Even at 60 Madonna still finds ways to court controversy – even inadvertently.

In news that comes as little surprise, officials have finally confirmed the longstanding rumor the Pop Queen is set to headline this weekend’s Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv, Israel.  Reportedly giving some cuts from her June 14-due album, ‘Madame X,’ their first live treatments, photos have been surfacing over the past few weeks of the diva hard-at-work rehearsing for the gig.

But, while the official announcement (seen below) didn’t arrive until today, it was preceded by calls from the singer’s fans (among others) to boycott the show.  Look inside to read her response to the hoopla:

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Trey Songz plays up his playboy persona musically, but isn’t one to spill on his personal life.

That appears to have changed moments ago, if his new reveal is what many are interpreting it to be.

Full story below…

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B2K are back and haven’t missed a step, even if – as of last week – they’re missing a member.

The quad have been rocking US audiences on their sold-out ‘Millennium Tour’ and mark their second wind with a feature spread in the latest issue of Vibe Magazine.

Perhaps even better is how real Omarion, Lil Fizz, Raz-B, and J-Boog kept it when dishing on their regrouping.

Because, while some reunions are presented as being rooted in “kumbaya,” the B2K boys stress theirs in more about timing, their fans, and above all…business.

Peep pics and quotes below…

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Perhaps the biggest character to emerge from Nicki Minaj‘s creative universe? Roman Zolanski, the troubled alter-ego the rapper created to combat the lady lyricists who took aim at her (see Lil Kim & Keys) in the earlier stages of her career.

Born to a Cockney mother, the ferocious teen’s life is turned upside down when he is banished to a Catholic boarding school after he and his equally feral friend Slim Shady launched an attack on Minaj’s enemies (see Roman’s Revenge & Moment 4 Life) and because his religious family learns that he is gay.

Horrified, his mother Martha enlists the help of a priest (and mind-altering drugs) she hopes will “cure” her wayward son.

Take your medication, Roman
Take a short vacation, Roman, you’ll be okay
You need to know your station, Roman
Some alterations on your clothes and your brain

 

Alas, the opposite occurs… leading to the scenes which took place in Minaj’s performance of his theme tune ‘Roman Holiday‘ at the 2012 Grammy Awards.

 

My flows is sick and I’m a lunatic
And this can’t be cured with no Elixir.

Now, seven years after the performance took place, the track has enjoyed a sales resurgence on iTunes.


Full story below…

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Rita Ora is waxing honest about the challenges she’s faced on her musical journey.

Because, for all her success (which includes five UK #1’s),  it hasn’t been plane sailing for the multi-hyphenate star.

Indeed, for all her wins, she’s routinely found herself at the center of industry politics – a lot of which prohibited her from releasing music and, in one instance, actually led to a major legal showdown.

In a new interview with This Is How I Made It, she opens up about how some of those hurdles affected her and how she came out triumphant. As relates to the latter, she kept it 100 about her unapologetic penchant for doing “everything” and stresses that people now must be like “I guess this b*tch is staying.”

Check out the insightful feature below…

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Cable’s #1 sitcom, TBS’ ‘The Last O.G.,’ is far from delivering its last laugh.

Co-created and executive-produced by Oscar winner Jordan Peele, the series – led by comedians Tracy Morgan and Tiffany Haddish – has been officially renewed for its third season. 

Details inside:

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Review of Billboard history books may already show there is certainly no scarcity of the name Eminem mentioned, but – as his newest achievement underscores – the future will undoubtedly see even more room made for Slim Shady accomplishments.

The latest feat comes courtesy of his appearance on fellow rapper Logic‘s hit, ‘Homicide.’  As the 29-year-old is reportedly well on his way to topping the Billboard 200 next week with his latest album, ‘Confessions of a Dangerous Mind,’ his feature from Em  (born Marshall Mathers) precedes the coronation by  debuting in the top 5 on this week’s Hot 100.

