As legendary albums go, few can rival the worldwide resonance of Janet Jackson‘s ‘Rhythm Nation 1814.’

Released in 1989, the socially conscious LP generated seven top 5 hits, four #1 singles, and charted #1 songs in three consecutive years.

This past week saw the set reach its 30th anniversary – an occasion Janet is marking with a series of celebratory ‘Rhythm Nation’ arena shows.

Aptly, the trek kicked off in Minneapolis – the very city the album was created in.

Even more warming was the performer’s regrouping with longtime collaborators Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis at Flyte Tyme Studios where the project was recorded. Peep That Grape Juice‘s exclusive picture above.

The visit was especially noteworthy given that the venue, which was vacated by the iconic production duo, is due to be bulldozed and rebuilt into a multi-million dollar living complex.

Before then, Jackson, Jam, and Lewis were able to reminiscence on the magic they created there, which spans much of the star’s incredible catalogue. Indeed, other hits recorded at the studio include ‘That’s The Way Love Goes’ (1993) and ‘All For You’ (2001).

Peep more from the emotional moment below…

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Stormzy has been drumming up ample buzz for his second studio album, which’ll be arriving on the back of two #1 singles this year and a blazing performance at Glastonbury.

Adding to that momentum was the MC’s stunning showing on BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge today.

Backed by a full band, the British rapper delivered a dynamic set – which included a cover of Beyonce‘s ‘Brown Skin Girl’ from ‘The Lion King: The Gift.’

Check out the Londoner’s take on the empowering take on the anthem…

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Lizzo‘s ‘Truth Hurts’ is not only a breakthrough record but also a record breaker.

The 31-year-old’s slow but steady rise to the top was proven worth the wait when the song – released in 2017 – topped the Billboard Hot 100 at the top of the month (as we reported here).  Besting the likes of Camila Cabello, Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, Post Malone, and a number of other heavy hitters in music to get there, the bop’s buoyancy atop the tally has been supported by a slew of promotional efforts including the latest leg of the rapper/singer’s nationwide ‘Cuz I Love You’ tour.

Adding her name to an exclusive club of female emcees to have topped the charts at least once (see:  Cardi B, Lil Kim, Shawnna, Remy Ma, Iggy Azalea, Lauryn Hill), ‘Hurts’ reign waxes unique as Lizzo (born Melissa Jefferson) is the only rapstress of the lot to have accomplished the feat in her 30s.

Now, in addition to being the oldest female rapper with a #1 hit to her name, Billboard’s announced her inaugural chart-topper is laying claim to yet another record:

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Princess Nokia‘s latest creative delivery is a release named ‘Sugar Honey Ice Tea’.

The feel-good tune and its video tells the tale of competition amongst women in the information/Instagram age and sees the entertainer team up with the director Emma Westernberg to shoot a video some are saying is her best yet.

Press play to see it for yourself below…

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Having made waves on television via the top-rated VH1 reality series, ‘Girls Cruise’ (alongside Lil Kim, TLC‘s Chilli, and more), R&B diva Mya‘s looking to make just as big of a splash on charts with her newest single, ‘Handsfree.’

A Soca-soaked number featuring dancehall star Ding Dong, ‘Handsfree’ – found aboard the Jonny Blaze-produced compilation album ‘Sexting Riddim’ (in stores now) – sees the duo jet to Jamaica to bring the tune’s accompanying visual to life.

Highlighted by Miss Mya flexing her sexiest island accent, look inside to see and hear the latest she’s cooked up:

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Lil Nas X is still riding high even after his breakout single ‘Old Town Road‘ descends on the charts after a record-breaking chart run.

Now, he sets his sights on new glory with its follow-up ‘Panini’ and made his way to ‘Ellen’ to perform the track and talk to the talkshow host about his career and why he decided to come out as a gay man.

