With a week to go before Beyonce‘s Super Bowl extravaganza, rehearsals for the inevitable spectacle have cranked into overdrive.

As at writing, King B and her army of dancers are working up a sweat in a New Orleans production tent. And while much of the details surrounding the near 15-minute showcase are still clothed in secrecy, the 31 year old star is giving fans another sneak peek at what they can expect next Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

Peep the newly shared pics below…

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 Nicki Minaj hopped back on ‘American Idol’s promo train last night when took to ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live‘ for an upbeat interview on the series.

However, as you’ll see below, it was her performances on the show that served as the true highlight of her appearance. For, perhaps in realizing its potential as smash, the Rapper performed her British hit ‘Va Va Voom’ for the very first time on US television, followed by a rousing serving of ‘Freedom‘.

Unfortunately, while ‘Voom’s performance worked on an arrangement and ‘energy’ tip, it failed to wow when it came to her own styling, ‘backing track dependent’ vocals and ‘choreography’. Choreography that lacked the feminine sass we met in ‘5 Star Chick’ and that this performance desperately needed.

Watch below…

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‘Brand New Me’ belter Alicia Keys puts a brand new twist on the second official single from her latest #1 album ‘Girl On Fire’.

As fans know, Friday saw Keys celebrate her 32nd birthday. But, now it appears it’s her fans who are receiving the ultimate gift – new music! Reaching into the vault to sample Crystal Waters 1991 hit ‘Gypsy Woman’, Alicia shared:

“I’ve been so overwhelmed by all of your birthday love that I HAD to do something extra special for you! Love to you!!! Big shout to Crystal Waters for your inspiration!… New Music!! B.N.M Part 2!!!!”

Hear the brand new ‘Brand New Me’ below:

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Well it looks like ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ star Kandi Burruss shouldn’t expect a wedding gift from rapper Bow Wow, if his recent comments are anything to go by.

For, as fans know, hip hop producer extraordinaire Jermaine Dupri is set to be honored in his native Atlanta for two decades worth of contributions to the music industry via his ‘So So Def’ imprint.

While many of the roster’s occupants appeared to have jumped at the opportunity to honor their mentor at the ‘So So Def All-Star Anniversary Concert‘, a certain former Xscape member appeared to have other plans – namely launching her own ‘Ladies Night’ tour.

News of such sent Bow Wow on a Facebook rant – one that saw him label Burruss as ‘wack’ (amongst other things) for her expected absence.  See his fiery quote below:
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It’s official. Justin Timberlake is onto an official hit with comeback single ‘Suit & Tie’. Yet, so as to ensure the Jay-Z assisted cut is a bonafide smash, the singer is wasting no time readying its accompanying video.

Decked dapper suits, the singer and the Roc Nation mogul filmed scenes for the visual in Los Angeles this afternoon. And while little is known about the clip’s concept, one thing is certain: as the first video offering from Timberlake’s eagerly anticipated LP ‘The 20/20 Experience’, all eyes will be on the vid whenever it arrives.

Peep more pics below…

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Will.I.Am enlists Lil Wayne, Wacka Flocka Flame & Hit Boy to lend their skills to the remix of ‘Scream & Shout‘, his Britney Spears led smash hit.

Featuring a different backing to its original version, its gritty sound will come as a welcome surprise for fans of ‘The Hook Up’ singer, who have been calling for her to embrace a more urban sound since 2007’s ‘Blackout‘.

However, thanks to weak verses from Wacka and Wayne, we doubt the cut will fare well for these fans on a critical tip.

Find out why below…

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LL Cool J is the latest star to grace Oprah‘s hit show ‘Next Chapter‘ this year, which airs on ‘OWN’ 9pm on January 27th.

Now, before the tell all special airs, fans of the Rapper can catch a sneak peek from the piece- which sees him bare all on a number of incidents in his life, including his painfully difficult childhood.

Watch above…

Your thoughts?

She Is Diva:

She’s the Pop philanthropist with a fan base spanning from Saigon to Soweto- and while recent years have seen these fans age alongside her ever growing discography, it’s safe to say that today’s ‘Beyonce fan’ comes in all shapes and sizes.

Not sure what we mean?

Well, peep this footage of YouTube bloggers ‘itsJudysLife‘ and their 3 month old daughter Juliana who- as you’ll see below- is well on her way to becoming the singer’s most loyal fan.

Beyonce mania below…

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With the release of new Destiny’s Child compilation ‘Love Songs’ drawing nearer, this week’s The Best You Never Heard celebrates the legacy of the iconic chart-toppers.

Featuring picks from the TGJ editorial team, part 1 of this two-tier special sees us spotlight an array of gems from DC’s various solo offerings. Remember, as ever, we want to know who YOU felt chose the best song! Let us know below…

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Beyonce – ‘Be With You’

A calculated continuation from King B’s work with Destiny’s Child, sensual groove ‘Be With You’ serves as a stand-out offering from her 2003 solo debut ‘Dangerously In Love’. Breezy cool and chill in nature, the cut sits comfortably in the underrated slower section of the LP.

