American Pop culture, as we all know, permeates attitudes, ideas and beliefs in nations near and far from U.S. borders.

One of these is Nigeria, home to the thriving Nollywood film industry. In the 90s and early 00s, the industry’s film pulled from hit soaps akin to ‘Sunset Beach‘ and ‘Day of our Lives’ to present its audiences with tales of love, lies, deceit and magic realism.

In the mid 00s, it pulled from one of Pop’s biggest “rivalries” to create one of its highest-selling releases to date.

Meet ‘Beyonce vs Rihanna‘ below…

Watch here!

The movie is loosely based on the singers’ supposed rivalry and sees the Ghanaian actress Nadia Buari portray “Beyonce”.

Quite interestingly, she would go on to star in several movies as characters loosely based on the Beyonce story.

Watch below…

Your thoughts?

Actor Keith Powers felt the stint of social media last night when he came under fire over controversial comments made in an interview.

Speaking to Hollywood Unlocked about speculation surrounding his private life, the ‘New Edition Story’ star said the most outlandish rumor he had heard was that he was bisexual.

He then proceeded to say that he doesn’t believe men can be bisexual:

i liked Keith Powers until this video. he’s a biphobic piece of trash. y’all can have him. pic.twitter.com/OsQ840tnni

— brandon⚜️ (@melaninboi) June 17, 2017

Needless to say, the roasting commenced.

Remorseful, the 24-year-old took to Twitter to apologize. He said:

Hey, I am sorry for how my answer came off in my ‘Hollywood Unlocked’ interview. I plan to explain with a video tomorrow.

— Keith Powers (@KeithTPowers) June 17, 2017

I made a mistake. I have nothing but love and respect for everyone. I’ve been sitting here reading comments and seeing where people…

— Keith Powers (@KeithTPowers) June 17, 2017

Are coming from. I always think it’s important for us to learn from our mistakes and I will. Nothing but love for you all. God bless.

— Keith Powers (@KeithTPowers) June 17, 2017

Well-worded apology. But is it too little or too late or should he be cut some slack?

Your thoughts?

[Photo credit: WENN]

After a whirlwind launch campaign, the first week numbers are finally in for Katy Perry‘s latest album ‘Witness.’

Naturally, given the enormity of her star, eyes would always have been peeled to see her tally.

Yet, with the roller-coaster that preceded its release (see: under-performing singles, controversies, and memes), heightened interest surrounds the amount of support she received at retail.

Well, wonder no more because the answer awaits below…

Per Hits Daily Double‘s final count, ‘Witness’ will top the Billboard 200. It sold the following to do so…

187,338 – Sales Plus Streaming 
(169,522 – Pure Sales) 

**************

There are a few ways of dissecting and digesting the digits.

On the one hand, they are not only impressive by today’s scarily low sales standards but they are commendable given the LP’s lack of preceding hit. Logic had many (us included) feeling that folk wouldn’t part with $10.99 for an album if they wouldn’t even spend $1.29 on her single. Or, worse still, even bother streaming it for free.

Yet, Perry has clearly defied the odds on that front.

Still, for an act of her caliber, she should – in theory – be doing numbers double, triple what she managed to deliver.

Indeed, in the four years since preceding album ‘Prism’ (which opened with 266k), she’s been armored with the momentum of huge hits such as ‘Roar’ and seismic exposure platforms like the Super Bowl. Put simply, she’s become bigger, yet her numbers are smaller.

Something isn’t adding up. Why?

Your thoughts?

Mark those calendars because Jay Z is coming!

The Hip-Hop titan’s affiliation with the mysterious ‘4:44’ campaign has been confirmed.

Much like the initial billboards, new posters are popping up across various US cities and now have the addition of Jay ‘s name and an arrival date – June 30th. As expected, the set will premiere on his streaming service TIDAL – which phone giant Sprint recently bought into.

Peep pics via HipHopDX:

Though details are scarce, it’s widely believed that ‘4:44’ is (or is tied to) Jigga’s long-awaited new album.

Add to that the slew of festival dates he has lined up over the summer and it’s clear newsness in on the way from Mr Carter.

We’re ready, are you?

Check out the ‘4:44’ teaser – starring Mahershala Ali, Lupita Nyong’o, and Danny Glover – below…

Your thoughts?

Rapper/singer M.I.A. finally unwraps a look at the long-awaited visual for ‘Finally’ – the latest single from her fifth and final album ‘AIM.’

The Viviane Sassen-directed video sees the Brit beauty surrounded by some jaw-dropping scenery of the desert and beach while she shows off her best beauty poses.

See it inside:

(more…)

Janet Jackson made a rare public appearance today in London.

The diva, who is gearing to return to touring in the Fall, was photographed leaving a divorce hearing.

As widely reported, the 51-year-old has separated from husband of six years Wissam Al Mana. The news, which shocked many, came just months after the couple welcomed their first child – a son named Eissa.

In a message to fans last month, Jackson confirmed the split and said that the situation was “in God’s hands” and would be addressed in “court.”

Sources close to the singer claim Jackson will remain stationed in London, where she and billionaire Al Mana had based themselves.

During said time, the superstar will continue with what confidants have revealed is an intense snapback regime ahead of the September 7th opening of ‘State Of The World Tour’; a regime which has seen her lose 50 pounds already.