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Mariah Carey is the unrivalled Queen of Christmas and is set to mark a major milestone this holidays. For, it’ll be 25 years since she released her classic ‘Merry Christmas’ album – which houses colossal smash ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You.’

To honor the occasion, Mimi just announced that she’ll be unwrapping the ‘Merry Christmas Deluxe 25th Anniversary Edition.’

Details below…

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With ‘Old Town Road’ and its 19-week stint at #1 in rearview, Lil Nas X has expressed a commitment to making “more moments.”

The 20-year-old is leading that charge with new single ‘Panini,’ which he took to the Ellen stage today to perform.

Transforming the set into an intergalactic spectacle, the internet sensation rocked out to the catchy cut.

Having thus far peaked at #14 on the Billboard Hot 100, can take the track to higher heights? Watch below and let us know…

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Rihanna continues to shower praise on rising star Normani.

Indeed, despite herself being one of the most renown names in Pop, Ms. Fenty has no qualms giving props to those on the come-up. And the 23-year-old former Fifth Harmony member has emerged as a favorite of the Bajan belle.

As reported, after filming the Savage X Fenty fashion show, Rih took to social media to salute ‘Mani – who rocked the house.

Now, with the Amazon Prime special having aired, the love-fest continues.

See what we mean below…

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It’s been over a week since former NFL running back Larry Johnson first saw his name running atop headlines for slamming Megan Thee Stallion, but that hasn’t stopped the 39-year-old from continuing his attempts to garner press from the conflict.

As fans know, Johnson randomly took to Twitter earlier this month to suggest the rapper’s (born Megan Pete) rising fame was somehow linked to the death of her mother.  Once his accusations reached her desk, the ‘Hot Girl Summer’ hitmaker lent a fiery clap back – a move that prompted further exchange between the two.

Now, while most of us thought the beef had cooled, the ex-pro baller – presumably due to ongoing online attack from Pete’s fans – took to Twitter earlier today to lend even more commentary.  See his distasteful remarks inside:

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With an eclectic lineup that featured R&B, Pop, Rock, Hip Hop, Country, and Alternative acts, the 2019 iHeartRadio Music Festival left no genre ignored.

Boasting performances from Miley Cyrus, Backstreet Boys, Billie Eilish, Camila Cabello, Alicia Keys, H.E.R., Chance the Rapper, and many more, this year’s edition of the annual outing – held at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena – could easily rank as one of its best.

Did you miss any of the action over the weekend?  Highlights await inside:

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Today’s From The Vault is sung by an artist who’s name you definitely know.

This week’s pick is ‘You Don’t Know My Name’ by 15-time Grammy winner Alicia Keys.

After the colossal success of her debut LP ‘Songs In A Minor,’ all eyes were on Keys to see whether she could once again satisfy the critics and dominate the charts, simultaneously, with her sophomore set ‘The Diary Of Alicia Keys.’

And the answer in short was a resounding…”yes.”

Issued as album’s lead single, ‘Name’ was released in late 2003 and became an instant classic. Telling the tale of a waitress who daydreams about one of her clients, the Kanye West-produced gem was a Top 3 hit in the US and reached the Top 20 in Canada and the UK among other territories. It also won a Grammy for Best R&B Song in 2005

Using the lyric’s narrative, the song’s video – directed by Chris Robinson – follows Alicia as she falls for a client played by Mos Def. Later on they end up attending the same party, but never actually meet. After imagining getting the courage to call him and profess her love, we are left wondering if she will ever take that step or not.

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With a new project on the horizon, we’re hopeful Keys has unlocked the juice (again); because although it housed some great moments, her last effort ‘Here’ never actually reached the standards she has set with her previous projects qualitatively.

Also on our wish-list : a team that is willing to do whatever it takes to facilitate her crossover into the streaming era. It’s a very different world from when Alicia last released and while it’s won’t be an easy task – it’s a necessary one.

Either way, we are ready for new music and are liking the initial taste she gave this week. Bring it on the rest.

Your thoughts?