Boogie Wit Da Hoodie‘s capture of the #1 spot on this week’s Billboard 200 has sparked serious debates around the accuracy of streaming being the most reflective proof of an artist’s popularity.  Controversial since news of its inclusion in Billboard and RIAA tallies for placements and certifications respectively, that contention was reignited once music lovers learned that Hoodie’s sophomore album – ‘Hoodie SZN’ – nabbed the albums’ chart summit with merely 823 copies sold, a record low.

Billboard reports:

The 20-song Hoodie SZN has been largely powered by streaming activity since its debut on the chart. In its premiere week, it sold just 6,000 copies, while in its second and third weeks, sold a mere 1,000 in each frame. On the new Billboard 200, of Hoodie SZN’s 58,000 total units, 56,000 come from SEA units (equaling 83 million on-demand audio streams for the album’s 20 songs),  1,000 from TEA units and [nearly] 1,000 from album sales.

The previous consumption-era low was registered just a week ago, when 21 Savage’s streaming-powered ‘I Am > I Was’ sold 3,000 copies (of its total 65,000 units).

Sign of the times or just a slow start to the year?  The debate rages on.  But, what can’t be debated is who joins Hoodie in the top 25 this week on the Billboard 200.  Look inside to see the latest edition of ‘TGJ’s Chart Check’:

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Is Future the male “Beyonce“?  Apparently somebody we’re not quite sure who somewhere thinks so.  In fact, so much so the 35-year-old – heavy on the promo trail in support of his January 18th-due new album, ‘The Wizrd’ – was recently quizzed on how the comparison makes him feel as he takes steps toward “empowering men” with his new music.

Despite earning quite the tongue-lashing from detractors for recently admitting he kept his decision to quit lean a secret as it may have impacted how his fans, affectionately called “The FutureHive” (much like Bey’s “BeyHive”), would have responded, Future’s confident that his newfound approach to making music is designed to uplift the fellas.

Taking to The Fader to discuss this and more recently, look inside to hear how he feels when people call him men’s answer to his ‘Top Off’ co-star, his mentoring relationship to Young Thug, how he doesn’t let his children listen to his music, and so much more:

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Nearly 6 years separate fans of Kelly Rowland, affectionately known as #RowlandStones, from a new album from the R&B songstress.  Despite building buzz along the way with isolated singles and other business ventures (see:  book, charity events, reality show singing competitions, etc.) scattered over the last half decade, promotional support for the aforementioned efforts was often accompanied with promises of ‘it’s coming’ as fans pressured for concrete news.

Now, speaking with our friends at Billboard, the 37-year-old has assured readers the wait’s nearly come to an end.  As fans continue to laud her braggadocious, eponymous single released at the tail end of 2018 (click here to listen), Rowland’s going on record to say its parent album is just about ready to come out of the oven:

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Ava Duvernay‘s immersive new TV show has scored a release date!

Details on the captivating ‘Red Line’ below…

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Travis Scott’s attempt to assure fans that his decision to perform at the NFL’s Super Bowl isn’t offensive to the company’s enemy Colin Kaepernick has been shattered.

Find out why below…

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Kamala Harris has encouraged the millions who are hoping she becomes the 46th President of the United States to give Beyonce‘s ‘Lemonade’ a listen if ever they are in need of good music.

Harris is expected to join the beloved and highly respected Elizabeth Warren by taking on Donald J. Trump and in 2020 and recently sat down with ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ to reveal who and what she listens to when the mood is appropriate.

Watch below…

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Booty, booty, booty, booty rockin’ everywhere!

That’s what ensued after City Girls’ “flewed out” the world’s top twerkers for a P-popping royal rumble.  With $25,000 gifted to the winner, the rumpshakers’ efforts were also commemorated with a feature in the video for ‘Twerk’ – the Girls’ single with rapstress Cardi B.

Just a day after the ‘I Like It’ hitmaker took to Instagram to tease the Daps-directed visual’s arrival (as we reported here), it awaits in full below for your viewing pleasure.  See it inside:

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Soulja Boy has spent more than a decade in the spotlight, however in recent years he’s become more synonymous with beef and scandal.

It’s a trajectory that doesn’t look set to stop following the rapper’s interview on The Breakfast Club this morning.

Ever outspoken, the star demanded that the industry at large respect him because he “started” the digital rap revolution with 2007’s ‘Crank That.’

He also sunk his claws into Tyga and Kanye West.

Perhaps most notable, however, was his words about Drake who he says stole his swag. He verbatim told Charlamagne, DJ Envy, and Angela Yee that he taught Drizzy everything he knows.

Watch below…

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John Legend is gearing up to release what looks to be his most cinematic video yet.

In a newly unwrapped trailer, the 40-year-old trumpets the arrival of new visual ‘Preach.’

It’s not been made immediately clear whether the gospel-tinged song (which he’s been performing sporadically over the last few months) is the lead offering from his forthcoming album. But what is certain is that he’s seizing the moment to make a major statement. Case in point the caption attached:

“I can’t just sit and hope, I can’t just sit and pray…”

Ahead of its February 1st premiere, check out the teaser for ‘Preach’ below…

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Little Mix are kicking off 2019 in fine fashion.

For, fresh from nabbing two nominations at the upcoming BRIT Awards, it’s been confirmed that the ladies will also be performing at the show.

Details below..

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Nicki Minaj’s endowments to Pop culture via Hip-Hop music haven’t gone unnoticed by the brilliant minds behind the National Museum of African-American History & Culture who have honoured her art by naming her a “pioneer of Hip-Hop.”

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Lee Daniels intends to make a household name out of the African-American martial arts viral star Super Bitch.

His first step? A feature length film.

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