For many record labels and artists alike, the status of the music industry – in terms of sales –  is disheartening to say the least.  In fact, numbers are so abysmal, just last week we proposed the idea of reintroducing (and redefining) “silver” certifications just to acknowledge the sales achievements of those struggling to cross the “gold” threshold.

Throughout all of suggestions, guess who remains unbothered?  Adele.

It’s already well known that her latest album, ’25,’ not only set the record for highest first week sales of any album in history, but is also sitting as the best selling album of 2015 and 2016 (to date).  Since then, those mega-sales have combined and gifted the songstress with her latest diamond album.

According to the RIAA, ’25’ has been certified diamond in recognition of 10 million units shifted since its November 2015 debut.

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Usher‘s 8th opus, ‘Hard II Love,’ may have lived up to its title after all.

Indeed, after gaining mixed review from industry insiders and fans alike (see:  thumbs down for “trend-hopping,” “lack of overall theme,” etc.), ‘Hard’ – released September 16th – was predicted to make little impact on the Billboard 200 after a full tracking week.

In fact, analysts projected the project would not only bomb – much like Ush’s ‘Hands of Stone’ movie that preceded it by two weeks – but it would give the Grammy-winning R&B vet the lowest first week sum of his 20 year+ career.

Needless to say, they were right.  Tuck in below to find out the official figures Billboard is reporting:

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Lil Wayne‘s ongoing legal dispute against Birdman seems to be turning in his favour.

Full story on the positive development below…

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Fantasia has found herself on the receiving end of a firestorm after it was announced that she’d be headlining an ‘All Lives Matter’ concert.

Initially set to be staged in her hometown of Charlotte yesterday, the gig has been postponed until next week for reasons unknown.

But the furore surrounding her involvement remains a very present problem.

Particularly in the current climate, with the advent of the ‘Black Lives Matter’ initiative; which itself was born out the continued injustices against Black people in the US and across the world.

Feeling the heat, Fantasia took to Facebook to defend herself. View the her video statement below…

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Drake‘s ‘Views’ album is undoubtedly the year’s biggest success story, and he’s still adding fresh pages.

Despite changing tides in the industry, the Canadian continues to prove himself a formidable force – both with pure sales and streaming.

And today he’s reached a major milestone with the latter.

Full story below…

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Actress.

Activist.

Rapper?

Fans of Lupita Nyong’o discovered that her talents reach above and beyond the silver screen this week when she surprised them with a Hip-Hop freestyle hours ago.

Currently riding high on the ‘Queen of Katwe‘s critical wave, the entertainer introduced the world to her alter-ego Trouble Maker in a short clip which sees her celebrate her career’s highs with sass and song.

Press play to catch her in action below…

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In 2014, Chris Brown revived interest in Omarion’s career by featuring on his single ‘Post To Be.’

Alas, it now appears that their creative pairing may have been anything but straight-forward now the former B2K frontman has been rocked by a $300,000 lawsuit.

Full story below…

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‘Controlla’ crooner Drake enjoyed the views from the top of the Billboard 200 for over two months with his latest album ‘Views.’ Now, if his short film is any indication, it looks like he may be inspired to do it again.

Tapping director Anthony Mandler to helm, the rapper/singer has unveiled a new short film titled ‘Please Forgive Me’ (inspired by his most recent chart-topping album).  The visual, which was due to drop at midnight, may have come nearly an hour late, but dedicated Drizzy fans are already raving the set was worth the wait.

Tuck in below to tell us if you agree:

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This week’s From The Vault ventures to the year 1997 with Aaliyah and her aptly titled ‘Journey To The Past.’ Specifically her live showing on The Rosie O’Donnell Show.

Lifted from the soundtrack to the movie ‘Anastasia,’ the track represented a marked departure from the singer’s slick and slinky strand of R&B.

A rousing Pop ballad, ‘Journey’ saw the late songbird do away with the seductive coos and instead showcase her vocal prowess. And to stellar effect.

She delivered a performance that was powerful, assured, and wilfully and skilfully controlled.

Almost two decades later, this particular showing continues to resonate with us.

Commercially the release never journeyed to the summit of any chart; it hit #28 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary tally, but missed the Hot 100 entirely and only managed a #22 peak in the UK.

Still, what the song lacked in success, it makes up for in enduring live performances like this. For such showings make us nostalgic about times of past; times when singers – regardless of the length of their range – still had to be able to sing.

Aaliyah wasn’t a Whitney or Mariah vocally, yet she consistently showed up and showed out with the skill-set she’d be blessed with; a practice many of today’s talent would be wise to draw from.

For now and forever, we’ll continue to salute this titan talent – one that managed to make a pronounced mark in a tragically short space of time.

Long live Aaliyah.

Tidbit: Did any one notice Tank in his backing singer role?

Your thoughts?

Vivica Fox has weighed in on 50 Cent’s ongoing feud with the cast of the hit series ‘Empire.‘

Fuelled by the ratings rivalry the show is engaged in with 50’s critically acclaimed series ‘Power‘, his war of words with the cast reached new lows (or highs) when mocked ‘Empire’s viewing figures during a spat with its leading lady Taraji P. Henson.

Of course, the aforementioned Fox (who once dated the rapper) wasn’t pleased about 50’s undying attacks on the series in which she now stars.

How she’s responded to him?

Find out below….

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For years, Faith Evans has bared her life and soul via her music.

Alas, this week has seen her bare her body too…in public.

Full story for readers aged 18 and over below…

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Rihanna brought her ‘ANTI’ campaign to the 2016 Global Citizen Festival last night.

The 28-year-old was tapped to headline the annual extravaganza, which aims to raise funds to end poverty worldwide.

Following in the footsteps of last year’s bill-topper Beyonce, the Bajan belle rocked New York’s Central Park with current single ‘Love On The Brain,’ seismic smash ‘Diamonds,’ and 2015’s oft-forgotten ‘FourFiveSeconds.’

How did she do? Watch below and let us know…

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