See pics from this afternoon’s hearing, which was also attended by her brother Randy, below…

A post shared by Janet Jackson Indonesia (@janet.theempress) on Jun 16, 2017 at 10:18am PDT

A post shared by @ladytaurus24 on Jun 16, 2017 at 9:26am PDT

A post shared by William Patrick (@wpatrick) on Jun 16, 2017 at 9:24am PDT

Your thoughts?

Tamar Braxton has shared fresh thoughts on her feud with Toya Wright in an interview she hopes will build a bridge between them.

Standing as the latest feud with the skilled vocalist has been involved in since her re-emergence as a solo act, her spat with Wright reached new lows when they exchanged insults via social media.

How Braxton feels about it all now?

Watch below…

The ladies once shared a nemesis in K. Michelle who blasted Wright for accusing her of fabricating claims against Wright’s then-lover (and Michelle’s ex) Memphitz.

 

Who do you think is to blame for the drama?

The long-awaited Tupac biopic ‘All Eyez On Me’ finally landed in theaters today after battling years of hurdles – including the departure of not one but two directors.

However, the drama shows no signs of letting up.

Following questionable reviews and box office forecasts , actress Jada Pinkett Smith has hit out at the Benny Boom / LT Hutton production. She’s taken specific issue with the portrayal of her relationship with ‘Pac – someone she was close friends with.

Writing on Twitter moments ago, Smith said:

Forgive me… my relationship to Pac is too precious to me for the scenes in All Eyez On Me to stand as truth.

— Jada Pinkett Smith (@jadapsmith) June 16, 2017

Pac never read me that poem. I didn’t know that poem existed until it was printed in his book.

— Jada Pinkett Smith (@jadapsmith) June 16, 2017

Pac never said goodbye to me before leaving for LA. He had to leave abruptly and it wasn’t to pursue his career.

— Jada Pinkett Smith (@jadapsmith) June 16, 2017

I’ve never been to any of Pac’s shows by his request. We never had an argument backstage.

— Jada Pinkett Smith (@jadapsmith) June 16, 2017

The reimagining of my relationship to Pac has been deeply hurtful.

— Jada Pinkett Smith (@jadapsmith) June 16, 2017

To @KatGraham and @Dshippjr this is no fault of yours. Thank you for bringing so much heart and spirit to your roles.

— Jada Pinkett Smith (@jadapsmith) June 16, 2017

You both did a beautiful job with what you were given. Thank you both.

— Jada Pinkett Smith (@jadapsmith) June 16, 2017

Happy birthday Pac, you are cradled in my heart for eternity.
I love you.

— Jada Pinkett Smith (@jadapsmith) June 16, 2017

Yikes!

Opinion seems pretty divided; some are professing their love, while others are dragging for filth.

Have you seen the movie? If so what did you think? Haven’t watched? Will you? Let us know…

Your thoughts?

Dej Loaf is back and she’s brought a new single with her!

Its name? ‘No Fear‘, produced by Christoph Andersson and released to appease fans still eager to see the rapper top the charts following the release of her breakout bop ‘Try Me‘.

How it fares?

How does it compare?

Listen below…

I know my life can get so crazy but as long as you’re right here
None of the gossip, nothing can stop us
I’m wanna love you with no fears
We can do this thing together
Close your eyes and take my hand
Cause what we have is something special
Baby let’s just take our chance
Baby let’s just take our chance

Your thoughts?

Katy Perry‘s Big Brother style ‘Witness‘ live stream was a roaring success.

For, though its campaigns singles failed to fly, the stream itself was viewed by 49 million people during its four-day run.

Fuelled by her tell-all therapy session, a conversation on race with Caitlyn Jenner and an analysis of her videography, the stream was launched to serve as an alternative (and perhaps safer) means of promotion following controversy she faced over her alleged use of the N-word.

Click here to learn more.

Your thoughts?

Jay Z has friends in high-places. A fact highlighted in earnest last night when he became the first rapper inducted into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame.

The mogul was given the most endorsing of introductions by former US President Barack Obama. 

Ever charismatic, he mused on his love for Jigga’s music, their similarities (including having wives more popular than them), and Jay’s immeasurable impact on the music and cultural landscape.

Check out the message below…

.@BarackObama‘s introduction to Jay Z being inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. ? pic.twitter.com/P802COGkfj

— BEYONCÉ LEGION (@Bey_Legion) June 16, 2017

As reported, Jay was not present at the taping yesterday – although many of his team were in the building. This has fuelled growing speculation that wife Beyonce has indeed welcomed their twins – or is about to.

In any case, congratulations!

Your thoughts?

Trina teams with K. Michelle on sassy new collaboration ‘If It Ain’t Me.’

During a recent press run, the rapstress billed the track as a sister to much loved Kelly Rowland duet ‘Here We Go.’

And sonically it’s clear why.

The piano driven production sees the Queen of Miami trade verses with K on a cut that manages to be both warming and hard-hitting.

Take a listen to the song, which is lifted from the femcee’s long-awaited sixth album, below…

Easily the most radio ready of Trina’s recent efforts. This has Urban chart potential.

Your thoughts?