Miley Cyrus has revealed why she has decided to part ways with the Hip-Hop scene after using its key players to push her album ‘Bangerz’ in 2013.

Hoping to venture into new creative ground with her new LP, the vocalist finds herself on the receiving end of talk that she is “culture vulture”, and is the latest in a long line of artists to steal elements from African-American Urban culture and kick it to the curb once done with it.

She told Billboard:

I love that new Kendrick [Lamar] song ‘HUMBLE.’: ‘Show me somethin’ natural like ass with some stretch marks.’ I love that because it’s not, ‘Come sit on my ****, suck on my ****.’ I can’t listen to that anymore. That’s what pushed me out of the hip-hop scene a little. It was too much, ‘Lamborghini, got my Rolex, got a girl on my ****’ — I am so not that.

 

Today, after coming under fire for blasting the same lyrical style she used to sell ‘Bangerz’, she has offered more insight into the latest chapter of her career.

When articles are read it isn’t always considered that for hours I’ve spoken with a journalist about my life , where my heart is, my perspective at that time, and the next step in my career. Unfortunately only a portion of that interview makes it to print, & A lot of the time publications like to focus on the most sensationalized part of the conversation. So, to be clear I respect ALL artists who speak their truth and appreciate ALL genres of music (country , pop , alternative …. but in this particular interview I was asked about rap) I have always and will continue to love and celebrate hip hop as I’ve collaborated with some of the very best! At this point in my life I am expanding personally/musically and gravitating more towards uplifting, conscious rap! As I get older I understand the effect music has on the world & Seeing where we are today I feel the younger generation needs to hear positive powerful lyrics! I am proud to be an artist with out borders and thankful for the opportunity to explore so many different styles/ sounds! I hope my words (sung or spoken) always encourage others to LOVE…. Laugh…. Live fully…. to be there for one another… to unify, and to fight for what’s right (human , animal , or environmental ) Sending peace to all! Look forward to sharing my new tunes with you soon! – MC

When articles are read it isn’t always considered that for hours I’ve spoken with a journalist about my life , where my heart is, my perspective at that time, and the next step in my career. Unfortunately only a portion of that interview makes it to print, & A lot of the time publications like to focus on the most sensationalized part of the conversation. So, to be clear I respect ALL artists who speak their truth and appreciate ALL genres of music (country , pop , alternative …. but in this particular interview I was asked about rap) I have always and will continue to love and celebrate hip hop as I’ve collaborated with some of the very best! At this point in my life I am expanding personally/musically and gravitating more towards uplifting, conscious rap! As I get older I understand the effect music has on the world & Seeing where we are today I feel the younger generation needs to hear positive powerful lyrics! I am proud to be an artist with out borders and thankful for the opportunity to explore so many different styles/ sounds! I hope my words (sung or spoken) always encourage others to LOVE…. Laugh…. Live fully…. to be there for one another… to unify, and to fight for what’s right (human , animal , or environmental ) Sending peace to all! Look forward to sharing my new tunes with you soon! – MC

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Your thoughts?

From The Vault is back today with another classic jam. This week we take you journey to the 90’s with the ‘Spice Up Your Life’ from legendary Brit ensemble – The Spice Girls.

Serviced as the first single from the group’s sophomore set ‘Spiceworld’, ‘Life’ was written by all five members alongside Matt Rowe and Richard Stannard who also produced the track.

A Samba-meets-Salsa meets number, the rousing anthem urges the people of the world to get free, have some fun and remain positive in front of life’s hurdles… or as sassily put “slam it to the left and shake it to the right.”

The song didn’t go down that well with critics, but who cares when it’s 1997 and you are literally the biggest thing on the planet. On home soil, it became their fifth consecutive #1 and practically hit the Top 5 of every market it had been released in. Over in America, it only managed to peak at #18, still it was the ladies’ fourth Top 20 on the Billboard charts.

As they were recording the song’s housing album at the same time they were shooting their movie of the same name, the girls were too tired to argue with the record label about the cut’s video. Instead of the carnival party theme they were going for at first, they ended up with a futuristic, ostentatious, dark – but still very Pop – video directed by Marcus Nipsel. The clip was seen by many as a big metaphor for how Spice Mania had dominated the world – in under a year.

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We miss the kind of fun and carefreeness that the girls brought to the industry.

For all the digs the group have ensured in hindsight, who would have thought that this song would remain a pop culture landmark a whole 20 years after its release?

Sure, they were no Stevie Wonder or Marvin Gaye, but it’s important to point out that through their music, the Spice Girls were all about sisterhood, acceptance, fun and unity. All traits that wouldn’t go amiss in today’s era; one preoccupied with “coolness” and over-treaded topics such as baes and the bedroom.

In many ways, some of today’s acts and even those of tomorrow could learn a thing or two from Scary, Sporty, Posh, Baby, and Ginger.

Your thoughts?

Nicki Minaj changed the lives of several students hours ago when she shocked them by agreeing to pay their tuition fees.

Within minutes, hundreds of studious fans rushed to her Twitter page to ask for her support. Her answer to all of them?

Brilliant.

Want more from Minaj?

Click here to learn more about her forthcoming studio album.

Your thoughts?

VH1‘s ‘Dear Mama’ special taped last night and saw many notable stars align.

Kelly Rowland, Mary J. Blige, and Halle Berry were among the high-profile names in attendance at the event, which celebrates the love of mothers.

Hosted by Anthony Anderson and La La, the musical extravaganza brought with it performances from the likes of DJ Khaled, Robin Thicke, and more.

Several of the talent in the house brought along their Moms for the festivities.

Peep pics from the arrival carpet and show itself below. ‘VH1’s Dear Mama’ airs tomorrow (Monday) at 10/9c.

Mary J. Blige and her parents:

Your thoughts?

