While most acts avoid the holidays for new releases, Ed Sheeran is looking to melt the Christmas freeze with a surprise new single.

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Today, From The Vault salutes a classic from a premium R&B diva. Ashanti’s ‘Happy’ is this week’s pick.

Issued as the second single from her 2002 eponymous debut, ‘Happy’ was produced by Irv Gotti and Chink Santana, and written by the artist herself.

It was built around a sample of ‘Outstanding’ by The Gap Band.

After the 10-week stay at #1 of debut single ‘Foolish,’ the pressure was high for the then-newcomer to deliver a successful follow-up. And ‘Happy’ didn’t disappoint.

Peaking at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #6 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop in the US, it was also a Top 20 in Great Britain, reaching the 13th position on the Official UK Singles Charts.

The tune’s visual was also directed by Irv Gotti.

The belle can be seen jamming with her friend around the city, as they get ready for a block party honoring her and her recent success. Partner in crime Ja Rule also makes a cameo.

With ‘Shanti and Keyshia Cole ready to battle it out on #Verzuz, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on the ladies’ back catalogue.

One look is enough to see just how much Ms. Douglas ruled the early 00´s, with tracks that remain omnipresent. A testament to how pivotal Ashanti’s presence has been for the culture.

Your thoughts?

Ariana Grande is heading down the aisle.

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There hasn’t been a US president like Barack Obama. So, it’s little wonder why his popularity endures four years after he left office.

Continuing his trend of embracing pop culture, #44 has shared his list of Favorite Music of 2020.

He said:

“Here are some of my favorite songs of the year. As usual, I had some valuable consultation from our family music guru, Sasha, to put this together. I hope you find a new song or two to listen to.”

The assortment of tracks blend bops from the likes of Beyonce and Megan Thee Stallion, Dua Lipa, Bad Bunny, Wizkid, and J Hus, 

See what Obama has had on repeat after the jump…

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Pharrell Williams is praised for being one of the core architects of Justin Timberlake‘s early success.

For, the hitmaker helmed many hits on the singer’s debut solo album ‘Justified’ and has remained a constant collaborator of JT’s in the years after.

During a recent appearance on the Drink Champs podcast with Noreaga and DJ EFN, Williams reflected on his initial work with the former NYSNC star. Specifically, how Michael Jackson is connected to the music.

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Eminem sprung a surprise on fans this week with the arrival of ‘Music To Be Murdered By: Side B.’

The rapper’s eleventh LP serves as an expansion of the like-titled release, which arrived in January.

Comprised of 16 additional tracks, the set features appearances from Ty Dolla $ign, DJ Premier, Skylar Grey, Dr. Dre, and more.

With the surprise ‘Kamikaze’ back in 2018, it’s clear Slim Shady has a penchant for the unannounced.

How is said practice working for the MC this go round?

The first week sales predictions are in and bring the answer.

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Leona Lewis just announced a 2021 tour and is wasting no time showing the masses the treat they are in for when she makes her return to the stage in the New Year.

For the first time ever on film, the vocal supernova has unwrapped a live rendition of ‘Ave Maria.’

The intimate performance was filmed at the singer’s Los Angeles home and was directed by her husband Dennis Jauch.

Shared as “a special prayer after what has been a difficult year for all,” Lewis’ take on the classic is lifted from her 2013 Christmas album ‘Christmas, With Love’ – which also houses her original annual holiday hit ‘One More Sleep.’

Watch (and hear) the songbird take vocal flight like only she can after the jump…

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The Dua Lipa TV takeover continues!

Nearly three years after making her first appearance on ‘SNL,’ the GRAMMY-winning Pop darling returned Saturday (December 19) to deliver another stunning set of performances of songs found aboard her sophomore album, ‘Future Nostalgia.’

Look inside to see her rock the house with hits ‘Levitating’ and ‘Don’t Start Now.’

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‘Oh Santa!’ – originally released in 2010 and found aboard Mariah Carey‘s second holiday album ‘Merry Christmas II You’ – peaked at #100 on the Billboard Hot 100 in its prime.

Its revamp, which features fellow GRAMMY-winning songstresses Jennifer Hudson and Ariana Grande, came as the most highly touted portion of Carey’s top-rated Apple TV+ showing, “Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special,” as it ultimately put to rest rumors of feuding between the Pop icon and Grande.

The star-studded holiday event quickly proved itself a hit for its streaming network, topping its viewership tallies in over 100 countries (as we reported here).  ‘Santa,’ on the other hand, seemed poised to deliver similar results at first, but – as the refreshed Hot 100 reveals – didn’t quite hit the mark.

Find out why inside:

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Mulatto could soon be going by a different name.

The ‘Muwop’ rapper has received criticism for her name in the past and is now in the process of changing it. She recently sat down with The Shade Room, where she talked about the change and that she is not colorist and wants to make that clear.

Her words below…

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Tamar Braxton is speaking up and out about her suicide attempt.

And her words are piercing.

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Pop icon Christina Aguilera celebrated her 40th birthday yesterday and has been toasted by family, fans and famous friends alike.

One of the latter is famed Fresh designer Jean Paul Gaultier.

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