She’s the scorching new edition to the Rap pack, rising to fame via the controversial yet well received number ‘PUY‘.

Now, one year after her explosive arrival on the scene, Iggy Azalea readies the release of her debut album ‘The New Classic’, set to launch later on this year.

So, ever eager to serve the content you love, That Grape Juice caught up with the MC days ago for an interview on music, fame, ‘Classic’ and… Azealia Banks.

Enjoy below…

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With the launch of ‘Ice Age 4: Continental Drift“, the release of her sophomore album and its grueling promo rounds and the ‘Pink Friday World Tour‘, it’s safe to say Nicki Minaj is one of Pop’s hardest working women.

So hardworking, last week saw her intense schedule take its toll when she was forced to cancel performances in the United Kingdom when it emerged her constant live singing had sent her dangerously close to losing her voice.

Now, in response to critics who mocked her decision to cancel on the aforementioned appearances, she has snapped back on social networking site Twitter.

Her comments below…

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Before she unleashes the cut tonight, fans of Mariah Carey will be pleased to know that the lyrics of ‘Triumphant (Get Em)’ have surfaced online- well.

Without further delay, get into the alleged preview- by way of ShowBiz 411 below…

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Looks like ‘Think Like a Man’ hitmaker Jennifer Hudson is looking to share her spotlight with another ‘American Idol‘ alum – Jordin Sparks.  For, while both divas are set to make a splash on big screens this year via ‘The Three Stooges’ and ‘Sparkle’ respectively, it seems the powerhouse vocalists are set to extend their acting resume by joining forces in the forthcoming, George Tillman-directed movie ‘The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete’.

The director, whose credits include ‘Soul Food:  The Movie‘ and ‘Notorious’, has assembled an all-star cast that also features the likes of Anthony Mackie and Jeffery Wright.

While no release date has been given for the film, word has it shooting begins this week!

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Your thoughts?

Everyone clowned Nick Cannon for claiming that American Idol would need to pay all the way up to secure the judging services of his wife Mariah Carey. Yet, a week removed from his comments, not only is the superstar songbird the new judge on Fox’s hit show, she’s made history in doing so.

Find out why after the jump…

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With four US #1 albums to his name, it is a little known fact Nas was yet to enjoy similar successes overseas in the UK.

Well, that was until now.

For, in what marks a monumental moment in the icon’s career, today saw him land his first UK Top Ten album.

Groundbreaking details below…

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In the space of three short weeks, singer Frank Ocean has been catapulted from an underground star on the rise to a relative house-hold name. And while the New Orleans native’s uncanny ability as a songwriter shouldn’t be downplayed, it would be almost criminal to not attribute much of that “hype” to his “coming out” letter.

The hottest of topics, it initially appeared that the Odd Future staple was to let the music do the talking. However, as reported yesterday, the 24 year old has opened up to the UK’s Guardian newspaper about his decision to talk about his sexuality, the mass reaction, his musical process and much more.

A morsel of the chat was previewed, however the full feature has since been released.

Tasteful. Inspiring. Intriguing. For these reasons and many more, the interview is a must-read. Check it out after the jump…

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Yesterday evening, Rap Royal Lil Kim found herself at the receiving end of harsh criticism from her fan base, Team Kim.

Criticism, which saw her stans brand her ‘selfish’ for placing men before her career in music yet again, when she and members of her team refused to answer questions regarding the release of new music they had been promised since last year.

This, after they threatened to shut down her official fan site when she put the release of a 2011 Holiday EP on hold to support Floyd Mayweather Jnr, who faced a prison sentence for allegedly assaulting the mother of his children- in front of their very eyes.

Now, after being cited as Kim’s latest distraction, her boyfriend ‘Mr Papers‘ has spoken out against the criticism.

His promise below…

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She may have impressed with fans with VH1’s ‘Brandy & Ray J: A Family Business’ last year, but ‘Moesha’ star Brandy Norwood has sworn off doing another Reality TV Show.

Speaking to Sister2Sister magazine she explained:

I don’t want to do reality shows.

I watch reality shows here and there, but I don’t think I work well on reality shows. I think I’m too boring for reality. It’s much more fun playing somebody else.

I don’t even argue like some of these women on TV.

I just watched ‘Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta,’ and I was like, ‘whoa.’ It’s not that you have to compete [with other shows], but if you look at things from a business standpoint, you want to get the kind of ratings that the ‘Basketball Wives’ are getting.

She went onto joke:

Why aren’t we getting those ratings? Your life is just too boring,” she joked. “People want to see drama. They want to see that. So, reality is not for me.

However, while she’s steering clear of Reality TV, Norwood has a number of projects lined up for the small and big screen.

Next year marks the release of ‘The Marriage Counselor‘, in which she stars in with Kim Kardashian and Vanessa Williams.

This, months after she reprises the role of Elisa on Lifetime’s ‘Drop Dead Diva’, and her seemingly permanent spot on ‘The Game‘.

Source.

Your thoughts?

In what marks the latest development in the label’s story, Universal Republic has welcomed two new VPs to their urban A&R department, Naim Ali Mcnair and Tab Nkhereanye.

Now responsible for scouting and developing the group’s urban acts, both men will report to its Senior VP Wendy Goldstein, responsible for signing The Roots.

Details below…

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Now that her feud with Nicki Minaj has been put to rest, Rap punchline Lil Kim has seen her brand come under fire from a number of directions in recent months.

Last month, she was billed as ‘a shadow of her former self’ by ‘212’ genius Azealia Banks and last Christmas, she found herself in hot water when a former ghostwriter exposed contracts between the pair.

This, confirming age old reports that she does not pen her own material.

Today, ‘My Neck/My Back’ MC Khia has launched an attack on the former star, mocking her alleged addiction to cosmetic surgery and her ‘ghostwritten’ material.

Remarks below…

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‘Put It Down’ diva Brandy is looking to put it down over multiple fronts in 2012.  Already rocking television’s ‘The Game’ and ‘Drop Dead Diva’ (guest-starring on upcoming episodes), Ms. Norwood is also readying fans for a summer takeover with her August-due album ‘TwoEleven’.

As if that’s not enough, B-rocka is still looking to rock big screens with her Tyler Perry-directed return ‘The Marriage Counselor’.

Even with a growing number of irons in the fire, Brandy took to BET.com to let fans know that the heat is only rising as she is still putting finishing touches on even more projects.  Find out what else Bran is looking to put down in the coming year below:

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