[Photo credit: Getty]

Two years after launching a huge Kickstarter campaign, iconic R&B group TLC will release their final album on June 30th.

Having given fans a taste of what to expect by way of the Snoop Dogg assisted ‘Way Back’ and ‘Haters,’ the ladies have lifted the lid on the pertinent details of the LP – namely its title, tracklist, and cover.

Opting for a simple yet definitive name, T-Boz and Chilli have christened their last effort ‘TLC.’

Peep the confirmed artwork and songs featured below…

1. No Introduction
2. Way Back (ft. Snoop Dogg)
3. It’s Sunny
4. Haters
5. Perfect Girls
6. Interlude
7. Start A Fire
8. American Gold
9. Scandalous
10. Aye M××HAFUCKA
11. Joy Ride
12.Way Back (ft. Snoop Dogg) [Extended]

Your thoughts?

As the offspring of the most famous entertainer of all time, Paris Jackson revealed that she struggled to negotiate her identity.

However, now at age 19, Michael Jackson‘s only daughter is ready for her close-up.

Having signed with IMG Models earlier this year, it’s being reported that she’s inked a huge deal with Calvin Klein.

According to Page Six, Paris has signed a huge seven-figure deal with the fashion brand to serve as its face.

In doing so, she follows in the footsteps of major names such as Kate Moss, Christy Turlington, and more recently Justin Bieber.

The deal forms part of a mass media flood from Jackson, who recently guest starred in FOX’s ‘Star’ and signed on to Charlize Theron‘s new Amazon Studios movie.

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When born into a spotlight as intense as Paris’, there’s two options – reject it or embrace it. It’s clear she’s now doing the latter. And for that we ain’t mad.

Your thoughts?

Chris Brown can’t seem to catch a break. Not even on his birthday.

Last night saw the R&B bad boy celebrate his 28th at a Houston nightclub. However, upon leaving, he was formally served with a court-approved restraining order from ex Karrueche Tran.

As reported, the Emmy winner filed paperwork earlier this year to keep C. Breezy away from her and her friends – alleging his threatening and violent behavior as reasons.

Clearly, a judge agreed because Brown must now stay away from Tran and co.

Watch the hella awkward moment her received the papers below…

Your thoughts?

Janet Jackson is heading back on the road.

As reported, the superstar singer will embark on the ‘State Of The World Tour’ this Fall, with the trek officially kicking off on September 7th.

With tickets now on sale (and doing well), a new promotional poster for the 56-date US leg has been unveiled. Check it out above.

The jaunt sees Jackson hold true to her promise of resuming live dates after having to bring the ‘Unbreakable World Tour’ to a halt due to pregnancy.

But with baby son Eissa born this January, Jackson (who split from the child’s father two months ago) is getting back to business.

Sources close to the 50-year-old assert that motherhood and music are now her primary focus and that she’s working aggressively to ensure she’s in fighting form to deliver her best tour yet.

Anyone who’s followed Janet’s career will agree that her snapback game is on all sorts of fleek. So, we’re sure she’ll deliver dynamite come September time.

Your thoughts?

It looks like Katy Perry may have to put in a call to Olivia Pope & Associates or an equivalent service. Because her new single ‘Bon Appétit’ is bombing – and in a big way.

Unleashed only a week ago, the Migos assisted track has experienced an uncharacteristically bad chart run.

Indeed, signs looked bad when it failed to ever reach the top 10 of US iTunes – a reality virtually unheard of for a “Katy Perry” release.

Fast forward a week and the track has vanished from the top 100 of the market leader’s digital store.

As at writing, it sits at #103.

Fascinatingly, its below its preceding single ‘Chained To The Rhythm’ (#83) and older efforts from the likes of Lady Gaga (see: ‘Million Reasons’ / #69).

With streaming figures looking equally problematic, it’s unlikely (although not impossible) that even a video will help this.

It definitely makes one wonder: If Katy is struggling to sell / stream singles, what fate awaits her album?

Your thoughts?

Tamar Braxton is wasting no time tackling her new single ‘My Man’ live.

The 40-year-old performed the emotional song during her Houston, Texas show last night and made sure its inaugural offering was one to remember.

Employing the length and breadth of her impressive range, Ms. She, Me, Her soared to vocal heights with the track – which she says lays bare the reason for her parents break-up.

Watch below…

She did that.

Tamar can definitely grate at times, but her talent is undeniable.

Amazing performance.

Your thoughts?

The musical mogul Nicki Minaj faces claim that she helped a former friend rob commit a heinous crime by serving as his getaway driver.

Currently hard at work on new material and brand partnerships, the rapper has discovered that her former Hoodstars compadre 7even Up has spilled the beans on their alleged illegal proclivities much to the dismay of her fans.

What he says the business woman did when he attacked someone in NYC?

Watch below…

Minaj parted ways with Hoodstars to pursue a career as a solo performer and was picked up Birdman’s Cash Money collective shortly after.

She’s yet to respond.

Your thoughts?

Did you miss the release of Future‘s highly-anticipated visual for the hit ‘Mask Off’?

Fear not, we’ve got you covered!

For, waiting below in all its Colin Tilley-built glory is the video which stars the socialite Amber Rose.

Ready to go for a thrilling visual ride?

Hit the play button below….

Two cups, toast up with the gang
From food stamps to a whole ‘nother domain
Out the bottom, I’m the livin’ proof (Super)
Ain’t compromising, half a million on the Coupe
Drug houses, lookin’ like Peru
Graduated, I was overdue
Pink molly, I can barely move
Ask about me, I’m gon’ bust a move
Rick James, thirty-three chains
Ocean air, cruisin’ Biscayne
Top off, that’s a liability
Hit the gas, boostin’ my adrenaline

Your thoughts?

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