Because Normani has long cited Aaliyah as an influence it came as no surprise her latest song and music video, ‘Wild Side,’ was chockfull of homages to the late R&B princess.

From choreography remiscent of that found aboard the latter’s ‘More Than a Woman’ visual to the instrumental structure of ‘Side’ itself bearing resemblance to the Aaliyah’s signature hit, ‘One In a Million,’ many fans of both singers were pleased with what they thought were tributes to the fallen diva.

But while the 25-year-old continues to collect critical acclaim for her Cardi B-assisted banger, there’s one critic who isn’t completely on the bandwagon:  Aaliyah’s uncle Barry Hankerson.

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H.E.R. continues to declare that R&B is not dead with her ‘Lights On Festival’ franchise.

For, fresh from announcing the second installment of the annual extravaganza, the GRAMMY, Oscar, and Golden Globe winner has announced an arena edition featuring an exciting list of new names.

Full story below…

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Summer Walker may have just given birth to her first child, but she already has new music on her mind.

Full story below…

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Doja Cat is not holding back.

During an appearance on the Power 106 show, she was interviewed by Nick Cannon and touched on several subjects. The most prevalent being sexism in Hip-Hop and how female MCs are seen as “less smart” than their male counterparts.

Her words below…

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Candiace Dillard is accelerating full speed with her new single ‘Drive Back.’

Wasting no time lighting a match under the hard-hitting track, the rising star has unwrapped its accompanying video.

The clip, which features cameos from Dillard’s ‘Real Housewives of Potomac’ co-stars Karen Huger, Gizelle Bryant, and Robyn Dixon, sees her illuminate the song’s lyrics about the circular rollercoaster of love.

Produced by Donald ‘hAZEL’ Sales and co-written by Nyerere Davidson, ‘Drive Back’ serves as the first taste of Dillard’s incoming album – which is due via eOne later this year.

Check out the visual below…

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Check out Tinashe!

The ‘All Hands On Deck’ songstress stuns for Sports Illustrated‘s famed Swimsuit Issue.

Lensed by James Macari, she can be seen wearing wearing various gold, black, and sequined swimwear.

However, her appearance in the issue also was a major milestone for the singer and the magazine. For, Tinashe has now become the first independent artist to be featured in the special issue.

The news comes after Megan Thee Stallion was announced as the cover for the issue (as we reported here).

What are you waiting for? Check out more from Tinashe’s blazing shoot below…

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As reported, Usher has set sail on his seismic new Las Vegas residency.

Housed at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, the action-packed show sees the veteran bring his biggest bops to life at the state-of-the-art venue. He also blazes the stage with newer numbers such as his Billboard R&B hit ‘Bad Habits.’

In a special feature on Good Morning America, the singer invited the masses behind the scenes of the residency. He also provided an update on his long-awaited new album.

Full story below…

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It’s here!

Billboard has shared its list of the top paid musicians of 2020 and it features several big names, such as: Taylor Swift, Celine Dion, Drake, & More.

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Lorde continues to share new music.

Mere weeks after sharing her highly-anticipated ‘Solar Power’ single, she has announced the release of its follow-up.

More details below…

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The trailer for the Nick Cannon-led and directed sports comedy-drama ‘She Ball’ has bounced onto the net.

Originally announced in 2017, the film’s seen multiple reported release dates come and go before finally scoring an official August 6 debut on-demand and in theaters.

Boasting an all-star cast that includes the likes of includes Chris Brown, Evan Ross, Cedric the Entertainer, DC Young Fly and Bryan “Birdman” Williams, the movie also features brand spankin’ new music from Brown, Stevie Wonder, Lil Wayne, Roddy Ricch, Kierra Sheard, and others.

Rooted in discourse about race, gentrification, criminal justice, and female empowerment, the movie tells a story of triumph against all odds as a young female athlete faces trials, tribulations, and victory on and off the basketball court.

See the ‘She Ball’ trailer and plot line inside:

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Ledisi may have ended her 12-time GRAMMY losing streak in March when she took home her first golden gramophone for work found aboard her latest studio album, 2020’s ‘Wild Card,’ but the legendary diva’s barely had time to soak in the win.

Just a month later, she released her first live album – the critically acclaimed ‘Live at the Troubadour’ – amid reports she was already hard-at-work bringing the life story of Queen of Gospel Mahalia Jackson to screens via a recently announced biopic.

As fans readied themselves for that, it was revealed Leddy was also cooking up a tribute to another music icon: Nina Simone.

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After sharing track time over the years on previous tunes ‘Lower Body’ and ‘Blow My Mind,’ hitmakers Davido and Chris Brown reunite for the equally bopping new single, ‘Shopping Spree.’

Found on the former’s 2020 album, ‘A Better Time,’ ‘Spree’ also sees the cross-cultural duo get by with a little help from friend Young Thug (who Davido also previously collaborated with on the tune ‘Pere’).

The Masterdon-produced cut sees the trio brag about how they plan to splurge on the special ladies in their lives.

“Keep bendin’ up with the vibe, yeah / F*ck me like a slut and be the wife / Articulatin’, said she tryna ride / I told her ‘make a wish,’ she gon’ be mine, yeah / Bring me your love, you better not die,” raps Thug.

Look inside to see the Des Gray-directed, high school-inspired clip.

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