The latest single off her upcoming album Flesh Tone, Kelis‘ “4th of July (Fireworks)” is aptly named: much like the celebration of independence it takes its title from, the song is an ode to the triumph of rebirth. With its infectious electro-synth hook and its allusions to “the sky on the 4th of July,” the video takes its theme literally, an explosion not just of color but of happiness. In Kelis‘ case, the happiness of finding a love powerful enough to make one change for the better. After a rollercoaster year in the tabloids – her divorce from longtime husband Nas was followed by the birth of the former couple’s first child, a son – “4th of July (Fireworks)” is exactly the mega-anthem that Kelis fans were waiting for. It’s the kind of song that confirms their girl is back on top and feeling hot.

And speaking of hot, nothing compares to the crazy outfits Kelis is rocking in this video. If Rihanna threw down the gauntlet for fierce desert couture in her video for “Hard”, Kelis has accepted the challenge and raised the bar. From bodysuits to Native American headdresses, the sand is Kelis‘ runway – and dance floor. Her out-of-control rave moves will have your jaw on the floor, and the video’s incorporation of strobe lights, fireworks and campfire flames make it one bonfire party that you’ll definitely be glad you were invited to.

With Independence Day only three weeks away, Kelis‘ video couldn’t have arrived at a better time. We predict this piece of eye candy will be playing on loop at all the coolest 4th of July parties in town. One thing’s for sure: the desert has never looked hotter.

A. Taran

Ladies and gentlemen, meet your new summer jam. The video for Miguel and J.Cole’s new single, “All I Want Is You,” has arrived hot and fresh here at VEVO, and we can’t stop groovin’.

This is probably not the first you’ve heard of either Miguel or J.Cole. Rising star Miguel has been pounding the pavement for a few years now – he made his television debut vying for a spot in the R&B group Fatty Koo on the 2005 BET reality show “Blowing Up With Fatty Koo.” He didn’t get the spot – but he certainly got his name out there. His highly praised 2009 mixtape, “Mischief: The Mixtape,” got him some major attention on the hip-hop scene, and his songwriting collaborations with superstars like Usher and Mary J. Blige proved that it was only a matter of time before this rising star got his big break.

That big break came early this year, when Miguel was signed to Jive Records. And it seems like Miguel is definitely paying it forward – “All I Want Is You” features rapper and fellow rising star J.Cole, the first artist signed to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation and undoubtedly one of the next big names in hip-hop.

“All I Want Is You” has one of the smoothest hooks we’ve heard all year, and Miguel’s sweet vocals combined with the major swagga coming across in J.Cole’s rhymes makes this song one that begs for the “replay” button. The song’s video is equally hot: the boys lust after some gorgeous babes in glow in the dark attire (Where can we get some?!) while hanging out in an awesomely futuristic-looking urban loft. Add in a large helping of beautiful shots of the city at night, and you have the perfect recipe for summer love.

A. Taran

Hot off the press is the explicit unedited version of the Ludacris’s new video“Sex Room” featuring Trey Songz, and VEVO is the only place you’ll find it.  This X-rated mini film is a naughty re-imagining of last year’s box office hit “The Hangover”, re-lived from the point of our favorite southern gentleman Luda and his partner in crime Trey (sporting the only kid-friendly element of this visual journey; a turtleneck sweater).

The guys and their scantily-clad entourage venture around Sin City poppin’ bottles, enjoy a leisurely soak in their suite’s hot tub and get clean in the shower with a female and a pole.

As the weekend approaches, this video has us all thinking…. how about a trip to Vegas?

S. Mintz

Our favorite new video, “Alejandro,” is a veritable treasure chest of sartorial surprise, and one whose riches match any presentation at a Fashion Week runway show.  Lady Gaga draws from the creative minds of her designers and allows the clothes themselves to play a large role in the video’s concept. The fashion aims to draw in the viewer with aesthetic niceties and, once captive, shock them with their somewhat extreme and often androgynous presentation. And they certainly succeed, with notable additions by Emporio Armani, Agent Provocateur, Christian Louboutin, Calvin Klein, and a few choice pieces designed by the Lady herself under her “Haus of Gaga” line making a big impact.

S. Mintz

The 2010 FIFA World Cup begins this weekend, and we’re beside ourselves with excitement. Like a month-long international block party to which only the most talented and interesting people are invited, the World Cup is always the craziest part of (every fourth) summer. The event brings together the wildest, most skilled athletes across the globe for one very heated competition. Who’s gonna take the cup this year? Who’s gonna cause a ruckus? And who’s gonna break the rules? Start your bets! From the first kick to the last head-butt, we’ll breathlessly be tuning in.

Now everyone knows there’s no better way to kick off a major party than to warm up with some monster jams, and like any good friend, we’ve got you covered. Tomorrow, exclusively on VEVO, you’ll be able to tune in to a live stream of the FIFA World Cup™ Kick-Off Celebration Concert, featuring performances from international favorites like Alicia Keys, Amadou & Mariam, Angélique Kidjo, Black Eyed Peas, BLK JKS, John Legend, Juanes, Shakira, The Parlotones, Tinariwen, Vieux Farka Touré and Vusi Mahlasela. It’s our first live, high-definition global webcast ever, and, thanks to the help of our creative partner Kevin Wall and his production company Control Room, we get to share it with you!

You can watch the live stream of the concert tomorrow at 8:00 p.m. local time (GMT+2)/2:00 p.m. EST at worldcup.vevo.com. Afterwards, you’ll be able to watch it on-demand anytime on the VEVO Network, as well as enjoy other awesome exclusives from the artists performing.

As if that wasn’t cool enough, we’re also honored to be partnering with 1GOAL, chaired by Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan, which is working to make sure world leaders fulfill their financial promises and provide education to every child by 2015 (UN Millennium Development Goals). You’ve probably noticed our campaign while watching your favorite music videos: the clips feature artists such as Pharell, Nelly Furtado, Eminem and Sting all voicing their support of worldwide education. If you want to join these artists in making this amazing and very important goal happen, we encourage you to visit 1GOAL’s site (1goal.org), where you can learn current statistics on global illiteracy, as well as sign the 1GOAL petition.

Whew! Obviously we have a lot going on. One thing we’re sure of, though, is that our first global live stream won’t be the same without you. So grab your favorite friends and refreshments, gather around the computer, and join us here at VEVO tomorrow, June 10th, for the global music event sure to be one of the defining moments of summer. No need to thank us. Just dance!

A. Taran