Though she may still be without as US number one album, there’s no denying Rihanna‘s status as one of Pop’s strongest cash shows.

Yet to release an album that didn’t sell a million or more US copies since her sophomore effort, the chart topper’s countless number one singles, tours and endorsement deals have ensured her superiors over at Roc Nation make bank, over…and over and again.

Now, in an interview for GQ Magazine’s ‘Men Of The Year’ edition, she has spoken out on how her lucrative career has made it hard for people to see or perhaps understand her art.

Her words below…

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In celebrating the release of her new LP ‘Lotus’, today’s ‘Retro Rewind’ shines a fresh light on Christina Aguilera, before she became Christina Aguilera…by way of the Disney classic, ‘Mulan‘.

Released in 1998, the Tony Bancroft directed movie boasted a cool $90 million generated at the Box Office, helped in part by the then 18 year old Aguilera and ‘Reflection’, the moving cut penned in aid of the movie.

Watch her action in above…

Your thoughts?

That Grape Juice’s Patrick B caught up with R&B star Ciara in Los Angeles last night.

The Epic Records diva is presently putting the finishing touches on her hotly anticipated ‘One Woman Army’ album. Ever keen to ask the questions you really want answers to, you’re not going to want to miss this one. Be sure to keep it locked on TGJ for our exclusive interview with Ciara!

Your thoughts?

Cheryl Cole, Nadine Coyle and their fellow Girls Aloud bandmates today unwrapped a new song from their upcoming greatest hits compilation, ‘Ten’.

Christened ‘Beautiful ‘Cause You Love Me’, the cut has the strange honor of not only being confirmed as the album’s second single, it also has premiered ahead of the release of the LP’s first offerring ‘Something New’ (due November 18th). ‘Ten’, itself, arrives on November 26th, with ‘Beautiful’ having a listed “impact date” of December 17th. Keeping up?

Take a listen to the Jim Eliot-produced  / Maiday-penned track after the jump….

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It’s here!

‘Miss America’, the lead single from J. Cole’s hotly anticipated sophomore set ‘Born Sinner’, premiered literally moments ago.

An important release for the Roc Nation rapper, it’s the first indication of whether he’ll be able to run with the baton he handed himself with the success of his debut outing ‘Cole World: A Sideline Story’ last year.

So, without further adieu…

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Prayer most certainly is the key.

Fans of Christina Aguilera have hoped in earnest for news on promotional plans for the singer’s new album, ‘Lotus’. And while relative silence has greeted many of those questions, a new interview and press release has provided an emphatic answer.

Details after the jump…

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In a fitting pairing, Luke James poses it up on the cover of Prince Magazine.

The New Orleans native, whose voice is oh so royal, dons a dapper suit for the publication – which caters to fashion and lifestyle for the young, stylish, metropolitan man.

 In other Luke news, as well as hosting the pre-show of the Soul Train Awards 2012, he’s also up for Best New Act. Watch his performance on That Grape Juice’s The Splash below to find out why!

More pics from James’ video shoot for new single ‘Make Love To Me’ also await…

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Who knew ‘Ice’ could be so hot?

Kelly Rowland is gearing up to unleash the scorching video for the Lil Wayne assisted cut; hence so as to boil anticipation up to fever-pitch, the 31 year old has released an extended teaser for the Matthew Rolston directed clip.

Watch Ms. Kelly and her troop of dancers work it out below and be sure to keep it locked on TGJ for the full video on Wednesday.

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{IMAGE REMOVED AS REQUESTED}

Role model Rihanna looks a picture of class in her racy new cover shoot for GQ magazine.

The ‘Diamonds’ performer protects what’s left of her modesty in the shot, which is sure to set tongues a-wagging ahead of the November 19th release of her seventh studio album ‘Unapologetic’.

Yes, Ms. Fenty looks hot. Yes, she looks model-esque – and we wouldn’t expect anything less. It’s just unfortunate that such imagery comes at at a time when it appears that she’s finally making the artistic strides we so lovingly recommend for her each day. For, by ensuring the spotlight stays on her near-naked body (which we’ve – quite literally – seen every inch of already), she negates the steps she’s made towards being taken seriously.

After all we don’t see the Beyonce‘s, Adele‘s, and other acts more successful than our sister Rih stripping off to sell records. Indeed,  despite being different types of acts, they spend time honing their craft and skill-set to the point that -love them or loathe them- you can’t deny them. A memo Ms. Fenty, with her yearly albums and slug-like artistic growth, can’t seem to comprehend – or is outrightly rejecting.

Fling open a window because this reeks of desperation.

Your thoughts?

With the finishing touches being made to Big Boi and Kelly Rowland‘s ‘Mama Told Me’ video, the pair have offered fans a behind the scenes look at the clip.

Peep how the whimsical visual was cooked up below…

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 She may be linked to E! heart throb Rob Kardashian, but it was Nick Jonas who caught Rita Ora‘s attention when they ran into each other at last night’s MTV European Music Awards.

Snapped chopping it up backstage, the pair enjoyed each other’s company following Ora’s scorching performance of ‘RIP’ at the outing, which saw the likes of Kim Kardashian, Kanye West and Alicia Keys arrive to both host and perform.

More from their night below…

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Michelle Williams has spent much of 2012 crafting her new album, a project she’s confirmed boasts an “R&B inspirational” sound and a project which, for many, signifies her official return to the Gospel arena. And while the Light Records set isn’t due until next year, the Destiny’s Child graduate is re-lighting her live fire, performing at the Rockford First church in her hometown of Chicago over the weekend.

Watch below as Michelle blows the roof off the venue with a ‘Gospel Medley’ comprised of songs that featured on the inspirational medley’s on her debut album ‘Heart To Yours’ and DC’s ‘Survivor’. They are Anna Bartlett Warner hymn ‘Jesus Loves Me’, Kirk Franklin‘s ‘Holy Is the Lamb’ and Richard Smallwood‘s ‘Total Praise’.

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