Ahead of the August 13 premiere of Aretha Franklin‘s long-awaited big screen biopic, ‘Respect,’ its leading star Jennifer Hudson left no promotional stone unturned in its support.

And while fans and critics alike have already given the film two thumbs up in the weeks since its arrival at theaters, Hudson shows no signs of slowing down on the promotional trail- an aggressive campaign many industry analysts are saying will guarantee the Academy Award winner another nod (this time in the Best Actress category).

Her latest jaunt comes courtesy of the hourlong concert at the historic Apollo theater sponsored by American Airlines and Mastercard (September 1).  Re-teaming with the latter after the ‘Striver’s Initiative’ in support of Black women-owned businesses, look inside to see J. Hud get to business by cranking out live renditions of some of Franklin’s greatest hits including ‘Amazing Grace,’ ‘Think,’ ‘Ain’t No Way,’ and more for Black women entrepreneurs and select Mastercard cardholders.

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As the heat around the backlash from DaBaby‘s homophobic remarks cools, the GRAMMY nominee is looking to redirect attention to his music by unveiling a series of freestyles over the instrumentals of some of today’s biggest Urban hits.

Having already laid bars over the beats of WizKid‘s ‘Essence’ and BIA‘s ‘Whole Lotta Money’ (as we reported here), DaBaby (born Jonathan Kirk) returned Thursday (September 2) with a take on MoneyBagg Yo‘s ‘Wockesha.’

“Sh*t, I was just warming up / Gettin’ ’em hot / So my second year in, I done figured it out,” he raps on the track. “You know ain’t no pressure on nothing / You do what you want when you poppin’.”

That’s not all he said. Hop inside to hear the song in full and watch its accompanying music video.

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Despite being on shelves for less than a full day, Drake‘s heavily teased, long-awaited sixth studio album – the September 3-released ‘Certified Lover Boy’ – is already a certified SMASH hit.

And though ‘CLB’ has already topped the real-time iTunes sales tallies of over 30 countries (including his native Canada and the United States), its true crowning glory comes from its unrivaled performance on streaming outlets like Apple Music and Spotify.

Details inside:

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Like clockwork; whenever Lil Nas X makes any post on any level of the ‘shock’ spectrum he can expect to be peddled with a brigade of critics who claim he’s gone too far.

Such was certainly the case earlier this week when he took to social media to announce the September 17 arrival of his long-awaited debut studio album, ‘Montero,’ by dressing in a costume that made him appear to look pregnant.

As expected, among the many detractors making headlines for disliking the photo was rapper Boosie Badazz.  Despite recently declaring he wasn’t homophobic because his tour manager is gay, the 38-year-old has made clear his stance on LNX’s antics over the past few months – even suggesting the GRAMMY winner is on a mission to influence children to engage in homosexual activity.

Look inside to see what the ‘Industry Baby’ performer had to say about Badazz’s latest critiques.

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Tinashe is keeping the promotion coming for her new album ‘333.’

And Genius’s Open Mic was her latest stop.

The eclectic songbird took center stage on the platform the project’s most resonating single ‘Bouncin”.

Showcasing her live gravitas, the performer delivered a dynamic rendition of the hard-hitting track.

The performance arrives ahead of the ‘333 Tour,’ which kicks off later this month.

Watch her in action after the jump…

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‘You Bring Me Joy’ is exactly what Anita Baker lovers will be singing once they get a load of the diva’s latest announcement.

As we reported here, fans of the Queen of Quiet Storm were royally let down when she took to Twitter in March to ask that everyone stop streaming her music as she fought her label for ownership of her music.  As the story made its rounds, even some of her industry peers – including Taylor Swift (who is fighting a similar battle) – chimed in with shows of support.

Fast forward six months later, Baker, after some behind the scenes negotiations and legal proceedings, has not only taken to social media to report she is the owner of her prized catalog but that she may be set to add some new titles to her discography.

More inside:

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Drake may be on track to deliver the year’s highest sales to date with his freshly unwrapped album ‘Certified Lover Boy,’ but the chart-topper isn’t resting on his laurels.

Because the Canadian chart titan has unwrapped the video for ‘Way 2 Sexy.’

The Future and Young Thug assisted track notably samples Right Said Fred‘s 1991 classic ‘I’m Too Sexy’ and has immediately become a firm favorite amongst his legion of fans.

Dave Meyers takes the directorial helm of the visual, which sees Drizzy take on the role on of a number of characters.

What are you waiting for? Watch the video below…

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The community congregated en masse this past weekend at the third annual Angela Yee Day, hosted in Brooklyn, New York.

Many artists took to the stage and local vendors were present as Brooklyn attended in person, after last year’s virtual event due to the global health crisis.

And giving back was the goal of the day.

Yee, who – along with her co-stars on ‘The Breakfast Club’ – serves as a cornerstone of the culture, cultivated a day that resonated in earnest.

For, the event celebrates her Caribbean and Brooklyn roots while supporting local businesses by way of providing information and access to financial literacy, education, and more. All while entertaining.

The outdoor extravaganza (which was presented by iHeartMedia) fused music, food, and live performances from the likes of Adrian Marcel, Noah Powa, HoodCelebrityy, Romain Virgo,  Erick the Architect, and Alison Hinds.

Head below for clips, as well our exclusive chat with Yee, as well as Marcel and Powa…

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Congratulations are in order for Little Mix and Anne-Marie.

Because the ladies have strut into the top 10 of the Official UK Singles Chart with their collaboration, ‘Kiss My (Uh Oh).’

Full story below…

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Queen Bey has the masses buzzing.

Because, according to a new report, Beyonce is gearing up to release a brand new song for ‘King Richard’ – Warner Bros’ biopic about Richard Wiliams – the father of tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams. 

Full story below…

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JLS are back!

The Brit-Pop ensemble are pairing their upcoming arena tour with brand new music.

For, moments ago, the quad – comprised of Aston Merrygold, JB Gill, Marvin Humes, and Oritse Williams – announced their fifth studio album ‘2.0’ and wasted no time serving up the first taste of the LP.

Because alongside news of the project, the group premiered its lead single ‘Eternal Love.’

Full story below…

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The wait for Little Mix‘s new single – ‘Love (Sweet Love)’ – is finally over.

For, the girls have just shared the track and the video along with it.

In the clip, Little Mix appears ethereal, dressed in beige outfits, while rocking crowns to appear as though they are goddesses.

Perrie, Leigh-Anne, and Jade first announced the single at the very end of last month, before they shared a preview of the R&B-meets-pop track yesterday (as we reported here).

The song arrives ahead of their greatest hits album – entitled ‘Between Us’ – which is set to hit shelves November 12.

In the meantime, watch their stunning video for ‘Love (Sweet Love)’ below…

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