With the newest addition to his Hot 100 chart history (the 21st of his career), Mathers is now tied with Jay Z for the third most top 10 hits among rappers (only Drake and Lil Wayne have more).  Of his 21 top 10 placements, 5 of them topped the chart (‘Love the Way You Lie’ featuring Rihanna, ‘The Monster’ with Rihanna, ‘Not Afraid,’ ‘Lose Yourself,’ and ‘Crack a Bottle’ with Dr. Dre and 50 Cent).  As it relates to #1 hits among rappers, only Drake has more than Eminem (as of time reported).

As we extend our congratulations, look below to see who joins him in the top 25 on this week’s TGJ Chart Check:  Hot 100 edition:

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Just days after surprising their respective fan bases with its announcement, Lizzo & Charli XCX have sent fans into a frenzy with the arrival of their duet, ‘Blame It On Your Love.’

“I just wanna drink you up. Pour you in a silver cup. You know I like to party, but you know I love your body,” coos Charli over the Stargates-produced track.

A rhythmic, percussion driven affair, the tune hears the duo chant its chorus while Lizzo chimes in closer to the song’s end to deliver her slick, rap-sung lyrics.  Ahead of the premiere of ‘Blame’s reportedly already shot music video, hear the song in full below:

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Taylor Swift‘s new single, ‘Me!,’ the leading track from her yet-titled 7th LP, may be lodged in history books for making the highest Billboard leap since the introduction of the Hot 100 (click here to read more), but as of this week the track is making its way down the charts.

As it’s definitely not been greeted with the fanfare of her previous lead singles, Swift is pounding the promo pavement in its support with hopes of turning the tide.  After rendering a critically polarizing performance at the Billboard Music Awards earlier this month, the Grammy winner took to ‘Ellen’ (May 15) to dish on ‘Me!’s parent album, her role in the forthcoming ‘Cats’ adaptation, and answer the hostess’ ‘burning questions.’

Did you miss any of the laughs from earlier today?  See it all inside:

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Having already captured an Emmy for the groundbreaking VH1 series ‘Drag Race,’ RuPaul is now racing to capture a second golden winged statuette via a forthcoming eponymous daytime talk show (as we previously reported here).

Set to premiere next month, the series – billed as a “celebratory showcase for its host’s ‘distinctive voice, exceptional interview skills, passion for helping others, and inclusive brand of humor that unfolds as a modern take on the talk format’ – will be highlighted by celebrity guests and interviews, a “thematic throughline of self-empowerment through beauty, makeup, and style,” and more.

“This is the show I’ve always wanted to do,” Ru says in a newly unveiled teaser. “We are going to share stories of strength, survival, and love.”

See the 58-year-old superstar work inside:

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DJ Khaled is driving full steam to the release of his 11th album ‘Father Of Asahd’ this Friday (May 17th). 

Unlike prior LPs, the set hasn’t preceded by a slew of singles and instead has been teased in earnest on social media.

Indeed, as of last week, the hitmaker revealed his label have been pushing for him to finally submit the project so as to make its retail deadline.

Its tracklist remains a mystery, but Khaled whipped up excitement moments ago with the album’s official cover – which, naturally, features little Asahd.

As for guests on the record, many names including the Cardi B, the late Nipsey Hussle, John Legend have all been confirmed.

It’s also expected that 2018’s ‘Top Off’ featuring Jay-Z, Beyonce, and Future will appear; as will ‘No Brainer’ with Justin Bieber, Quavo, and Chance The Rapper.

Pending more from Khaled’s roll-out, check out his recent efforts below…

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As the age old adage goes, most “overnight successes” take years.

Such is the case for rising star Lizzo, who is now reaping the rewards of a decade of grinding.

The singer made a viral splash with the single ‘Juice’ and has earned praise aplenty for major label debut ‘Cuz I Love You’ – which premiered in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 last month.

Now, as the song ‘Truth Hurts’ rockets up the charts, the 31-year-old stuns in the latest digital issue of Essence Magazine.

Within her accompanying feature, she opens up about embracing her body, her broader purpose, being inspired by Missy Elliott, and much more.

Head below for more…

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