As we reported last week, Nicki Minaj was one of 20 influential rap figures covering XXL magazine for its 20th anniversary cover.  Inside the mag, the Harajuku Barbie lifted a number of tongue-wagging quotes as she dished on her relevance and influence to the genre.  None, however, got people talking more than her thoughts on her role in “reintroducing female rappers to the mainstream.”

Expounding on the comment, Minaj stated:

I think female rappers have always been dope and influential, but I think I sort of came in at a time where big business was paying attention, so I was able to capitalize off of a lot of deals and business ventures. I aligned myself with a lot of brands, and I was able to show that a female rapper was able to sell products.

Fans of fellow rapstresses – namely Lil’ Kim, Foxy Brown, Queen Latifah, and Missy Elliott – took umbrage with the quote.  Taking to the ‘PinkPrint’ performer’s social media handles to sound off, the commentary eventually led her to lend her own lengthy rant defending her statement.

Read it inside:

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From the looks of things fans were hungry for new episodes of VH1’s hot cooking show, ‘Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party.’ 

Starring “domestic diva” Martha Stewart and rap legend Snoop Dogg, the hit unscripted series – which premiered last year – was renewed for a second season just three weeks into its inaugural run in 2016.  Nearly a year after that announcement (click here to read more on that), Monday night (October 16) saw its season 2 kick off with a bang thanks to appearances from guest stars Patti Labelle and Jamie Foxx.  

They not only helped Snoop celebrate his birthday, but also lent a hand giving viewers a second helping of laughs and recipes.  Tuck in below to see just how many tuned in to see the action:

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TIDAL is hosting its third annual charity concert, ‘TIDAL X: Brooklyn,’ and has called on a star-studded lineup including JAY-Z, Jennifer Lopez, DJ Khaled, Fat Joe & Remy Ma, Cardi B, Chris Brown,  and more to raise awareness and funds in support of those affected by recent natural disasters.

Hosted by Angie Martinez at Brooklyn’s famed Barclays Center, this year’s performers are coming together in an effort to raise awareness and funds for organizations that support relief and recovery for those affected by the unprecedented natural disasters, including: Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Maria and the earthquakes that took place in Mexico.

More inside:

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As MTV‘s revived TRL tries to find its footing, the show scored quite the coup by securing Fifth Harmony for a takeover.

The Pop outfit, who are no doubt aligned with the audience of the original show, featured for the entire hour.

During their appearance they performed current single ‘He Like That’ and smash in waiting ‘Don’t Say You Love Me.’

Watch both below…

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Rita Ora is on the road to the release of a brand new new single.

Following the chart success of ‘Your Song’ (which has become her biggest European release), the 26-year-old is gearing up to premiere ‘Anywhere’ this Friday (October 20th).

To whet appetites, the multi-hypenate star has shared behind the scenes snaps of the track’s video.

Directed by Declan Whitebloom, the clip was filmed in New York City and saw Ora shoot in location such as Times Square, the Meatpacking District, the Hudson River, and China Town. The Brit-bred singer, who hosts the MTV EMAs on November 12th, wears 9 different outfits in the video.

Ahead of the visual’s arrival, peep pics below…
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Fifth Harmony have sprung an early holiday gift on their legions of fans.

The Pop quad have unwrapped new song ‘Can You See The Star.’

A rousing anthem, the release is lifted from the soundtrack of motion picture ‘The Star.’

The animation retells the story of “the first Christmas” for the contemporary audience and features material from many others besides 5H – including Mariah Carey.

Listen to the group’s musical contribution below…

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“Love is the only way. You can hate yourself while someone else is saying, ‘You can’t. You won’t. You never will.’

These are the words of a certain Mary J, Blige in her feature spread in November’s ESSENCE magazine.

The Queen of Hip-Hop/Soul covers the publication in support of current album ‘The Strength of A Woman’ and new Netflix movie ‘Mudbound.’

Due on the streaming service November 17th, the flick explores racial division in post World War II Mississippi.

Hotly tipped for Oscar glory, you can check out the trailer by clicking here.

We’re totally here for MJB making her mark in multiple arenas. She’s long established herself as an insurmountable force; hence it’s awesome to see her working it (and werking it) during this trying time (see: divorce).

Your thoughts?

It goes without saying that it’s been an exceptional year for both Solange and Bruno Mars. 

Hence, it’s fitting that the singers lead the pack of talent in the nominations for the 2017 Soul Train Awards.

Solo stands tallest with 7 honors, while Bruno blazes the scene with 6.

Both have achieved gargantuan success with their projects ‘A Set At The Table’ and ’24k Magic’ projects respectively.

Toni Braxton will also be bestowed with the coveted  Don Cornelius Legend Award, while SWV will receive the third annual Lady Of Soul Award.

The prizes are set to be handed out on November 5th at Las Vegas’ Orleans Arena, with the ceremony itself airing on BET on November 26th. 

Peep the full list of nominees after the jump…

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Bruno Mars is keeping the ’24k Magic’ party playing through to 2018.

For, it’s just been announced that the stage blazer will be scorching as headliner at Barclaycard’s British Summer Time Hyde Park. And he has a very special guest joining him.

Full story below…

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The pressure is finally on the entertainment industry to name and shame the meticulous predators who use their power and influence to molest and manipulate vulnerable artists.

Today, Robin Antin has denied that she is one of those predators after a former member of her group the Pussycat Dolls claimed that she forced her employees to sleep with men in exchange for money she would pocket.

Full story below…

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Ever wondered why Pink and Mary J. Blige are yet to collaborate?

Well, today brings with it the answer to your question.

Details below…

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It’s no secret that MTV’s 2017 reboot of ‘TRL’ has been a miss with critics and viewers.

As reported here, the daily series premiered to a staggering 166,000 viewers on October 2nd.  To put that into context, that figure is less than half of the viewership that led it to its 2008 cancellation.  While some blamed the unfortunate Las Vegas terrorist attack (which also happened on Oct. 2) for the cause of the low ratings, others pointed to the show’s new format, hosts, time slot, and so much more.

Whatever the cause, ‘TRL’s ratings have only declined since its premiere.  As of Friday (October 13th), only 123,000 tuned in.

Despite the discouraging figures, execs at MTV – namely its president, Chris McCarthy – are “incredibly optimistic” about its future.  Read about this and more from his telling sit-down with Billboard inside:

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