Today brought with it the global release of LeToya Luckett‘s third studio album ‘Back 2 Life.’

Long-awaited, the set is the star’s first body of work since 2009’s ‘Lady Love’ and was preceded by its title track and ‘Used To.’ Both of which form part of a three-piece video series.

Already #1 on the US iTunes R&B tally, the LP has been receiving rave reviews for being a solid slice of soulfulness.

Here at TGJ we’ve had two tracks on repeat all day – ‘Show Me’ and ‘Disconnected.’

The first is a delicious fusion of funky retro synth, while the latter is stripped-back piano ballad that puts Luckett’s powerful vocals at the forefront.

Easily the clear stand-out’s, we’re kinda wondering why these weren’t serviced as singles initially. But that’s neither here nor there.

Take a listen to both below…

Your thoughts?

In a surprise move, Katy Perry has premiered the video for current single ‘Bon Appétit.’

The Migos assisted track is the latest slice of the singer’s fourth album.

In the time since the song’s debut, folk haven’t been rushing for additional helpings. A fact evidenced by its shocking streaming and sales numbers and #74 peak on the Billboard Hot 100.

Still, with its visual here could all that be set to change?

Watch the Dent De Cuir directed clip below and let us know…

As ever, Katy rarely disappoints visually. One has to wonder though, is it too late to salvage the single commercially?

Your thoughts?

It’s finally time for fans of Rita Ora.

For after years of waiting, the singer is officially ready to release new music.

In an announcement broadcast on social media moments ago, the British chart-topper revealed that new single ‘Your Song’ will land everywhere on May 26th.

I’m so excited to share that my new single ‘Your Song’ is coming on 26th May. Can’t wait for you guys to hear it! ???❤️ Link in bio atlanti.cr/yoursong

A post shared by Rita Ora (@ritaora) on May 12, 2017 at 8:11am PDT

In a press release that followed shortly after, it was revealed that the cut was penned by Ed Sheeran and Steve Mac.

Speaking on the song, Ora explains:

“Your Song has everything I wanted to express: it’s a song that’s full of positivity and about feeling on top of the world, like everything is going right and that’s where my life is right now. I loved working with Ed and Steve; it was incredible to really bring this idea to life with some of the most talented songwriters of our time. Ed and I have been friends since our teens, it’s brilliant to have the opportunity to collaborate with him for my first single, we definitely click creatively.”

The track is the first taste of Ora’s Atlantic Records debut, which’ll serve as her sophomore set in the UK and premiere offering in the US.

It’ll also be the first record in the public sphere since settling her legal wrangle with former label Roc Nation.

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We’re ecstatic; this will be Rita’s real and unobstructed chance to show and prove on a grand scale.

Your thoughts?

Two of TGJ’s most notable names, Rihanna and Kelly Rowland, were snapped together last night.

Runway RiRi and Ms. Kelly posed it up at the Christian Dior Cruise 2018 fashion presentation in Los Angeles.

The appearance comes at a busy time for both ladies.

Ms. Fenty is recording new music (which we’re hearing could drop in the next few months) while also broadening her movie portfolio. Meanwhile, Rowland just release a new book ‘Whoa Baby’ and is prepping her fifth LP for release this year.

Check out more gorgeous snaps of Kelly and co below…

Your thoughts?

[Photo credit: Getty]

‘Real Housewives Of Atlanta’ star Kenya Moore stopped by The Breakfast Club today and dished out shade in abundance.

Ever candid, the former Miss USA dug into foes Phaedra Parks and Porsha Williams for their role in the explosive lie-gate saga that played out on the show’s four-part finale.

Moore, who was at the popular Power 105.1 show to plug her new hair-care line, also tugged at Kim Zolciak – who she confirmed is back for the show’s upcoming 10th season.

Peep the hilarious interview below…

Kenya remains a polarzing as ever, but entertaining nonetheless.

Click here to check out out recent interview with her.

Your thoughts?

Jason Derulo is pouring out more for fans to ‘Swalla.’

Re-joined by Nicki Minaj and Ty Dolla $ign, the singer has today served up the ‘After Dark Remix’ of their club jam.

A more stripped back affair, the new incarnation of the track skews somewhat acoustic.

Thus far, the original has peaked at #42 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Can the new version help it climb higher? Listen below and let us know…

It’s definitely…different. We commend the effort, especially as it’s a nod to times of past when a remix brought something entirely fresh to the table rather than a pasted in verse.

Your thoughts?

Now years removed from his departure from Roc Nation today sees Elijah Blake begin a new industry journey with the single ‘Black & Blue‘.

A lot’s changed since my last conversation with TGJ.  Since then, I’ve been working on my new LP which is uptempo, inspired by Funk and fearless. A lot of it was inspired by Prince and his death. Actually, Prince dying encouraged me to leave Def Jam.

