Disgraced singer R. Kelly‘s fate hangs in the balance as his sex abuse trial in Chicago cranks into full gear.

For many observers, the fallen star was dealt a devastating blow when the prosecution called a key witness to the stand – the woman at the center of his now infamous sex tape.

Now 37, the woman’s account of her experience is considered crucial to the current case. Because, despite being identified as the underage female in the video, she notably didn’t testify during Kelly’s 1998 trial. A move many say helped collapse the case against the crooner at the time.

Testifying as a “Jane Doe” to protect her identity, she did not hold back. Indeed, the woman relayed how Kelly coerced her into sex at just 15 years old and filmed several encounters.

Kelly wasn’t the only one portrayed in a bad light; her aunt – singer Sparkle – has been critiqued after the woman claimed the songbird brought her to Kelly and said: “I should rub his head and ask him to take that role [of godfather] in my life.” She suggested that her parents also approved, Kelly took on the position, and the sexual relationship between her and Kelly commenced shortly after.

The shocking testimony has left many with harsh words for Sparkle, who is now setting the record straight.

Full story below…

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Thanks to a supercharged start on digital platforms, ‘Super Freaky Girl’ – the latest single from Rap Queen Nicki Minaj – is predicted to premiere atop next week’s Hot 100.

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After rocking stages across North America on the first leg of his critically acclaimed ‘Night Tour’ alongside R&B veterans Joe and Anthony Hamilton, GRAMMY-winning singer Maxwell is not only expanding its second leg to include more cities but is also ready to bring some ladies aboard the bill.

Originally scheduled to conclude in Mobile, Alabama on October 23, Max is pushing through fall with help from friends Xscape, Leela James, Fantasia, and more.

Look inside to see if the megawatt talents will be shining on a stage near you later this year.

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Drake continues his unprecedented domination of Billboard.

In the 13 years since the release of the 2009 ‘So Far Gone’ mixtape that’s credited with launching his career, the Canadian emcee has managed to rack up the most impressive Hot 100 run of any artist ever.

Among the highlights are most #1 hits among rappers (11), most weeks at #1 among rappers (54), most #2-peaking singles (7), most top 10 singles (59), most #1 debuts (7), most top 40 entries (158), and most appearances on the chart overall (277).

As if the aforementioned was not enough, the arrival of his 277th entry – as supporting act on DJ Khaled‘s latest single ‘Staying Alive’ (also featuring Lil Baby) – was accompanied by its own slew of history-making stats this week.

Look inside to see them.

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All roads lead to next Friday (August 26) for Britney Spears and Elton John.

For, the dynamic duo will be debuting their brand new single ‘Hold Me Closer’ on said date.

The hotly anticipated track, which is a reworking of John’s 1972 classic ‘Tiny Dancer,’ serves as Spears’ first original recording since 2016’s ‘Glory’ album. Perhaps most notably, it’s also the Pop performer’s first offering since the termination of her conservatorship in December 2021.

With anticipation sky high, the pair unwrapped a new preview.

Check it out…

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Chris Brown is the latest name to weigh in on the Diddy-ignited debate about whether “R&B is dead.”

Joining the likes of Mary J. Blige and Jermaine Dupri, C. Breezy – who has dominated the genre for over a decade – has sounded off. And he did not hold back.

Find out what he had to say below…

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It was a Destiny’s Child link-up!

The ladies of the legendary ensemble have maintained a sisterhood since setting sail on their respective journeys and are routinely snapped with one another. What’s more, they’ve made clear that they are firm fixtures in each other’s lives beyond the glare of the camera.

Such was the case this week when members Beyonce and Michelle Williams were snapped together.

The sighting marks the latest of the pair with each other following Bey’s celebratory ‘Renaissance’ album launch party.

We’re loving the love!

Peep more below…

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Tink has unlocked her brand new studio album ‘Pillow Talk.’

Arriving via Winter’s Diary / EMPIRE, the 16-track set showcases the star in all her multifaceted magnificence.

From her potent pen to her emotional vocal delivery, the rising singer-songwriter shines on the project – which is executive produced by Hitmaka. 

Tink is joined by an eclectic list of guests such as Muni Long, 2 Chainz, TOOSI, Fabolous, and G Herbo.

Take a listen after the jump…

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Cop a gander of Beyonce!

Music’s reigning queen serves up a regal slay in freshly unwrapped snaps she shared on social media.

The pics serve as one of the first sightings of Queen Bey since the release of her chart-topping seventh studio album, ‘Renaissance.’

They also come as the superstar songstress reigns at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with her seismic smash ‘Break My Soul’ for a second week.

More after the jump…

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21 years after topping R&B charts with his debut album, ‘Force of Nature,’ singer-songwriter Tank is hanging up his mic with the release of his final LP ‘R&B Money.’

Released Friday (August 19), the 17-track effort – which comes as his 10th studio project –  features guest star appearances from the likes of Chris Brown, Alex Isley, Rotimi, Vedo, and more and is preceded by the previously released singles ‘I Deserve,’ ‘Can’t Let It Show,’ and ‘Slow.’ 

Hear it in full inside courtesy of Spotify and Apple Music.

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This time last year music mogul Diddy shot down a suggestion to engage in a musical battle Jermaine Dupri because he believed the So So Def founder didn’t ‘have enough hits’ (as we reported here).

The Bad Boy leader has since had a change of heart it seems as he’s not only changed his tune about the matter but is also hoping to change the venue that will see he and Dupri go head-to-head in a hits duel.

Details inside.

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DaBaby fans may have had their eyes peeled for an early August release of his latest studio album ‘Baby on Baby 2’ (as he promised in July), but he’s hoping they’ll be patient as he puts the finishing touches on the project.

In an effort to tide them over until the new date is released, the rapper (born Jonathan Kirk) is serving ‘Waitress’ – the latest taste of new music set to line the LP.

“Yesterday, I f*cked a waitress / I came outside with my plate, she was waitin’ on me (Uh) / And y’all ain’t talkin’ ’bout sh*t / She be tellin’ me to smile when she ride my d*ck,” he raps on the J. Stacks-produced joint.

Coming just days after the controversial ‘Tough Skin’ video (which saw him reenact a crucifixion), look inside to hear ‘Waitress’ and peep its Reel Goats-directed music video.

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