This week brought with it the release of Madonna‘s 14th studio album ‘Madame X.’

Despite today’s era of surprise drops, the Pop royal opted for a semi-traditional roll-out, working the project for a number of months and supporting with a series of videos and high-profile performances.

One unanticipated aspect of the campaign was the worldwide theater tour the arena-packer announced.

Many assumed the 60-year-old would embrace stadiums, as she certainly has the clout to and would benefit from the increasingly popular bundling method that’s helped many a major name triumph on the charts.

While she’s did indeed package tickets with the LP, the scale of the tour (or lackthere-of) left many wondering what those first week sales would look like.

Well, wonder no more. Because the predictions are in. Join us after the jump…

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Drake is in celebratory mood.

Fresh from his team the Toronto Raptors winning their first NBA championship, the Canadian native marked the occasion by dropping not one but two new tracks.

Bundled together as the ‘The Best In The World Pack,’ the set is comprised of ‘Omertà’ and the Rick Ross assisted ‘Money In The Grave.’ 

What are you waiting for? Take a listen to both below…

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21 Savage‘s philanthropic spirit knows no bounds.

A beautiful story awaits below…

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‘A Perfect Murder’ is the subject of today’s Retro Rewind!

Starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Michael Douglas, the movie tells the twisted tale of a man who hires his wife’s boyfriend to murder her when he finds himself (and their relationship) in a sticky situation.

The movie was built on the back of a $60 million budget and swept up over $128 million much to the delight of its distributors Warner Bros and its writer Patrick Smith Kelley.

Money, madness and murder below…

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Little Mix are wasting no time taking flight with the promotional push for new single ‘Bounce Back.’

Because fresh from unleashing the high-octane cut, the Pop quad took to the stage on BBC‘s The One Show to deliver a dynamite rendition of the track – their first live.

With the track arriving as they gear up for their mammoth ‘LM5 Tour,’ the performance done a solid service of ramping up buzz for the all-arena trek and igniting excitement around the song.

All the action after the jump…

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LeToya Luckett has that ‘Feeling.’

Ever busy, the star is now juggling her music and acting efforts with motherhood after giving birth to her first child – a daughter named Gianna. 

Still, she’s keeping the flow of fresh material a’coming.

Take a listen to the bouncy bop after the jump…

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In addition to inducting a new class of long-praised, much deserving songwriters for its 50th anniversary induction ceremony including the likes of Missy Elliott, Yusuf (a.k.a. Cat Stevens), and more (as we reported here), the Songwriters Hall of Fame also honored contemporary songwriters who have been credited with making noted advancements in the field.

While relatively new hitmaker Halsey walked away with the Hal David Starlight award (designed to honor young songwriters making impacts with their original work), headlines leaned more heavily toward this year’s Contemporary Icon Award  recipient:  Justin Timberlake.

The latter – lauded for adding his penning to chart-topping hits in the late 90’s and early 2000’s to Pop group N*SYNC – also earned praise for crafting his own solo hits and writing for fellow Pop artists over his 20+ year career.  Presented the award by longtime collaborator Timbaland, the 38-year-old delivered a heartfelt acceptance speech before launching into a medley of some of his biggest hits including ‘SexyBack,’ ‘Cry Me a River,’ ‘Mirrors,’ and even famous ‘Saturday Night Live’ parody, ‘D*ck in a Box.’

See highlights inside:

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While her discography alone boasts over 20 years of memorable Hip Hop hits and party-starters, Grammy-winning rapper/singer-songwriter/producer Missy Elliott has also lent her pen to countless hits for other artists.  Her storied multi-decade run on Billboard charts is one of many reasons she made history earlier this year with the announcement she would become the first female Hip Hop artist to be inducted into the prestigious Songwriter’s Hall of Fame (as we reported here).

Fast forward to the event (June 13), a tearful Elliott was on hand to accept the honor during the 50th Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremony which saw her receive kudos from the likes of Queen Latifah, First Lady Michelle Obama, and more.

Look inside to hear the acceptance speech:

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So, as our retrospective features ‘From the Vault’ and ‘TGJ Replay’  allow us the chance to re-spin the gems and jams of yesterday of one artist, our newest feature Chart Rewind – a variation of our current Retro Rewind assay – accedes salutes to an entire era of music history.

This week we’ll give Aaliyah Haughton‘s first and only Hot 100 #1 single ‘Try Again’ a try.  Join us inside:

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Expect to see Queen of Pop Madonna pop up over headlines galore over the coming days as she hits the promo trail to commemorate the release of her 14th studio album, ‘Madame X.’  Dropping in for radio, magazine, newspaper, television, and Web interviews, the 60-year-old diva has had segments air (today alone) in multiple countries on prime television spots including ‘The Today Show,’ ‘Graham Norton Show,’ and so many more.

The set – preceded by five singles – has not exactly been greeted with the buzz of its predecessors, but that hasn’t stopped the Pop icon from raising awareness on the project which, despite the absence of commercial fanfare for its singles, has been getting great reviews from esteemed music critics.  Some of that success is being reflected digitally as a number of reports – including from Madonna’s team (click here to see) – have indicated ‘Madame X’ debuted at #1 on the iTunes tallies of a number of countries (including the United States).

Curious to see her thoughts on the early success?  Look inside for a collage of her most recent interviews where she tackles topics such as ageism, sexism, her obsession with religious imagery, responding to reports she’s in love, being a ‘soccer mom,’ and so much more.

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‘Can’t Nobody Hold Me Down’ mogul Diddy isn’t holding his tongue on news his ex-girlfriend, singer/model Cassie, is expecting her first child (a baby girl) with her new boyfriend, Alex Fine.

The announcement, which rocked the net yesterday (as we reported here), was greeted with well-wishes from the likes of fans and fellow celebrities including Kardashian clan, Lil’ Kim, Naomi Campbell, and many more.  Now, Sean “Diddy” Combs has joined that growing list.

See what he said inside:

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‘The Real Housewives Of Potomac’ have been setting off all sorts of fireworks with their fourth season. 

Past instalments have seen etiquette serve as the center of conflict. However, the show’s latest cycle has seen the drama between the Maryland matriarchs escalate like never before.

‘Potomac’ staples Gizelle Bryant, Karen Huger, Ashley Darby, Robyn Dixon, and Monique Samuels are back in the mix — as is last season’s addition Candiace Dillard. Familiar face Katie Rost has returned in a “Friend Of” capacity.

Thus far, the show’s fourth outing has made for gripping viewing – so much so that many have pegged it the best Housewives franchise thus far this year.

And, per a newly released midseason trailer, there’s still a whole lot more to come.

Check it out below…

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