From health issues to money woes and family troubles, August Alsina‘s life challenges have been quite well-documented over the years.  Yet, despite the hardships, the 27-year-old vows to persevere – a declaration the ‘Testimony’ singer made plain in his motivational new single, ‘Today.’

“I’m gon’ work like they gon’ put me in the ground today / I ain’t certain they won’t put me in the ground today,” sings Alsina. “Still goin’ hard everyday, tryin’ to overcome, that’s real / Still speaking from the heart, tryin’ to give the people something they could feel.”

The empowering anthem was accompanied by the release of the trailer for ‘The Rise of August Alsina:  stateofEMERGEncy.’  An autobiographical documentary, the film will chronicle the performer’s rise from the hard streets of New Orleans to the top of R&B charts and every obstacle he faced before, during, and since.

More inside:

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After thrilling ‘Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ viewers with the first televised performance of his soon-to-be-hit ‘Heartless’ (click here to see),  singer The Weeknd returned to give his other new single – ‘Blinding Lights’ – similar treatment (December 6).

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‘Commander’ singer Kelly Rowland commanded yet another solid viewing audience for Lifetime, this time courtesy of her starring role in the holiday film, ‘Merry Liddle Christmas.’

Airing last Saturday, the movie – loosely based on a true story from one of the Grammy-winner’s past Christmas hosting experiences gone wrong – tells the story of a successful single tech entrepreneur [portrayed by Rowland] who hosts her dysfunctional family in her new home over the holiday.

Executive produced by Kelly and husband Tim Weatherspoon, ‘Christmas’ went to ratings battle against the likes of highly anticipated Hallmark holiday films, “must see” college football, and more on November 30.

Curious to see how it fared? Look inside:

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Beyonce made headlines this weekend when a report claimed that she was gearing up to launch a Las Vegas residency.

However, a rep for Queen Bey has quickly quelled the speculation.

Full story below…

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In breaking news, it’s been confirmed that rapper Juice Wrld has died aged just 21.

Full story below…

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Shaunie O’Neal is stepping up to defend herself against the ‘Basketball Wives‘ production insider who leaked information about the future of the show to the reputable blind items website ‘Crazy Days and Nights.’

The business woman’s response?

Wait and see.

Full story below…

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With the arrival of ‘212,’ Azealia Banks looked poised to storm the music industry in 2012.

Signed jointly to XL Recordings and Interscope, the femcee was seen as having the dream team needed to fuel her ascend to the top.

And yet a series of public spats (including fallouts with both imprints) saw the rapper released to continue as an indie act.

But with her behaviour following an increasingly volatile trajectory and beefs being barbecued on an almost weekly basis, her career hasn’t boomed as hoped.

Clearly in a reflective space, Banks now says she wants back in to her original label.

Her words below…

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Earlier this month, it was announced that Ciara will be co-hosting Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve – her third time anchoring.

Now, it’s been revealed that she’ll be taking to the stage too.

Details below…

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Jennifer Lopez lit up Saturday Night Live this evening.

And even though the ‘Hustlers’ star wasn’t the night’s musical guest, she still showed and showed out.

She opened with a monologue recapping her phenomenal year (including her marriage proposal and Super Bowl reveal) and participate in many a skit.

Check out all of J.Lo’s SNL action after the jump…

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Dyo is ready for her close-up.

The East Londoner, who is of Nigerian heritage, has made quite the name for herself behind the scenes, penning hits for the likes of Maroon 5, Fleur East, and Jacob Banks.

Now, she’s inviting the masses to her own musical soirée.

The rising star’s music has been magnetising an ever growing fanbase, thanks to its flavoursome sound, which pulls from her diverse cultural rootings.

Having warmed up the masses with bops such as ‘Arena’ and ‘Go All The Way (ft. Mr Eazi), Dyo is readying an EP to further showcase her seasoned gravitas.

Ahead of its arrival next month, the singer-songwriter has unwrapped ‘Can’t Buy My Love’ – which was produced by SESS, Michael Bakare (Adekunle Gold) and Mirza.

Check out Dyo below…

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DaBaby has had quite the year and capped it off this evening with an electrifying appearance on Saturday Night Live. 

Staging a full-on production, the rapper took charge with high-octane showings of ‘BOP’ and ‘Suge’ – which are lifted from his albums ‘Kirk’ and ‘Baby On Baby’ respectively.

Watch the 27-year-old in action after the jump…

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LeToya Luckett spreads holiday cheer with new song ‘Love On Christmas.’

The festive effort serves as the latest release from the Destiny’s Child alum, who in recent years has juggled music with widely praised roles as an actress.

With more material said to be incoming, unwrap new LeToya below so as to tide you over in the interim.

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