Let some critics tell it, R&B superstar Usher‘s new album, ‘Hard II Love,’ does not live up to its title.

Noted by many-a-reviewer for its tracklist being lined with moving ballads and daring departures from mainstream R&B, the set’s lead singles –‘Crash,’ ‘No Limit’ (ft. Young Thug), and ‘Rivals’ (featuring Future) – have proven themselves a clear, yet strategic and intentional attempts to draw today’s younger listeners.

From where we (the buying public) stand in relation to the boardroom (on the outside looking in), however, it appears the strategic tactics stopped there.  For, with a surprise early release and few promotional appearances to announce its availability, the absence of buzz for the project may see ‘Hard II Love’ very ‘Hard II Find’ in the upper rankings of the Billboard 200.

An alarming fact given the high hopes many had for ‘Hard’ to help return the one-time chart champion back to his former glory…

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Fergie’s comeback single, ‘M.I.L.F. $,’ may have topped iTunes, nabbed over 100 million views on Youtube, and given her the highest Hot 100 debut of her career (#34 debut and peak), but since its poor reception at radio and mixed critical review the tune has since plummeted out of sight.

Its star-studded video may have helped keep it in mention for awhile, but the buzz certainly was not enough to launch her long awaited ‘Double Dutchess’ era.  Keen to turn things around, Fergie Ferg has unveiled a brand spankin’ new remix EP featuring 6 revamps of the tune.

With additions form the likes of Polow Da Don (the producer of the original), Dave Aude, Slushii, and more, tuck in below to get your groove on:
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It’s official!

Lady Gaga‘s fifth studio album has a title.

The follow-up to ‘ARTPOP’ has officially been christened ‘Joanne.’

Find out what the title means and when it’ll be hitting stores below…

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Miguel is currently moulding his next album, but that doesn’t mean he can’t tease plus titillate in the interim.

And he does exactly that with a familiar Beyonce song.

The R&B crooner reimagines ‘Crazy In Love’ on the soundtrack for the new ‘Fifty Shades Darker’ movie.

Though not out in full, a lengthy preview of his rendition – which is drenched in drama – accompanies the first trailer for the flick.

Check it out below…

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Screen Gems‘ ‘When the Bough Breaks’ has opened with $15 million at the Box Office in its opening weekend.

Full story below…

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While Lady Gaga is an established stage-blazer, it was far from guaranteed that she’d be touring her upcoming fifth album.

For, in the next few months alone she’ll be pounding the pavement in support of the LP’s release, plugging ‘American Horror Story,’ recording with Tony Bennett, and shooting ‘A Star Is Born’ opposite Bradley Cooper.

All of which left some fans wondering when there’d be time to trek the globe to push the follow-up to ‘ARTPOP.’

They need not fret, though.

Because in a new interview with Marvin Humes on the Vodafone Top 40 Show in the UK, Mother Monster confirmed a new tour.

Listen below…

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Britney Spears’ 2016 MTV VMA performance may have been billed the night’s “must-see” performance leading up to the ceremony, but after the 1-2 punch of riveting Rihanna and Beyonce performances, the ‘Radar’ singer was hardly on anyone in the audience’s radar.

Yet, despite being greeted with mixed review and seeing the headlines that followed not exactly singing her praises, the refreshed Billboard Hot 100 is revealing her G-Eazy-assisted showing was not a complete miss.  Indeed, after introducing the tune – ‘Make Me’ (the lead single from her 9th album, ‘Glory’) – to its largest audience yet, Brit has jumped over 40 spots on this week’s single chart!

In addition to herself and Rih, see who else can thank the VMAs for a boost below:

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Lady Gaga has experienced quite the career roller coaster of late – with a number of peaks and troughs.

But, on the eve of the release of new single ‘Perfect Illusion,’ there’s no denying anticipation is at fever-pitch for the cut’s housing album.

Affectionately codenamed ‘LG5’ by fans, the singer’s fifth studio effort features production from the likes of Mark Ronson, Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker, and BloodPop.

In a new interview with Rolling Stone, the latter opened up about what listeners can expect from new Gaga.

His words await below…

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Drake is renown for his funny bone, but there was no laughing last night after his latest ‘Summer Sixteen Tour’ stop.

The Canadian was filmed incensed after jewelry worth millions was stolen from he and road partner Future‘s tour bus.

Per reports, the drama went down at the Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix; the thieves made it onto the vehicle and took the briefcase that contained the bling.

Authorities are currently reviewing footage so as to ID the culprits. Pending updates, peep an angered Drizzy after the jump…

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For well over a decade, Sean Paul has been waving the flag for Dancehall on a global scale.

Wildly successful in his own right, the Jamaican star has long been the go-to for Western acts hoping to sprinkle island spice on their songs.

In recent times, said sound has risen to Pop prominence – following releases such as ‘Sorry’ by Justin Bieber and ‘Controlla’ by Drake. 

Paul, however, is none too pleased.

Not so much about the West’s love-affair with Dancehall, but rather the lack of acknowledgement of its roots.

His words await below…

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Season 3 of ‘How To Get Away With Murder’ is unleashed September 22nd – and, by the looks of a freshly released trailer, the ABC hit promises fireworks aplenty.

Viola Davis returns as no-nonsense professor Annalise Keating; a role which earned her an historic Emmy win.

Yet, as the teaser attests, the character’s cool, calm, and calculatingly cold demeanour is shaken to the core amidst a new drama that plays out from the very first episode back.

Preview the first episode of round three of the Shondaland smash after the jump…

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If there’s one guarantee with social media, it’s that there’s no such thing as predictability. This week’s From The Vault celebrates that with Monica‘s recently revived ‘So Gone’ – the 2003 hit behind the popular #SoGoneChallenge.

After ironically struggling to garner attention with the shelved ‘All Eyes On Me’ in 2002, the R&B belle went back to the studio to cook up a second incarnation of the album. Clocking time with producers such as Missy Elliott, Mo was ready to re-rev the campaign’s engine in 2003. ‘After The Storm’ was the new title and ‘Gone’ served as its lead single.

It was the first time the singer unleashed the MC in her, which would somewhat became a habit for her from then on.

Released to rave reviews, the throwback cut – which samples The Whispers ‘You Are Number One’ – saw the R&B diva return to chart glory. The cut peaked at #10 on the US Top 10 and #1 on the Hip-Hop/R&B tally. It was also a Top 20 hit in Canada.

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For the Chris Robinson directed visual, Mo’ got her crazy on, playing the role of a suspicious girlfriend who goes quite literally insane thinking her lover is cheating on her.

Though we would have preferred it was by way of her latest album ‘Code Red,’ we’re glad Monica’s name is on everyone’s lips again.

Who knows how this whole #SoGoneChallenge came about, but we’re glad more people are taking part in it.

We love it when the today’s consumers appreciate the greatness of previous eras in music; so color us excited about the resurgence of this R&B classic by a highly gifted and enduring artist.

Monica, we salute you

Your thoughts?