50 Cent is backtracking.

A mere few days after supporting Donald Trump (as we reported here), the ‘In Da Club’ rapper is now distancing himself from the President.

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Harry Styles continues to bring the summer vibes.

The former One Direction singer premiered the video for his latest single, ‘Golden,’ and it’s as warm as a summer’s day.

Produced by Tyler Johnson and Kid Harpoon, the infectious jam is the fifth single from Styles’ sophomore album, ‘Fine Line.’ 

While the track follows the previously released songs ‘Lights Up,’ ‘Adore You,’ ‘Falling,’ and ‘Watermelon Sugar,’ it appears as though he saved the best for last.

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Dua Lipa is making a beeline for the American Music Awards stage!

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Ariana Grande‘s latest song ‘Positions’ is off to a strong start in the UK.

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It’s that time of year again!

November 22 brings with it the 2020 American Music Awards live on ABC.

As ever, all eyes are on the nominees for the latest instalment of the annual extravaganza, which will boldly air as planned from LA’s Microsoft Theater.

And folk need not wonder anymore, because the full list has just been unveiled.

The Weeknd and Roddy Ricch lead with 8 noms each, while Megan Thee Stallion (who is a first time nominee) reigns as the most honored female with 5 noms.

With Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny and first-time nominees DaBaby and Doja Cat nabbing four nominations each, find out who else scooped nods below…

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Little Mix are tasting sweet success with their new single ‘Sweet Melody.’

A bop of epic proportions, the flavorsome anthem has received a rapturous round of applause from fans and critics alike.

Indeed, despite serving as the third single from incoming album ‘Confetti,’ it’s easily off to the best start.

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Taylor Swift has a lot to celebrate this week.

The Pop singer’s latest effort, ‘Folklore,’ claims its eighth nonconsecutive week at #1 on the Billboard 200 and reaches an impressive milestone along the way.

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Chloe x Halle continue to pour potent performances online.

The latest sees the singing sisters raise the roof with a rousing showing of ‘Lift Every Voice.’

Aptly rocking ensembles that featured notable Afro-American figures such as Breonna Taylor and Janet Jackson, the song choice was notable.

For, it was penned by the NAACP leader James Weldon Johnson and his brother John Rosamond Johnson and is widely considered to be the “Black American National Anthem.”

Watch the Parkwood pair soar after the jump…

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Mike Tyson is renown for throwing physical punches, but he’s serving verbal TKO’s too.

The legendary boxer took a break from training for a comeback to launch podcast Hotboxin’ With Mike Tyson.

His latest guest was controversial rapper, Boosie Badazz; a name synonymous with making shocking and offensive remarks about homosexuality and people of Trans experience.

Clearly fed up with the MC’s comments, Tyson seized the moment to square up to him and check him.

See what we mean below…

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Today, we’re journeying back to the early 00s, with one of its reigning queens.

This week’s From The Vault pick comes courtesy of Jennifer Lopez: it’s the Murder Remix of ‘Ain’t It Funny.’

After the monumental success of the ‘I’m Real’ remix, Team Lopez was ready for its next #1 single. As such, they linked back up with the very squad responsible for their previous chart-topper to cook up a totally different take on Pop song ‘Ain’t It Funny’ –which was featured on the entertainer’s sophomore effort ‘J.Lo.’

Featuring Ja Rule and Cadillac Tah, the new and improved version of the song was produced by Irv Gotti, 7 Aurelius and co-written by Ashanti – who also provides additional vocals.

The track topped the US Billboard Hot 100 in early 2002.

Based on a sample of ’Flava To Ya Ear’ by Craig Mack, it was included on Jenny’s chart-topping remix album ‘J to tha L-O! The Remixes’ and stands today as one of her signature songs.

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The legendary Herb Ritts directed the song’s glossy video. which finds Jennifer hosting a house party when an uninvited love interest interrupts the festivities.

Amongst her guests are featured rappers Ja Rule and Cadillac Tah, Murder Inc. CEO Irv Gotti as well as Miss Ashanti herself. Other shots see Lopez and the rappers performing the song in a white corridor and later on Ja and Jen singing the outro to the song against a gold backdrop.

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Say what you will, but there has never been any stopping J.Lo.

Today, though not as present at the top of those charts as then, she remains a force in entertainment. And not in a “good for a throwback” capacity. She’s a contemporary superstar. Year in year out she seems to earn more respect for her craft from the industry as a whole and it’s oh so deserved.

The last few years have seen Lopez cater to the Latin layer of her artistry and in grand fashion – case in point ‘Pa’ Ti / Lonely.’

Here’s hoping when it’s time for her Pop comeback, she comes swinging just as hard.

In the meantime, we’ll keep running ‘Ain’t It Funny’ on our playlist.

Your thoughts?

Monica took center-stage at the She Got Now extravaganza this weekend.

Jointly presented by ESSENCE and Pepsi, the event brought the HBCU homecoming on-campus experience to ESSENCE STUDIOS.

In the process, it brought it with it two special performances from the R&B veteran – who also celebrated her 40th birthday yesterday.

Mo rocked the house with new single ‘Trenches’ and classic ‘So Gone.’

Watch below…

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Lauren Jaureugui has long used her voice for causes close to her heart and she continues said trajectory by encourages the masses to vote.

The singer, who rose to prominence as part of Fifth Harmony, took center-stage solo at the Central Florida Vote Fest to perform and amplifying the importance of voting early. Especially during a time like the present.

During her set, Jauregui delivered a rousing rendition of Beyonce‘s 2016 hit ‘Freedom.’ An apt choice in light of the event and her sentiment, she said of the song:

“I feel like it’s relevant to the energy of the moment and I wanted to do a song that was (likewise relevant to the moment)”

Other songs performed include ‘Expectations’ (which maintain is still epic) and ’50ft.’

Watch below…

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