After much ado, the VERZUZ battle between Ashanti and Keyshia Cole has a new date.

And organizers say it’s sticking come ‘rain, sleet, hail, or snow.’

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‘Heaux Tales’ – the latest entry in the discographic story of prized R&B songstress Jazmine Sullivan – arrived January 8, coming as her first body of work released since 2015’s ‘Reality Show.’

Housing the critically acclaimed cuts ‘Pick Up Your Feelings,’ ‘Lost One,’ ‘Girl Like Me’ (featuring GRAMMY-winning singer H.E.R.), and more, the 14-track conceptual project pounced to the top of multiple real-time sales tallies despite minimal promotion (as we reported here).

Now at the midway point of its inaugural sales week, industry analysts have lifted the lid on their official prediction of how those sales (alongside streaming figures) will tally by the end of that tracking period. And, if the data is to be believed, fans apparently couldn’t wait to get their hands on new music from the diva!

See the numbers inside:

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It’s true:  ‘Hips Don’t Lie’ hitmaker Shakira has sold 100% of her music publishing rights – a treasure chest comprising 145 songs including global hits ‘Hips,’ ‘Whenever, Wherever,’ ‘Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),’ ‘She Wolf,’ and more.

Details inside:

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Nearly 20 years after the release of her debut single, Jhené Aiko – the self-proclaimed ‘P*$$Y Fairy’ – is being granted long overdue industry acclaim.

After ending 2020 as the year’s best-selling female R&B release, ongoing success at the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) suggests Aiko’s third album – ‘Chilombo’ – is set to keep the wins rolling in 2021.

See what we mean inside:

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New SZA could be on the way very soon.

For, the songstress revealed on Twitter that her most recent single – ‘Good Days’ – has inspired her to finish her sophomore album.

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‘The Haves and the Have Nots’ is coming to an end, it has been announced.

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As Oscar buzz goes, few films have critics raving as much as ‘Judas And The Black Messiah.’

And, having been privy to an early screening of the movie ourselves, That Grape Juice is more than understanding of why.

Anchored by Daniel Kaluuya in the lead role, the gripping drama tells the life story of civil rights leader and Black Panther Party chairman Fred Hampton – 50 years after his assassination.

Following a release shuffle caused by the current global health crisis, the Shaka King production will hit theaters on February 12 and simultaneously stream on HBO Max for 31 days from then.

Aptly timed, given the burning spotlight on racial injustice, ‘Judas and the Black Messiah,’ features a star-studded cast toplined by the likes of Academy Award-nominee Kaluuya (as Hampton), Lakeith Stanfield (as his ‘Judas’ William O’Neal), Ashton Sanders, Algee Smith, Martin Sheen, and more.

Ryan Coogler (director of Marvel’s ‘Black Panther’) and Charles King serve as producers.

Ahead of its release, check out the freshly unleashed extended trailer below…

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Lana Del Ray is not holding back.

The ‘Let Me Love You Like A Woman’ songstress appeared on BBC Radio 1 to promote her new album, ‘Chemtrails Over The Country Club.’ While there she did not shy away from the recent capitol riots in the US and said that “the madness of Trump needed to happen” for America to change.

Her words below…

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Ciara kicks off her 2021 a’front of SELF Magazine.

Beyond styling, smizing, and stunning in the Travis Matthews lensed shoot, CiCi opened up in earnest about her current life within her accompanying feature.

Indeed, she dished on being pregnant with son Win during the pandemic and what giving birth was like under lockdown conditions.

She also spilled on how she keeps her relationship with Russell Wilson healthy and mutually fulfilling.

Head below for pics and quotes…

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Megan Thee Stallion‘s career could have looked very different.

For, the ‘Body’ rapper’s audition tape for ‘Love & Hip Hop’ has been released by VH1.

More details below…

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While the world felt the devastation of Chadwick Boseman‘s death last August, the grief struck more personal for his wife Simone Ledward. 

During his time in the spotlight, the late ‘Black Panther’ star guarded his private life with vigour.

It did emerge shortly before his passing, however, that he and Ledward – who had been dating for many years – tied the knot in 2019.

Still, said privacy continued following Boseman death – which was the result of a four-year battle with colon cancer that the actor kept under wraps from most.

Ledward broke her silence last night at the Gotham Awards, where she gave salute to her husband while accepting the Tribute Award in his memory.

Watch below…

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Concerns are rising for rapper Azealia Banks.

For, in a shocking move, she has dug up her dead cat, cooked it, with presumed intent to eat the creature.

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