The Weeknd ruffled feathers Wednesday (April 8) when an excerpt from his interview with ‘Variety’ nabbed headlines for insinuating his ‘game changing music’ influenced a wave of other singers, specifically Usher (click here to read).

The Grammy winner (born Abel Tesfaye) name-dropped the R&B veteran’s 2012 hit, ‘Climax,’ as evidence of those who swiped his sound – a suggestion met with staunch disapproval from the latter’s fan base.

One supporter, Elijah Blake (who is credited as the tune’s songwriter), took particular offense to Tesfaye’s claim and took to Instagram to clap back on Usher’s behalf.

Look inside to see what he said:

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The promo campaign for Dua Lipa‘s sophomore album, ‘Future Nostalgia’ (released April 3), isn’t pushing pause any time soon.

In addition to an onslaught of Web and print interviews in magazines, news outlets, radio, and more, the 24-year-old is still pressing forward on the TV front as evidenced by her most recent visit to ‘The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon: Home Edition’ (April 8).

Interviewed via video chat, Lipa dished on the project, life in quarantine, and more before jetting into a green screen performance of the LP’s latest single, ‘Break My Heart.’

See the action inside:

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As reports of how African Americans are disproportionately harmed by the coronavirus pandemic continue to ring across the media, BET is looking to combat the alarming rates by teaming with the NAACP, United Way Worldwide, and others to help provide financial, educational, and community support directly to Black communities – especially those hit hardest by this crisis.

Enter ‘Saving Our Selves: A BET COVID-19 Relief Effort.’  More inside:

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Drake and The Weeknd have their sights set on Billboard Hot 100 glory.

Full story below…

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Future & Drake‘s latest joint hit, ‘Life is Good,’ has been gifted more good news.

After premiering at #2 on the Hot 100 with some of the year’s biggest streaming figures three months ago (as we reported here), it has been a mainstay in the top 10 since – to historic measure.

And, while found at #5 on the most refreshed edition of the tally (as we reported here), the OZ-produced cut’s continued success is not limited to the Hot 100.  The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) recently took to Twitter (April 6) to toast ‘Good’s enduring commercial performance.

See what they said inside:

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Pop culturally speaking, Cardi B’s voice has become synonymous with coronavirus after a social media vent went all sorts of viral.

Now, though, the rap phenom is pivoting in a more serious direction to help those affected by the global health crisis.

And she’s doing so in partnership with Fashionova. 

Details below….

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If you thought season 1 of NBC’s songwriting competition series ‘Songland’ was a star-studded affair, season 2 will drop jaws with its ‘who’s who’ list of recording artists.

In addition to its resident panel of songwriters/producers Ester Dean, Shane McAnally, and Ryan Tedder (of OneRepublic), the next season’s slew of musical guests in search of their next big hit will include Usher, H.E.R., Boyz II Men, Bebe Rexha, and more.

Ahead of its premiere Monday (April 13) at 10/9c, look inside for your first peek at the show’s sophomore run:

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When she isn’t warming the hearts of her fans on social media with her quirky personality, the immensely talented Ari Lennox can be found in the studio building material for her creative universe.

The latest gem to emerge from that realm is the visual for her single ‘Bussit.’

Tune in below…

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In an industry as fickle as the music business, longevity can be an elusive concept.  For the lucky (but often deserving) batch who manage to see their respective impacts survive changing musical trends and tides, a particularly fortunate class – even among that small group – vaunt relevance.

Granted, the ageist industry sees less women than men score the latter, but the list of female acts who have remained competitive far beyond their commercial peaks – especially on Billboard – is nothing to dismiss.

Look inside to see who made the ultra-exclusive list.  Don’t be surprised if your fave is absent…

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While rumors swirl Future is expecting his ninth child (first with girlfriend Lori Harvey), what we know for sure will soon be delivered his is eighth studio album, ‘Life is Good.’

Titled after its first single, the multi-Platinum Drake-assisted hit, the project would be his first official LP since ‘The WIZRD,’ which topped the Billboard 200 in January 2019.

Taking to ‘XXL’ magazine’s Spring 2020 issue to dish, look inside to see what nuggets the hit rapper (born Nayvadius Wilburn) shared about his forthcoming opus:

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The Weeknd tends to be a man of few words, letting his music do the talking – which it does in earnest, especially on the charts.

His latest release ‘After Hours’ arrived during the global health crisis, yet went on to deliver career-best first week sales. And, as at writing, remains #1 on the Billboard 200.

Still, he’s not resting on his laurels. Instead, he’s stepped into the promotional spotlight a-front of Variety Magazine – which we shared with you earlier.

Beyond the snazzy snaps, however, lay an interest quote from the singer about his impact on the musical landscape – as well as his (perceived) impact on his more seasoned contemporaries. Namely Usher. 

Full story below…

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From ‘Blinding Lights’ to flashing lights, photographer Pari Dukovic had music superstar The Weeknd striking his best poses for the latest issue of ‘Variety.’

On hand to discuss his latest blockbuster album, ‘After Hours,’ the Grammy winner waxed honest about fears the impact of the coronavirus pandemic would have on the long-awaited project, its accompanying tour, and more.

This side of history may see him the victor of battling those odds as the LP topped the Billboard 200 with gargantuan streaming figures (as we reported here), but behind the unfazed persona the singer (born Abel Tesfaye) wasn’t exactly confident it would.

Look inside to see Tesfaye get personal on this matter, reflect on the darkest days of his life, his Ethiopian heritage, and so much more:

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