Alicia Keys nabbed an unexpected hit out of her latest single, ‘Underdog,’ when the tune became an unofficial anthem of encouragement for frontline workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

As we reported here, the response to the Ed Sheeran-written tune was so positive it hoisted Keys to her highest mark on the Billboard Hot 100 in nearly a decade.

Now, the 15-time GRAMMY winner is looking to follow-up that success with a more intentional approach to raising morale among essential workers.

Joining CNN for their Anderson Cooper-hosted ‘Town Hall’ special Thursday (April 23), Alicia will be on hand to premiere her brand new song designed to honor healthcare professionals, members of the service industry, and more.

Details inside:

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Missy Elliott is keeping the momentum flowing for EP ‘ICONOLOGY’ with the video release for ‘Cool Off.’

Arriving eight months after the project, it’s the latest creative instalment of the set – following the visuals for ‘Throw It Back,’ ‘Why I Still Love You,’ and ‘Dripdemeanor.’ 

A colorful, high-energy affair, new Missy – featuring a cameo from Teyana Taylor – awaits after the jump.

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Quarantine hasn’t slowed the promo grind of Kelly Rowland.

After spilling ‘Coffee’ Friday (April 17) – her first official single in years – the GRAMMY winner is making a splash on a number of television and radio outlets to celebrate its release.

In addition to her widely viewed ‘Coffee with Kelly’ Instagram live chats, Rowland’s hit up the likes of E! News, Radio One D.C., and more to dish on the song’s forthcoming parent album.

Albeit declining to give dibs on the LP’s release date, she did lift the lid on news she’s readying multiple music videos for tracks from the project, increasing the number of included up-tempos, and so much more.

Watch inside:

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Kanye West has partnered with Chick-Fil-A to deliver 300,000 meals to those in need of food during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Full story below…

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Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez have their eye on a major purchase.

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Say what?

Doja Cat‘s breakout hit, ‘Say So,’ slides into new chart terrain thanks to a handsome mix of digital downloads, radio airplay, and streaming.

Report:

“Doja Cat pounces to her first top five Hot 100 hit, as “Say So” bounds 8-5. It likewise lifts 8-5 on Radio Songs (78.6 million, up 14%) and rises 10-8 on Streaming Songs (15.2 million, up 4%) and 25-21 Digital Song Sales (6,000, up 1%).”

Now, weeks after becoming her first solo Platinum record (as we reported here) and first top 40 hit (as we reported here), the Dr. Luke-produced cut is cutting into the Hot 100’s top 5.  Again, a first for her short but storied career.

As we celebrate the latest achievement alongside her growing legion of fans, look below to see who joins her in the top 25 on this week’s TGJ Chart Check: Hot 100 edition:

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Sam Smith has revealed that they once experimented with Nicole Scherzinger.

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Tinashe is continuing to feed fans during lockdown, while simultaneously amplifying the push for comeback album ‘Songs For You.’

After dropping a number of high octane videos, the performer strips things back with a live from home performance of ‘Remember When.’

Watch tenacious Tinashe showcase her powerful pipes below…

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Megan Thee Stallion has stormed into the upper echelon of the charts with single ‘Savage’ thanks to the viral #SavageChallenge. 

Indeed, beyond fans (who she affectionately christened the Hotties), celebs got in on the fun too – including a certain Janet Jackson.

The icon shared a montage clip that shocked and delighted the rising rapper in earnest.

Speaking from home, Hot Girl Meg appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and opened up about Ms. Jackson and the trailblazing success of the song.

More from Meg after the jump…

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It was the rematch the world was waiting for and oh did it deliver!

Last night, Babyface and Teddy Riley took center stage in a much-hyped Verzuz battle of of bops – day after their initial showdown was marred by technical difficulties.

With the setups simplified, the legendary hitmakers sparred with songs and stories that reminded the masses of their colossal catalogues.

Full story below…

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With little warning (but great appreciation), R&B icon Toni Braxton dropped her latest single, ‘Do It,’ two weeks ago.

The first fruit of her new venture with Island Records, the warmly received tune boasts the highest radio chart debut of her solo career as it premiered at #13 on the Adult R&B Songs chart (the tally that measures the airplay of songs played on Urban Adult Contemporary radio stations).

With hopes of seeing that fanfare reflected on the Hot 100 ahead of the August 2020 release of tune’s parent album, Toni took to YouTube to amp up buzz by sharing the inaugural live performance of ‘Do It.’

Look below to see her show ’em how it’s done:

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Nearly two years after releasing the video for ‘You Got Me,’ a critically-acclaimed number lifted from her last studio album ‘TKO’ (2018), R&B diva Mya is serving up its conceptual follow-up, ‘You Got Me (Part II).’

Featuring production from Bink and Chucky Thompson, the smooth, 90’s-inspired joint sees the GRAMMY winner pay homage to self (as she does annually to commemorate the April 21, 1998 release of her debut LP).

Loving what we’re hearing, we can only hope ‘Part II’s vibe is one that’s found all over her next body of work.  Listen inside and tell us if you agree:

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