From twerk to twang, Miley Cyrus’ transition back to her country roots – courtesy of her new single ‘Malibu’ – is seemingly paying off.

Penned by Cyrus herself, the tune may have received mixed reviews from critics upon its unveiling a few weeks ago, but fans have done nothing but eat it up. So much so, in fact, this week’s Hot 100 shows it cracking the top 10 (less than a month after its debut).

Coming as her first top 10 hit since 2013’s chart-topping ‘Wrecking Ball,’ could Miley be on her way to her next #1?  Time will tell.  Until then, see who joins her in this week’s refreshed ‘TGJ Chart Check:  Hot 100’:

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Hard to believe it’s been almost 5 years since Brit-born beauty Rita Ora burst onto the scene with her debut album, ‘Ora.’ Now, fast forward past a few false starts, legal and label drama, and heightened social stardom, Rita’s revealing her first offering post her split from Roc Nation.

Penned by serial hitmaker Ed Sheeran, the long teased tune – ‘Your Song’ – has finally made its way onto digital shelves and awaits below for your listening pleasure.  We must warn you:  it’s a summer ready bop!

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It’s been two months since Lana Del Rey unleashed the album trailer for her forthcoming opus, ‘Lust For Life,’ but her fans’ patience was rewarded recently when the singer/songwriter took to Twitter to (finally) announce the set’s official release date.

As its Weeknd-assisted title track continues to build buzz on the streaming front, Del Rey found time to update her followers on when they could expect the tune’s parent album to make its way to shelves.

Details below:

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With his ‘Party Tour’ closed this week, Chris Brown forges ahead and in preparation for the release of his forthcoming ‘Heartbreak on a Full Moon’ album.

Unveiling the tune, ‘Surprise You (The Life),’ Brown shows off his oft-envied harmonic layering with a little help from friends/rappers Ty Dolla $ign and Kid Ink.  But, just in case you fall head over heels in love with the song, just keep in mind it’s yet another “loose cut” that did not make the list of 40 songs set to line the ‘Moon’ project.

Still worth a spin, though. Hear it below:

Your thoughts?

SZA has revealed that her next studio project ‘CTRL‘ has bagged a release date!

When the soulful set is set to soar into retailers?

 

I wrote about my younger life, which was haphazard. Being at ­sleep away camp away from my parents, being the only black girl, not even noticing until I got older, dealing with boys, self-hate, growth, and God. It’s the first time I’m literally writing about my life instead of figuratively writing about it.

Get into ‘CTRL’ when it drops on June 9th.

Your thoughts?

Nicki Minaj only just rocked the Billboard Music Awards with a 9-minute opener, but she’s already making a beeline for another major stage.

Moments ago on Twitter, the Hip-Hop queen announced that she’ll be performing at the first ever NBA Awards.

The show, which airs June 26th live on TNT, is being hosted by Onika’s Young Money comrade Drake.

No word yet on what the diva will be performing, but it’s worth noting that she did hashtag her announcement entry with #SwishSwish – which is, of course, the title of her new song with Katy Perry.

As to where this sits in the grand scheme of Minaj’s upcoming album release remains to be seen. Although, multiple sources have informed That Grape Juice that the as yet untitled set is slated for a Fall arrival.

If indeed the case, it would appear that – between features and performances – Nicki plans to stay in the mix of things all-year long. Literally.

Your thoughts?

As earlier reported, Fergie has taken flight from longtime label Interscope after the non-release of her sophomore album ‘Double Duchess.’

She has since started her own imprint with BMG, who’ll release her project and other those from artist she harvests as part of the partnership.

Initially, the changes seemed attached to her solo career solely. However, it appears there could be drama behind the scenes.

In the immediate aftermath of Fergie’s announcement, B.E.P’s nucleus will.i.am hit Instagram and posted a throwback snap of himself with original Peas members Taboo and Apl.de.ap. The caption tellingly read:

Hear no evil
See no evil
Speak no evil

Hear no evil See no evil Speak no evil

A post shared by i.am/evolving (@iamwill) on

Meanwhile, Taboo is said to have unfollowed Fergie on Twitter.

The Peas have released two albums as a trio, 1998’s ‘Behind The Front’ and 2000’s ‘Bridging The Gap.’ However, it was only upon the integration of Fergie and the release of their 2003 effort ‘Monkey Business’ did they achieve the lion-share of their success.

