‘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?

Ever since the return of ‘American Idol’ was confirmed, original winner Kelly Clarkson had been touted as a strong favorite to join the new judging panel.

Well, that won’t be happening anytime soon because she’s just been announced as a coach on rival show ‘The Voice.’

In a statement issued moments ago, NBC confirmed Clarkson will appear alongside Adam Levine and Blake Shelton on season 14 of the talent search. A fourth coach will be unveiled soon.

Speaking on her appointment, the multi-time Grammy winner said:

“I’m so excited to join The Voice at NBC. We’ve gone back and forth about a role as a coach for years, but the timing hasn’t been right until now. I have always loved appearing on the show as an adviser or performer and established an amazing relationship with the network during my Christmas special. I can’t wait to turn my chair and see the faces of up-and-coming artists and provide them with the help and support they’ve needed to break into the industry. Watch out Shelton, I’m comin’ to win!!”

Paul Telegdy, president, alternative and reality group, NBC Entertainment added:

“Kelly has been a part of ‘The Voice’ family for many years as an adviser and performer. We are thrilled she has chosen to join us as a coach to mentor the next generation through our unique vocal boot camp. Every time Kelly Clarkson sings you are reminded what an incredible voice really is. We are looking forward to the sound of Kelly Clarkson on The Voice.”

Just yesterday, Jennifer Hudson was revealed as a coach on the 13th season – which airs this September. She will join Levine and Shelton as well as Miley Cyrus.

Clarkson’s run will air in early 2018.

***********

Talk of Clarkson and ‘American Idol’ seemed too widespread to be false. Which leads us to believe she was in negotiations with both shows. If indeed the case, it seems as though NBC pulled out all the stops to secure her as it prepares to go head-to-head with Idol on ABC.

Your thoughts?

Bow Wow became a global punchline this week when he got caught posting a fake picture of a private jet and claiming he was using it to travel for promotion of his new show.

The net erupted into a chorus of laughter, which then morphed into the #BowWowChallenge. A movement which saw the masses post clips of themselves posing as one thing only to reveal it bogus.

Looking to salvage the chaos, Bow – real name Shad Moss – visited Hot 97 and claimed that the whole thing was on purpose.

And while he wouldn’t elaborate, he told folks to tune into his show Growing Up Hip-Hop: Atlanta later this month to find out what he means.

Peep his interview with Ebro and co below…

At this point, he’s full-on ridiculous.

Your thoughts?

Well that didn’t take long.

Just one day after signalling his solo take-off, Liam Payne has officially announced his debut single.

Christened ‘Strip That Down,’ the track – as widely predicted – features Migos star Quavo.

And while it was believed that the song would be arriving tomorrow, it has been confirmed that the cut will land next Friday (May 19th).

Teasing the release more, Payne shared an elongated preview. Check it out below…

Buzzed?

Your thoughts?

In a surprising development, it has been announced that L.A Reid will be departing Epic Records after six years.

Variety confirmed the news moments ago, but have yet to to confirm additional details.

The move comes as a shock to many, given Reid’s recent streak of success with acts such as Future, Fifth Harmony, DJ Khaled, and Meghan Trainor. 

It’s also odd in light of the fact that Reid only just re-located Epic HQ to Los Angeles, moving himself – as well as the label’s main operations – from NY to LA.

What’s more, it arguably leaves a number of the high-profile acts he brought back to the Sony fold in limbo – such as Jennifer Lopez and Mariah Carey. The latter of whom only just partnered with Reid and Epic for her new Butterfly MC Records label.

******************

Reid joined the Sony Music imprint in 2011 and was immediately tasked with reviving what was, at the time, barren-land. It was far from easy and his job looked to be in jeopardy in those early days, but he eventually generated momentum. A reality which makes today’s development somewhat puzzling.

An established industry icon, Reid will likely find his footing once again.

After all, he has enjoyed wildly successful stints as part several labels housed under the Sony and Universal umbrellas; he’s also an integral part of the careers of superstars such as Rihanna, Usher, TLC, and Mariah Carey.

Your thoughts?

Miley Cyrus has returned with new single ‘Malibu.’

And, in wasting no time, the 24-year-old has debuted the song along with its accompanying video.

The track serves as the lead release from the singer’s sixth studio album and will be performed live for the first time at the 2017 Billboard Music Awards.

What are you waiting for? Check out the visual below….

Your thoughts?

Whether it’s his skills on the field, dance moves, or boys trips with Trey Songz, Odell Beckham Jr has never been against sharing.

