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.’
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:
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.
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:
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.
Hoping to give Usain Bolt a run for his money during his latest Olympic journey is Justin Gatlin.
Before he does that, he made his way to Hot 97 to catch up with Ebro Darden and his posse to discuss his preparations for the Olympics and the ‘Black Lives Matter’ debate.
Will you agree with his estimation of the social movement?
Kanye West is ever outspoken and lived up to his billing moments ago on Twitter.
The rapper turned human megaphone this time shared his view on the on-going battle between streaming platforms – with specific reference to Apple and Jay Z‘s TIDAL.
Yeezy, along with acts such as Rihanna and Coldplay, signed on as a part-owner in Jigga’s company.
And despite a number of high-profile exclusives (the most notable being Beyonce‘s ‘Lemonade’), the service lags by quite a margin behind market leader Spotify and Apple Music.
With the latter reportedly in talks to buy TIDAL, it seems Ye’s words are timely and perhaps provide an insight into the status of negotiations.
In December 2014 Rihanna made her way to Paris to shoot a visual that has never seen the light of day…until now.
Yes, this week has coughed up the visual for the number ‘Goodnight Gotham‘ which appears on her latest album ‘ANTI’ before she is expected to attend this year’s MTV Video Music Awards in New York City.
Meet us below for your first spin on the video below…
Welcome to Retro Rewind, the TGJ original feature whipped up to celebrate TV and Film’s glorious past.
Today, we honour the epic series that was ‘Xena: Warrior Princess.’
Pictured above with her lover Marcus, the character made her first appearance in 1995 to lead the Hercules spin-off to ratings glory.
She succeeded.
For, compelled by Lucy Lawless‘ portrayal of the former villain’s quest for redemption, TV lovers turned the series into ratings magnet much to the delight of producers Robert Tapert and Sam Raimi.
Hailed, alongside ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ and Jessica Alba‘s ‘Dark Angel‘, for leading the way for the fearless group of female action heroes who followed her, Xena’s impact on Pop culture is often credited for reshaping the way in which male audiences consumed TV shows fronted by women.
Alas, the last decade has seen TV fail to deliver female leads as bold and brave as the corset-rocking warrior.
Step back in time with us and weigh in on why you think this may be below….