Nicki Minaj‘s promo plans for ‘Queen’ have seen her build her own platform with Apple Music.

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Rihanna‘s brilliant spread in the September issue of ‘British Vogue’ leads the way for her next studio album and the projects she is launch to support its unveiling shortly.

Sound exciting? Well, get a load of this. ‘Vogue’ has now released footage from the meeting the superstar took with its Ghanaian editor Edward Enninful to plan the shoot!

It makes for a great watch.

Why? Its showcasing of the musician turned mogul’s input and involvement in and with the career-defining moment.

Watch below….

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Is the world ready for a collaboration of the Queen Bee and the Queen Bey?  Lil’ Kim sure hopes so, a recent interview reveals.

The Grammy-winning rapstress, hot on the promo trail in support of her new song ‘Nasty One’ (found aboard her soon-to-come fifth studio album), took to an interview with DJ Whoo Kid to discuss the creative process behind the long-awaited set and name-dropped Beyonce as a wishlist collaborator.

Will we be hearing Bey’s vocals on Kim’s new project by its scheduled November 22nd date?  We can only hope so.  Until then, hear what Kimmy Blanco had to say about the potential of the partnership:

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On the cover of British Vogue this September? The unstoppable Pop firework that is Rihanna!

Hard at work on what some day will be a double disc album the hit-building singer takes to the pages of British Vogue with the full support of its editor Edward Enninful to deliver a number of eye-catching looks.                     (more…)

As Nicki Minaj gears up for the release of new album ‘Queen,’ the rapper has received quite the salute from one of music’s most regal royals – Janet Jackson.

The fierce 52-year-old rocked Panorama NYC as headliner over the weekend and, ever on trend, weaved Onika’s top 10 hit ‘Chun-Li’ into her set.

Ms. Jackson interspliced the club jam into a high-octane showing of ‘Nasty.’

Peep the performance below…

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As her latest single, ‘Leave It Smokin,’ continues to heat up the Urban AC charts, Grammy-nominated songstress Tamia is looking to take it, fellow gems found aboard her new album, ‘Passion Like Fire’ (in stores September 7th), and her brigade of R&B hits on the road in the recently announced ‘Passion Like Fire’ tour.

Set for a September 18 kickoff, the powerhouse vocalist is set to bring her praised pipes to a number of major U.S. cities including Charlotte, Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Nashville, and more before wrapping up in Brooklyn on October 26.

Curious to know if she’ll be swinging your way? See the dates after the jump:

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Following a stellar run in Europe, Beyonce & Jay-Z‘s ‘On the Run Tour II’ made its way to the United States to rock their fans in the market this week!

Hit the link below to catch snaps and footage from its opening nights.

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Maxwell is hitting the road!

The Soul-filled serenader is gearing up for the release of new album ‘NIGHT’ (the concluding part of his ‘BLACKsummers’night‘ trilogy).

So what better way to amplify buzz than to launch a companion show?!

Officially christened ‘Maxwell: 50 Intimate Nights Live,’ the trek kicks off in September in Richmond, VA and will see the crooner rocking stages across the US right through to December.

The dates will take place after the gifted singer rocks AfroPunk Paris and North Sea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam earlier this month.

Find out what Maxwell is hitting a city near you after the jump…

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What do you get when you take a R&B group showdown and sprinkle in a little Mariah Carey on top?

The answer? This week’s From The Vault pick: Allure and 112‘s ‘All Cried Out.’

A powerful vocal quad, Allure were a female-group signed to Crave Records, a short-lived label founded by none other than Mariah Carey. During their brief but intense run, they managed to score several hits in 1998, including ‘Cried’ which peaked at #4 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and #12 on the Official Singles Charts in the UK.

Interestingly, the track was actually a cover of a Top 10 Lisa Lisa And Cult Jam song, and the band’s mentor can be heard throughout the majority of the tune, providing powerful background vocals. She also co-produced the cut with Corey Rooney and former partner in crime Walter Afanasieff.

112’s presence elevated the the production to seismic heights.

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Directed by Christopher Erskin, the song’s visual focused on the fictional failling relationship of the groups’ respective lead singers. Though it is filled with happy memories of the couple, its ending echoed the poignant lyrics and left them at a point of no return.

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Sure times have changed, but there’s still nothing as moving as meaningful lyrics, and when the melody is as rich as this, it’s an inevitable home-run.

Thankfully in recent years, this strand of song has been making a slow and steady comeback courtesy of acts such as Adele et al.

And we’re genuinely appreciative, because as much as we love ourselves a good “turn-up” session, diversity will always be our favorite flavor. So, here’s hoping there continues to be a place and space for power ballads of this ilk.

Your thoughts?

Fox 21 studios has called on the Ghanaian creative Monica Owusu-Breen to join Joss Whedon as he revives his Pop culture-shaping show ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer.’

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Rihanna may be serving Avon-lady of late – selling socks, sneakers, and make-up – but make no mistake: RiRi has music on the mind.

According to a new report, recording is well-underway for the star’s next project – which may manifest in the form two albums.

Per initial sources, the 30-year-old is prepping Pop and Caribbean-kissed LPs.

Now more info has emerged about the latter.

Head below for the tea…

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Days after giving her fans a taste of her new single ‘Nasty One’ (click here to listen), femcee Lil Kim is clicking her heels on the promo trail in its support.

Most recently dropping by MTV’s ‘TRL’ for a sitdown session with Sway, Kim not only talked about her enduring impact on Hip Hop fashion, but also teased a ‘Lady Marmalade’ reunion with the likes of P!nk, Christina Aguilera, Missy Elliott, and Mya as well as gave her ‘stamp of approval’ on some up-and-coming female rappers.

Look below to see and hear what’s buzzing with the Queen Bee:

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