Afrobeats royal Yemi Alade has been making strides on a major scale.

Already a firm fixture within the genre thanks to hits as ‘Johnny’ and ‘Boyz,’ the singer’s star was amplified the more when she – along with other top Afro acts – appeared alongside Beyonce on her critically acclaimed album ‘The Lion King: The Gift.’

The global glow intensified this summer when the project was brought to life visually as part of Disney’s ‘Black Is King’ – which Alade appeared in with Queen Bey.

Praise flew in from most corners, with many hailing the movie for shining a much overdue spotlight Africa and the talent therein. A select few, however, weren’t as endorsing – questioning the Western’s world’s fascinating with the region.

For Alade, whose latest single ‘True Love’ is off to a turbo-charged start, only good can be taken from Beyonce’s seismic celebration of the Motherland.

Speaking with That Grape Juice‘s Samuel Eni, the singer said:

“We were treated as the royalty we are. You know how some people like to give us the “African treatment”…assuming “these ones, they are coming from the bush”? Well, that wasn’t the case here at all. 

It felt good. I feel like we were carefully chosen. Not just because we are African, but because we are doing exceptionally well. 

Being on these two songs (‘Don’t Jealous Me’ and ‘My Power’) was definitely a dream come true because I’ve always looked up to Beyonce.” 

When quizzed on the critique, Alade added:

“Look at this woman. Look at her family. Africans born and raised in America. We can check history to realise why they are there. I’m saying this because some people tend to forget or act like they don’t know. Those are the few people making the negative noise. Those who really know what this symbolises. It’s what our great-great-great grandfathers and grandmothers would be excited to see. That their children are returning to their roots. We should encourage African Americans (to know their origins the more).

I think for someone of Beyonce’s status to show the entire world and proclaim that she knows where she’s from and is African and it’s not a thing of shame…it’s a beautiful thing to behold. In my time, in my generation. So, to be part of such a movie is quite a legacy.”

Watch above, as Alade expands more on ‘Black Is King,’ her own forthcoming album, and much more.

Your thoughts?

Kanye West gave Kim Kardashian a virtual reunion with her late father, Robert Kardashian, for her 40th birthday.

Full story below:

(more…)

Lil Wayne is the latest name to endorse Donald Trump.

Full story below…

(more…)

On October 29, Alicia Keys – alongside TV stars Kerry Washington and America Ferrera – filled out an all-star roster of hosts for the CBS election special ‘Every Vote Counts: A Celebration of Democracy.’

While there, the diva teamed with fellow GRAMMY winner Brandi Carlile to surprise viewers with new song, ‘A Beautiful Noise.’

Officially released as a single by Keys’ label home, RCA Records, the empowering record is an all-female affair and lists eight women as songwriters:  Keys, Carlile, Brandy Clark, Linda Perry, Lori McKenna, Ruby Amanfu, Hailey Whitters, and Hillary Lindsey. Speaking on the new tune, which was designed to honor the 100-year anniversary of the women’s suffrage movement in advance of the 2020 election, Keys said:

“This song has that special energy that we really need to feel right now. Everyone has the power to make beautiful noise and to lift others up with their voice. And now more than ever, we need to let those voices be heard by voting. I’m so grateful to have joined my sister Brandi Carlile, a beautiful spirit, inspiring artist and incredible person, for this moment.”

Hear the powerful song inside:

(more…)

Nearly six months after first confirming her collaboration with ‘Say So’ rapper Doja Cat was coming (as we reported here), Ariana Grande‘s lifted the lid on the duet.

Titled ‘Motive,’ the funky track – which houses elements of 90’s House & Disco – is one of many highly anticipated gems that lines Ari’s sixth studio album, ‘Positions’ (click here to stream it).

“I can call bulls–t out from a mile away (Don’t say) / You want me if you can’t keep coming back for me / Right out to carve you if you just can’t talk straight (Just say) / Say what you mean ’cause you may get it,” Grande coos on the sizzling cut.

Filling out a guest list that features the likes of Ty Dolla $ign, The Weeknd, and more, look inside to hear Cat’s contribution to Ariana’s latest LP:

(more…)

It’s here!

Wizkid has finally unleashed his hotly anticipated album ‘Made In Lagos.’

First scheduled for release on October 15, the LP was delayed in respect of the #EndSARS protest in the star’s native country of Nigeria.

