Contrary to popular belief, one doesn’t always need a note worthy chart position to score what is otherwise… a smash hit.

Sure, while most songs that that come under category usually come with a Top Ten position to show for its troubles, there are some cuts- especially  those of Hip Hop persuasion- that succeed in pulling in mega numbers without chart glory.

Now, in cementing her status as one of 2012’s highest selling acts, Nicki Minaj continues to surprise the world with fresh stats pulled on her single ‘Beez In The Trap‘. A single, many had written off as a commercial failure.

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The story of ‘Blow’ beauty Ke$ha‘s latest hit ‘Die Young’ being yanked from radio has certainly been blown to new proportions over the last few days.  As the story of its initial dismissal from radio (in response to the Sandy Hook tragedy) cooled, the singer reignited interest in it as she took to Twitter claiming she was “forced” to sing its negative lyrics.

Then, her mom also took to the same medium to corroborate her story.  Despite a swift retraction, fans were later confused when videos surfaced of Ke$ha bragging about the song – one that sees her as the primary contributor to its lyrics.

Now, with hopes of leaving the incident in the past, the ‘Tik Tok’ trier took to her official website today to lift a letter clarifying what she meant when she used the word “forced”…

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37-year-old country crooner Tate Stevens has been named the winner of The X Factor USA‘s second season.

Triumphing over runner-up Carly Rose Sonenclar in tonight’s live grand final, Stevens walked away with the coveted $5 million prize and a spot on Epic Records roster.

Congratulations are certainly in order for the Missourian.  As he prepares his debut album, fans can expect to see his ‘X Factor’ predecessor, pop newcomer Melanie Amaro, hit the promo trail in support of her inaugural album ‘Truly’.

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It may have taken seven years, but Rihanna consistency as an entertainer reached all new heights this year- upon the launch of her new album ‘Unapologetic‘.

Of course, while her voice still holds the goat like twang that has us begging for Beyonce‘s return, it seems her flawless performance at the ‘X Factor UK’ two weeks ago is paying off in ways not even she could have imagined.

Details below…

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It’s the deal designed to take her brand to all new heights.

However, despite the fact Beyonce‘s gargantuan dealings with Pepsi Co will inadvertently shine fresh light on her philanthropic efforts, it seems not everyone is as pleased as we are for her.

Indeed, though the deal– which marks one of the biggest to be scored by an African American entertainer- will only see her serve as an ambassador for the brand, her association with them has seen her come under fire for, ‘promoting obesity’.

Details below…

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‘Drop it to the floor, make that a** shake!’.

Bottles are to be popped this Christmas! Well, that is you happen to be a member of Kanye West‘s ‘GOOD Music Group’. For this week, the collective’s infectious cut, ‘Mercy‘ has been certified Double Platinum, for sales of over 2 million copies.

Exciting details below…

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For one reason or another, many a seasoned Femcee has struggled to launch comebacks ‘of note’.

Indeed, without the benefit of a sizeable budget, an ‘in the know’ manager and an installed fan base, the likes of Eve and Lil Kim have found themselves faced with a mission impossible with every single/venture they launch.

However, it seems Eve has finally gotten it right with her new single ‘She Bad Bad’, a scorching new jam pulled from her 2013 album ‘Lip Lock’.

A sneak peek of its sexy video below…

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It’s finally here!

JoJo‘s hot new mixtape ‘Agape’ has been unwrapped today  – the singer’s 22nd birthday.

Preceded by ‘Andre’, ‘We Get By’, and a stunning set on That Grape Juice’s The Splash, the free 13-song set can be downloaded after the jump – where a personal message from the singer awaits also.

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The last 18 months have seen rapper Big Sean drum up quite the buzz with debut album ‘Finally Famous’ and his offerings as part of G.O.O.D Music.

Now, the Detroit native is looking to crank up the volume with sophomore set ‘Hall Of Fame’ – which he stopped by The Breakfast Club to promote yesterday.

Watch below as the 24 year old dishes on the album’s delay, working with Eminem, the ‘Mula’ backlash, and much more.

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For Southern Rapper T.I., heading to jail 2009 saw his commercial value suffer a number of unforeseeable dips… a shadow of the numbers that saw 2006’s ‘King‘ debut with sales of 522,000 units.

However, after rebranding himself as the ultimate family man, it seems his cause is on the up- well, that is if first day sales predictions for his new LP are anything to go by.

Details below…

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While  US sales for Rihanna‘s ‘Unapologetic‘ continue to shimmy and shake to Underperformance-ville, Rita Ora continues to pave the way for her US launch with her smash hit single, ‘Radioctive’.

Now peep behind the scenes footage pulled from its Sci Fi inspired video released in aid of the clip, months after the singer received a glowing endorsement from Pop icon, Beyonce.

Watch below…

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Jessie J wrapped up warm hours ago, stepping out of a Manchester Hotel to shoot season 2 of ‘The Voice UK‘.

Waving to fans as she geared up for a gruelling day of talent hunting, the ‘Who You Are’ vocalist is also reportedly hard at work on her second studio album, which fans are likely to receive next year.

It will follow the launch of her aforementioned debut album, responsible for the singles ‘Do It Like A Dude’ and ‘Nobody’s Perfect’, both of which helped the project shift a sweet 2,500,000 million copies worldwide by April 2012.

More from the Pop gem below…

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