singer is nominated for five awards, while Adele is nominated in four categories.

"I am so honoured to be nominated," Jessie J said. "I have watched so many of the artists I look up to being nominated, winning awards and performing.”

Adding: "It's amazing to be in the company of such amazing talent."

Beyoncé, Rihanna and Snoop Dogg are among the artists competing for the best international act award.

The MOBO Awards ceremony, hosted by R&B singer Jason Derulo, will take place in Glasgow, Scotland on October 5th.

R&B legends Boyz II Men are among the acts performing at the ceremony.

The winners are chosen by public vote. You can vote at the MOBO website.

- Nov 10 2011 Tweet