Nas is back with new music and he has brought along some famous friends.

Nearly a year after releasing his ‘King’s Disease’ album, he has returned with the sequel, ‘King’s Disease II.’

Executive produced by Hit-Boy, the 15-track set includes appearances from Eminem and Lauryn Hill.

Other features include: Charlie Wilson, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, and YG.

The original incarnation of ‘King’s Disease’ debuted at #5 last year on the Billboard 200 chart and featured an the biggest names in the game. It went on to earn the GRAMMY Award for Best Rap Album.

Stream ‘King’s Disease II’ via Apple Music and Spotify below…

(more…)

The 2014 hit, ‘Bang Bang,’ may be the highest RIAA-certified song of Jessie J, Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj‘s respective careers (as we reported here), but – despite the song’s massive success – there appears to be a bit of confusion about its origin story.

In celebration of its 7th anniversary last week (July 28), J took to ‘Glamour’ magazine to dish on the tune’s history – namely how she connected with Grande and Minaj in the first place.  While the tale seemed harmless to some, Nicki has taken umbrage with the description of how her sizzling Rap verse was added to the mix.

See what she said inside:

(more…)

Nearly 2 years after earning critical acclaim aplenty for her fourth studio album, ‘Songs for You,’ Urban Pop stageblazer Tinashe is ready to garner the same for its highly anticipated follow-up, ‘333.’

Officially announced just two weeks ago, the set – her second LP to be released independently via her Tinashe Music Inc. (TMI) imprint – is being led to chart battle on the wings of its official and buzz singles ‘Bouncin,’ ‘Pasadena,’ and ‘I Can See the Future.’

Now, a month ahead of the launch of its supporting Stateside tour (click here for dates), the 16-song ‘333’ is available for a full listen.

Hear it inside courtesy of Apple Music and Spotify.

(more…)

Via a surprise announcement Monday (August 2), The Weeknd probably took the breath of some of his hardcore fans when he announced his new single – ‘Take My Breath’ – would arrive Friday (August 6).

Teased via an Olympics ad for the Team USA Women’s Track & Field team (as we reported here), the singer (born Abel Tesfaye) preceded the promo spot with a cryptic Twitter post asserting “The Dawn Is Coming” – a trailer of sorts that immediately led fans to believe ‘Breath’ would act as the first single to Tesfaye’s forthcoming, yet-titled fifth studio album.

After ample teasing, the synth-heavy groove has landed on streaming outlets for your listening pleasure.

*Epilepsy Warning:  Video Contains “Intense Strobe Lighting”*

(more…)

The reincarnation of Blackground Records is undoubtedly the talk of the day.

Label CEO Barry Hankerson has sent fans of Toni Braxton and Aaliyah into a frenzy with reports he’s unlocking long-vaulted albums of the divas’ – including ‘Libra’ and ‘Aaliyah: the Album’ respectively – to streaming outlets (as we posted here).

Among the most prized offerings of the imprint are the first two LPs of GRAMMY-nominated songbird JoJo, a 2004-released self-titled effort and 2006’s ‘The High Road.’  Those same projects were at the center of a decade-long battle between the songstress and the label that controversially ended with her being freed from her binding contract and later re-recording the jaunts.

Because of her complicated past with Hankerson and co., Jo made it clear she isn’t necessarily among those who are celebrating the wave of Blackground music finally making an appearance on digital platforms.

(more…)

Amid excitement about Aaliyah‘s long-vaulted music catalog finally coming to streaming services later this month (as we reported here), Blackground Records CEO Barry Hankerson has put the cherry on top by revealing longtime fans of the late diva can also expect “new” music to be added to her prized discography.

What’s more, some of Urban music’s biggest names have reportedly signed on to the project.

(more…)

Toni Braxton‘s critically acclaimed album ‘Libra’ will finally be strutting its way onto streaming services – sixteen years after its release.

Full story below…

(more…)

With just a week separating fans of Aretha Franklin from the August 13 premiere of her big screen biopic, ‘Respect’ (click here to watch the trailer), the film’s star – Academy & GRAMMY Award-winning songstress Jennifer Hudson – is pounding the promo pavement something serious in its support.

Tackling screen, print, Web, and radio, the ‘Spotlight’ singer is leaving few stones unturned as she shines a spotlight on the life and times of one of music history’s most celebrated figures.

And while the bulk of her interview topics have ranged from personal memories with the Queen of Soul to tackling Franklin’s legendary songs, Hudson’s also made headlines for her comments on unrelated, yet equally sizzling topics.

Case in point? ‘VERZUZ.’

(more…)

After ample teasing and controversy, Aaliyah‘s music is finally heading to streaming services.

Full story below…

(more…)

Tyler, The Creator is hitting the road.

The acclaimed rapper is officially setting off on his ‘Call Me If You Get Lost’ tour and is will be bringing along some special guests.

More details below…

(more…)

Billie Eilish is pounding the promotional pavement in support of her sophomore album ‘Happier Than Ever.’

The singer’s latest stop was BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge.

Joined by brother and creative companion Finneas, the star shone with luminous performances of ‘NDA,’ I Didn’t Change My Number,’ ‘Getting Older,’ and ‘I’m In The Mood For Love.’

The showing comes as she eyes a #1 debut on the Official UK Album Chart and the US’ Billboard 200 with her LP.

In the here and now, check out her performances below…

(more…)

All roads lead to November 19 for Taylor Swift, who will be unwrapping the re-recorded version of her album ‘Red’ on said date.

Aptly titled ‘Red (Taylor’s Version),’ ample excitement surrounds the set which follows the release of ‘Fearless (Taylor’s Version).’

That LP topped the charts upon its arrival in April.

Both form part of a broad re-release drive by the Pop titan, who has embarked on the empowering venture after her original master recordings were sold without her involvement.

Ever creative, Swift is whetting appetites by way of a mysterious ‘Red’ teaser video that encourages viewers to uncover which new (From The Vault) tracks will feature on the project, as well as collaborators.

Check it out below…

(more…)

**