Three years after the release of his history-making mixtape, ‘Coloring Book,’ emcee Chance the Rapper (born Chancelor Bennett) was looking to color his name atop the Billboard 200 with his debut studio album, ‘The Big Day’ (released July 26).

A star studded affair that boasts guest appearances from the likes of Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, John Legend, Gucci Mane, Shawn Mendes, and more, the 22-song set – his first project to be released simultaneously on streaming services and for sale via digital retailers – has been showered with praise from major critics and fans alike.

Originally forecasted by industry analysts to top the Billboard 200 with sales of 90,000-100,000 SPS by the end of its inaugural sales tracking week (as we reported here), the LP’s commercial performance saw it jet past those predictions to score Chance’s highest first week sales to date.  Unfortunately, they were not enough to defeat the week’s tough competition.

Details inside:

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Tamar Braxton isn’t afraid of Donald Trump or the “religious leaders” he is affiliated with.

Full story below…

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If New Jersey-born singer Lauryn Hill has admitted (and repeatedly proven) her energy has difficulty aligning with the time zones of her native country, what chance in hell did European fans think they’d have of enjoying a prompt arrival from the R&B diva?

The above are among the questions circulating around TGJ HQ as tweets come flooding in from hundreds of outraged attendees of Saturday night’s Playground Festival at Glasgow, Scotland’s Rouken Glen Park (August 3).  Hill, among the headliners, was reportedly scheduled to hit the stage at 9:30p local time.  She not only missed her time slot by an hour, but did not show up until 30 minutes before the event’s curfew and – as a result – had to shorten her set to a measly half hour.

Performing six songs through boos, jeers, and disappointment, the singer informed the crowd her tardiness was due to celebrating her son’s birthday (Zion David Marley born August 3).  A day after fielding slams of ‘rip off’ and ‘con artist,’ Hill took to social media today to lend a ‘sincere’ apology.

Read it inside:

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From sadness and sympathy to outrage and uproar, celebrities have joined the chorus calling for action in the wake of multiple mass shootings on American soil, namely the horrific incident at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas, on Saturday (August 3).

As Twitter was immediately set alight with conversations regarding gun control and reform of the laws that govern the purchase and obtainment of high powered weapons, President Trump joined the discussion to say:

To many the tweet above, as well as those that followed it from his official Twitter handle, did little to address the bigger issue of ‘gun control.’  Among the many were politicians Joe Biden, Elizabeth Warren, and Cory Booker as well as entertainers Rihanna, Khalid, Cardi B, and more.

Read their responses to the tragedy inside:

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KeKe Palmer‘s never one to rest on her laurels.

The multi-talented actress – who is not only prepping promo for her forthcoming film, ‘Hustlers’ (starring Jennifer Lopez) but also joining the new ‘Good Morning America’ spinoff as a daytime TV hostess – is still putting the finishing touches on her upcoming album, courtesy of eOne.

A new gem from the project, ‘Twerk N’ Flirt,’ comes a sultry banger just in time for summer.  Produced by Tasha Catour, Keke was joined by A-Lex and Alicia Renee to the track.

Already a favorite here at TGJ HQ, listen inside for Palmer’s latest:

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The promo grind has been heavy for R&B maven Monica.

As we’ve reported here, the Grammy winner – who is celebrating topping R&B charts with her latest single ‘Commitment’ – has touched  television (‘Wendy,’ ‘Good Morning America’), Web (‘Build’), and radio (‘Breakfast Club’) in its support.

Continuing her efforts to raise awareness, Mo visited our friends at New York’s 107.5 WBLS to discuss her new album, ‘Chapter 38,’ and what she’s expecting to follow it.  To listeners’ surprise, the diva – in addition to discussing touring and more music related plans – dished on plans to get into photography, art direction, and return to movies and television.

Hear it from her lips inside:

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Summer may be coming to a close but Khalid is still vibing hard through the season. Evidence of this is found in his new video for ‘Right Back’ – the latest release from his first chart-topping album, ‘Free Spirit.’

Tapping rapper A Boogie With Da Hoodie to assist, the Stargate-produced tune follows the success of ‘Spirit’s leading singles ‘Talk’ and ‘Better’ (both peaked in the Hot 100’s top 10).

“She got every pair of Chanel out in SoHo/ Tried backdoor, hit the city for sure/ And when you get dressed up, you take hours/ Baby girl, you know you can do whatever,” Boogie spits on the opening verse.

Is it set to follow in its predecessors’ footsteps?  Listen inside and tell us:

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Lil Nas X strikes matches and poses inside the Autumn 2019 edition of Dazed Magazine.

Acting as the publication’s cover star for its latest issue, the rising star – under the helm of fashion photographer Charlotte Wales, stylist Tom Guinness, art director from Jamie Reid, and creative director Robbie Spencer – the 20-year-old showed off some fierce cowboy-inspired fashion (a nod to his record breaking hit, ‘Old Town Road’).

Dishing on the song’s impact and the idea of introducing the idea of Black cowboys to a younger generation, X also took time to answer hilarious fan questions in a behind-the-scenes interview with the mag.  See what they cooked up inside:

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Check out Cardi B!

The Rap royal delivers demure divadom a-front of a new feature for Harper’s Bazaar.

Cardi, whose real name is Belacalis Almanzar, has been all sorts of busy of late – juggling international festival dates with the roll-out of new music.

Its a trajectory that looks set to continue as the year progresses, as the  New York native is booked and busy.

No word yet on the release of a sophomore album, but one thing remains a cert- it’s still Cardi Season!

Peep more from the Mariano Vivanco lensed shoot below, as well as music magnifique from the femcee.

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Drake sprung a surprise on fans this week with the release of his affectionately titled ‘Care Package.’

As reported, the set is comprised of early Drizzy gems that, prior to now, hadn’t been available to stream on the leading services.

Ever the music vendor, the Canadian titan obliged fan requests to make material such as ‘Girls Love Beyonce’ – available  en masse.

So, what are the sales looking like? The answer awaits below…

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Cop a gander of Mariah Carey!

The elusive chanteuse glows a-front of the newest issue of of Love Magazine.

Mimi’s feature comes on the heels of her successful ‘Caution World Tour,’ which played to sold-out crowds across the globe this past Spring.

The spot also arrives as the diva supreme gears up for the release of new music.

Peep her latest studio snap, alongside her twins – Monroe and Moroccan below…

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Embattled R&B legend R. Kelly pleaded not guilty to charges of sexually abusing women and young girls during his arraignment in a New York City court on Friday (August 2).

The hearings, which confirmed his denial of bail and will see him jailed until trial, came after his arrest just last month in his hometown of Chicago for a related, but separate set of accusations for allegedly engaging in child pornography.

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