‘I Feel It Comin’ crooner The Weeknd felt Usher‘s 2012 hit, ‘Climax,’ was strangely similar to some of the music he’d created the year prior – namely his 2011 song, ‘House of Balloons.’

In a tell-all interview with Variety (as we reported here), the 30-year-old asserted his entry into the Pop music realm not only changed the genre but also influenced the work of a number of artists whose works followed.

But, while Elijah Blake – the man credited with writing the lyrics to the Usher song in question – took to social media Wednesday (April 8) to slam the notion of copying (click here to read more on that), Diplo (the tune’s producer) is siding with Weeknd (like we reported here).

Once Dip’s comments got to the desk of Blake, the singer-songwriter had a fiery response.  See it inside:

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Usher has re-teamed with Ludacris and Lil Jon!

As the age old adage goes, strike while the iron is hot. And that’s exactly what the R&B veteran is doing – in the wake of the much publisized headlines he was thrust into following comments made about him by The Weeknd.

Details below…

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It seems that The Weeknd has been vindicated.

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At 32-years-young, award-winning Gospel siren Kierra Sheard is already a music industry veteran of 20+ years.

Heiress to the Clark dynasty, Sheard’s Urban-tinged Gospel hits like ‘You Don’t Know’, ‘Why Me,’ ‘Indescribable,’ and more – have seen her step out of her family’s legendary shadow to stomp her own path in the genre’s history books.  The positioning is one she’ll undoubtedly reassert with the arrival of her long awaited self-titled new album, ‘Kierra’ (in stores April 17).

That Grape Juice recently caught up with the ‘It Keeps Happening’ singer to dish on her latest happenings, which is highlighted by her highly anticipated film debut aboard the forthcoming Lifetime ‘Clark Sisters’ biopic (set for an April 11 premiere).

Look inside to read on this and more:

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#Selenators rejoice!

In addition to releasing the deluxe version of her latest chart-topping album, ‘Rare,’ Thursday (April 9), Selena Gomez is already teasing the music video for one of its new tracks.

Titled ‘Boyfriend,’ the Pop starlet took to social media moments ago to unveil the first peek at the clip (which is reportedly due in full April 10).

See it inside:

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Nicki Minaj has extended her lead as one of the highest-selling/streamed musicians of all time. (more…)

The Weeknd made headlines last night when a new interview saw him take (what many deemed) a jab at R&B icon Usher. 

Reflecting on his own impact, the singer told Variety that he was first flattered then angered by what he felt were similarities between his sound and Ush’s 2012 smash ‘Climax.’ 

The comment ignited ample debate, with the overwhelming sentiment being…confusion.

Now, Mr Raymond has weighed-in. See what he had to say below…

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The Weeknd ruffled feathers Wednesday (April 8) when an excerpt from his interview with ‘Variety’ nabbed headlines for insinuating his ‘game changing music’ influenced a wave of other singers, specifically Usher (click here to read).

The Grammy winner (born Abel Tesfaye) name-dropped the R&B veteran’s 2012 hit, ‘Climax,’ as evidence of those who swiped his sound – a suggestion met with staunch disapproval from the latter’s fan base.

One supporter, Elijah Blake (who is credited as the tune’s songwriter), took particular offense to Tesfaye’s claim and took to Instagram to clap back on Usher’s behalf.

Look inside to see what he said:

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The promo campaign for Dua Lipa‘s sophomore album, ‘Future Nostalgia’ (released April 3), isn’t pushing pause any time soon.

In addition to an onslaught of Web and print interviews in magazines, news outlets, radio, and more, the 24-year-old is still pressing forward on the TV front as evidenced by her most recent visit to ‘The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon: Home Edition’ (April 8).

Interviewed via video chat, Lipa dished on the project, life in quarantine, and more before jetting into a green screen performance of the LP’s latest single, ‘Break My Heart.’

See the action inside:

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As reports of how African Americans are disproportionately harmed by the coronavirus pandemic continue to ring across the media, BET is looking to combat the alarming rates by teaming with the NAACP, United Way Worldwide, and others to help provide financial, educational, and community support directly to Black communities – especially those hit hardest by this crisis.

Enter ‘Saving Our Selves: A BET COVID-19 Relief Effort.’  More inside:

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Drake and The Weeknd have their sights set on Billboard Hot 100 glory.

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Future & Drake‘s latest joint hit, ‘Life is Good,’ has been gifted more good news.

After premiering at #2 on the Hot 100 with some of the year’s biggest streaming figures three months ago (as we reported here), it has been a mainstay in the top 10 since – to historic measure.

And, while found at #5 on the most refreshed edition of the tally (as we reported here), the OZ-produced cut’s continued success is not limited to the Hot 100.  The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) recently took to Twitter (April 6) to toast ‘Good’s enduring commercial performance.

See what they said inside:

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