Boasting a global buzz of following collaborations with the likes of Beyonce and Drake, the certified Star Boy has recruited the likes of Burna Boy, Ella Mai, Damian Marley, Skepta, and RCA label-mate H.E.R. for this latest musical adventure.

Take a listen below…

(more…)

Texas natives DJ Chose and Megan Thee Stallion unite for the remix to the former’s burgeoning hit, ‘Thick.’

Having already earned growing buzz across the Web, ‘Thick’ serves as Chose’s (born Norman Payne) ode to derrières everywhere – a topic Stallion’s never been shy about putting her two cents in.

“What’s up, Texas? (H-Town)/ All our b*tches poppin’ (What’s up, Houston?) / I seen that OnlyFans, sh*t, what’s up, Tyga? (What’s up wit’ it?) / He goin’ stu-stu-stupid (Hey), eatin’ that p*ssy (Hey), ah, ah, chewin’  / He said, ‘Girl, you got that peach but I know that a** came straight from Houston’,” Meg spits on the bass buoyant track.

Will the remix be just what’s needed to help it make a dent on the Billboard Hot 100? Listen inside and tell us:

(more…)

Not even two months after thrilling fans with ‘Club Future Nostalgia’ – the deluxe edition of her latest top 10 album ‘Future Nostalgia’ – GRAMMY winner Dua Lipa has revealed another reissue of the project is in her future.

To kick off the next version, Lipa tapped Belgian pop star Angèle for its hot lead single, “Fever.”

Announced just last week, the bilingual combination sees two of Europe’s biggest female Pop acts take to the dancefloor on the EDM-driven cut.

“I’ve got a fever, so can you check? / Hand on my forehead, kiss my neck / And when you touch me, baby, I turn red / I’ve got a fever, so can you check?,” Dua croons on the tune’ s English verse.

With its official music video already filmed, look inside to get acquainted with the new song before its accompanying visual arrives.

(more…)

All hail the Queen!

After nabbing three back-to-back Platinum singles courtesy of work found aboard her self-titled debut EP, Queen Naija has finally lifted the lid on her official debut album, ‘missunderstood.’

The 18-track set, which boasts appearances from the likes of Jacquees, Kiana Lede, Lil Durk, Russ, Mulatto, Lucky Daye, and more, has already won rave reviews for its previously released cuts ‘Pack Lite,’ ‘Lie to Me,’ and ‘Bitter.’

Now, fans are invited to get a full taste of what she’s serving via those tunes’ parent album.

Hear it inside via Spotify and Apple Music.

(more…)

Less than two years after dominating the Billboard charts with her fifth studio effort, ‘thank u, next,’ Pop diva Ariana Grande has already moved on to the next with its successor, ‘positions.’

A surprise of sorts as its arrival was just announced two weeks ago, the era that accompanies the 14-track project was kicked off by its title track (which is pacing for a historic #1 debut on the Billboard Hot 100 next week).

Elsewhere on the LP, Ari shares song space with Doja Cat, Ty Dolla $ign, and even reconnects with her ‘Love Me Harder’ co-star The Weeknd,

What are you waiting for?  Hear the set in full inside:

(more…)

Nearly three years after topping the Billboard 200 with their sophomore album, ‘The Thrill of It All,’ singer-songwriter Sam Smith unleashes the set’s long-awaited follow-up, ‘Love Goes.’

Previously titled ‘To Die For,’ the new LP was kicked off by the blockbuster, 2019-released ‘Dancing with a Stranger’ (featuring Normani) before seeing its subsequent singles experience markedly less success on the Hot 100.

Although lacking the buzz of its predecessors, the 17-track ‘Love Goes’ – which features the likes of Burna Boy, Calvin Harris, Demi Lovato, and more – has already won acclaim from top industry critics and tastemakers, a feat the GRAMMY winner is undoubtedly hoping will be mirrored by record buyers.

Stream it inside to see how it stacks up to Smith’s first two albums:

(more…)

October 30 ends a six-year wait for Omarion fans who were looking for an official album from the former B2K frontman.

Formerly titled ‘Passport,’ the new project – rechristened ‘The Kinection’ – was kicked off by the T-Pain-assisted ‘Can U Hear Me’ in February and later followed by October-released singles ‘Involved’ and ‘Mutual’ (featuring Wale).

Now, the 12-song project (which comes as O’s inaugural independent effort) has arrived for your listening pleasure.

Hear it inside:

(more…)

**