Hence, it’s little surprise that his latest ink job has been chronicled on Instagram.

The New York Giants star playfully poses in the snap above as he’s tattooed on his hips and derrière.

It goes without saying that this definitely has tongues wagging; but ultimately we wouldn’t be seeing this if he didn’t want us to.

Do you OBJ, do you.

Your thoughts?

Bruno Mars may have only just hit #1 with ‘That’s What I Like,’ but he already has his sights set on its follow-up.

Given the all-round slay that is his ’24k Magic’ album, he has a buffet of songs to pick from and it appears he’s made his selection.

Multiple sources confirm that the crooner pre-recorded his performance of ‘Versace On The Floor’ for the Billboard Music Awards last night. It took place at the 2nd Amsterdam show on his ’24k Magic World Tour.’

Mars is confirmed to have performed the track twice, with the final edit set to air when the BBMA’s does on May 21st.

We stuck wondering why he’s yet to service ‘Chunky’ (an obvious smash in waiting) as a an official release, but we also tip our hats to him. For, with each single issued thus far, he’s showcased the various tempos that the album houses. A smart play in itself.

Listen to ‘Versace’ below…

Your thoughts?

Hailed as the Beyonce of his group, Quavo of House Migos continues to soar towards Pop culture’s platinum throne with a brand new number.

The name of his latest solo effort? ‘Paper Over Here.’

**** what a hater even got to say. Me, myself, and I cruise down the highway.  Pull up to the bank, I walk right out with $100K.

Launched as he gears up to support Liam Payne‘s foray into Hip-Hop, the cut arrives as he continues to enjoy the company of Chris Brown’s former flame/ current enemy Karrueche Tran and as Migos’ ‘Bad and Boujee‘ continues to rock charts home and away.

Listen below….

Your thoughts?

Season 9 of the ‘Real Housewives Of Atlanta’ has come to an end and so too has Phaedra Parksstint with the popular Bravo show.

As widely seen, the attorney/philanthropist/mortician got caught in a “mega-watt lie” pertaining former friend Kandi Burruss and Porsha Williams.

Her mute response as the drama unfolded confused many, but according to Parks sources close to Parks editing was the reason for this. Because, she did indeed point the finger at someone.

Page Six explains:

“Phaedra tried to blame producers for manipulating the scenario, and it was cut from the reunion show. They’re not allowed to break the ‘fourth wall’ and talk about production. It may not have been entirely Phaedra’s fault, but she has to take the fall,” the source said.

A Parks source said there was “a producer who told her the drug and rape story, which she repeated to another cast member. It snowballed. The editing was not kind to her.”

A Bravo rep said, “Production is not involved.”

*********

This does make a lot of sense. After all, had they let that breaking of the fourth-wall air, it would have compromised the “real” in “reality” and dented the credibility of the show overall. No way would that have been allowed to happen, hence why Phaedra (in her uncharacteristic silence) seemed almost resolute to being the sacrificial lamb.

However, it still doesn’t explain why she’d repeat the alleged production whisper as first-hand info to a fellow cast-mate and supposed friend Porsha. Like as much as we rode for Phae, that aspect of the narrative is inexcusable.

It figures then why the rest of the cast apparently rallied together to demand she not be brought back – something creator Andy Cohen and Bravo higher ups reportedly decided anyway immediately after the reunion. With word on the curb being that not only was the nature of the lie problematic at a network level, it saw Phae break a “morality clause” that forbids any comments that could be considered as libel.

Still, we don’t anticipate this being the last we’ve seen of Ms. Parks on the show.

She’ll no doubt need to let the dust settle, new dramas play out, and change occur in her real life. But when the time is right, it’s entirely plausible that she’ll be reintegrated into the mix. There’s too many juicy avenues to explore on that front, namely her life after the chaos, mending her relationship with the ladies, and her romantic liaisons.

Just our two cents. What are…

Your thoughts?

Cop a gander of Missy Elliott!

The Hip-Hop pioneer and all-round music maestra cuts a striking image a-front of ELLE magazine’s June 2017 edition – which also dubs as its Music Issue.

Due on newsstands imminently, the feature forms part of Elliott’s slow but steady return to the spotlight.

2015’s ‘WTF (Where They From)’ remains a club favorite, while this February saw her unwrap the surprise video for ‘I’m Better.’ 

On the horizon is a tell-all documentary too.

All we need now is that long-awaited album! With a major promo spot such as this cover, fingers crossed the LP isn’t far off.

Your thoughts?

**