I felt a void in the industry and an empty space where unique artistry should be. I tried to play the game and stay at Def Jam but it didn’t work even when they started to believe in me but it wast enough.

In our final meeting Steve Bartels said he’d seen me grow up and loved my music but the trust was gone and we both knew it. No I.D, who signed me, was leaving the label too and he was one of the only people who was backing me and understood me.I feel like others had a difficult marketing me because I didn’t fit into a narrow stereotypically box.My new team understand the direction and I’m excited about the freedom I have now and that extends beyond the music to the brands who believe in me and the project and the parts they can play in supporting it. I believe that’s where music is going. Brand partnerships are becoming popular among artist circles who may not be interested in the major label system.

 

 

It happens whenever there are changes (Vinyl, CD, Tape, Streams) and I’m embracing it because I’m changing too. My older music was moody because I was in a dark place artistically because I didn’t  feel I didn’t get as many opportunities as I would have liked.

Now, I’m alright with knowing I’m not for everybody and I’m making music and celebrating the liberation of myself and that joy’s coming through in the sound.

So, is he against major labels?

I tried to avoid the major labels when I left Def Jam and I went into meetings  with presidents and realised I may have been close to making the same mistake. I needed the time to figure out who I was. As it stands now I’m tailoring my deals to fit my artistry so it works both ways. Social media puts pressure on all of us to make it seem like we have it all figured out but I am happy to say I don’t have it all figured out. I’m learning that there’s strength in that growth. So many artists sign their lives away for an advance so they can buy chains and cars not realising how much more thy can make with brand partnerships in long term if they put art before their money.

Why he feels said brands are keen to fund projects from Black artists in today’s world?

The only reason black music “died” is because the label execs refused to spend on it. Streaming reflects the people’s interests which is why music created by the black community came back. Now is the right time for my music.

A release date in mind?

It drops in summer. I was Sony Music today and they heard it and agree it was made for the summer so I’m looking forward to that. The coolest thing about the album was that a lot of it was co-created by British producers and that lends to its sound. I’m in a positive space and by the grace of God the music is too.

Your thoughts?

Beyonce‘s efforts to prevent fraudsters from exploiting her daughter’s name and brand have been blocked.

Why?

A company named the Blue Ivy Company was founded three years before Blue was born and has successfully blocked Beyonce’s attempts to acquire the name…even with the surname Carter attached.

The NY Daily News:

It’s not the first time the Blue Ivy corporation has attempted to foil Beyoncé’s trademarking aspirations. The “Sorry” singer was denied her effort to trademark the name Blue Ivy in 2012, with the court siding with the event company.

Want more Bey news?

Click here to learn more about her latest efforts to push her well-received set ‘Lemonade’.

Your thoughts?

Halle Berry‘s long-awaited ‘Kidnap’ has finally secured a new release date.

After spending two years in limbo because of financial issues caused by its parent studio Relativity, the thriller will arrive on August 4th.

Industry insiders fear that the serially-delayed release may not fare as well as it should because of its pushback.

Fortunately, the project is said to have tested quite well among African American audiences and is now being backed by a newly-formed distribution company named Aviron Pictures built by David Dinerstein, formerly of Paramount Classics and Fox Searchlight.

Unfamiliar with its plot?

A single mother named Karla McCoy (Halle Berry) lives a perfect life with her young son Frankie (Sage Correa). One day, upon entering a local park, Karla sees her son suddenly being abducted out of the blue by a kidnapper. To save Frankie from being taken, Karla goes out on a mission to demand people in the city to help rescue her son.

Source.

Your thoughts?

Nicki Minaj and DNCE have unlocked the safe which held their visual for their collaborative cut ‘Kissing Strangers’!

The video was built to support the band’s next studio set (which is yet to bag a title or release date) and sees them enjoy a wild time with the ‘Pink’ power player who is still hard at work on her next LP.

Watch below…

Your thoughts?

‘Scandal’ is back!

Following a longer than planned hiatus (to accommodate Kerry Washington‘s pregnancy), the show picks up right where it left off – with fireworks!

Forming a central part of the revived TGIT (Thank God It’s Thursday) block of programming, the political drama promises (and is already delivering) many a twist and turn for its sixth season. Election, anyone?!

Watch a sneak peek preview of episodes 15 and 16 (its finale) below…

Your thoughts?

[Photo credit: ABC]

Bryson Tiller fans ought to mark those calendars. Because the R&B star has announced the release date of his sophomore album ‘True To Self.’

The hotly anticipated set follows 2015’s ‘T R A P S O U L,’ which produced hits such as ‘Exchange’ and ‘Don’t.’

Offering the masses a preview of what to expect from his next set ahead of its June 23rd release, the RCA Records star has unwrapped not one but two new songs.

The first is ‘Somethin Tells Me,’ while the second is a Young Thug collaboration titled ‘Get Mine.’

Listen to both below…

We approve of both. Do you?

Your thoughts?