As smash hits go, few are bigger at present than Sam Smith‘s ‘Stay With Me’.

It’s fitting, then, that one of the industry’s most exciting new prospects Luke James has served up his own haunting rendition of the moving number.

The New Orleans native’s take on the track arrives ahead of his self-titled debut, which hits stores on September 23rd via Island/N.A.R.S. Several years in the making, the set is preceded by singles ‘I Want You’ and current effort ‘Options’.

In the here and now, though, listen to Luke soar after the jump…

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Azealia Backs attempts to bounce back with new single ‘Heavy Metal And Reflective’, the video for which premiered moments ago.

The high-octane cut is the latest to be lifted from the ‘212’ led album ‘Broke With Expensive Taste’, which will now be released independently after Banks was granted a release from major label Interscope.

Can the busy track help aid Azealia’s comeback? Check out the video and let us know below…

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From its early 2000s beginnings, power couple Jay Z and Beyonce‘s relationship has been surrounded by rumors.  Over a decade later, despite no tangible signs of tear as they continue to conquer the road with the top-selling ‘On the Run’ tour, gossip has run amok about the ‘Drunk In Love’ duo’s marital state of affairs.

The most recent opinion lent comes from rapper/producer Akon who seemed ever ready to share his thoughts when approached by TMZ in Washington, DC.

Unaware or unconcerned about the potential backlash en route to his social media handles, the ‘Locked Up’ hitmaker was quite candid with his analysis of Carter relationship – even comparing it to a “business” or “corporate” arrangement.

Do you agree with his assessment?  Hear it all below and tell us what you think:

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Usher may still be searching for a hit to setup his next studio album, however the said LP isn’t without an All-Star cast.

For, having drafted in the likes of Nicki Minaj and Pharrell Williams to work on the set, it has now been confirmed that Drake will lend his talents to the project.

Details below…

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It’s Nicki Minaj season!

The fiery femcee has dyed the marketplace a fluorescent pink ahead of the release of new album ‘The Pink Print’. Indeed, as at writing, she occupies the iTunes #1 and #2 spot with singles ‘Anaconda’ and ‘Bang Bang’ – both of which follow a slew of guest verses and street tracks  released to signal her return.

Now, the print component of the star’s campaign has kicked off. Case in point, her new cover for The FADER magazine – which was unwrapped moments ago.

Whether a fan, critic, or indifferent, one would be well-advised to get used to seeing a lot of Onika in the weeks and months ahead.

Peep more pics below…

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Cop a gander of Rita Ora!

The chart-topping songstress sports a noticeably stripped back look on the September cover of Clash Magazine.

Boasting a strap-line ‘Destiny Is Calling’, it appears so too are the charts. For, fresh from nabbing a number one in the UK with ‘I Will Never Let You Down’, the Roc Nation darling is seeing the track continue to climb on radio Stateside. What’s more, Iggy Azalea’s ‘Black Widow’ – which she features on – is rocking the airwaves and is being tipped too for major success upon the arrival of its ‘Kill Bill’ inspired video.

According to latest reports, Ora’s new album – which’ll dub as her second UK effort and debut US release – is slated for a November arrival.

Your thoughts?

Want more on Minaj’s latest win?

Slither down hither below…

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After serving up one of the messiest album campaigns in recent memory, Mariah Carey is cleaning house.

As widely reported, the diva’s latest LP ‘Me. I Am…Mariah. The Elusive Chanteuse’ totally tanked on the charts upon release in May. And, though no stranger to career peaks and troughs, the project registered Carey’s lowest selling first week numbers since Nielsen began tallying numbers in 1991.

For many, after Mariah herself, blame was primarily directed at manager Jermaine Dupri – who began steering the star’s career in the latter half of 2013. Indeed, the singer’s loyal Lambs made it routine to slam the hitmaker on social media and often felt the fire of his clap-backs.

All appears to have come to a head. Because, in the newest issue of Billboard Magazine, it’s being reported that Carey and the man who crafted many of her chart triumphs have severed ties managerially.

Details below…

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Comedic might be one word to describe Lil Kim‘s latest stunt, reaching all new lows in a fresh bid to compete with ‘Stupid Hoe’ rapper Nicki Minaj.

Indeed, after Minaj‘s recent collaboration with Beyonce has given many a Hip Hop head cause to celebrate this week, a seemingly bitter Kim has launched a remix of their ‘Flawless’ single today.

Why we accused her of reaching an all new low with the song?

Listen and laugh via ‘Hulkshare Records‘ below…

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Struggle here…struggle there…struggle everywhere.

They may have been partners in creative crime during her run on NYC’s underground music scene, but it would seem Hip Hop’s Fendi has developed quite the hatred for his former pal, Nicki Minaj.

For, after being kicked to the curb by the ‘Anaconda’ rapper and joining the management team of her Hip Hop siren Lil Kim, the character used his role as the latter’s manager to fuel the existing beef between the pint-sized pair.

Now, after failing to reignite Kim’s career the first time, he now seeks to pit the ladies against each other today, doing so via ‘Flawless’ singer Beyonce.

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Azealia Banks‘ noisy new single ‘Heavy Metal And Reflective’ sees its accompanying video unwrapped tomorrow.

The track, which isn’t faring so well on iTunes (currently not in top 200), is the latest offering to be lifted from the New Yorker’s much delayed debut album, ‘Broke With Expensive Taste’.

Can the visual for the track revive interest? Sample the clip after the jump and let us know below…

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Usually a new candy colored wig on Rihanna means a new album is nigh. And while it’s already been confirmed that the star is cooking up her next McAlbum, her latest look is instead for her next MAC Cosmetics campaign.

Unwrapped moments ago, the print ad is more specifically being rolled out in support of Viva Glam – the sales from which go towards support for those affected by HIV and AIDS. Look out for the new range in September.

Say what we will about Rih, kudos to her for supporting a worthwhile cause.

Your thoughts?