Of the 129 albums that can boast at least a Diamond certification in the 71-year history of the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), only six of them were delivered by solo Black male vocalists – Lionel Richie‘s ‘Can’t Slow Down,’ Prince’s ‘Purple Rain,’ Stevie Wonder’s ‘Songs in the Key of Life,’ Usher‘s ‘Confessions,’ and King of Pop Michael Jackson‘s ‘Bad’ and ‘Thriller.’

And while the latter made history in 2022 for becoming the first singer overall in history to own multiple singles and albums certified as high, he also became the only male performer of color to own one Diamond plaque of each project type.

That changed Friday (February 9) thanks to a slew of certification upgrades afforded to the ‘Confessions‘ singer’s most popular titles.

Ahead of the Super Bowl halftime show he’s already promised will be a nod to Jackson’s legacy on February 11, Ush (born Usher Raymond) has joined his idol in a unique RIAA club.

(more…)

Lady Gaga is cooking up fresh material and she’s whipping up excitement amongst her fans in the process.

Full story below…

(more…)

Taylor Swift isn’t just reigning atop the Pop pack, she’s making it rain too.

For, according to a new report, the music titan has been cut a colossal check for the streaming release of her box office blockbuster, ‘The Eras Tour’ film.

Full story below…

(more…)

Much like with Katt Williams‘ interview before it, Mo’Nique‘s time on the Shannon Sharpe-hosted ‘Club Shay Shay‘ caused a firestorm of controversy for how explicitly she detailed her gripes with some of Hollywood’s biggest players.

From D.L. Hughley and Kevin Hart to Tiffany Haddish, Al Sharpton, Tyler Perry, Oprah Winfrey, and more, the brazen comedienne didn’t spare much criticism and detail about her estranged relationship with the aforementioned.

Because her delivery on ‘Club’ was met with mixed reception, the Academy Award winner – who has fittingly joined Katt aboard his ‘Dark Matter Tour‘ – took time on stage recently to address the people who say she owes some of the celebrities she dissed an apology.

Hop inside to see how she responded to the request.

(more…)

Despite dividing two of Hip-Hop’s biggest fan bases (the #Barbz and #Hotties), the headline-grabbing beef between Megan Thee Stallion and Nicki Minaj did do something good as it underscored the commercial viability of female Rap.

Details inside.

(more…)

“Better late than never” as the age-old adage goes.

After serial delay, ‘Vultures 1‘ – the highly anticipated joint project from Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign – finally hit digital shelves on Saturday (February 10).

Featuring a who’s who of Hip-Hop stars including Lil Durk, Lil Baby, Future, Playboi Carti, Freddie Gibbs, and more, the 16-track effort housesthe previously released title track as well as the recently unveiled ‘Talking/Once Again.’ 

Reportedly one of a three-installment musical effort, ‘Vultures 1’ is West and $ign’s first duet album following a decade of notable song collaborations including “Ego Death” (2020), “Everything We Need” (2019), “Real Friends” (2016), and “Only One” (2014).

Stream the LP in full inside courtesy of Apple Music and Spotify.

(more…)

While fans of Mariah Carey, Cher, Mary J. Blige, and Sade are overjoyed at news their favorite divas are getting their overdue shot of joining Janet Jackson, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Madonna, and more in the hallowed Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, some supporters of music history’s biggest divas can’t exactly share their elation.

(more…)

‘Up‘ hitmaker Cardi B is getting a leg up on the competition by unveiling her highly anticipated NYX Professional Makeup commercial a day ahead of the big game on Sunday (February 11).

The third Super Bowl ad of her career, the union marks her first official beauty partnership.

Boasting a glossy, music video-inspired visual, the clip “aims to flip the script on male stereotypes” with a powerful cast of women led by the GRAMMY winner and offers a hilarious take on the lip product’s “plumping sensation.”

“NYX is a brand that I’ve used since high school and that’s why it’s so special to partner with them for this campaign,” Cardi shared in a press release. “NYX has always made the best, affordable products, and that’s why I still use them today.”

(more…)

A toast to the indelible marks made by some of music history’s biggest names came today via the unveiling of the latest class or Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominees.

(more…)

Ahead of what will undoubtedly be a soaring performance of ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing‘ at Super Bowl LVIII on Sunday (February 11), Andra Day can be heard lifting her voice in the new song ‘Probably.’

Coming as the follow-up to her recently released ‘Where Do We Go,’ the February 5-released tune serves as the latest taste of new music set to line ‘Cassandra‘ – the first album from the GRAMMY-winning singer-actress since 2015’s ‘Cheers to the Fall.’

“You probably tell the world that I hated you / But you know more than anyone, that’s from true / I loved you, oh, oh / Probably tell the world I didn’t believe in you / But you know more than anyone, I’m solid, boo,” she croons on the Caleb Morris-produced cut.

Hear it in full inside.

(more…)

Usher‘s new album, ‘Coming Home,’ has taken up residence at a familiar address: #1.

(more…)

Hinged on a prominent sample of Subway & 702‘s 1994 classic of the same name, ‘This Lil Game We Play’ – the latest from legendary producer-songwriter Jermaine Dupri – unites a trio of hitmakers to help him hit a musical homerun.

While power couple Nelly and Ashanti sing the tune’s verses and hook, Juicy J comes in with a set of hypnotic yet naughty bars to seal the deal.

“Boy, I really want to stay / So we can play this little game we play / Where you go hide, and I will seek / Let me be the one to make you weak,” the GRAMMY-winning songstress croons on the dancefloor-ready bop.

The first taste from Dupri’s upcoming compilation album following So So Def’s newly minted partnership with Create Music Group, hop inside to hear the new tune in full.

(more…)