Music distribution company EMPIRE called on some of modern R&B’s most beloved figures to come together for a compilation effort, ‘Voices for Change, Vol. 1.’

A concept project designed to shine light on racial injustice, the timely LP is a 21-track affair that features contributions from the likes of D Smoke, PJ Morton, Sammie, Rotimi, Lloyd, Trevor Jackson, and many more.

Look inside to listen:

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Since unveiling the official 2020 nominations Tuesday (September 22), the Billboard Music Awards have been under fire for snubbing what many believe are the year’s biggest acts.

The criticism comes as the awards ceremony – which was initially scheduled for April – is set to air October 14 yet honor music acts based on the original chart period of award eligibility (March 23, 2019 through March 14, 2020).

Despite announcing the caveat, the organizers are still battling backlash from some of music’s most active fan bases – namely those of Megan Thee Stallion and Doja Cat.

Details inside:

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This week marked 15 years since the premiere of ‘Everybody Hates Chris,’ the beloved American sitcom based on the teenage years of comedian Chris Rock.

Debuted September 22, 2005, the EMMY and Golden Globe-nominated series – which aired 4 seasons across 2005-2009 – starred Tyler James Williams (“Chris”) as well as Tichina Arnold and Terry Crews as his parents “Rochelle” and “Julius.”

Taking to Twitter to celebrate the milestone anniversary, Williams celebrated the show that kickstarted his career and dished on the possibility of a reboot.

See what he said inside:

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Three weeks ago, SZA sprung a surprise on fans with the unannounced release of new song ‘Hit Different’ – the kick off from her long-awaited sophomore album.

Featuring Ty Dolla $ign, the slow-burning tune boasts production from The Neptunes and saw its arrival accompanied with its official music video (directed by GRAMMY-nominated songstress herself).

Greeted with fanfare, ‘Hit’ – as we reported here – seemed to be an out-of-the-box hit as it scored SZA her highest Hot 100 premiere (as a lead act) ever.  Yet, its time in the tally’s top 40 was short-lived as peruse of the refreshed chart shows the cut has made a nearly 50-spot drop from its #29 debut.

See where it landed on this week’s hit list:

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For many, Rick James was a GRAMMY-winning singer-songwriter whose timeless hits ‘Fire & Desire,’ ‘Mary Jane,’ ‘Super Freak,’ and others are some of the greatest pieces the genre’s ever produced.

For others, the late R&B icon’s talent and discography – despite selling millions of records and earning GOLD and Platinum plaques along the way – remains relatively unsung among his legendary peers, a predicament a forthcoming biographical project looks to remedy.

Details inside:

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Hot on the promo run for new album ‘ALICIA,’ Alicia Keys has unwrapped a new video for single ‘Love Looks Better.’

In the visual, the 15-time Grammy winner takes to the city streets with her piano, and brings ‘love’ to the city’s people while honouring the Black Lives Matter movement.

Watch below…

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At writing, Justin Bieber‘s new song – ‘Holy’ – sits in the top 10 of iTunes U.S. real-time sales chart where it has been a mainstay since its September 18 release.

The kick off to new era (which will accompany his yet-titled sixth studio album), the Chance the Rapper-assisted ‘Holy’ saw its arrival trumpeted by a Colin Tilley-directed music video which featured the likes of TV stars Wilmer Valderrama and Ryan Destiny.

Ahead of its Billboard Hot 100 premiere next week, Bieber’s padding his streaming figures with multiple versions of the video and now a behind the scenes look at its creation.

Curious to see just how all the magic came to life? Look inside:

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It’s been over 6 months since officers from the Louisville Police Department shot to death African American EMT worker and aspiring nurse Breonna Taylor in her Kentucky home after breaking down the door to her apartment in execution of a late-night, “no-knock” warrant.

Inciting a firestorm of controversy in the wake of the incident, the department did eventually terminate Brett Hankison and banned “no-knock” warrants but the state justice system at large failed to bring said policeman on charges (click here to read more).

That fate was changed when a grand jury presented its official report and their findings were announced Wednesday (September 23).

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Ciara has teamed with Weight Watchers for her post birth snapback.

Full story below…

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Mariah Carey will be inviting the masses to learn her unfiltered story on September 29, when she releases her long-awaited memoir.

Christened ‘The Meaning Of Mariah Carey,’ the book sees Mimi share the rawest take on her personal and professional narrative yet.

Ahead of its release, the diva supreme sat down with Oprah Winfrey to discuss her story and what readers can expect.

Set to premiere on Apple TV+ tomorrow (September 24) a preview has been released and sees Carey lift the lid on feeling “captive in that relationship,” as well as being taken into the back of a police car. She also notably is seen saying “I wouldn’t have gone here if I wasn’t treated like an ATM machine with a wig on.”

Peep the powerful teaser…

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Zayn is back and ‘Better.’

Full story below…

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Normani has new music a’coming.

And she’s teamed with one of music’s most notable hitmakers to assist her cause.

Details below…

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