U2‘s groundbreaking roll-out of their new album ‘Songs Of Innocence’ still has the industry abuzz.

Indeed, commentators are still split on whether the free, direct-to-device iTunes release of the project was envelope-pushing or a negative case of nepotism.

Naturally, the conversation evokes frequent mentions of Beyonce and comparisons too. After all, the diva’s surprise album release last year is still hailed by many as the definitive means of gorilla marketing in the music industry.

With some suggesting the rock group’s approach is an advancement of Bey’s ambitious campaign, the Financial Times sat down with Jim Sabey – head of Marketing at the singer’s Parkwood Entertainment – to discuss her career, the atmosphere prior to her shock release, and whether a similar roll out to U2 would be on the cards for the star in the future.

Peep the interesting soundbites below…

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Out with the old and in with new.

From the outside looking in, the above seems to be the sentiment held by rapper Big Sean this year, after cutting a few ties with Kanye West‘s ‘ ‘GOOD Music’ and heading over to ‘Roc Nation‘ and saying bye bye to fiancee Naya Rivera to start a relationship with Pop princess Ariana Grande.

Thought that was it?Of course not, as the release of four brand new songs from the lyricist lead the way for a brand new album, promoted during his recent visit to ‘On Air with Ryan Seacrest.‘

What he spilled on love, life and business?

Watch below…

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Rihanna may sing like a cat in labor, but there’s no denying that she knows a hitmaker when she needs one.

Case in point Ester Dean.

The songwriter, whose credits include ‘Super Bass’ and Ms. Fenty’s own ‘What’s My Name’, shared a shot of herself in the studio with the the 26-year-old star today.

Given the lengthy delay RiRi’s eighth album has experienced, the pic should provide some comfort to the model’s fans who’ve been starved of her McMusic since 2012. Indeed, RiRi has skilfully been dodging proverbial bullets from artists far bigger than her for almost two years. And with the current quarter boasting major releases from the likes of Nicki Minaj, One Direction, Lil Wayne, and Taylor Swift, we can’t see how there’d be any logic in releasing this year.

Still, it’s a smart move assembling the right creatives such as Dean if she’s trying to put her best foot forward. We just hope she’s at least trying to put her best vocals forward too.

Tidbit: DJ Mustard recently opened up to us about his work on Ri’s new album. Click here to see what he said!

Your thoughts?

Forget Friday’s, it appears all the action takes place Thursday nights on ABC.

For, joining the established hits that are ‘Scandal’ and ‘Greys Anatomy’ is Shonda’s Rhimes’ new freshman series ‘How To Get Away With Murder’.

The legal drama, which stars Viola Davis, follows a group of ambitious law students and their brilliant criminal defence professor; the group become involved in a twisted murder plot that promises to change the course of their lives. 

It all makes for a riveting watch. We’re already hooked!

Peep the preview of episode 2 of season 1 below…

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It’s been a long time coming, but change finally came today for the status of ‘Devious Maids’.

The spicy dramedy, which was created by ‘Desperate Housewives’ maestro Marc Cherry, had been in limbo since its season two climax in July; and with many of its stars taking on other roles, speculation has been rife about the show’s return – or potential lack-there-of.

However, fans of the Lifetime hit can rest easy. For the cable network have officially renewed the series for a third season.

Details below…

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‘Scandal’ never looked so good!

The hit ABC drama, which is fronted by the award-winning actress Kerry Washington, has blazed back onto the small screen for a fourth outing.

We’ve been hooked, and by the looks of this season 4 /episode 2 teaser, Olivia Pope and co are set to serve up one corker of a season.

Check it out below…

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September 30th 2014 marks the spot for Elijah Blake‘s forthcoming EP ‘Drift’, the follow-up to the streaming magnet that was 2012’s ‘Bijoux 22.’

Today, as to whet the appetites of his supporters, the singer has welcomed the release of its buzz bop ‘Strange Fruit‘, a Hip Hop effort dripping in sensuality and armed with slave ritual inspired harmonies far too haunting for even the staunchest of Urban music naysayers to ignore.

Unfamiliar with Blake’s work?

Take a bite below…

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Before NeNe Leakes leads Bravo’s ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’ into a seventh season, ‘Lifetime‘ has announced the launch of a TV series set to be filled with twice as much drama when it kicks off this October.

It’s name? The ‘Prison Wives Club.’

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Teasing just a little of what TV lovers can expect to see should they tune in to catch the release, the shot sees actress Alexandra Shipp in character, portraying the late singer after budding Pop sensation Zendaya cut ties with the role earlier this year.

Yet to catch the movie’s teaser, or learn of its release date?

We’ve got you covered, here.

Your thoughts?

With new album ‘Cheek To Cheek’ battling it out for the top spot, Lady GaGa and Tony Bennett have unwrapped a new live performance from the joint-project to give the set a boost.

GaGa’s take on Jazz classic ‘Bang Bang’ has been “the” talking point of the LP amongst critics and for good reason too. One watch of the star’s rousing rendition of the Cher cut (filmed at the Lincoln Center) provides an emphatic answer for those wondering why.

Check it out below…

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When it was announced that Shonda Rhimes would “own” ABC’s Thursday night prime-time schedule with a whopping three shows (‘Scandal’, new series ‘How To Get Away With Murder’, and ‘Greys Anatomy’), many lauded praise on the TV writer.

And with the first back-to-back run of the shows having aired last night, the accolades looks set to keep rolling in.

Details below…

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The ‘Harvard Business School‘ is to celebrate the success of Beyonce’s latest album this year, announcing the launch of a course set to pull their students into the ‘Business of Beyonce.’

Full story below…

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