Katy Perry‘s rubbed her Aussie fans the wrong way with a promo spot for her recently announced Australian tour dates.  The former Mrs. Brand’s brand of humor, which not too long ago landed her in hot water with President Obama supporters (click here to read), is feeling the fire again for a video ad where she jokingly tells her dog to ‘chase Koalas.’

The problem?  Koalas in Australia are vulnerable to extinction due to habitat loss, being hit by vehicles, and (you guessed it) dog attacks.

The country’s top department store, Myer, is sponsoring Perry’s Australian leg of the ‘Witness’ tour.  After the backlash, the company had the commercial altered and the line referencing the koala to ‘time go get you a puppy passport.’

By that point, the story had already ignited fury.

“This is just absolute ignorance from Perry and Myer, and inappropriate on so many levels,” wildlife vet Claire Madden told Queensland’s Courier Mail. “Perry is a role model to so many young people, and this just destroys all the good work we do to try to encourage people not to let their dogs come into contact with koalas.”

Twitter and Facebook show complaints from leagues of other disappointed fans, some of whom have called for a boycott of the department store chain using the hashtag #boycottmyer.

As of time reported, Katy Perry has not issued a statement on the matter.

Your thoughts?

Wont He do it?!  What once was a fiery feud has turned into a ground for mutual respect.

Since Iggy Azalea took to social media to announce she and her longtime nemesis, Azealia Banks, had buried their highly publicized hatchet and were hard at work at a collaboration of sorts, fans have been pressing both rapstresses for details.

That “pressing” went into overdrive when Azalea confirmed her serially delayed sophomore album, ‘Digital Distortion,’ is set to feature a duet with Banks (a favor the Aussie rapper will reportedly return for Banks next set).  As fans reached out to the self-proclaimed Yung Rapunxel for answers, she rubbed some of them the wrong way when she responded:

Feeling the disappointment from her faithful followers, Banks followed up with:

Wow! How often do we hear Azealia speak so glowingly of anyone, let alone a former rival?  Is this a new beginning for the Ice Princess?

Your thoughts?

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, MØ, 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…)