If Bill Cosby breathed a sigh of relief after his sexual assault trial climaxed in a mistrial last month, then it may have been a touch premature.

Because, as widely expected, the prosecution against the fallen icon have secured a confirmed retrial date.

Issued today, an order by Judge Steven O’Neill read:

“A retrial in the above-captioned matter is hereby scheduled for Monday, November 6, 2017   at   9:00 a.m. in Courtroom A of the Montgomery County Courthouse, Norristown, Pennsylvania.” [Source]

If Montgomery County D.A’s office press the same charges as in the first case, the 79-year old ‘Cosby Show’ actor will face three felony charges of second-degree aggravated indecent assault. Should he be convicted on all charges, he’d be imprisoned for 10 years.

This particular case pertains to the alleged assault of Andrea Constand in 2004; however over 50 women in total have come forward to accuse Cosby of similar wrongs. Constand’s case is the only one to proceed to trial due to fact the statute of limitations haven’t run out.

Cosby’s reps offered a “no comment at this present time” response to the news of the new date.

Your thoughts?

After a 7 year wait, Trina is finally ready to unwrap her new album, which now has an official title – ‘The One.’

Armed with the momentum of single ‘Damn’ and current offering ‘If It Ain’t Me’ featuring K. Michelle, the Queen of Miami has set a date of arrival for the long anticipated LP.

Mark those calendars because September 8th 2017 is when the project will land in stores.

To further amplify buzz, the 38-year-old unveiled its cover – a throwback snap of herself (rocking a crown) as a youngster:

During a recent press run, Trina revealed that the album is executive produced by Rico Love and will feature the likes of Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz.

We’ve long loved what she serves up, so we’re more than ready for another helping.

Roll on September.

Your thoughts?

‘4:44’ is being hailed as JAY-Z’s most personal album yet – and for its physical edition, Jigga is bringing things even more close to home. Literally.

For, it’s been revealed that Blue Ivy – his five year old daughter with Beyonce – will feature on the beefed up issue of the LP.

Due stores tomorrow (after a one week window of exclusivity on TIDAL), the set will house three additional songs; one of which being the duet with his daughter.

Peep the tracklist, courtesy of Universal Music China, below…

Per the list, Miss Carter will appear on the song ‘Blue’s Freestyle / We Family,’ which is joined by ‘Adnis’ and ‘MANYFACEDGOD.’ Both being two cuts previewed in separate virals.

Needless to say, it’ll be interesting to see how “going wide” at retail will affect the commercial performance of ‘4:44’ – which has already been certified Platinum.

Your thoughts?

[Photo credit: Getty]

Lil Wayne is tired of his legal battle with Birdman and won’t rest until he is paid the money he says the mogul owes him!

After suing the power player’s Cash Money music group for $51 million, Wayne then set his sights on its parent label Universal Music Group by seeking $40 million they owe him for his contributions to the business.

Today, he believes Birdman and UMG execs were in cahoots, joining forces to ensure he didn’t access money generated by his artists Drake and Nicki Minaj.

 

TMZ reveals:

Wayne’s lawyer, Howard King, filed docs saying the Cash Money honcho and Universal backdated a deal to make it look like it was signed BEFORE Young Money’s deal ran out. In docs obtained by TMZ, Wayne’s camp says Universal knew that backdating the deals would screw Lil Wayne out of profits from Young Money and the artists signed under his label.

Your thoughts?

Kesha is back!

As widely reported, the Pop starlet has been battling producer Dr. Luke over various claims of sexual harassment; a legal showdown that has seen her experience a number of setbacks.

Still, she drummed up colossal support in the court of public opinion.

Looking to put the drama behind her, the singer has returned with new single ‘Praying’ – the lead single from her long-awaited third album ‘Rainbow.’

Much to the elation of her fans, the 30-year-old unwrapped the video for the track too.

Watch below…

A marked departure from the dirty Pop she was pushing in prior years, this made for a compelling listen.

The song places her vocal and lyrical content to the forefront, highlighting that there’s more to Ms. Sebert than the catchy hooks of ‘Tick Tock’ and ‘Die Young.’

It’s very much on par with what we’d expect to hear and see from her first after all that’s happened.

A part of us hopes that there’ll be traces of the upbeat bangers she’s known for on the way. But, at the same time, it’d be understandable if she’s rebranding to showcase more a mature sound.

In any case, welcome back Kesha!

Your thoughts?

Rita Ora is more than getting by with a little with a little help from her friends. She looks set to thrive with them too.

