An LGBT music industry brunch organised by ‘Variety‘ has raised questions surrounding LGBT’s community’s exclusion of its black brothers and sisters and the privileges white men within the community are said to use to erase their contributions to the arts.
Taylor Swift has been praised by fans after she reportedly made the decision to fire one of her dancers after uncovering some of their worryingly vulgar and disturbing social media messages.
As we previously reported, it looks like Cardi B‘s keeping her word about dropping two music videos this month (click here to read more). Just two days after unveiling the cinematic accompanying clip to ‘Be Careful,’ the J. Balvin-assisted ‘I Like It’ began being teased in Youtube commercials.
Now, after much fan anticipation, we are just a day away from the latter’s premiere. Ahead of its release in full, Cardi took to Instagram to amp that anticipation to even higher heights.
Will a video help the ‘Invasion of Privacy’ cut surpass its #8 peak on the Hot 100? Take a look at another preview and let us know what you think:
Janet Jackson may have been bestowed with the Icon honor at the Billboard Music Awards recently, but the ever humble legend was still welcoming of all backstage.
Moments ago, the diva shared snaps of herself with rising star Normani, who around the time of the show revealed that she was lucky enough to have met Jackson.
Also enjoying time with the 52-year-old were Ciara, Tyra Banks, Jenna Dewan, and her sister Rebbie Jackson (who, at 67, looks sensational).
Speaking of her catch-ups (and introductions), Jackson saod:
Thank u to my beautiful sister Rebbie and my girls for your support ? #girlpower
This week brings with it the season 3 premiere of ‘Queen Sugar.’
The OWN drama has proven a ratings draw thanks to its compelling story and potent performances.
Set for a two-night return commencing May 29th, viewers will no doubt be glued to screens to see what creator Ava DuVernay has cooked up for the Bordelon’s third outing.
That Grape Juice‘s Shar recently caught up with some of the show’s anchoring stars – Bianca Lawson, Dawn-Lyen Gardner, and Timon Kyle Durrett – at the 2018 ABFF Honors and probed them for details.
And while it’s clear Ms. DuVernay is running a tight-lipped ship, the cast did hint at both a “powerful” and “juicy” season ahead. Hit ‘PLAY’ above to watch.
‘Queen Sugar’ returns May 29th & 30th at 10/9c on OWN TV.
Rita Ora may be in the midst of a European tour, but she made sure to jet into BBC Radio 1‘s ‘Biggest Weekend’ for a hyper hot set.
The singer, who performed and hopped straight back onto a plane to resume the trek (on the same night), rocked out to a many of her hits including her 5 UK #1’s.
Also on her set was newest single ‘Girls,’ which features Cardi B, Bebe Rexha, and Charli XCX.
And while the ladies weren’t there to join her on-stage to perform the cut (which has attracted controversy of late), it didn’t stop the singer from turning up with her crew.
Will Smith‘s return to music finds itself bolstered by an epic union with the organisers of this year’s World Cup!
Soaring into the Popverse this week? ‘Live it Up‘, the original jam he penned to stand as the official World Cup 2018 tune with help from Nicky Jam and Era Istrefi!
Leona Lewis took front stage centre at the 29th Annual National Memorial Day Concert last night.
Together with a gospel choir, the songbird nested on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol and belted out a stirring rendition of Simon & Garfunkel’s ‘Bridge over Troubled Water.’
‘Dance Again’ diva Jennifer Lopez is going to do just that as reports have it she – alongside fellow judges Ne-Yo, Derek Hough, and hostess Jenna Dewan – will be coming back to NBC for yet another season of the hit reality dance competition, ‘World of Dance.’
The critical and commercial response to the show’s first season (which captured audiences by the millions) was so favorable the network has granted it a season 3 return…ahead of its season 2 premiere!
This week’s From The Vault comes courtesy of Christina Aguilera and her infectious comeback bid ‘Not Myself Tonight.’
Issued as the lead single from 2010 ill-fated ‘Bionic’ album, ‘Tonight’ was produced by Polow Da Don and penned by Ester Dean alongside Greg Curtis and Jason Perry.
Lyrically, the track saw Xtina ditch the PC for PVC as she veers out of character… for one night
Despite its mixed reviews, the song still managed to peak at #23 in the US, and #12 in the UK.
***********
It’s difficult to divorce the release from the climate it arrived during; one which saw Christina’s popularity polarized while a certain Lady Gaga was becoming a Pop fixture. It was no surprise then when comparisons started to arise, as both ladies were presenting futuristic themed projects.
And the song’s video only pour fuel on the then-raging flames of debate.
Hype Williams helmed the clip, which immediately drew comparisons to Gaga thanks to its variety of outlandish looks and themes (see: bondage, religion, exhibitionism).
The visual was also critiqued in some corners for “borrowing” from Madonna’s work – specifically the iconic ‘Express Yourself.’ All of which was met with a lukewarm response with the masses judging the clip contrived and try-hard.
***********
For many, it is “this” song that marked the start of Christina’s commercial decline. We say it’s unfortunate as, though not as cutting-edge as ‘Dirrty’ was years prior, it showcased yet another reinvention for Aguilera after the throwback ‘Back To Basics.’ It’s just that the climate not necessarily in her favor; it quite literally overshadowed the rest of the project which houses many a musical gem (hello ‘Woohoo’ and ‘Sex For Breakfast’).
Now, with her ‘Liberation’ near, we sincerely hope Team Xtina will right the wrongs that were made during the ‘Bionic’ and ‘Lotus’ eras respectively.
Clearly this time around the focus seems to be on quality music without necessarily insisting on complicated artistic concepts. Thus far the promo has been on-point; fingers crossed it continues.