“Living in sin is the new thing.”

Today’s From The Vault comes courtesy of the iconic Miss Britney Spears; this week’s pick is the infectious ‘3.’

The song was issued as the launching single from the singer’s second greatest hits compilation ‘The Singles Collection,’ which was released in 2009. While tongue in cheek lyrically, the song – the only new cut on the project – wasn’t opaque about its celebration of three-way loving.

Produced by Max Martin (who blessed her with her very first #1 single) alongside Shellback – it ironically became her third single to reach the pole position on the Billboard Hot 100 where it debuted. It was also a #1 hit in Canada, peaked at #7 in the UK, and inside the Top 10 in Australia, France and Sweden.

The song’s minimalistic visual was directed by Diane Martel and it presents Spears dancing in front of monochrome backgrounds surrounded by her dancers.

Upon its release, it was refreshing seeing a newly energized Britney in action again; indeed she seemed way more switched “on” than on previous efforts from the her ‘Circus’ cycle and accompanying tour.

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Though not the force she once was, a decade later, Britney is still out here, booked and busy.

With a new album in the works, it will be interesting to see whether she and her team decide to stick to the tried, tested, and somewhat dated formula or go for an image and sound overhaul. We wish for the latter, as it seems like the next best means of her adding a fresh chapter to her legendary career; rather than settling into legacy act status before her time.

As always though, we’re rooting for you, Brit!

Your thoughts?

As unexpected pairings go, few can rival the randomness of Ashanti and Lady Gaga‘s live link-up last night.

Fresh from rocking the stage at her ‘Enigma’ residency in Las Vegas, Mother Monster was on-hand for a performance the R&B singer gave at a nearby venue.

During Ashanti’s showing, a playful sing-off ensued.

Watch the action after the jump…

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Cynthia Erivo takes vocal flight on ‘Stand Up ‘ – a spirited original song from upcoming movie ‘Harriet.’

The Grammy, Emmy, and Tony winner takes on the lead role of activist Harriet Tubman in the Focus Features film, which arrives on November 1st. 

‘Stand’ – which was co-penned by Erivo alongside Joshuah Brian Campbell – has been unwrapped ahead of the release of the film and its soundtrack (which drops on the same day).

Already tipped for Oscar success (which, if it achieves, will see Cynthia become an EGOT), take a listen to the cut below…

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Love or loathe her, it’s hard to deny Ariana Grande is one of the hardest working women in music.

In September 2018 (amid promotion of her chart-topping album ‘Sweetener’), the Grammy-winner took to press to announce time off from music to “heal” after the highly publicized death of ex-boyfriend Mac Miller (click here to read).  That break was short-lived as the ‘Break Free’ singer followed up with the unveiling of new single, ‘thank u, next,’ and its like-titled album just months later.

Now, after spending most of 2019 promoting the project, its singles, the ‘Sweetener’ world tour, and curating the official ‘Charlie’s Angels’ soundtrack (in stores November 1), the 26-year-old believes she’s due for a break…for real this time.

More inside:

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Tyler Perry is to host November’s Presidential debate.

Details on Perry’s political moves below…

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Though seemingly trivial to some, asking a black actor/comedian to wear a dress on camera is considered a loaded and coded slight used by Hollywood to emasculate men it may feel threatened by.

Today, Brandon T. Jackson is the latest African-American actor to speak out against it by revealing that he regrets the part he played in the ‘Big Momma’s House’ movie empire and why his relationship with God suffered as a result.

His words below…

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Kanye West unleashed his ninth album ‘Jesus Is King’ this week and did so in conjunction with a like-titled short film in IMAX theaters.

With the music defying the odds on the sales front, it looks as though the movie is also proving an early success too.

Full story below…

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Before Destiny’s Child saw their name penciled in history books as one of the world’s best-selling female group, the first incarnation of the group was the six-member ensemble, Girl’s Tyme.

Formed in 1990, the sextet featured Beyonce, Kelly Rowland, and Latavia Roberson and would rise to national attention thanks to a failed appearance on the then-wildly popular televised talent show, ‘Star Search.’  Later managed by Mathew Knowles (who advised a few member and group name changes before settling on “Destiny’s Child”), the teen troop would later go on to world domination with most of their previous work under the Girl’s Tyme moniker “locked in a vault”…until now.

Mathew, who recently made headlines himself for revealing a battle with breast cancer (click here to read more), is well on recovery’s road and back to work.  His latest effort?  A “new” album of unreleased Girl’s Tyme music.  More inside:

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Tyler Perry is a busy man.

For, fresh from launching his history making studio space  in Atlanta, the creative titan debuted two new shows on BET this week.

And he’s not resting on his laurels. Because, he’s gearing up to push forward with another named ‘BRUH.’

Details below….

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As of time reported, Tank‘s latest album – ‘Elevation’ (released October 25) – is sitting high atop the R&B sales charts.

And, while most of the current conversation around the singer is centered on controversial comments he made about homosexuality just days leading to the LP’s release (click here to see), he’s continued to shift focus back to the project – most recently by premiering the music video to its latest single, ‘I Don’t Think You’re Ready.’

A sizzling bedroom number that sees the crooner show off his oft-praise falsetto, the cut’s music video features cameos from famed rapper/Internet personality B. Simone and more.

See all the action inside:

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Azealia Banks is no stranger to controversial comments and, over the years, has sparred with many a major name.

Yet, it seems her various wars haven’t impacted her ability to enjoy the music of the very folk she’s dissed.

Moments ago, the femcee took to social media to share her Top 25 Songs By Women this decade (2010-2020). And interestingly, it featured the likes of Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, Rihanna, Lil Kim, Rihanna, and Beyonce. All ladies she’s either sparred with or been highly critical of.

In any case, check out her tally below…

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Saweetie hit quite the sweet spot with single ‘My Type,’ which is proving to be the gift that keeps giving.

Having birthed many a remix, the track has spawned another – this time featuring Afrobeats royal Tiwa Savage, Wale, and French Montana.

The quad’s flavorsome take on the cut has many buzzing.

Take a listen below and let us know if you’re feeling it…

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