The tale of ‘Folklore,’ Taylor Swift‘s eighth studio album, is playing out just as fans expected it to – at least on the charts.

After bursting onto the Billboard 200 with the highest first-week sales of 2020 two weeks ago (as we reported here), the ‘Cardigan’-led project is holding tight to the tally’s summit for a third stretch.

Details inside:

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‘Good as Hell’ hitmaker Lizzo‘s undoubtedly feeling just that after news a lawsuit stemming from her breakout hit, ‘Truth Hurts,’ has been tossed.

Details inside:

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Much like celebrity figures CeeLo Green, Russell Brand, and others (as we reported here), Carole Baskin wasn’t shy about voicing her displeasure with the content found aboard Cardi B & Megan Thee Stallion‘s joint hit, ‘WAP.’

Unlike the other critics, however, Baskin was less concerned with the racy lyrics and costumes in the tune’s not-so-family-friendly music video but was more focused on the digitized big cats (i.e. tigers, leopards, jaguars) featured in it (as we reported here).

And, while aware their presence in the Colin Tilley-directed visual was virtual, Carole – an animal rights activist who specialized in protection of big cats – complained the fact the beasts there at all glamorizes turning them into pets.

Once word of Carole’s criticism reached the desk of Cardi B, she hit back hard. Look inside to see what she said (in case you missed the action):

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Today serves as a regal occasion. For, it’s the 62nd birthday of Pop queen Madonna.

In honor of her Madgesty, this week’s From The Vault pick is her year 2000 smash ‘Music.’

Issued as the lead single from her like-titled 8th studio album, the track was written and produced by the superstar alongside frequent collaborator Mirwais.

With 1998’s ‘Ray of Light’ serving as exactly that for the diva (after a rollercoaster number of years professionally), ‘Music’ was tasked with re-affirming the fact that Madonna was unquestionably “back.”

And it delivered in earnest.

Shaking off the early leak of its demo two months prior, the song was officially released in August 2000 and proved an immediate smash.

Having delved into more introspective waters on ‘Ray Of Light,’ ‘Music’ (the song) made clear that it was was turn-up time.

Lyrically lighter than its predecessor, it saw the diva make a bold return to the dance-floor to “boogie-woogie” and demand that listeners followed suit – which they did in their millions.

Storming the charts on a global scale, ‘Music’ hit #1 in the US, UK, Japan, Australia, Canada, Spain, Switzerland, Norway, New Zealand, and many more countries.

Beyond its its pulsating production and infectious lyrics, its seismic success was also powered by its colorful music video (which featured a cameo from Ali-G).

Directed by Jonas Åkerlund, Madonna conceptualized the clip herself and set out to show her take on the stereotypical Hip-Hop videos of the time. Ever one to ignite discussion, her expressed goal was to role reverse – with females enacting characters typically performed by males.

Pregnant at the time of shooting, she’s on record saying: “I had to think of a concept that would incorporate me being almost a voyeur rather than the central force in the video. So I figured if I played this kind of mack-daddy/pimp character, where things just came to me, happened to me and happened around me while I was watching it all happen, I could kill two birds with one stone.”

A firm fixture on the charts, radio and TV channels across the world, ‘Music’ functioned as yet another incredible chapter of success in Madonna’s incomparable narrative.

20 years on (and almost four years into her career), the diva remains a towering force and a blueprint for the modern musical landscape.

Perhaps even more exciting is that she’s showing no signs of slowing, having recently collaborated with Dua Lipa and re-signing with Warner Bros – the label at the helm of all of her releases from 1983 to 2008.

We’re buzzed about what’s next for Madge. Are you?

Your thoughts?

Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion are riding high with new single ‘WAP.’

Unleashed on August 7, the track and its steamy video have gone all sorts of viral and have the release poised to top the Billboard Hot 100 with seismic numbers.

And while official word on its chart debut is pending, what is for sure is that ‘WAP’ is already Gold certified.

Megan kicked off the celebrations aboard a private plane, posing with her plaque.

Peep pics above and below…

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In an unlikely yet striking pairing, comedian Katt Williams has teamed with clothing brand  Supreme for a State of the Union meets stand-up themed commercial.

Sporting a colorful wig, the funnyman delivers punchlines but the tone is altogether more serious.

For, he delves into George Floyd and #BlackLivesMatter, the pandemic, and President Donald Trump (who he didn’t hold back).

Head below to check out Williams like never before below…

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‘Space Jam’ is heading back to the screens led by NBA legend LeBron James. 

With ‘Black Panther’s Ryan Coogler on-board to produce and Don Cheadle also starring, the hotly anticipated follow-up to the 1996 original hits theaters in Summer 2021.

Filming on the flick (which is officially titled ‘Space Jam: A New Legacy’) recently wrapped and audio from James’ closing speech to cast and crew has surfaced.

Check it out below…

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Emotions ran high this weekend, as it brought with it what would have been Nipsey Hussle‘s 35th birthday.

The rapper was shot to death on March 31 2019 outside his Marathon Clothing retail store in Los Angeles, California. A man named Eric Holder has since been arrested and charged with his murder; he is currently awaiting trial.

Beyond leaving behind a legacy of music and activism, the late MC also left behind friends and family – including longtime partner Lauren London. 

In his honor, the actress shared an impassioned message to the father of their son Kross.

Her words below…

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Drake‘s dominance shows no signs of letting up.

This week saw the Hip-Hop titan unleash ‘Laugh Now Cry Later’ – the first track from new album ‘Certified Lover Boy.’

And the Lil Durk assisted track has blasted off to the fire-fuelled start.

Full story below…

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It may not be Christmas, but Mariah Carey is the gift that keeps giving.

This summer has seen the songbird hatch many a rare gem in celebration of the 30th anniversary of her self-titled debut album.

Indeed, on a weekly basis, #MC30 has brought with it full remix suites and the unwrapping of live performances.

Now, Mimi looks set to thrill her ever-loyal Lambs by delivering a long requested music video from one of her most revered LPs, 1995’s ‘Daydream.’ 

Full story below…

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Iggy Azalea may have just given birth to a baby boy, but now she’s gearing up to give birth to new music too.

And she’s doing so in partnership with Tinashe.

Details after the jump…

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Tori Kelly celebrates ‘Solitude’ on her new five-track EP of the same name.

Created entirely during the current lockdown, the stripped-back set sees the star shine in her singer-songwriter element.

Inspired by 90s R&B and the the various corners that make-up Kelly’s artistic anchoring, the project was shaped remotely by the likes of Chloe George, Micah Premnath, and Jorgen Odegard.

‘Solitude’ also features a cover of Drake‘s ‘Time Flies.’

Take a listen below…

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