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All signs point to chaos occurring behind the scenes, especially when considering that Fergie’s solo deal was with both Interscope and the will.i.am Music Group. With her now captain of her own ship over at BMG, perhaps professional changes have become personal?

Your thoughts?

Despite a relatively short run, 3LW made their mark on the girl-group landscape. Just as much for their music as for the scandal that followed.

Indeed like many ensembles, the trio came apart at the seams when Naturi Naughton was relieved of her duties in 2002.

The reasons for her departure vary depending on who’s being asked, however what all parties agree on that an argument (that saw KFC two-piece meal being thrown in her face) was the last straw.

In the time since, 3LW’s remaining members – Adrienne Bailon and Kiely Williams – pressed as a duo, then a trio, and then as part of Disney’s Cheetah Girls.

Naughton achieved success of her own as an actress and presently stars as staple character Tasha on Starz smash ‘Power.’

Celebrating dissolved differences are water under the bridge, the ladies appeared together today on Bailon’s talkshow ‘The Real.’

During the touching segment, Bailon used the moment to apologize to her heavily pregnant former bandmate in public – having already done so in private.

Peep the moment below…

Love this!

For what it’s worth, neither lady presently speaks with Kiely (aka the ‘Spectacular’ chicken thrower) anymore.

Your thoughts?

In a surprising move, it has been reported that Fergie has officially left Interscope – her longtime recording home.

Billed as a “mutual decision,” the star’s departure ends a ten year tenure at the Universal Music imprint, which is also home to her group The Black Eyed Peas.

The news comes after a start-stop roll-out of Fergie’s second studio album ‘Double Duchess’ – which is still yet to hit stores.

Though confirmation is incoming, sources reveal that the singer is moving to BMG to launch her own record label. Said indie imprint has enjoyed chart-topping success in recent years with releases from the likes of Janet Jackson [‘Unbreakable’] and Blink 182.

No word on where this leaves Fergie in regards to the Peas, who are presumably still with Interscope as a group. [Source]

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Clearly something has been awry between Fergie and her former home.

She launched the still blazing ‘LA Love (La La)’ in 2014. Twenty Fourteen. And all that’s followed has been a succession of songs – varying in quality – that were poorly rolled out and not promoted at all.

Where the blame lay is anyone’s guess.

However, it’s – at the very least – warming to hear that she’s making moves of some sort.

Your thoughts?

Odell Beckham‘s star is to be bolstered by a $48 million deal erected by Nike!

How it happened? After the company learned that Adidas had presented an offer to the athlete with hopes of securing the rights to his foray into footwear, they stepped in with hopes of outperforming them.

How they fared? Very well, securing the position as Beckham’s partner by offering him what may be the biggest shoe deal in the National Football League’s history.

The five-year-arrangement saw Odell earn $29 million but, thanks to moves put in place by his camp, may be extended to eight years for a sweet $48 million.

Source.

Your thoughts?

T-Boz of the supergroup TLC has “reunited” with her deceased bandmate Lisa ‘Left-Eye’ Lopes by way of a man who claims to be a bonafide medium between the living and the dead.

Named Tyler Henry, said man fronts the show ‘Hollywood Medium’ and welcomes celebrities to use his skills to reconnect with loved ones who have passed on.

Quite interestingly, Henry claims to have no clue about the lives and deaths of the people he connects with.

What happened when T-Boz caught up with him?

We can’t explain why, but we suddenly feel the urge to visit Wikipedia.

Your thoughts?

‘Dark Horse’ hitmaker Katy Perry may not be riding hits to the top of the charts in ways she’s been accustomed to in the past, but the absence of her chart dominance has by no means minimized her number of rides to the bank.  Case in point?  Her ‘American Idol’ pay.

As we reported last week, the Grammy-nominated songstress was not only the first confirmed judge of ABC’s ‘Idol’ reboot, but she was set to pocket a cool $15 million for the gig.  While Perry has yet to confirm if the reports are true, what she did recently confirm (via an interview with New York’s KTU radio) was that the sum she negotiated was higher than any male judge has ever received over the show’s 15-season history.

Hear her relish in the accomplishment below:

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