As we reported here, Memorial Day 2020 was the original slated premiere date for National Geographic’s ‘Genius: Aretha’ – a four-night miniseries dedicated to the life and times of Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin.

Designed to “explore Franklin’s musical genius, incomparable career, and the immeasurable impact and lasting influence she has had on music and culture around the world,” the anthology installment was set to be the first-ever authorized limited series about the musical monarch.

In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, however, the network’s announced a change of plans.

Aretha fans who were looking to catch the made-for-TV flick on their screens tonight (May 25) will have to wait just a little longer:

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“…when I get on the pole people call me wh*re, but when [FKA] twigs gets on the pole, it’s art.”

Stinging words from Lana Del Rey who – days after being slammed for commentary against Beyoncé, Doja Cat, Nicki Minaj, and Kehlani that many deemed racist – continues to campaign on social media in her own defense.

Previously relying on worded Instagram posts to combat the critics, Del Rey most recently uploaded a video to express her disappointment with the response to her openness.  During the 6 minute rant, the GRAMMY nominee revealed:

“The very first time I decide to tell you anything about my life…200,000 hateful, spiteful comments come in, my phone number leaked, and comments like, ‘You f*cking white bitch’. It’s the opposite of the spirit of an advocate…but it’s not gonna stop me. Period.”

That’s not all she said.  Look inside to hear her double down for the umpteenth time about her refusal to apologize:

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Tekashi 6ix9ine is wasting no time feeding his fans with new music following his release from prison.

After the controversial roll-out of ‘GOOBA’ (which peaked at #3 on the Hot 100), the MC is gearing up to drop its follow-up. And it’s arriving sooner than you might think.

Details below…

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Doja Cat has broken her silence.

As widely reported, the rising star saw her light dimmed by leaked clips of her participating in a chatroom with alleged racists. She also was targeted for some of her own verbiage during said videos too.

The narrative snowballed and saw many weigh-in with other alleged intel.

All of which trended in earnest on Twitter.

Now, Doja herself has issued a statement on the matter. Her words below…

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‘Insecure’ is back for its fourth season and already has us hooked!

The HBO comedy has struck a chord with millions thanks to its wonderfully witty and immersive take on the story of two friends – Issa and Molly.

Anchored by Issa Rae and Yvonne Orji, the series is set in Los Angeles and follows the ladies as the navigate love, life, and all else in between.

Episode 8 of season 4 airs this Sunday. Peep a preview for ‘Lowkey Happy’ below…

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After coming under fire for ill-received comments about Black voters during his recent interview with ‘The Breakfast Club’ (click here to watch), Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden is offering a retraction and apology.

More inside:

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Future is ‘High Off Life’ and aptly sitting at the highest height on the charts too.

Full story below…

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As reported alongside the unveiling of its official trailer (click here to watch), Queen of Hip Hop Soul Mary J. Blige leads the cast of the suspenseful crime thriller, ‘Body Cam‘ (released May 22 to streaming platforms).

To accompany its premiere, Blige dropped new song ‘Can’t Be Life’ from its official soundtrack. Penned by the diva herself Stacy Barthe, Jimmy Cozier, and others, the heartfelt tune – featured in the film – offers words of encouragement for listeners.

“I’ve been torn down like a worn-down, crumbling building/But I’m up now, and I’m up now, and I’m still living,” she sings.

Hear it in full inside:

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A week ahead of the May 29 release of the deluxe edition of ‘Chilombo’ – Jhené Aiko‘s top-selling junior album – the songstress gave fans a peak at the accompanying visual from one of its critically acclaimed cuts, ‘One Way St.’

Featuring Ab-Soul, the visual for ‘One’ sees the duo take to the tough streets of Los Angeles to show off their whips.

“I’m feelin’ strangely sane today / I am amazed, I’m brave today / I rearranged my brain today / I rearranged my ways / Going the wrong way on a one-way street, yeah,” she sings on the LEJKEYS-produced tune.

Coming as the latest in a slew of supportive material for the LP (including a meditation video for ‘Magic Hour’ and animated clip for the H.E.R.-featured ‘B.S.’), look inside to get acquainted with ‘One Way St.’

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After Madonna, Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, and Britney Spears boasted seeing prized members of their respective discographies top current iTunes charts (as we reported here), Nicki Minaj is now able to add her name to the list thanks to the unexpected boost of her third studio effort, ‘The Pinkprint.’

Details inside:

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With his latest EP, ‘The Beauty of Becoming,’ earning acclaim from a growing legion of fans, actor-singer-songwriter Rotimi is giving those who need a little more convincing yet another reason to check it out courtesy of its latest single, ‘In My Bed.’

Featuring Wale, the tune comes as a timely ‘stay-at-home’ anthem – an announcement, if you will, for “meetings in the bedroom.”

“Be ready to touch, when I reach it, yeah / A go eat it up, I ain’t no vegan, yeah / I make that ting go water / I go make that ting run water / I go make you sing my song / There’s a meeting in my bed, oh / In my bed, oh,” he wails on the Harmony Samuels-produced track.

For its music video, the singer reportedly tapped 37 animators from 24 cities across the globe to create the song’s accompanying animated visuals (executive produced by Rotimi himself).

Watch inside:

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In response to missing the Hot 100’s top spot with his comeback single, ‘GOOBA,’ rapper 6ix9ine promises its follow-up – due May 29th – will drop jaws.

“NEXT VIDEO WILL BREAK THE INTERNET IM PUSHING IT BACK TILL NEXT FRIDAY MAY 29TH,” he said on Instagram recently.

And, while he’s not confirmed exactly what about the visual will spark such response, the rumor mill is churning out word that it’s due to feature his ‘Fefe‘ co-star Nicki Minaj.

More inside:

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