Mind. Out. Of. The. Gutter!

The Queen B Lil Kim was all the buzz when she dropped by Palermo’s Bakery this weekend.  Seen snapping a few photos with fans/bakery workers, the ‘How Many Licks’ hitmaker was said to be taste-testing/designing a cake for a friend’s baby shower.

Fans may be ready to find out what the pint sized rapper is (musically) cooking up herself, but until then, they’ll have to catch her performing the golden oldies on BET’s Rip The Runway .

Tidbit:  Might we add, Kim is looking…dare we say it…Great!

Your thoughts?

Drama.

It’s a word the ladies of Bravo’s ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ are all too familiar with.

Indeed, for many, it’s NeNe and co’s thick helping of the D which has seen the show become the most-watched of the ‘Housewives’ enterprise.

Naturally, then, the taping of the season 4 reunion special saw many a dagger thrown and ego bruised.

Check out what some of the cast had to say following the taping this week:

Andy Cohen (Host) – “We just wrapped the #RHOA Reunion. Probably the best ATL reunion in 4 Seasons of the series. And I’m on vacation now! SeeYa!”

Nene Leakes – “The 1 thing I learned @ the reunion show yesterday is that people will say, do & believe whatever #Dumbbroads“

Kandi Burruss – “Good morning! Yesterday I let people get under my skin & take me out of my character.#GoingHam but Im Looking forward 2 a better day 2day.”

Kim Zolciak – “Some ppl n this world have no class, using the F word referring to gays is disgusting, insulting my husband etc is why prison is where she shud of stayed!”

Nene – “I can’t wait 2 get back 2 Lisa’s house that I live n! LOL LOL the lies Mr Never Land tells! They never end”

Nene – “Finished the reunion show early this morning where shots were fired.”

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Already essential viewing, the reunion is shaping up to be one hell of a must-watch. Let the dragging commence!

Tidbit: Peep Kandi at the taping below…

Will you be watching?

Now this is what we call a ‘Beautiful Surprise’.  Snapped at this weekend’s Phoenix Sun’s game, R&B vets/basketball wives Tamia and Monica enjoyed the festivities courtside.

Already making headlines for teaming up with ‘The Boy Is Mine’ co-star Brandy, the ‘Everything To Me’ maestra took time with Mrs. Hill and lifted this snap to Twitter over the weekend.  The shot precedes the release of both singer’s efforts ‘Beautiful Surprise’ and ‘New Life’ (April 10th).  And, what comes as no surprise, both ladies’ lead singles from the projects were received with much critical acclaim (‘Beautiful Surprise’, ‘It All Belongs To Me’/‘Until It’s Gone’ respectively).

Fans of both singers know this isn’t the first time they’ve shared the spotlight:

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You can find Roc Nation siren Melanie Fiona rocking the promo trail in support of her critically acclaimed, forthcoming effort ‘The MF Life’ (March 20). While chatting it up with US Weekly, the Grammy winner brushed over many-a-topic including that of mentor/manager Jay Z and wife Beyonce‘s proudest creation – Miss Blue Ivy.

Fans may have seen the trio (or just mother and child) out and about in the last weeks, but not since the ‘Crazy In Love’ co-stars own released photos has the public seen the youngest Carter’s face.  But, as she grows older, fans wondering about Blue’s appearance may get a kick out of what Fiona has shared:

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Gospel/R&B star Michelle Williams was just one of many on hand at the Los Angeles Orpheum Theatre this weekend to behold the annual praise-fest that is BET Celebration of Gospel.  Also seeing names like Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, Marvin Sapp, Faith Evans, Kelly Price, and Ledisi on the guest list, the Steve Harvey hosted affair is due for airing on BET on April 1st at 8pm.

While fans ready themselves for the hand clapping praise session, this year’s festivities will include tributes to Mahalia Jackson (featuring Glee‘s Amber Riley) and Whitney Houston for their outstanding contributions to the genre.

Until April 1, see some shots from the show’s red carpet below (via Essence):

Your thoughts?

It’s been almost three years since the Pussycat Dolls scattered into Pop oblivion. And yet remarkably none of the members have disclosed the exact reason for their abrupt disbanding.

That is until now.

Hot on the promo trail for her new mixtape, ‘P.O.Y.B.L (P*ss On Your Black List)”, former Doll Melody Thornton stopped by This Is 50, where she revealed the exact reason for the ‘Don’t Cha’ chanters.

The long-awaited answer awaits after the jump…

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Cop a gander of NeNe Leakes and new bossom buddy Kim Kardashian.

The reality stalwarts were snapped cosying up in Atlanta this weekend, meeting up for dinner during a break from filming ‘Drop Dead Diva’ – which Kardashian has a recurring role on.

It marks the 2nd time this month the pair have been spotted together. Get that publicity!

Your thoughts?

After burning up the clubs for many a year, Afrobeats are finally roaring their way into the mainstream.

And with the likes of Tiwa Savage leading the way, next up is Kanye West‘s Nigerian protegee D’Banj.

A staple on the music scene of his homeland, the rapper was snapped up by Ye’s GOOD Music imprint last year, and has today unveiled the video for his first mainstream release ‘Oliver Twist’.

Armed with many an African ism (see: “gari”, “omotola”), the uptempo sees the rising star fuse the West with West Africa, blending up a banger of a track.

Hit ‘Play’ on the clip above (which features cameos from West, label mate Big Sean and Sugababe Keisha Buchanan) and let us know what you think!

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With Monica set to share her ‘New Life’ in a matter of weeks, the stunning cover for the deluxe edition of the LP has been unveiled.

Due April 10th, the meatier version of the album boasts an additional four tracks.

Find out what they are after the jump…

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Congratulations are most certainly in order for Alexandra Burke.

For, in what can only prove her worth as a commercial act, her latest single ‘Elephant‘ has debuted at #3 on the UK singles chart, and #1 in the country’s dance chart.

More below…

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Leaving the glitz & glam at home, Mary J. Blige enjoyed a relaxing afternoon on Miami Beach this weekend looking almost unrecognizable. Soaking up the sun with good company and drinks…we can’t think of a better way to spend the weekend, can you?

The diva is currently on the promo trail promoting her latest single ‘Why’, lifted from ‘My Life II… The Journey Continues (Act 1)’ featuring Rick Ross.

See more shots of Hip-Hop Soul’s reigning queen after the jump and sound-off below.

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With careers spanning almost two decades, Beyonce and Jay Z have overseen the careers of what are now- accomplished pop staples.

From helping Solange launch her debut LP back in 2002, to signing and ultimately ‘creating‘ Rihanna as we know her today, Jay Z along with Ms.’Countdown‘  know a thing or two about spotting and supporting fresh new acts.

Now, ‘Party‘ star Rita Ora has dished on the pair with GQ, ahead of the release of her debut album.

Her comments below..

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