Despite the absence of a hit single to lead it, Alicia Keys’ new album, ‘Here,’ still managed to make an impressive debut on the Billboard 200.

Fending off new offerings from Hip Hop hitmakers Rae Sremmurd, the star-studded ‘Trolls’ soundtrack, Common, and more, the Keys’ project – featuring tunes ‘Blended Family,’ ‘Holy War,’ and ‘In Common’ – debuted at #2 and marks the singer/songwriter’s 7th top 2 debut (five of those entries debuted at #1).

And, while the album’s standing next week will be interesting to see as ‘Here’ also marks her lowest first week sales to date (of a studio album), we’ll celebrate the accomplishment while we can. Tuck in below to see where everyone else landed on this week’s refreshed TGJ Chart Check:

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Alicia Keys cuts a striking figure a-front of ELLE‘s December 2016 edition, which also dubs as its Feminism issue.

It’s an apt placement for the critically acclaimed songbird, who has been touting female empowerment during her ‘HERE’ album campaign.

Indeed, like on the cover shot here, Keys has opted to sport little to no make-up in a bid to encourage women to love themselves.

Critics seem to not only love the movement but also love the LP it promotes. Its sales, however, haven’t been the most encouraging.

Still, when an act is as respected as Alicia, she’s only ever one right song away from making a splash all over again.

Watch the video for her latest single ‘Blended Family (What You Do For Love)’ after the jump…

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Can we please give a round of (rapturous) applause to the producers of the revived VH1 Divas. 

Because it seems the show’s four-year hiatus has seen organisers right the plethora of wrongs that plagued the spectacle in more recent times.

Indeed, from the onset, there appears to be a drive to re-authenticate the platform.

Case in point with the announcement of Mariah Carey as first performer and the subsequent revelation of Patti LaBelle‘s involvement.

This week brought with it news that Teyana Taylor will be taking to the stage come December 5th.

And now, it’s been revealed that Chaka Khan will too.

Details below…

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The nominations are in for the People’s Choice Awards 2017.

Set to air January 18th, the extravaganza places the power – quite literally – in the hands of the people in its aim to honor the top titles and talent in the realm of music and entertainment.

Over 125 million votes were cast to determine the nominees for the latest instalment of the long-running show.

Find out who’s up for what after the jump…

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Rae Sremmurd‘s ‘Black Beatles’ has been remixed by Nicki Minaj.

The name of her take on the Billboard Hot 100 #1? ‘Black Barbies.’

On it, the rapper takes aim at her Hip-Hop opponents, mocks their financial hardships and gives her fans good reason to look forward to the release of the studio album she, and a troop of super producers dotted around the globe, are hard at work on.

Listen below…

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Christina Aguilera has yet to step out with a new album, but she continues to step out in style.

Case in point the 5th Annual Baby2Baby Gala in Los Angeles this week.

Arriving on the arm of her fiance Matt Rutler, Xtina rocked a demure look – proving that she can turn heads when turned up or down.

We’re itching for new material, but it’s clear that it’s not worth holding one’s breath. It’ll come when it comes. Whether she’ll have a sizeable audience waiting for her will be the most interesting to see.

Pending an answer, peep pics below…

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The Chainsmokers’ efforts to outperform a chart record set Mariah Carey‘s ‘One Sweet Day’ may have been thwarted by the dynamic duo Rae Sremmurd.

How?

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‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’ creator Andy Cohen has revealed that Katy Perry was on the receiving end of a diss whipped up her nemesis Taylor Swift behind closed doors recently.

What went down?

Details below…

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Bruno Mars is hitting the road!

The superstar singer is taking his ’24k Magic’ movement international with his aptly titled ’24k Magic World Tour.’

Mounted in support of the crooner’s like-titled new album (due Nov. 18th), the mammoth trek will set sail in March 2017 and play 82 initial dates across Europe and North America.

The venture succeeds 2013’s ‘Moonshine Jungle Tour,’ which sold 2 million tickets and played a gargantuan 155 total shows.

Can Bruno do it again?

We’re more than sure he’s taking a “don’t believe me? Just watch” approach.

Tickets  for the first wave of dates go on sale next Monday, but those who pre-order the ’24k Magic’ album from his official store unlock access to an exclusive pre-sale (get them album sales!)

Find out when Bruno and his troop are in your city below…

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Lady Gaga is ramping up the print push for her chart-topping album ‘Joanne.’

The 30-year-old superstar covers the December edition of Harper’s Bazaar, which also dubs as the magazine’s 150th anniversary issue.

Though the spread sees her continue her metamorphosis into a more demure diva, Gaga still sports a number of eye-grabbing ensembles.

She also opens up about her current headspace as pertains to fame and womanhood.

Peep pics and quotes below…

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VH1 continue to impress with the line-up for their revived ‘Divas’ special.

For, Teyana Taylor is the latest name to join the list of performers at the December 5th event.

Full story below…

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While the likes of Beyonce and Adele can be expected to make large commercial splashes with new releases Nicki Minaj releases have made a habit of being slow burners on a sales front.

Her debut set ‘Pink Friday’ has sold 2.1 million units in the United States alone since November 2010 while her poorly received sophomore album ‘Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded’ sold 1.4 million copies worldwide within the first year of its release.

This week, as ‘Friday’s global sales edges closer to sales of 4 million units worldwide, her latest album ‘The Pinkprint’ is following in its seemingly silent but serious footsteps.

Good news below…

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