Despite having problems with her record label for years, JoJo is still working hard on her craft. Late last year, she released an independent mixtape, Agape- the second one since her studio album The High Road back in 2006. Personally, “Andre” is the best track off her recent offering. The track was inspired by OutKast’s André 3000. “Andre’s style is something that I love,” JoJo told Rap-Up TV. I appreciate that the 22-year-old singer decided to film a music video and release it. From the sounds of it, so is she.

“THANK YOU to everyone who dedicated their time to helping #ANDRE come to life,” tweeted JoJo. “I am beyond appreciative and I can’t wait to see the final result.”

Directed by Embryo, JoJo shows off a more mature side than what most of her fans from back in the day remember. She looks ever the quintessential Brooklyn hipster chick in it. Funny thing though, the video was filmed in downtown Los Angeles. JoJo brought along a few of her friends to appear onscreen with her. You might recognize American Idol Season 3 alum Leah Labelle and The Hunger Games‘ Leven Rambin. Check out the clip below.

watch the music video after the jump

Oh what the heck, I’m going there. In my last article, I mentioned I’m going through a breakup and I’m coming to realize that several other people I know are too so why not share my list with others. Spring Fever, I guess!

Over the past week, I put in the effort to dig up songs that really spoke to how I was feeling and really help you get through the angry part. Yes, I’m not listening to the depressing types of breakup songs that make you cry. I’m listening to the “eff you” type songs that help build myself back up. I’m sure many of you have had these songs on your playlist at one time or another when going through a breakup, while others may want to add them in right now if they’re going through it now. Enjoy!

Listen to the songs after the jump…

I have always been a big JoJo fan, ever since I heard Leave (Get Out) in middle school. What I love is that as I grew up, so did she and so did her music. After her record label failed to release her new music, JoJo took matters into her own hands and decided to release a new mixtape. Agape came out last week and I’ve already listened to it more times than I can count.

Agape contains two tracks we’ve already heard (We Get By and Andre) but features some brand new material that really shows off JoJo’s undeniable vocal chops and maturity. JoJo talked with Idolator about Agape and what it means to her.

“Agape means unconditional love without pretense, regardless of circumstance. I just really felt very much that’s what I wanted to embody with this. The recording process and assembling it, and just getting it all in perspective, was very much a process of love and of me growing, feeling very centered, taking care of myself and expressing myself.”

She also mentions that she wanted to create a consistent atmosphere where her fans could just get lost in the music. Having listened to this mixtape from top to bottom, I can attest that it is definitely easy to do so with this material. Lyrically, JoJo keeps it as real as ever and that genuine truth makes you connect with her more than ever.

Stream JoJo’s ‘Agape’ mixtape & download link after the jump.

I think that Agapé may be one of the biggest mixtape I am looking forward to next year. My girl JoJo released the track We Get By last month which Donovan shared with us. For the second cut from the compilation, JoJo has once again recorded an absolutely commanding vocal for her Andre 3000-inspired, Andre.

The Outkast member’s influences are undeniable in the synth work and drum kit. Even the spacey bridge is fresh like Mr. 3000. In the chorus she sings, “Always fly as he wanna be / Cooler than a mother… People think he’s strange / But he never try to hide it / That’s my Andre…” This is the JoJo I remember and love.

To catch you up, earlier this year, JoJo was anticipating the release of her new album, Jumping Trains which was to feature some previously released tracks like Disaster and The Other Chick but was later scrapped by the singer to pursue a more authentic album and sound. Gotta love JoJo- staying true to who she is instead of selling out.

Listen to JoJo’s newest jam after the jump.

JoJo’s long-awaited third studio album was supposed to drop in 2012, but now has been pushed to 2013. Originally, the album was titled All I Want Is Everything when it was scheduled to be released in 2010, then renamed to Jumping Trains when it had a 2012 release date in mind. So far, the followup to 2006′s The High Road has no title. Thankfully, JoJo is releasing a mixtape to tide over her fans until her much delayed album finally hits the light of day.

Agape is scheduled to come out on December 20 and is described as a “labor of love from the heart without limits or boundaries.” Produced by The Backpack Kids (Austin Brown, Scott Bruzenak and Tommy Parker), the mixtape’s first single, “We Get By“, is a soulful tune that allows the 21-year-old’s raw vocals to shine.

At first listen, I already fell in love with it and reminds my why I became a fan in the first place. No doubt, it’s my favorite new track she’s released in awhile. It’s funky, refreshing and has a great backbeat. I can’t wait to hear what else JoJo has in store for us with Agape.

listen to the track after the jump

JoJo is back with an all new single, and instead of telling you to “Leave (Get Out),” she’s asking you to come over so she can “Demonstrate” and let her body explain. That’s right, this slower, R&B track demonstrates her sensual side… in a different way than her “Sexy To Me” track does (love that song).

In the chorus, JoJo sings, “I can’t say / but I know I can demonstrate / I can let my body explain / I know I can demonstrate.” The sound of the song has the same feel to me as something like Usher’s “Climax” or Kelly Rowland’s “Motivation”

We had the pleasure of meeting JoJo back in April at White Party, as well as watching her perform live. She was fierce and I can’t wait to hear the rest of her album! “Demonstrate” will be available on iTunes on August 28. Listen to it below.

Listen after the jump…

This past weekend, Tyrell and I ventured down south to take on Jeffrey Sanker’s 2012 White Party 3D in Palm Springs. It was our first time and we absolutely had a blast. With great music & performers, hot men, great venues, and beautiful weather, it was certainly a recipe for a weekend to be remembered.

We got to enjoy so many up & coming artists (which we’ve highlighted in a separate article), as well as big name artists that included Mary J. Blige, JoJo, Neon Hitch, Melanie Amaro, Nervo, Jessie and the Toy Boys, Jessica Sutta, and more. The White Carpet was hosted by the fabulous Lisa Vanderpump who was also crowned “The Queen Of White Party”.

In addition to the performers, we met so many other great people while we were there, including the sexy Rodney Santiago from The A-List New York, sexy model and Gay-Ville creator Eliad Cohen, and of course Jeffrey Sanker himself. At the Sunday T-Dance, I was caught off guard when we were all treated to a fireworks tribute to Whitney Houston, timed to her greatest hits. It was so well done and definitely gave me chills – I even shed a tear. We made a video of our experience and have also included our photos below. Hope you enjoy!

Pictures & Video after the jump…

Even though it’s now spring, where I am it’s definitely not shorts weather, let alone pool party weather. Luckily, there’s an app place for that. White Party 2012 in Palm Springs, California is just around the corner, taking place from April 6-9. Hot boys, hot weather, and some amazing performers = a great escape from work and cold weather.

There are some big names in the list of performers for this year’s festivities. The headline performer is none other than Mary J. Blige, and others include the winner of The X Factor 2011, a former Pussycat Doll, and so many others (which I’ve listed below). Yes, will of course be one of the Real Housewives on site as well. You’ll even see some live reenactments of Andrew Christian‘s Car Wash and Pink Pool Party… as you can expect, this can get really dirty at White Party.

Check out the list of performers and why you should attend this year’s White Party below.

Check out the many reasons to go after the jump…