While many of our favorite artists have fielded allegations of benefiting from “payola” – the act of a platform (streaming or radio outlets mainly) accepting pay or bribes from record labels to boost an artist’s chart or certification stats – the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) believes the practice has simply gotten out of hand.

With Gold, Platinum, and Diamond certifications being handed out left and right thanks to the Recording Industry of America’s inclusion of streaming in its tallying since 2016, the FCC – which stands as the United States’ “primary authority for communications law, regulation, and technological innovation” – has begun a probe to determine if these successes are being accomplished legitimately.

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It’s here!

With little warning, ‘Yes’ – the Fat Joe single featuring fellow Bronx star Cardi B and Anuel AA – has made its premiere on streaming services.  Serving as the latest taste from Joe’s forthcoming ‘Family Ties’ album, the Cool & Dre-produced cut is one of many on the highly anticipated project (reportedly produced by Dre in its entirety).

Curious to hear what the trio cooked up?  Look inside:

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Leslie Jones broke hearts last week when she announced her departure from longtime television home, ‘SNL,’ but the comedian is ready to dry those tears and bring the funny with a growing list of ventures for the upcoming year.

In addition to a highly anticipated Netflix stand-up comedy special (set for 2020 premiere), the Emmy nominee is putting back on her hosting heels to bring forth an unexpected reboot of beloved game show, ‘Supermarket Sweep.’

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2 years, 1 album, and 31.5 million+ singles sold is just what it took for Cardi B‘s name to be penciled in the history books of the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) again.

First nabbing headlines in December 2018 when she became the first female artist ever (of any genre) to see every track from one album certified Gold or Platinum, now – thanks to enduring success from her debut effort, ‘Invasion of Privacy’ – B (born Belcalis Marlenis Almanzar) is invading RIAA record books once more.

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Normani will be giving contestants on the new season of ‘The Voice’ all the ‘Motivation’ they need to proceed.

Because the rising solo star has just signed on for a special role on the hit NBC show.

Details below…

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Wendy Williams has never been one to hold her tongue. And while her marital woes initially saw her skew coy, she’s now speaking up and out.

The talkshow host stopped by The View today and didn’t hold back questioned about her divorce from husband Kevin Hunter. 

Clearly emotional, a teary-eyed Wendy opened up about the difficulties attached to ending her 25-year union with her husband – but also the necessity for her to.

As widely reported, Hunter maintained a relationship with another woman and eventually impregnated her.

Speaking candidly with Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, and co, she said “I don’t want to be changing pampers, I want to be pampered!”

She also didn’t shy away from questions surrounding her addiction and recent stay in a sober house.

Watch the interview below…

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Lizzo‘s short, but storied career may see her mostly make headlines for inciting discussions around body positivity and challenging the standard of beauty, but she’s quietly making waves in other hot topic arenas as well such as race, sexuality, and surprisingly, at just 31-years-old, age.

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In breaking news, rapper Nicki Minaj has announced her retirement from music.

Her words below…

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Tiwa Savage is playing no games as she gears up for global domination.

A household name in the realm of Afrobeats, she’s making spirited charge into the ears and minds of the masses with new single ’49-99′ – the video for which was unleashed moments ago.

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What do Lizzo, Camila Cabello, and Billie Eilish all have in common? Well, first is that all three managed to nab a #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 over the last three weeks. Consecutively succeeding each other.

Second is that they deservingly share the cover of ELLE magazine’s annual Women In Music Issue.  

The stunning features, all lensed by Yvan Fabing, spotlight the ladies in their prime time shine and sees them discuss a variety of topics including body positivity, romance, and the gruelling nature of the business.

Check out pics and quotes below…

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Lil Nas X aims to keep his momentum flowing with the release of the video for ‘Panini.’

The roll-out comes on the heels of the 20-year-old’s 19-week stint at #1 with ‘Old Town Road.’

Having already performed the song at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards, can he gift the track (which has thus far peaked at #16) an added boost with its visual?

Watch below and let us know…

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Camila Cabello is wasting no time kicking off her sophomore campaign.

Because moments after debuting two new singles, she has lifted the lid on the video for focus cut ‘Shameless.’

Directed by Henry Scholfield (who has helmed clips for the likes of Billie Eilish and Rosalia), the visual is the first taste of the songbird’s new LP ‘Romance.’

Speaking on the project, Cabello said:

“These songs are basically the story of my life the past couple years and the stories I’ve accumulated – I knew for a long time I wanted my album to be called Romance because these stories are about falling in love.” 

Check out the video below…

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