After a unique ascend, H.E.R. finally unwrapped her debut album ‘Back of My Mind’ this week.

The 21-track LP was preceded by the singer’s years on the live circuit and steady building an audience by way of critically acclaimed EPs and single releases.

The unorthodox approach has been proven fruitful for the songbird – who has nabbed multiple GRAMMYs, a Golden Globe, and an Oscar.

With her first full-length body of work here, many are anticipating how/if her preceding success will help the album fare.

Well, wonder no more because the first-week forecast is here.

Join us after the jump…

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The Culture’s Biggest Night, the BET Awards, returns for its 2021 ceremony this Sunday.

And alongside its honoring of many movers and shakers will be a seismic salute to the late, great DMX.

Full story below…

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New music from Ne-Yo is on the way!

For, the ‘So Sick’ singer has just revealed that he is eyeing a fall release for his upcoming album.

More details below…

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Check out Jazmine Sullivan, who covers the July/August issue of Essence Magazine. 

The soul-filled songbird has seen her star soar to higher heights with the release of her critically acclaimed EP ‘Heaux Tales’ – home of the Gold-certified ‘Pick Up Your Feelings.’

Sullivan’s recent success comes after a lengthy spell out of the spotlight.

Speaking with Issa Rae (who interviewed her for the publication), she opened up about her personal journey (including tearful therapy sessions), new music, and a whole lot more.

Peep pics and quotes below…

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J. Cole is hitting the road!

Fresh from topping the charts with his sixth studio album ‘The Off-Season,’ the MC has announced his like-titled trek.

Full story below…

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Chrissy Teigen is speaking out.

The entrepreneur has finally spoken out on camera amid her cyberbullying scandal.

Full story below…

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Years & Years has reimagined Lady Gaga‘s ‘The Edge Of Glory’ by taking it to the club for its cover of the song.

The group takes Gaga’s Pop-rock tune and turns it into an Electropop anthem.

The song arrives as Gaga’s landmark ‘Born This Way’ album celebrated its 10th anniversary in May. To mark the special occasion, Gaga has announced that she will be reissuing the album with features from prominent LGBTQ+ artists (as we reported here).

Previously, Kylie Minogue covered ‘Marry The Night’ and Big Freeda remixed ‘Judas.’

Now, you can listen to Years & Years cover ‘The Edge Of Glory’ below…

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Billie Eilish has found herself in some hot water.

For, a video surfaced appearing to show her mouthing a racist slur and she has now released an apology over the incident.

Full story below…

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Having just nabbed her first top 10 hit on the Gospel charts four months ago thanks to her collaboration with fellow GRAMMY winner Tasha Cobbs Leonard, singer-songwriter Ciara is no stranger to the format.

And if the response from her beloved fan base (affectionately called #CSquad) is any indication, she may be set for another run in the genre’s top 10 thanks to her feature on Maverick City Music‘s latest effort, ‘Jubilee: Juneteenth Edition’ (released June 18).

A revamp of their February 2021-released ‘Jubilee’ EP, the new edition sees the award-winning Contemporary Worship group call on a star-studded list of contributors that includes the likes of Tamar Braxton, Lecrae, Israel Houghton, Jekalyn Carr, and more to fill out its 19-song tracklist.

Cici joins Haroldd and Rapsody on the housed cut, ‘On and On.’  Hear it inside:

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Trick Daddy may “love the kids,” but audio recently extracted from Clubhouse suggests there are at least two people who get no love from the 2000’s hit rapper:  music “it” couple JAY-Z and Beyonce.

See what we mean inside:

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‘F9’ – the ninth installment of the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise – doesn’t race into theaters until June 25, but its star Vin Diesel is already preparing fans for its follow-up, ‘F10.’

And if that news isn’t enough to rev up fans, he’s confirmed ‘WAP’ performer Cardi B made such a splash in the new ‘Furious’ flick that they’ve already penciled her into the next one.

Details inside:

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All signs point toward Megan Thee Stallion securing yet another top 20 hit courtesy of her latest single ‘Thot Sh*t.’

The Lil Ju-produced cut dropped jaws and knees when its accompanying Aube Perrie-directed music video dropped chock-full of imagery Stallion asserts challenges chauvinism and misogyny women receive on all levels – from their peers to politicians.

As discussion around the clip and its graphic content rages on, Meg’s lifted the lid on a director’s cut of the visual.  Giving her beloved fans (affectionately called #Hotties) a glimpse on the other side of the lens, look inside to see the behind the scenes action.

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