The British hitmaker is putting the finishing touches to her second album – which is her first globally – with intent to release this Fall.

Having given a masses a taste with UK top 10 ‘Your Song,’ which was penned by Ed Sheeran, Ora has revealed that more major names in the mix.

Speaking to Nylon, the 26-year-old confirmed that 2 Chainz joins her on the Atlantic Records set. Also on-board are Coldplay’s Chris Martin, , and Charli XCX. 

Explaining her approach to collaboration on the LP, Ora said:

 “I’ve just got the record full of my friends. It explains my last three years of being stuck in limbo-land, coming back out with a fresh start, and making songs for people to just relax to.”

Of course by “limbo” the singer is referring to her legal wrangle with former label Roc Nation – a tussle that saw her unable to release music.

With that all in rearview, it seems Rita is speeding ahead with her comeback.

We’re buzzed to hear what she’s been baking; are you?

Your thoughts?

The unfortunate demise of Jesse Williams‘ marriage has taken another turn for the dramatic now that he has asked a judge to grant him formal custody of his children.

Why?

He claims his soon-to-be ex-wife Aryn Drake-Lee only allows him to see the kids for three hours each day and has rejected his request to have them stay at the property he rented three miles away from her home for sleepovers.

The couple were divorced for four and a half years before Williams filed for divorce in April and, after separating amicably, now find themselves of opposite ends of a legal war Williams hopes to win.

Aryn had this to say about Williams’ request for joint-custody and the press it had garnered via her legal reps weeks ago:

Protecting the privacy and well-being of their children is of paramount importance to Aryn Drake-Lee Williams,’ Hersh told Us Weekly.

It is unfortunate that Mr. Williams has chosen to draw public attention to this difficult time and transition for their family. Aryn is solely interested in the best interests of their children, supporting a healthy relationship with both parents, and protecting the children’s privacy.

Your thoughts?

Kenya Moore‘s marriage to Marc Daly has spelled trouble for her role on the hit series ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta.’

For, after learning that she had wed away from the show’s cameras, producers have now urged the former singleton to allow them into her life as married woman.

The problem? Daly is unimpressed by the show’s presentation of its husbands and so rejected the offer prompting producers to present Kenya with an ultimatum.

TMZ reveals:

We’re told Kenya has argued the show hired her, not her husband. There’s no mention of him in her contract. What’s more, she told producers she’s waited 46 years for a loving relationship which she now has, and doesn’t want to jeopardize it. Our sources say her plea has fallen on deaf ears. We’re told producers have essentially given her an ultimatum — either get Marc on the show or she’ll be phased out.

Production on the show’s tenth cycle kicked off in the first week of June.

 

Your thoughts?

With her top 5 debut album, ‘Ctrl,’ still earning thumbs up from critics across the board, SZA is looking to take her act on the road to gain even more fans.

The 4-month long trek, set to kick off August 16th in Richmond, VA, will see the up-and-comer touch every corner of the U.S. including Los Angeles, Seattle, Atlanta, Miami, Chicago and more across its span and even enter some Canadian provinces.

Bringing along special guests Smino and Raven Lenae, the trio will hit the aforementioned cities and over 30 more before wrapping up in St. Louis a week before Christmas.  Curious to know if SZA will be bringing the best of ‘Ctrl’ to a city near you?  Look below to see:

SZA 2017 Tour Dates


08/16 – Richmond, VA @ TBD *
08/17 – Washington, DC @ The Fillmore Silver Spring *
08/18 – New Haven, CT @ TBD *
08/20 – Providence, RI @ Fete Music Hall *
08/22 – Montreal, QC @ Corona Theatre *
08/23 – Toronto, ON @ The Phoenix Concert Theatre *
08/25 – Boston, MA @ TBD *
08/26 – Brooklyn, NY @ Afropunk Fest
08/27 – Philadelphia, PA @ Theatre of Living Arts *
08/29 – Grand Rapids, MI @ TBD *
08/30 – Detroit, MI @ Saint Andrews Hall *
08/31 – Chicago, IL @ TBD *
09/01 – Minneapolis, MN #
09/03 Lawrence, KS @ Granada *
09/05 Lincoln, NE @ TBD *
09/06 – Denver, CO @ TBD *
09/08 – Las Vegas, NV ^
09/10 – Sacramento, CA @ TBD *
09/12 – Santa Cruz, CA @ TBD *
09/13 – Eugene, OR @ Wow Hall *
09/14 – Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom *
09/16 – Portland, OR @ TBD *
09/17 – Seattle, WA @ Neptune Theatre *
09/19 – San Francisco, CA @ TBD *
09/21 – Phoenix, AZ @ TBD ^
09/22 – Tucson, AZ @ TBD ^
09/25 – Los Angeles, CA @ TBD #
09/28 – New Orleans, LA @ House of Blues ^
09/29 – Dallas, TX @ TBD *
09/30 – San Antonio, TX @ TBD *
10/01 – Austin, TX @ TBD *
10/03 – Houston, TX @ TBD *
10/07 – Miami, FL @ TBD ^
10/08 – Tampa, FL @ TBD *
10/09 – Atlanta, GA @ The Tabernacle *
10/11 – Greensboro, NC @ Cone Denim Entertainment Center *
10/12 – Charlotte, NC @ The Underground *
12/08 – Norfolk, VA @ TBD *
12/09 – Baltimore, MD @ TBD *
12/11 – New York, NY @ Irving Plaza *
12/13 – Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues *
12/15 – Indianapolis, IN @ Deluxe at Old National Centre *
12/16 – Louisville, KY @ Mercury Ballroom *
12/17 – St. Louis, MO @ TBD *

