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With a new month upon us, it appears a new Frank Ocean album may be swimming into stores imminently.

The soulful crooner’s sophomore set ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ is easily one of the most anticipated of the year, following a lengthy spell of teasing.

Indeed, it’s been four years since the release of his ground-breaking debut ‘Channel Orange’ and details surrounding its follow-up have been few and far between. A fact which has only heightened the hype for ‘Boys.’

Said buzz reached new highs moments ago when a live broadcast went live on a designated site for the LP.

See what we mean below…

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Viola Davis’ role in ‘Suicide Squad’ has already been credited for the record breaking numbers it is on course to welcome when it opens in theatres this weekend.

How?

Teasers launched by DC Comics and the movie’s creator David Ayers to wow and woo her die-hard supporters.

One of these teasers sees her character, Amanda Waller, introduce Cara Delevigne‘s Enchantress.

Where it can be found?

Below!

Press play…

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Joseline Hernandez (above) joins ‘Love & Hip Hop Atlanta’ cast mates Jessica Dimepiece and the mononymous Tommie to push the series to impressive ratings ground in its fifth cycle.

 

Alas, the feuding ladies’ ferocious fighting forced their producers to scrap their annual end of season reunion to avoid an advertiser-worrying brawl.

What they’ve replaced it with?

A series of interviews with cast members weighing in on the season.

When it airs?

Tonight on VH1.

Teaser below…  (more…)

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‘Love & Hip Hop Hollywood’ takes a turn for the credible this season by welcoming the singer/songwriter Lyrica Anderson to its cast.

Celebrated within industry circles for his penned for several Disney movie soundtracks as well hits launched by Chris Brown, the vocalist joins Teairra Mari and company for a dramatic ride when the show returns on Monday August 15th.

Also joining her is the rapper Safaree who rose to fame as Nicki Minaj’s creative partner and seeks to make a name for himself following the demise of their personal relationship.

How he’ll fare in the city of angels?

Peep the first of many teasers set to be delivered to fans this month below…

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Rihanna & Drake continue to generate attention for their respective new releases this week by performing their collaborative cut ‘Too Good‘ live for the very first time.

Where?

At the latter’s ‘OVO Festival.’

It was there, as the vocalist makes her way towards the release of her ninth studio album, did she join the rapper on stage to deliver a minimalistic yet enjoyable live serving of the jam which appears on his latest studio set ‘VIEWS.’

Take the leap below to catch your first very look at ‘Too Good’ live!

 

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Have plans on August 5th? Cancel ’em.

Why? ‘Suicide Squad’, the DC Comics brainchild starring Will Smith and Viola Davis makes its way to movie theatres on that day.

Fortunately, its epic trailer isn’t the only reason movie lovers have good reason to head out to see it once it premieres.

For, today has brought with it a never-before-seen teaser from Smith and his character Deadshot.

Check out the must-see teaser after the leap!

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September 20th will slice up and serve the latest season of the hit show ‘Scream Queens’ and it’s set to be bigger (and bloodier) than ever.

Leading the way is the comedic force that is Emma Roberts and the impressive KeKe Palmer who invite its audience to enjoy the latest chapter of the project’s story following a critically acclaimed first season.

Ready to catch a little of what its follow-up has to offer.

A short but sweet teaser below…

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P!nk, Sia, Tori Kelly, and Jennifer Hudson are just as well known for soaring on Billboard charts as they are for the soaring vocal displays that line their respective discographies.

Yet, while their fruitful careers have yet bear a proper collaboration (other than lining a few award shows and specials), fans of the divas are one step closer to hearing what the powerhouses would sound like on one tracklist via the new Netflix series ‘Beat Bugs.’

Find out more below:

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In this Sunday, August 2, 2015 photo, Ice Cube poses for a portrait in promotion of the new film “Straight Outta Compton" at the Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles. (Photo by Rebecca Cabage/Invision/AP)

 (Photo by Rebecca Cabage/Invision/AP)

Rapper/actor/director Ice Cube is set to revisit one of the many titles that line his already decorated resume – television producer.

Indeed, after occupying the producer’s chair for a number of small screen shows over the last ten years, the ‘Friday‘-series star is set to team with VH1 to resurrect one of TV’s longest-running game shows:  ‘Hollywood Squares.’

Putting a modern twist on the series, which aired across four decades from the 60s to the 90s, the revised version of the show has been announced with the working title ‘Hip Hop Squares.’  Details inside on how VH1 is set to continue capitalizing on their popularity with Urban audiences:

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The Dominican Republic plays host to French Montana and Drake‘s new music video, ‘No Shopping.’

Tapping Spiff TV to direct the long-awaited joint (teased since last month), the comedic clip sees the rappers don some thick Latin accents and thick mustaches (for good measure) while hosting the Coke Boys Clásico golf tournament.  Drizzy even dusts off his dancing shoes to show off some fierce salsa moves.

Are you ready for ‘No Shopping?’  See it below:

 

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With 23 sold out shows and over 970,000 attendees to its credit, pop diva Beyonce‘s ‘Formation’ World Tour reportedly grossed over $120 million by the time its first leg concluded in mid-June, according to concert promoter Live Nation.

Touching down in every corner of North America including Miami, Chicago, Houston, Toronto, Seattle New York City, and more, the hotly-selling tour was designed to support the singer/songwriter’s 6th album ‘Lemonade.’

From the looks of its box office receipts, it’s done just that and more:

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20 years after its release, Lil’ Kim’s ‘Hardcore’ remains hard-hitting. With an incredible singles-run, iconic videos and impressive chart stats, the Queen Bee delivered a debut era that defined dynamite.

From The Vault ventures back to that time with the female anthem ‘Ladies Night’ (Not Tonight Remix).’

The cut was co-billed ‘Not Tonight,’ yet the version serviced a single was this remix. And, though the original was produced by Jermaine Dupri, the incarnation of the track that was a worldwide hit was helmed by Rashad ‘Ringo’ Smith.

It famously (and heavily) sampled Kool & The Gang classic ‘Ladies Night’ and saw Kim backed by the fiercest female squad. Who else but Missy Elliott, Left Eye, Da Brat, and Angie Martinez. The latter of whom is renown for her radio career, yet at the time was dabbling in Rap.

This A-list cast managed to take the song all the way up to #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Rap charts; Kim’s third consecutive on that tally. It peaked at #11 on the UK Singles Chart and was a Top 5 hit in New Zealand, reaching #4.

Directed by Lance Riveira, the accompanying visual was a girl power affair and featured notable cameos from Mary J. Blige, Queen Latifah, T-Boz, groups Xscape, SWV, Total and Blaque, as well as actress Maia Campbell.

Scenes of the ladies performing were juxtaposed with clips of them being pampered by chiselled assistants. Also inter-spliced was footage from the movie ‘Nothing To Lose’ – starring Martin Lawrence – for which the song was included on the soundtrack.

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Togetherness. It’s a concept that seems to be long forgotten when assessing today’s musical climate. One need not look beyond the “bad bitches” solely needing themselves on their “team.” Or the posters glorifying the “bad blood” which exists between them. The modern crop of female acts have taken the “lonely at the top” concept and run with it. Olympic style.

Kim’s gripe with some of today’s top femcees has often centered on their “supposed” lack of solidarity. Which, regardless of which side of the argument one falls on, is difficult to deny.

In any case, songs such as this, ‘Lady Marmalade,’ ‘Telephone’ and ‘Bang Bang’ prove that there aren’t many things as impactful as female acts united on a track.

We patiently await the next. In the meantime…

Your thoughts?

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