With its verses based around The Brother Johnson‘s ‘Strawberry Letter 23’ and its chorus an interpolation of Bootsy Collins’ ‘I’d Rather Be With You’, the gem was written by Ms. Knowles and produced by none other than Rich Harrison, also renown as the man who gifted her her first solo classic ‘Crazy In Love’.

The mellow number is complemented by the then-21 year old’s gorgeous vocal performance. Starting off seductively, she almost coos for the first half of the track before blossoming into Sasha midway through; concluding with what can only be described as an ad-lib festival.

Although Bey has seen her status soar over the years, reaching heights even artists twice her age never could, one thing has remained concurrent. She has never turned her back on the very band, experience, and most importantly sound that had put her on the map in the first place. Destiny’s Child. {JOE}

LISTEN: [audiotube id=”wsvxMVKnlY4″]

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Kelly Rowland – Better Without You

Criminally underrated, Kelly Rowland’s sophomore album ‘Ms. Kelly’ is the home of many a “coulda, woulda, shoulda” hit. Indeed, the 2007 set boasted a number of solid songs beyond sole smash ‘Like This’.

Case, point ‘Better Without You’.

The stirring ballad blends influences from the likes of Brandy and Sade, while showcasing the richness embedded in Rowland’s middle and lower registers.

More than anything, it’s the song’s uplifting and universally accessible message that resonates most. Stellar track. {SAM}

LISTEN:  [audiotube id=”Euok11aLWPs”]

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Michelle Williams – Change The World

After the first announcement that Destiny’s Child was breaking up to pursue solo interests, the Pop/R&B trio took three very different paths into the “music-sphere”.  While Kelly Rowland boarded the Pop train, Beyonce looked to cruise R&B waters.  The most unexpected transition, however, came in the form of a full gospel album from Michelle Williams – 2002’s ‘Heart To Yours’.
Showcasing her criminally overlooked range, most of the tunes featured a refreshing take on Gospel music and delivered a fusion of Williams’ loves – R&B and Gospel.  However, the most radio friendly tune on the album, which went on to be the year’s top Gospel seller, was the bass heavy ‘Change the World’.
A slow-groove featuring slick harmonies and a mellow vocal performance, ‘Change’ makes it hard to decide whether to bob your head or break into a chilled praise session.  Easily posing potential to spin side-by-side with R&B cuts of the year, this gem is one of many oft-missed by the underrated songstress.  Press ‘Play’ to see what we mean. {RASHAD}
LISTEN: [audiotube id=”xwbt3m8JleA”]
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LeToya Luckett – Obvious

Following the “drama” which saw original member LeToya Luckett depart the group in 2000, few could have predicted the Platinum colored success that she’d achieve solo six years later.

An underdog if there was ever one, the Houston native hit #1 with debut ‘LeToya’ in 2006. And while much of that feat is attributable to her DC following as well as break-out hit ‘Torn’, the album itself packed many a gem – one of brightest shining being ‘Obvious’.

Produced by piano-ballad maestro Brian Michael Cox, the song packs with it much vocal conviction, really driving home of the narrative of love gone wrong. Soaked in pain and heartache, Lady Love’s delivery on the bridge and final chorus are sublime.

Bring on album number 3…please! {DAVID}

LISTEN: [audiotube id=”ADA25qZH8uI”]
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Whose Pick Was Best This Week?!

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Destiny’s Child’s ‘Love Songs’ hits stores on January 29th and includes the newly recorded ‘Nuclear’.

Click here to pre-order!

 

{Images Removed As Requested}

While recent weeks have seen the likes of Justin Timberlake and Beyonce celebrated and revered for their contributions to Pop, Rihanna continued on in her efforts to seek attention for ‘cheaper’ endeavors in Hollywood last night.

Yes, as you would have already seen above, the ‘No Love Allowed‘ star was snapped at Hollywood’s Club Eden in a dress almost as transparent as her attention seeking ploys, with her ‘goodies’ on full display.

More snaps below…

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Countdown to touchdown!

Beyonce‘s eagerly anticipated Super Bowl spectacle is merely a week away. And while little is known about the near 15 minute extravaganza, the budding icon has given a sneak peek at her preparation process via Instagram.

With rehearsals well under way in New Orleans, multiple sources close to That Grape Juice assert that fans are in for a showcase of epic proportions; one that will also bring with it a number of surprises. Take from that what you will.

For now, though, check out another pic after the jump, as well as one of our favourite King B performances…

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Alicia Keys  celebrated her 32nd birthday in Madrid yesterday, stepping out in style to hit the 40 Principals Awards.

Collecting the ‘Best US Composer Of The Last Decade’ award in a smouldering black fit, the ‘Samsonite Man’ singer took to the show’s stage to perform ‘Looking For Paradise’ with Alejandro Sanz, hours after her smash single ‘Girl On Fire‘ spent its 20th week in the US Top 20.

More below…

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