Mark those calendars!

April 20th will officially usher the return of ‘Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta’ – the most ratchet of the controversial Mona Scott Young franchise.

Little is known about season 4 has in store for viewers, however the network have begun to tease and titillate with a newly released sneak peek – featuring original cast-mates Stevie J and Mimi Faust.

Check out the preview (featuring Nikko) below…

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After seemingly an age on the music scene, Justin Bieber is 21 – and clearly is keen for folk to know it.

Currently undergoing an image renaissance of sorts, the former teen pin-up aims to assert his adulthood in a new shoot for Vogue Magazine.

Joined by the latest offering from the Kardashian production line, Kendall Jenner, Justin flexes and flaunts in the Mario Testino shoot.

Look out for new music from the star later this year; but pending then, peep more from the feature spread below…

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With the music industry being ever-unpredictable, unlikely collaborations are becoming increasingly common.

Case in point, K. Michelle teaming with Pop performer Jason Derulo.

Last night, the duo hit the recording studio together to lay down vocals for a new track on Jason’s fourth album (due later this year).

Michelle, whose sophomore LP ‘Anybody Wanna Buy A Heart’ was released last year to critical praise, captioned the snaps saying:

Me and @jasonderulo have an amazing duet together on his new album. Excited about being apart of this project, the music is dope.

K’s versatility and Derulo’s potential (beyond his formulaic Pop jams) makes this one duet we’re eager to hear.

Pending its arrival, peep another pic below…

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‘Get Hard’ is undoubtedly the “laugh out loud” event of the season!

Combining the talents of comedic powerhouses Will Ferrell and Kevin Hart, the film – already winning rave reviews from critics and industry tastemakers alike – struts into theaters this Friday, March 27th.  But, before the Etan Cohen-directed movie makes its way to a cinema near you, That Grape Juice is offering fans a chance to win the ultimate ‘Get Hard’ prize pack!

3 lucky winners will receive:

• A “Hollywood Movie Money” voucher redeemable toward 2 tickets to see the film at participating theaters,
• a ‘Get Hard’ T-shirt
• ‘Get Hard’ movie poster, and much more!

Get the details inside:

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Reformed bad girl Rihanna finds herself making major moves with her new movie ‘Home’ this week, sweeping up $19.6 million from nine markets across the globe.

Good news for the ‘Music of the Sun’ singer below…

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New video alert!

J. Cole serves up an unexpected creative in the visual for new single ‘G.O.M.D.’

The track is housed on the rapper’s third studio album, ‘2014 Forest Hills Drive,’ which landed atop of the Billboard upon release last December.

Directed by Lawrence Lamont, the video revolves around a 1800 slave revolt led by Cole.

Check it out below…

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Pop force Jason Derulo serves up steamy in the video for new single ‘Want To Want Me.’

Premiered moments ago, the clip is the first release from the Billboard staple’s fourth studio album, due later this year.

Having excelled on the digital and streaming charts, it’s little wonder why the 25-year-old takes the racy route for the visual. We’re sure, for many, it’ll have ample replay value.

Check it out below…

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Did DJ Mustard produce a number of the hits he’s taken credit for?

Well, let a former friend of the artist tell it and the answer is simply…no.

A surprising story below… (more…)

Self-appointed perfectionist Rihanna is still working on her eighth studio album.

The delays that have railroaded the project have been well-documented, yet the Roc Nation starlet is attempting to keep buzz alive by sharing studio snaps and snippets with fans.

Taking to Instagram moments ago, the 27-year-old posted a pic of herself in the lab with rapper/producer Travis Scott. The post was tagged “#R8.”

Little is known about what the pair were cooking up, but for her sake it needs to be hotter and boast more seasoning that all we’ve heard thus far. Because, when touting phrases such as “timeless,” the likes of ‘FourFiveSeconds’ simply won’t do.

Your thoughts?

The record producer Lukasz “Dr. Luke” Gottwald has lost the first round in his legal war against his former artist Kesha this month, failing to block her claim of being raped by him against his defamation claims against her in court.

Full story below…

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Hip-hop royal Suge Knight collapsed in court on Friday, falling to the ground after learning his bail had been set at $25 million after he was accused of murdering a former associate.

Bad news for Mr. Knight below…

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This week, From The Vault salutes another phenomenal boyband. Get ready to dance like it’s 1997; today’s pick is ‘Everybody’ by the Backstreet Boys.

At the helm of many of the group’s previous hits was Pop god Max Martin. Hence it was little surprise that he was called on once again  after the release of the group’s US debut to cook up this multi-format jam, which went on to become one of the Backstreet Boys’ biggest records to date.
A worldwide Top 10, it placed at #4 in the US and #2 in Canada; it went #2 on the European Singles Chart and #3 in the UK.

Without a spec of doubt, ‘Everybody”s impact on Pop culture comes courtesy of its cinematic video.

Directed by Joseph Kahn, the theatrical clip – in all its whimsicality – was heavily influenced by Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller.’ Indeed, it paid homage to the iconic short film with its haunted house theme and MTV era dance-break.  

From its camp and wacky elements to the “qualitative” choreography, the video achieves the perfect balance between cheese and credible, making for a classic moment in Pop. The boys gave a rousing performance of the song at 1998’s MTV Video Music Awards to further cement its status.

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Echoing earlier sentiments, oh how we miss the days when the male arena was this exciting. Creative visuals, solid vocals, and showmanship in earnest. It sadly seems like the requirements for men in this day and age aren’t what they used to be.

The business of music operates in trends and today seems to skew more towards “cool, minimalism.” However, we can’t but feel there is a certain air of “must-see” present here that is missing in much of the output from today’s top talent. Viewed this way, some of modern day’s chart-toppers would be well advised to take a page from Backstreet’s book if really looking to serve up compelling product that lasts the test of time.

Your thoughts?