As we reported here, ‘Hard Place’ hitmaker H.E.R. has made it hard to look away from her stunning spread a-front the recent digital edition of ‘Essence’ magazine.

Ahead of her own set at the forthcoming 2019 Essence Music Festival, the spread saw the singer share about the current state of music, how she stands out, and why she feels she’s been embraced despite her differences from the norm.

We’ve already shown you the finished products from the shoot, but now you’re invited to get into the behind-the-scenes action.  It awaits inside:

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The truth is simple:  (relative) newcomer Lizzo is on fire!

Still raking in critical acclaim for her major label debut, ‘Cuz I Love You’ (in stores now), the 31-year-old has seen her fancy footwork and messages of body positivity prominently featured on a number of high profile talk shows and award shows – the most recent being the 2019 MTV Movie & TV Awards (click here to watch).

Yet, despite pushing her single ‘Juice’ to the masses, it’s been the Ricky Reed-produced ‘Truth Hurts’– originally released in 2017 – that’s become the singer’s crowning glory due to its appearance on the Netflix series, ‘Someone Great.’ Just two weeks after it was announced the cut had become her first Hot 100 top 40 placement ever (click here to read more), the song’s jumped a whopping 20 spots.

Look inside to see exactly where it landed on this week’s refreshed chart.

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Having toured together previously on New Kids on the Block‘s 2015 ‘Main Event’ tour, legendary girl group TLC and rapper Nelly are far from strangers.  Now, gearing up for a joint headlining ‘Whole Lotta Hits’ tour (and bringing rapper Flo Rida along for the ride), the trio of acts are hitting the promo trail in support of the jaunt ahead of its kick off in Tuscaloosa, AL on July 23 (click here for full list of dates).

Recently visiting our friends at ExtraTV, the four sat down to chat about their wildest fan experiences, tour “must haves,” and even new music.  Granted, TLC may have teased their 2017 self-titled effort as their “final album,” but now the duo are teasing the possibility of releasing new music with their touring partner, Nelly.

Hear about this and more inside:

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The legal woes show no sign of slowing down for ‘Down Low’ hitmaker R. Kelly.

The embattled R&B legend – facing multiple counts of sexual abuse for recently resurfaced sex tapes that allegedly show him engaging in acts with minors (click here to read more) – was simultaneously fighting to stay out of jail due to unpaid child support.  Much to his fans’ delight, the 52-year-old is no longer in arrears in regards to said support payments to ex-wife Andrea Kelly, according to his lawyer Stephen Greenberg.

But, while that hurdle is (temporarily) in his rearview, the ‘Ignition’ star is cranking up to go to the Hospitality State to defend himself against claims he ruined the life and marriage of Mississippi Sheriff Kenny Bryant.

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Welcome to another edition of The Stream Scene, the TGJ original feature built to keep you in the loop with all things streaming.

On the menu today? Spotify updates on tracks launched by Beyonce, Madonna, Elijah Blake and BTS.

Beyoncé put Lemonade out on all streaming platforms because she knew Kate Middleton needed it but didn’t know if she used Spotify or Apple Music.

— Elizabeth Kidd (@libbuh) April 25, 2019

Read below…

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Nicki Minaj activates new single ‘Megatron’ this Friday and is wasting no time drumming up buzz.

Seconds ago, the rap royal unwrapped a titillating teaser trailer for the video – which is confirmed to be directed by Mike Ho.

Sporting many a setup, the visual appears to feature Onika’s current bae too.

Check out the sneak peek below…

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Trina may be a few days away from the release of new album ‘The One,’ but she unleashed an early surprise in the form of Nicki Minaj collaboration ‘BAPS.’

Whispered about for months, the track has finally landed and doesn’t disappoint.

Boasting hard-hitting production which the ladies ride with seasoned ease, this ‘BAPS’ earns its place on playlists a plenty. There’s a Cash Money Millionaires sample (see: ‘Project Chick’) that ought to resonate too.

Don’t hesitate, hit play on new Trina and Onika after the jump…

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Stefflon Don is back with a summer blazer!

‘Phone Down’ sees the flavorsome femcee team with rising rapper Lil Baby and the result is a bodacious bop.

Laced with infectious hooks and pulsating production, the track arrived with a cinematic video. Proving that the only female on XXL’s Freshman Class Of 2018 is playing no games with its push.

What are you waiting for? Watch the ‘Phone Down’ visual after the jump…

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Vincent Herbert’s financial fiascos have inconvenienced Remy Ma to no end.

Find out why the Hip-Hop empress was forced to release her financial records below…

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It seems it’s all systems go for Camila Cabello‘s sophomore campaign.

Because the solo star has officially announced new single ‘Señorita’ and it features fellow Pop pin-up Shawn Mendes.

Details below…

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Rihanna isn’t just a businesswoman. She’s a business, woman.

The diva’s star is shining brighter than ever thanks to the aggressive expansion of her empire via her successful spells in cosmetics, lingerie, and now luxury fashion by way of new LVMH line Fenty.

To launch the latter in the US, RiRi erected a pop-up cocktail store at Webster in New York City last night.

And, if fashion is what the style icon came to sell, she most certainly looked the part.

Stunning in a hot pink ensemble, the Bajan belle mingled with guests – including Lauryn Hill‘s daughter Selah Marley. 

More snaps after the jump…

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Mark those calendars, because ‘Dear White People’ is set to heat up screens this summer.

Head below to find out when the hit dramedy is back on the box…

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