Thanks to ‘Back of My Mind,’ R&B siren H.E.R. is at the front of the line of this week’s Billboard 200 new releases.

Released June 18, the long-awaited set comes as the singer’s official debut album following multiple critically acclaimed EPs (dating back to 2016).

Ushered into chart battle by her highest Hot 100 charting singles to date (the Chris Brown-assisted ‘Come Through,’ YG-assisted ‘Slide’ and ‘Damage’) as well as excitement generated by her highly publicized wins at this year’s GRAMMYs and Academy Awards, anticipation for the 21-track LP was also ramped by its impressive guest list which featured the likes of Chris Brown, DJ Khaled, Bryson Tiller, Ty Dolla $ign, Lil Baby, and more.

Look inside to see just how that buzz translated commercially.

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Britney Spears‘ younger sister Jamie Lynn Spears has broken her silence on the singer’s bombshell court testimony.

As reported, the Pop icon shared a harrowing account of her experience under conservatorship – a legal agreement that has governed her personal and professional life for thirteen years

Spears’ remarks shocked many, whose jaws were left ajar upon hearing her articulate that she has been “lying” about being happy. Instead, she stressed that she feels “depressed” and “cries every day” because of the conservatorship – which she describes as “abusive.”

Insisting that she is no one’s “slave,” she unpacked a version of events that alleged medical impropriety, unfathomable levels of control exerted over her, and a diminished relationship with her family (who she says she wants to sue).

Naturally, it’s placed an intense spotlight on said family – with those who haven’t spoken out being just as scrutinized as those who have.

After being swarmed on social media, Jamie Lynn has issued a statement.

Her words below…

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Congratulations are in order for Cardi B who shocked the world last night at the 2021 BET Awards with the news that she is pregnant with her second child.

Already mom to two-year-old daughter Kulture, the chart-topper seized the moment to celebrate her growing brood with a stunning pregnancy portrait.

More after the jump…

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With H.E.R‘s light shining luminously, it’s fitting that the star has announced the return of her very own ‘Lights On Festival.’

Launched in 2019, the annual extravaganza spotlights the vitality of R&B and the many talents carrying its torch forward.

After a brief rest on the bench last year due to the global health crisis, the event has been expanded into a two-day special for its comeback at Concord Pavilion (in Concord, CA).

Head below to find out who’ll be playing across September 18-19…

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Lil Nas X has hit back at those slamming his raunchy performance at the BET Awards 2021. 

The Pop provocateur wowed with an Egyptian-themed showing of his #1 hit ‘Montero (Call Me By Your Name),’ which climaxed with a passionate kiss with one of his male dancers.

Since achieving breakout success with ‘Old Town Road,’ the 22-year-old has been open about his queerness and consistently championed the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.

And it’s clear that’s a trajectory that will continue.

See what we mean below…

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Jazmine Sullivan took vocal flight at the 2021 Essence Festival of Culture.

Soaring to soulful heights, the singer wowed with rousing renditions of hits from her BET Award-winning EP ‘Heaux Tales’ – such as ‘Pick Up Your Feelings’ and ‘Lost One.’

Delving into her critically acclaimed catalog, Sullivan also delivered stunning performances of gems like ‘Lions, Tigers, & Bears’ and ‘Bust Your Windows.’

The showing took place during the Evening Concert Series of the annual New Orleans extravaganza.

Watch Sullivan wow like only she can below…

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Willow Smith is getting candid.

The ‘Transparent Soul’ singer sat down with Billboard to talk her upcoming album ‘Lately I Feel Everything,’ being Black in Rock music, and why now was the perfect time for her to go into the Rock genre.

Lensed by Munachi Osegbu, peep pics and quotes from the interview below…

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Welcome to the latest TGJ Roundtable!

Over the years, That Grape Juice has established a distinguished voice that – whether loved or loathed – sparks discussion, debate, and on occasion drama!

Though comprised of seasoned writers who share a similar outlook on Urban Pop culture, the idiosyncrasies of the TGJ team members often lend for quite heated debates “behind the scenes” about the hottest topics.

Now, we give you a front-row seat to the show. In a format similar to ‘The View’ or ‘The Real’, TGJ editors – Sam, Rashad, Joe, and Ryan – get real in a very candid way.

Today’s roundtable topic asks each anchor their thoughts on the…

BET Awards 2021

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H.E.R. is standing up for herself.

The GRAMMY winner shut down an internet troll who claimed does not have any hit songs.

Full story below…

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Nicki Minaj is teasing fans.

For, the music superstar played an unreleased track called ‘Big Barbie’ on Instagram Live and teased a “major announcement” coming soon.

More details below…

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Dua Lipa won’t be hitting the road as planned.

More details below…

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Beyoncé may have made headlines earlier this year for becoming the most awarded singer in GRAMMY and NAACP Image Awards history (as we reported here), but – thanks to the 2021 BET Awards – the diva will have to make even more room in her trophy case.

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