If nothing else, Timbaland is consistent.

The multi-Platinum hitmaker – one-half of the masterminds behind the Web sensation #VERZUZ alongside fellow producer extraordinaire Swizz Beatz – has never made a secret of his desire for Queen of Quiet Storm Anita Baker to be a guest on the viral platform.

Just five months ago, the 48-year-old took to Instagram to call for Baker to battle her fellow GRAMMY-winning R&B legend Sade – a post that drew thousands of “likes” and similar calls from his followers.

Fast forward to January 2021 (as both divas celebrated birthdays this month), Timbo took to press to reiterate his wish to have the ladies showcase their respective timeless catalogs on #VERZUZ.

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Merely hours after introducing her charity single, ‘American Mood,’ powerhouse vocalist JoJo has unveiled the tune’s official music video.

Tapping famed video director Alfredo Flores to helm its visual, the socially charged number houses heartfelt lyrics that address economic disparities in America.

Speaking on the D’Mile-produced tune, the GRAMMY winner said:

“My friends and I wrote this song a few years ago, and it continues to apply to the moment. I didn’t want my heart to be misconstrued so I held it close to my chest until now,” she revealed. “This song doesn’t offer any solutions, instead a humble reflection inspired by the moment.”

Dedicated to all the kids “without a silver spoon,” look inside to see the latest video from JoJo:

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Nearly a year after the release of her third and best-selling album to date, ‘Chilombo,’ the promo grind continues for Jhené Aiko in support of the Platinum project – the first of her career to earn such certification (as we reported here).

The LP already boasts watching five of its official singles certified Gold or higher and, from the looks of things, Aiko’s is looking for it latest release – ‘Born Tired’ – to follow suit.

In addition to the tune’s Hawaii-filmed music video, the past month has seen the GRAMMY nominee build public awareness of the Fisticuffs-produced tune by giving it the spotlight treatment on her NPR ‘Tiny Desk Concert,’ her ‘Living at Home Mini-Concert,’ and more (click here to watch both).

Thursday night (January 28), she took to ‘The Late Late Show with James Corden’ to give viewers yet another taste of the song live.  See the action inside:

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Mulatto has garnered criticism for her name – and the racial connotations that are associated with it – before announcing she would change it (as we reported here).

In a new interview with Hot Freestyle, the ‘Spend It’ rapper opened up about her decision.

Her words below…

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When the 2021 GRAMMY nominations were announced for the upcoming ceremony, The Weeknd caused quite the stir when he and his album ‘After Hours’ were notably absent from the list.

Now, he opened up to Billboard about his lack of nominations and the fall out that occurred between him and the GRAMMYs after.

His words below…

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T.I. and Tiny have hit back at shocking claims that they operated a sex trafficking operation that included women and minors.

Full story below…

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Justin Timberlake is hot on the promotional trail for new movie ‘Palmer,’ which premiered today on Apple TV+.

In the film, the GRAMMY winner plays an ex-convict who establishes an unlikely friendship with a young boy who is bullied for playing with dolls and dressing up like a princess.

During an interview with GLAAD, JT seized the moment to express how the movie’s narrative reminded him of how proud he is to stand in unison with marginalized voices.

Full story below…

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Bow Wow is the latest notable name to hop aboard OnlyFans.

Full story below…

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Ashanti continues to bask in the afterglow of her #VERZUZ showdown with Keyshia Cole. 

Currently on the promotional trail for new single ‘2:35,’ the R&B veteran’s latest stop was The Breakfast Club on Power 105.1.

Chopping it up with Charlamagne, DJ Envy, and Angela Yee, the singer waxed on her celebratory clash with Cole, her romantic life, signing new music deals, a possible documentary about her career, and much more.

An awesome interview awaits after the jump…

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JoJo is has returned with new music.

For, the singer has just released her latest song, ‘American Mood.’ The track is a sonic departure for the Pop star. ‘Mood’ incorporates folk and country elements, as she addresses immaturity and privilege in America.

American mood / to all the kids without a silver spoon / You deserve much more this one’s for you.

JoJo first announced the song on social media January 26 and proceeds from the song will go to the “I Have a Dream” Foundation to support young people from low-income communities.

Listen to JoJo’s latest offering below…

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After months of buzz, ‘Wendy Williams: The Movie’ premieres this weekend on Lifetime.

The action-packed biopic sees Ciera Payton transform into the shock jock-turned-daytime talk show host and no stone is left unturned.

Directed by Darren Grant, the television movie chronicles the 56-year-old’s publicized highs and lows. From her divorce drama with Kevin Hunter, miscarriages, family life, and more.

As if that wasn’t enough, the flick will also be accompanied by a feature-length documentary titled ‘The Wendy Williams Story…What a Mess!’ 

Ahead of Lifetime’s Wendy Williams weekend, That Grape Juice‘s Chet caught up with Payton to discuss what it was like playing the media maven.

Watch above and be sure to let us know what you think.

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‘Wendy Williams: The Movie’ premieres Saturday, January 30 at 8pm ET/PT.
Documentary ‘The Wendy Williams Story: What A Mess!’ follows at 10pm ET/PT.

Your thoughts?

Cicely Tyson, the pioneering Academy, EMMY, and TONY-award winning actress who helped break Hollywood’s color barriers on film and television over her nearly 70-year career, passed away Thursday (January 28) at 96-years-old – just two days after the release of her memoir, ‘Just As I Am.’

The report of her passing from her manager, Larry Thompson, did not include information about the cause of death.

Easily one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actresses during her lifetime, news of the screen Queen’s life transition only saw that celebration amplified as fans, admirers, industry insiders, and fellow entertainers took to social media in droves to remember the icon.

Relating to the latter, look below to see what the likes of Mary J. Blige, Kerry Washington, Tyler Perry, Beyoncé, Angela Bassett, Mariah Carey, Barack & Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, & more had to say:

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