While the streaming war seems to have cooled in recent times, Jay Z is taking major measures to heighten the exclusivity of his TIDAL platform.

Earlier times saw services spar with exclusive albums by top-tier talent; yet with UMG releases forbidding that practice for any of its artists, Jigga seems to be taking another route.

Omission.

It has been confirmed that the mogul has snatched many of his albums and song releases from both Spotify and Apple Music.

As at writing, the only LP’s of his present on either service are 1997’s ‘In My Lifetime Vol. 1’, ‘Reasonable Doubt’, and 1998’s ‘Vol. 2 Hard Knock Life.’ His 2004 collaboration album with Linkin Park also remains.

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The timing of the move, which some are calling a “nuclear operation,” is interesting.

Jay is set to perform at a number of high-profile events this year, including London’s V Festival. All of which has many believing that new music is nigh.

If indeed the case, it’s plausible that he’s establishing TIDAL as the go-to place to listen to his iconic catalogue – which will no doubt be thrust under the spotlight upon the release of anything new.

One has to wonder if any of TIDAL’s other “artist owners,” such as Rihanna, Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, and Beyonce, will follow suit.

You thoughts?

Pop icon Janet Jackson once warned us not to believe anything until we hear it “from her lips,” but that hasn’t stopped the internet from going wild after “sources” reported the diva headed to divorce court from third husband/billionaire boo Wissam Al Mana – three months after giving birth to her first child (at age 50).

The story, broken just yesterday, has blown the f*** up and, per usual, has all of Twitter chatting.  Tuck in below to see some of the hilarious responses to the unconfirmed report of Jan’s third divorce:

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This week, we salute an Urban classic by a Rap heavyweight and a vocal wonder.

Today’s pick is ‘I Know What You Want’ by Busta Rhymes and Mariah Carey.

After the dancehall-dipped ‘Make It Clap’ failed to enter the Top 40 of the US charts, the ‘Want’ was chosen as the second single from the rapper’s sixth album ‘It Ain’t Safe No More.’ With guest verses from Busta’s Flipmode Squad, it heavily featured Mimi – who was in a an interesting phase in her career (post-Glitter, Pre-Emancipation).

After a number of years under-performing, the track was no doubt a reminder of the commercial clout Mariah still had.

‘Want’ brought both artists back in the Top 5, peaking at #3 on the Hot 100 in 2003 – and #17 in the Year End Charts. It also reached the third position of the Australian and British tallies and was a chart topper on the overall European Hot 100 Singles.

The Chris Robinson visual presented Busta as a bodyguard falling for the wife of the man who hired him. Elsewhere, Mariah and the Flipmode Squad are seen lounging in a lavish mansion…just because. Ever the businesswoman, Carey flaunted pieces from her ‘Automatic Princess’ jewelry brand throughout the vid.

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With a fresh duet about to drop ant day now, could Busta and Mariah be on their way to a brand new rap-sung classic? We seriously hope so! Though the musical landscape is way different that a decade ago, talent is still talent – and most of all a great song is still a great song.

Busta, Mimi, the ball’s in your court.

Your thoughts?

Elton John came dangerously close to death.

A shocking story below…

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T.I. isn’t impressed with social media’s response to his recent Tupac tribute.

What he has to say to those who mocked his decision to channel the late lyricist’s unique sense of style before he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame?

This…

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Over a year after it was announced, ‘Digital Distortion’ – the long awaited sophomore album from rapstress Iggy Azalea – finally has an official release date.

Set for a summer 2017 arrival, the LP – the follow-up to 2014’s ‘The New Classic’ – was originally due to hit shelves in 2016.  However, after a number of personal issues plagued the performer (see:  canceled engagement to basketballer Nick Young, backlash from the rap community, tax troubles, etc.) and the nonperformance of its lead single, ‘Team,’ Azalea says she shelved the album’s original content in exchange for a refreshed track list.

As her latest release, ‘Mo Bounce,’ comes as the first taste of the project’s revision, fans keen to learn when they’ll hear what else the set is offering were pleased when the Australian hitmaker took to Sydney’s KIIS 106.5 radio yesterday to reveal its scheduled release.

Find out the details inside if you missed it:

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After making a splash with his 2016 surprise album, ‘Blonde,’ singer/songwriter/rapper Frank Ocean surprises again with the new song, ‘Biking.’

Giving little warning, the tune – which features Tyler the Creator and rap royal Jay Z – was teased  on episode 3 of Ocean’s Beat 1 ‘blonded Radio’ yesterday.  Now, Frank fans can have a listen to the song in full.

Hear it inside:

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Ricky Martin has joined the cast of ‘American Crime Story’!

Details on the performer’s new role below…

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Welcome to Retro Rewind, the TGJ original feature designed to take all of us onto insightful journey to the past.

Today, we honour the movie ‘Waiting to Exhale’ which soared to succcess on December 22nd 1995 with help from its stars Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine and Lela Rochon.

Take that journey to the past with us below…

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As unlikely pairings go, Sam Smith and Timbaland rank pretty high.

Yet, surprisingly the duo have been snapped in the studio together.

Smith, who took the world and Grammys by storm with his debut album ‘In The Lonely Hour,’ has maintained a super low profile.

Details are scarce about the follow-up to the 2014 set, but it looks as though Timbo is in the mix.

Taking to Instagram to share the snap, the hitmaker said of the Brit-bred star:

It was a pleasure working this man @samsmithworld #puretalent#goodvibes #makingmemories and #timeless #music ????

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Historically, the most random collaborations tend to yield the best results.

We can’t wait to hear what they’ve been cooking up.

Your thoughts?

Rihanna‘s empire continues to expand.

The 29-year-old superstar has enjoyed success as a recording artist and increasingly as an entrepreneur.

RiRi has slayed with lucrative partnerships with the likes of Puma and Monolo Blanik and is now upping her business ante by entering the jewelry arena.

Dive below for details…

WWD reports that the ‘Diamonds’ singer has teamed with luxury jewelry line Chopard

Billed as a limited edition collection, the 9-piece line is co-designed by Ms. Fenty and Chopard’s co-founder Caroline Scheufele.

Speaking on the

“Rihanna and I collaborated closely on the collections, so you can feel her unstoppable energy, strong creativity, and inherent sense of design in every piece. With her unique style, she redefines the way people see and wear jewelry.”

Rihanna x Chopard launches at the Cannes Film Festival next month.

Kudos.

Introducing the dazzling limited edition #RihannaLovesChopard Joaillerie collection designed by @badgalriri together with our Co-President and Artistic Director Caroline Scheufele (@chopardbycaroline ). Available now for pre-order (link in bio)

A post shared by Chopard Official (@chopard) on Apr 7, 2017 at 5:32am PDT

Your thoughts?

Katy Perry’s latest release, ‘Chained to the Rhythm,’ has not exactly proven itself to be the sizable hit a number of its predecessors were, but that hasn’t stopped the songstress from plugging it at every stop and corner.

After dominating awards season with live performances of the politically charged tune, now – nearly two months after its inaugural unveiling – Perry and team release a behind-the-scenes look at its accompanying music video. Dishing on the inspiration behind the clip, shot at Six Flag’s Magic Mountain in California, Perry and Possum Hill (the video’s director) give insight to the song’s hidden meaning and the decision-making processes behind some of the costumes, props, and other aspects of the visual’s treatment.

Curious to learn more about ‘Chained’ and its allegorical video?  Find it inside:

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