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Let critics tell it, ‘Can’t Raise A Man’ maestra K. Michelle raised the bar with her latest album, ‘More Issues Than Vogue’ (released March 25th).  Kicked off by the warmly received ‘Not A Little Bit’ and ‘Mindful,’ the songstress delivered an eclectic set of tunes that found favor from fans of multiple genres.

However, as predictions revealed, the experimentation may have not paid off in her favor.  Yielding her lowest first week sales to date, all has not been lost as ‘Vogue’ still managed to dance its way up the Billboard 200.

Keen to find out what her final first week numbers are?  They await you below:

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Gwen Stefani set the ‘SNL’ stage alight last night (April 2) with two blazing performances of cuts found aboard her new #1 album ‘This Is  What the Truth Feels Like.’

11 years after her first solo appearance, the 46-year-old diva returned with a festive showing of her current single ‘Make Me Like You’ and followed it with the albums’ international follow-up single ‘Misery.’

Curious to know how she fared?  It all lies below for your viewing pleasure.

 

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Zayn Malik is certainly making quite the name for himself by his lonesome since departing top-selling band One Direction.

Launching his first single, ‘Pillowtalk,’ to critical and commercial acclaim, the tune ousted fellow Urban Pop heartthrob, Justin Bieber, right out of the top spot on the Hot 100 with its debut.  Granted, the reign was a short one, but nevertheless the tune’s ongoing performance would be indicative of his popularity as a solo star.

The truest test of it came this week, however, as its parent album – ‘Mind of Mine’ – made its way onto shelves.  Quickly crowned a shoo-in for #1 with predictions of 220-250,000 sold its first week, fans were stunned to learn its truest prediction would fall fairly short of that sum.

Now, despite still laying claim to the top position on the refreshed Billboard 200 next week, a full sales week behind him sees the final tally clock even less than the revised prediction…

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Can you guess which engaged diva was snapped showing off her assets last night in Sweden?

HINT: She’s famed for her voice…most of the time.

Find out below…

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Chris Brown has been in the news for all the wrong reasons this week, but seems to keen to re-affix the focus back to his day-job.

The stage blazer is bringing his ‘One Hell Of A Nite Tour’ to European shores this Summer and the crooner today announced the dates. Due to kick off in May, the trek is being mounted in support of the star’s ‘Royalty’ album – which spurned R&B hit ‘Back To Sleep.’

Although still unable to perform in the UK (due to legal complications surrounding “the” Rihanna incident), C. Breezy will first rock Frankfurt, Germany before hitting many major regions and climaxing in Ireland.

Full dates below…

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Fifth Harmony are truly unstoppable.

How unstoppable? Think U.K. chart success with their spicy new single ‘Work From Home.’

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Big Sean and Jhene Aiko had jaws dropping just this time last week when they dropped the surprise announcement of their joint EP ‘Twenty88.’

Conveniently due on digital shelves April 1st, many fans originally perceived the announcement as an April Fool’s joke.  Indeed, while a Flaunt magazine spread and live performance on ‘Kimmel’ later disproved such, the effort’s minimal promotional push almost looked poise to see the real joke fall on Sean and Aiko.  Add to this a Tidal-only streaming availability (until April 4th), the project had an unquestionable uphill battle from day 1.

Yet, as the two have proven with their solo efforts, the absence of hit singles and promo is by no means indicative of failure.  And, if their predicted first week sales are anything to go by, they’re set to prove that point yet again…

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Yesterday, AJ Calloway –  original host of BET’s defunct daily video countdown show ‘106 & Park’took to Instagram to stir up frenzied hype around news the show was due to return for a spinoff.

Even tapping Kelly Rowland to get in on the action, Calloway served up an oddly timed announcement (as yesterday was ‘April Fools’ Day) to share reports around the show’s reboot which, according to him, would also feature a reunion with the show’s other original host – Free.

Well, as the age old adage goes:  “things are often as they seem.”

For, while there were some who rejoiced at the news, many of the TV personality’s followers immediately clocked the announcement was a very poor ‘April Fools’ joke…and they were right:

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After a rocky patch comprised of so-so sales and questions surrounding the state of her iconic voice, Mariah Carey has spent the last 18 months regrouping her.. everything.

From her vocals, to her business ventures, label, and more recently her team, few facets of her operation have gone untouched.

The latter especially has been making headlines following Mimi’s cleaning of house.

Per several sources, the diva severed ties with multiple members of her camp, including her publicist.

And while there has been talk about said folk quitting the singer due to her new management, she has been quick to reply and is now elaborating on the matter.

Full story below…

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Welcome to Retro Rewind, the TGJ original feature crafted to celebrate TV and Film’s glorious past.

Today, our walk down memory lane takes us to 1993, the year in which ‘Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit‘ rocked theatres!

The follow-up to the box office hit ‘Sister Act’, ‘Habit’ told the tale of Vegas showgirl turned nun Delores van Cartier as she attempts to save students at a troubled San Francisco school from ruin.

There, she meets Rita Watson (portrayed by Lauryn Hill), a gifted yet problematic young lady determined to succeed as a professional singer despite the obstacles thrown in her path by her mother (Sheryl Lee Ralph)…and mistakes made by her father.

Ready to join us as step back in time to celebrate the movie?

Follow us….

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Beyonce is Elle‘s belle and the premium publication wants the world to know it.

Earlier this week, the reigning Queen revealed separate covers for the the May 2016 US and UK issues of the magazine.

Yet, in the days following, it’s become apparent that the deal is much bigger in scope than anyone could have conceived.

Details below…

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Last night saw the stars align for the 2016 BET Black Girls Rock special.

The annual event celebrates the achievements of women of color in the entertainment, literary, and philanthropical fields.

One of the most notable honorees was Rihanna, who was presented with the Rockstar Award.

Kelly Rowland was also in the house at the event, which took place at the New Jersey Performance Center. Beyond introducing Gladys Knight, Ms. Kelly engaged in smart synchronisation. For, her new talent search ‘Chasing Destiny’ kicks off immediately following the show’s April 5th broadcast on BET.

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Flip the hood to see more pics of Rih, Kelly, Monica, and more…

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