Controversy – even inadvertent brands of it – still sells records.  Ask Lil Nas X: the 20-year-old singer/rapper who recently burst onto the scene thanks to a controversial call from Billboard that initially excluded his Country-tinged Hip Hop song – ‘Old Town Road’ – from riding onto Country charts.

Once the decision was reversed (thanks to harsh criticism from a number of supporters who slammed Billboard for making such a rule in the first place), last week saw the Billy Ray Cyrus-assisted tune shoot to the top of the Hot 100 (as we reported here).  Retaining the spot for a second run this week, the retention came on the heels of some jaw dropping streaming figures.

Billboard reports:

“Road” rockets by 207%, from 46.6 million U.S. streams to 143 million, shattering the record for the most in a week. “Road” also roars by 454% to 124,000 downloads sold…That’s the biggest weekly total since Drake’s “God’s Plan” debuted with 127,000 sold (Feb. 3, 2018).

Click below to see who joins him in the top 25:

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Some may believe it’s a man’s world, but there’s no denying the music industry is very much a woman’s universe.

And Live Nation Urban are celebrating this in a major way, for the entertainment juggernaut has has announced an all-star, all-female concert series named ‘Femme It Forward.’

Boasting a dream line-up, the trek will see many names – new, known, and notable – take to the stage in various venues in the US April through October.

On the bill are the likes of Cardi B, Brandy, Monica, Teyana Taylor, Ashanti, The City Girls, Mya, Keri Hilson, Jill Scott, Tweet, Faith Evans, Jorja Smith, and Amerie. All will perform alongside other acts.

Beyond the shows, it’ll also encompass conferences and panels aimed at promoting female unity.

Details and dates below…

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Despite playing a major part in its conception, Kevin Hunter is to lose his role as a producer on ‘The Wendy Williams Show’ after the world learned that he had fathered a child outside of his marriage.

Bad news for him below…

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Pizzza Hut has launched an investigation into an incident which saw one of its employees insult an innocent African-American child in a disturbing social media post.

Someone needs to find his family’s info, just for safety. That baby deserves a loving home and far far away ppl like him.

— J (@BANGTANTRAPMIX) April 15, 2019

Somebody find out their info that girl isn’t safe

— ? (@hhhhh31876362) April 15, 2019

Read below…

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Jennifer Lopez is following in the footsteps of Beyonce, Naomi Campbell and Rihanna by receiving the prestigious CFDA Fashion Icon Award.

Full story below…

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In recent years, Rihanna has extended her reign from the singles charts to the business sphere  following the launch of many an extracurricular venture.

Most notable has been her wildly successful Fenty Beauty cosmetics line, which continues to strut from strength to strength.

To celebrate its trailblazing run, Runway RiRi covers the May (Beauty Issue) of Harper’s Bazzar. 

Renown for being a fashion provocateur, the 31-year-old Bajan belle lives up to her billing with a number of stunning looks in the Dennis Leupold lensed shoot.

More after the jump…

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Cop a gander of Frank Ocean!

The seldom seen singer makes a rare media appearance a-front of issue 10 of GayLetter magazine.

Ocean’s swim up to the surface comes as fans feverishly wait for new music from the star, following the 2016 release of latest LP ‘Blonde.’

More from the Collier Schorr lens shoot after the jump…

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Bebe Rexha has been showered with messages of love and support after revealing that she has been diagnosed with bipolar.

Full story below…

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Music royals Mary J. Blige and Nas are hitting the road together!

Moments ago, Live Nation announced a 22-date trek that’ll see the potent pair power their way through US cities this summer.

The news comes on the heels of confirmation that MJB has a new album incoming and also arrives amidst a busy festival season for Mr. Illmatic.

Set to kick off on July 11th in West Palm Beach, FL and wrap in September, the full itinerary for the trek awaits below…

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Wendy Williams‘ personal life has become an on-going Hot Topic, thanks largely to her husband Kevin Hunter fathering a child out of wedlock and her subsequent divorce filing.

Now, in an interesting twist, Hunter has issued a public apology to the talk show maven – taking ownership of his wrongs. Well, somewhat.

Check out what he had to say after the jump…

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Monica is a woman not to be messed with in the video for new single ‘Commitment.’

Fed up with the philandering ways of her partner, she takes matters into her own hands. Literally.

The clip (which was directed by Teyana Taylor and features a cameo from Tiny) is the first to be issued from Monica’s new studio album ‘Chapter 38.’ Tonally, in light of recent changes in her personal life, its timing is interesting to say the least.

In any case, check out new Monica after the jump…

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After garnering acclaim aplenty for their musical collaboration, ‘Dinero,’ rapstress Cardi B and singer/actress Jennifer Lopez are looking for a repeat courtesy of their forthcoming silver screen project, ‘Hustlers.’

The film – which sees its plot inspired by a 2016 New York Magazine article that detailed the lives of a crew of savvy former strip club employees who unite to turn the tables on their Wall Street clients – fills out its cast with a slew of in demand actresses including the likes of  Constance Wu, Julia Styles,  Lili Reinhart and Keke Palmer.

Sending fans into a frenzy upon its late March 2019 announcement, Lopez only upped anticipation for the STX flick by recently revealing its premiere date.  Details inside:

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