(more…)

This week in sales proves the power of R&B and the fading of some of Hip-hop powerhouses.  Ne-Yo’s Year of the Gentleman debuts at #2, moving an impressive 250,600 units this week. Nelly made his return with Brass Knuckles debuting at #3 selling 83,715 albums, a far cry from his first week numbers for Sweat and Suit, his last two albums.  DJ Khaled’s We Global debuted in the Top 10 this week landing at #7 selling 49,570 copies. Additional Reporting by Rashaan Meador

After being deemed Princess of the Roc back in 2005, Teairra Marie fell off he throne pretty damn quick. Well anyway it looks like homegirl is back looking for her second shot at stardom and where better to start than King mag. Maybe she is joining the ever growing line of ‘video vixens,’ but I doubt it as she is now signed to Interscope and has new management in the way of Fo’Reel Ent. (original name there…gotta love it) who basically have directed the career of Nelly.Her album is said to be dropping top of 2009 with a who’s who in production providing the Detroit gal some serious beats.

Is it just me or does the cover of Nelly’s fifth album Brass Knuckles look a lil suspect. I mean we all know Nelly keeps his body tight but this borders on the brink of obsession. And can’t you just smell that baby oil?

Nelly is getting ready to make some major moves, both with and without his clothes. His energy drink PIMP juice which caused excessive controversy when it came onto the market in 2003 is ready to break out onto shelves in both France and Sweden. Already seen as a prominent refreshment in the French NBA, Pimp Juice will also be an official sponsor for teh Swedish MTV awards later this year. Nelly is also the new cover boy for Sean John underwear which Diddy is said to be overjoyed about having Nelly onboard to make him more money. This is what he had to say about the St Louis front man. “I have known Nelly for many years and I really admire his work. To me, Nelly is the quintessential definition of the Sean John man. He has the attitude, the swagger, and most of all the physique that our customers can both aspire and relate to. And let’s be honest, all of the ladies out there are going to be thanking us for this campaign.”

Sources close to Joss Stone who was accused by Dallas Austin for getting down for beats last year have indicated that the English rose has been apparently secretly dating Nelly. WTF? Ashanti better be getting her Vaseline out and tying that weave back.