A previously anonymous woman who alleges R. Kelly sexually assaulted her is now going public with the accusations for the first time.

Despite the embattled singer entering a ‘not guilty’ plea to the 10 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse involving four alleged victims (click here to read more), one of the four – identified in the indictment record as “L.C.” – is maintaining the 52-year-old is guilty of the reported crimes.

Taking to CBS ‘This Morning,’ she shared a harrowing tale of her relationship with the ‘I Believe I Can Fly’ star.  Hear it inside:

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Gospel music enthusiasts were sent into a frenzy four months ago (as we reported here) when it was formally announced Urban music royals Queen Latifah, Missy Elliott, and Mary J. Blige were joining forces to create a biographical film to depict the rise of the genre’s most revered sister act – The Clark Sisters.

Cited as an inspiration by some of popular music’s most prized vocalists from Whitney Houston to Mariah Carey, Blige, Beyonce, and more, the Clarks – Dorinda, Jacky, Twinkie, and Karen – broke music barriers and ushered in over five decades of Gospel classics and crossover hits including the likes of ‘You Brought the Sunshine,’ ‘Name It, Claim It,’ and more.

Now, as it rolls closer to its yet-announced premiere date, the movie – ‘The Clark Sisters:  The First Ladies of Gospel’ – is amping up viewers with news about its all-star cast.  Details inside:

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‘Wake Up, No Make Up’ singer Ciara is waking fans up to new music from her long-awaited seventh album, ‘Beauty Marks.’

The follow-up to a string of critically acclaimed cuts (see:  ‘Greatest Love,’ ‘Dose,’ and ‘Level Up’), the new tune – ‘Thinkin Bout You’ – has been teased in earnest since its announcement just days ago (click here to read).

Undoubtedly a 1,2 step away from her usual sonic offerings as she’s best known for party-starters and bass heavy slow jams, ‘Thinkin’ rings as an 80s-inspired, mid-tempo funk groove akin to the offerings of fellow Urban stageblazer Janelle Monae.

Curious what we mean? Hear it for yourself:

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Donald Trump leads the chorus of incensed critics who cannot believe the charges launched against ‘Empire’ actor Jussie Smollett (as we reported here) and has revealed he wants the Federal Bureau of Investigations to investigate him!

Full story below..

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Cop a gander at our girl Ciara!

After ample teasing as her best body of work to date, the Grammy-winner’s finally unveiled a peek at her long-awaited new album, ‘Beauty Marks.’ Ahead of the release of its latest single, ‘Thinkin Bout You’ (due today as we reported here), the project will come as the first LP launched from her label Beauty Marks Entertainment.

Curious to see what gems you can expect to see line its tracklist?  Exciting details await inside:

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Having scored ratings winners with a bevy of biographical films related to top female music artists over the last few years (see:  Aaliyah, Toni Braxton, Whitney Houston, and more), Lifetime is hoping rub a few more hits out of their magic lamp as it’s been announced they have ordered yet another set of music themed programs.

In addition to the previously announced biopic set to tell the stories of one of Gospel’s most renowned groups, The Clark Sisters (as we reported here), now the women’s network is turning the spotlight on female Rap pioneers Salt-N-Pepa.

Details inside:

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With the April 12th premiere date of her new film, ‘Little,’ looming, expect to see more of the multi-talented Issa Rae a-front magazines and TV screens in its support.

After turning heads in ‘Shape’ magazine earlier this month, the 34-year-old dropped jaws by paying homage to her mother’s Louisianian heritage with a New Orleans-inspired photo shoot for Essence magazine (as we reported here).  Steered by Itaysha Jordan, the shots featured stunning fashions from the likes of designers Marc Jacobs, Valentino, Sergio Rossi, and many more.

We’ve already shown you the finished products, but look inside for the behind the scenes magic:

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Another couple are calling it quits. And this time it’s Monica and husband of 9 years Shannon Brown. 

Full story below…

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‘Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta’ may have just launched its latest season, but the drama is already popping off for Tokyo Vanity. Off-screen.

The reality figure/aspiring actress is having a hard time on social media today after she insinuated that the powers that be are using children’s media to “turn kids gay.”

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Wendy Williams returned to her show three weeks ago after a three-month hiatus that she blamed on ill-health. However, the daytime talker is set to go on a break…again.

Details below…

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Usher has a lot to get off his chest, and it seems as though he may be drawing on a tried and true format to do so.

For, the R&B star has just teased a sequel to his Diamond-selling ‘Confessions’ album.

Dive below for details…

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‘The Boss’ Diana Ross celebrated her 75th birthday and did so in style.

Surrounded by family, friends, and admirers, the music legend was honored for the length and breadth of the star-studded ceremony.

One especially notable name on-hand was Beyonce – who was called on to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to a woman many have drawn career comparisons to. Both reared in iconic groups and blazed a trail as formidable solo forces.

Suffice to say, the choice was oh so fitting.

Watch one Dreamgirl salute another after the jump…

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