R&B veteran Usher is officially ready to usher in the next era of his storied music career.  After word hit the net his 8th studio album, ‘Hard II Love,’ is due in stores September 16th, the star took to Facebook Live! to not only confirm the news was true, but also that fans could pre-order it tonight!

As if that’s not exciting enough, the singer/songwriter is also set to show off his acting chops as Sugar Ray Leonard in ‘Hands of Stone’ – the biographical sports film set to take box offices by storm tomorrow (August 26th).  But, while fans wait to get their eyes and ears on the new flick, they’ve been invited to hear a tune from its official soundtrack – ‘Champions’ and ‘Missin U’ (found on ‘Hard II Love’).

Get into them both below and weigh in:

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Tink doesn’t waste time.

Fresh from unleashing new mixtape ‘Winter’s Diary 4’ today, the rising rapstress has unwrapped the video for ‘Modern Wave.’

The summer turn-up track is the first cut from the collection to receive the visual treatment and makes for solid effort.

Watch the slick clip after the jump…

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Shockwaves continue to ripple through the industry following the release of Frank Ocean‘s new album ‘Blond.’

Most notable is Universal Music‘s ban on streaming exclusives, after the singer pulled off a colossal coup.

Because, as reported, Ocean fulfilled his contract with the corporate giant upon the soft launch of ‘Endless.’ A standalone visual effort. 48 hours later he’d go on to drop his actual sophomore album independently on Apple Music.

Word on the curb is that UMG had no clue. Hence the episode served as a catalyst for the the wielding of the ax on such exclusives.

Interestingly, the shenanigans appear to have impacted Lady Gaga‘s upcoming release.

Confused? All is explained after the jump…

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Today marks the 15th anniversary of Aaliyah‘s passing in a tragic plane crash.

With the world remembering the late, great songstress, so too is superstar Beyonce.

Though Aaliyah’s career set sail earlier than Mrs Carter’s, they both begun to experience intense success around the same time. A reality which birthed comparisons that have yet to quell till this day.

Throughout it all, though, the ladies were always fond of one another. A fact Bey celebrated today as she saluted the departed diva.

Full story below…

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It’s finally time for fans of Usher.

The R&B icon’s long-awaited 8th studio album will be dancing into stores next month.

Full story awaits below…

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Rihanna will not only be performing at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards, she’ll be receiving the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard honor.

We have our reservations about how deserving she is of the latter, but the reality is that come rain or shine, the Bajan beauty will be walking away with the award.

It naturally heightens expectation for her live showing come Sunday night.

Details are being closely guarded, but one of the key organisers of the Madison Square Garden spectacle is spilling.

His words await after the jump…

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Gliding towards many a playlist today is ‘Winter Diary 4′, the latest release by the 21-year-old performer Tink.

Currently faced with the threat that is Dreezy, the creative cut-crafter releases ‘Diary’ before the unveiling of her studio album ‘Think Tink’ and the promotional efforts she’s set to employ to ensure her art doesn’t go unnoticed by the masses.

Ready to hear what’s on her mind?

Meet ‘Winter’ in the summer below…

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Could this Sunday’s VMAs get any bigger?

The 2016 MTV Video Music Awards already boasts confirmed performances from the likes of Britney Spears, Rihanna, and allegedly Beyonce.

Now, sources are saying Kanye West will be taking to the stage too.

Full story below…

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The thirst for new Solange material may very well be quenched soon.

It’s been two years since the soulful songstress released her ‘True’ EP and promises of new music have been plentiful ever since.

Details remain scarce, yet the youngest of the Knowles clan whipped up excitement on Facebook today with the preview of  fresh visuals.

Check ’em out below…

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Britney Spears and Alicia Keys are taking ‘all-out’ approach to their respective comebacks.

The RCA label-mates lead an all-star line-up at the 2016 Apple Music Festival, which takes place across 10-nights next month at London’s Roundhouse.

Details below…

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Much to ABC’s delight, ‘The View’ continues to break ground on the network with help from its current group of politically-aware ladies.

Joining them to celebrate its 20th anniversary is Mary J. Blige who recorded the Diane Warren-penned song ‘World’s Gone Crazy’ before the launch of its 20th season!

She’ll perform it live on the show on September 6th!

Before then?

Catch her in music video action with Whoopi, Joy, Jedediah, Sunny and the gang below…

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After a career of fielding attacks from Mariah Carey fans for allegedly copying the legendary diva’s vocal stylings, Ariana Grande is headed from the charts to the courtroom according to recent documents indicating the pint sized powerhouse has been sued for her song ‘One Last Time’ (featured on her second chart-topping album ‘My Everything’).

Written by David Guetta, Rami Yacoub, and Carl Falk and released on Republic Records (part of the Universal Music Group family), the suit – brought forth by songwriter Alex Greggs – names Grande, Guetta, Yacoub, Falk, and the labels as the perpetrators who intentionally plagiarized a song he wrote for Boston-bred pop artist Skye Stevens called ‘Takes All Night.’

He’s seeking a whopping $150,000 per infringement in damages.  More details below:

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