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R&B belter Tamar Braxton was tapped to live up her billing last night at the Atlanta Hawks vs Indiana Pacers NBA game in Atlanta.

For, the Grammy-nominee was drafted in to kick off the action with a live rendition of the US national anthem, the ‘Star Spangled Banner’.

The likes of Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey have helped transform the iconic song into a benchmark of sorts for “singers-singers”.

So how did “She, Me, Her” fair? You be the judge after the jump…

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Vocal fright Rihanna may be cooking up two new albums, but that hasn’t stopped the 26-year-old from taking a brief break to shoot a cover for Vogue Brasil.

Unwrapped moments ago, the shot features the star looking hot tamale.

If only she sounded as good as she looks. The possibilities, the possibilities.

Your thoughts?

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Two years removed from the release of seventh album ‘Looking for Myself’, Usher rolls up his sleeves and gears up to get to work on the promo campaign for its follow-up, set for release this year.

Now, before fans learn of its title and enjoy it’s R&B-driven sound, the name of its lead single has been unveiled today.

Pop open the lid for details below…

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Despite enjoying a lengthy run atop Hip Hop’s food chain in the last two years, next week will see Future‘s latest album ‘Honest’ impact the Billboard 200 with modest numbers…set to be outperformed by ‘Fancy’ lady Iggy Azalea.

So, as to give himself a little push before the end of the next chart week, the performer hit NYC’s ‘Hot 97′ to discuss the album and a number of hot topics currently surrounding his brand.

Why it stands as one of his most interesting conversations to date?

His openness when discussing the part he played in creating Beyonce‘s ‘Drunk in Love‘, Ciara’s touring plans, and the criticism he faces from those who question his ability as a rapper.

Watch below…

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In a somewhat odd development, Mariah Carey is opening up about her new “surprise” album.

Though, one would, could, and should be forgiven for wondering why the diva is divulging details, it appears there’s rationale to the randomness.

Details below…

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With the May 6th release of Mariah Carey‘s new album right around the corner, the singer covers the latest issue of Billboard magazine — and drops an interesting tidbit in the process.

The feature, which serves as one of the first dedicated promo spots for the LP, has an interesting tag-line – one that points to a Beyonce-like “all at once” digital roll-out.

After waiting five years between albums, Mariah Carey finally explains the personal struggle behind her all-at-once digital release, from that Idol debacle (‘bamboozled’) to a need for ‘uplifting’ music: ‘It’s all been a blur’

Hmm. How interesting.

It figures why there’s been so few details divulged about the project (namely its actual title).

That said, as edgy a concept as it is, we hope it doesn’t backfire. Because, whichever way it’s diced, sliced, or spiced, the fact remains that the project has yet to deliver a hit. And, if folk aren’t willing to spend $1 on one song, where’s the confidence that they’ll spend $10 on ten.

Still, we’re rooting for ol’Mimi. We’re rooting for her.

Your thoughts?

michael-jackson-xscape

May 13th brings with it the global release of Michael Jackson‘s hotly anticipated posthumous album ‘Xscape’.

Helmed by Epic Records head L.A Reid, the set – which features unreleased material from the late, great King Of Pop – is the second to hit stores since the superstar’s passing in 2009. The first, ‘Michael’, arrived a year later in 2010.

And while the latter was engulfed in controversy upon release, the climate appears altogether more welcoming this go round.

Time will tell if the LP, which features production from the likes of Timbaland and Rodney ‘Darkchild’ Jerkins, enjoys a more successful fate than its predecessor.

What is certain, though, is that the project’s official tracklisting awaits below…

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By way of sales pulled in from their material, capital generated on stage and public profiles celebrated by the general public, Beyonce, Rihanna and Nicki Minaj stand as today’s leading ladies of colour in Pop music.

Fact, not conjecture.

Now, as the latter two continue to work on new material for their forthcoming new albums, the chart-slaying trio will no doubt be pleased to learn that the impact they make on Pop music globally hasn’t gone unnoticed, with all three earning spots on the UK’s ‘Top 100 Most Downloaded Tracks of all Time’ tally!

Find out how they fared below…

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After proving herself to be a slow but sure albums seller, Lana Del Rey now sets her sights on a singles glory this year, kicking things off with the release of her new single ‘West Coast.’

Indeed, after seeing one too many critics write her off following Lorde‘s arrival, the ‘Video Games’ sensation now gives the likes of Rihanna, Beyonce and Katy Perry a run for their ‘Hot 100’ money this week, after ‘Coast’ rocked the Top Twenty without the support of an official music video.

Details below!

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She’s back!

Yes, after reuniting with the ‘X Factor UK’ Pop player Cheryl Cole will return to the world of music this summer, doing so with the release of a brand new single, pulled from her fourth studio album!

Details on her comeback below…

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Bite into the slice of Pop perfection that is ‘Birthday‘, the latest release by ‘Teenage Dream‘ weaver Katy Perry!

Unwrapped minutes ago, the fun-filled clip sees Ms.Perry bring on the funny with a piece that last eight minutes long, serving up comedy and fashion in support of its parent album ‘Prism’!

Peep the party-pooping Perry in action below!

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Has Nicki Minaj set her sights on R&B for her new studio album?

Well, after using the genre to craft many a melodic hook on 2010’s ‘Pink Friday‘, the ‘Lollipop Luxuryrapper seems to have reunited with the genre for her third LP’s material, teasing it with a ‘rump’ filled Instagram clip unleashed minutes ago!

A genius- and perhaps far safer- way to appease the wide range of radio formats the star needs to reach the buying public, her supposed return to the field can now be enjoyed via the short but oh so sweet clip below!

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