* = w/ Smino and Ravyn Lenae
# = w/Smino
^ = w/ Ravyn Lenae

Click here to purchase tickets.

Your thoughts?

As we reported here, Jennifer Lopez was on hand at last night’s ‘Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular’ to show off selections from her array of hits and introduce new numbers to the crowd.

First dazzling the crowd with a live rendition of her 2002 hit ‘Jenny From the Block,’ a quick costume change saw the dive re-emerge to premiere her new single, ‘Ni Tu Ni Yo’ (from her first full length Spanish album, ‘Por Primera Vez’).

Did you miss any of the action? If so, catch it below:

(more…)

Jay-Z changed the game in 2013 thanks to an innovative deal with Samsung and his critically acclaimed ‘Magna Carta.’  The deal, which saw the technology giant purchase his album in bulk, may have not worked to his favor from Billboard’s standpoint, but it certainly helped the rapper around RIAA’s then-platinum certification rule (later inspiring them to change it).

The very change he incited played in his favor yet again when his most recent effort, ‘4:44,’ was certified platinum (as we reported here).  Available exclusively to Tidal and/or Sprint customers (as of time reported), the set’s content has had the net buzzing since last week and now that buzz has only intensified with the RIAA’s shocking report.

Leaving many with scratched heads and Kanye “How Sway?” faces, Billboard has finally lifted the veil on how Jigga landed his historic 13th platinum certification.

According to the “music Bible”:

“One equivalent album unit, as recognized by the RIAA, is equal to: one album sale, 10 tracks sold from an album, or 1,500 on-demand audio and/or video streams from an album. 4:44 was released on June 30 by Roc Nation, and was initially exclusively available as a stream to existing customers of Tidal and Sprint. However, by July 2, the album was also offered as a free download — sponsored by Sprint…

Those album downloads — which were free to the consumer but purchased by a company (Sprint) for distribution — were counted towards the platinum certification.”

*****

It should be noted the report yielded by Roc Nation to the RIAA says the 1 million album equivalent mark was reached purely by downloads and does NOT include any TIDAL streaming figures.

Furthermore, like ‘Magna’ before it, Billboard was sure to clarify that its pricing policy (which only counts albums purchased at $3.49 or above) still stands and the Sprint-sponsored downloads will NOT count toward ‘4:44’s chart placement.  Only TIDAL figures properly reported to Nielsen Music will count toward its debut ranking.

Your thoughts?

 

Rob Kardashian was on a rampage…until shortly ago when his Instagram handle was disabled.

Setting the Internet alight this morning with some damning posts against his baby mama/model Blac Chyna (as we reported here), the youngest of the Kardashian clan also made headlines for taking aim at T.I. after the rapper offered his two cents on the situation (as we also reported here).

Now, with Rob’s page down, all eyes are on Chyna.  Fans and detractors of the model/actress have taken to her Instagram handle to instigate a response to all the hoopla by lining all of her posts with “Ls.”

 

Despite the ongoing online assault against Chyna, Rob hasn’t exactly left the situation unscathed.  Some commenters are calling the model’s alleged betrayal of the youngest Kardashian “karma” for his mistreatment of former girlfriend Adrienne Bailon.

Remember that infamous slap?

 

Update: Rob exposes more nudes of Chyna on Twitter…

Click here to see nudes we can’t show you on the wholesome, family site that is  ThatGrapeJuice.

 

Your thoughts?

 

**