It looks like hitmaking producer Jermaine Dupri feels like his ‘Stepped On My Js’ co-star Ciara did just that to him with her recent hit ‘I Bet.’  As the song continues its ascent up charts on the heels of its video, more and more people have begun likening it to Usher‘s 2001 megahit ‘U Got It Bad’ – a similarity Dupri, the song’s producer, says he immediately noticed.

Now, as the dust surrounding Pharrell Williams and Robin Thicke’s 2013 hit ‘Blurred Lines’ settles (see: major legal loss over its copyright infringement of Marvin Gaye‘s ‘Got To Give It Up’), J.D. has taken to Billboard to tell Cici she’s got to give “it” up too – “it” being credit for ripping off his song.

See his fiery quote below:

(more…)

‘Empire’ is proving to be the gift that keeps giving – for both its network and its cast.

As earlier reported, the series has already spurned record deal for Jussie Smollett – who plays Jamal Lyon on the FOX hit.

Now, it has been revealed that cast-mate Bryshere Gray has also inked a recording contract.

Details below…

(more…)

Kanye West believes racism “isn’t an actual thing.”

Yes, in an interview with ‘Clique TV’, the ‘New Slaves’ rapper revealed that he believes the “concept” is a “dated” one, sharing his thoughts before the release of his latest studio album ‘So Help Me God.’

His thoughts below…

(more…)

Keri Hilson is coming!

The singer-songwriter hasn’t released an album since 2010’s ‘No Boys Allowed’ and has maintained a relatively low profile in the years that followed.

It appears the hiatus has come to a halt.

Hard at work on her third offering with the likes of Polow Da Don and Timbaland, today saw a preview of the star’s sessions with the latter hit the net.

Timbo shared a snippet of what he’s been cooking up with Keri on Instagram. Is it hot? You be the judge below…

(more…)

As if the buzz for Kendrick Lamar‘s sophomore album, ‘To Pimp A Butterfly’, hadn’t soared to dizzying heights already, the surfacing of a new cut from the LP has cranked anticipation into overdrive.

Cue ‘King Kunta.’

Garnished with heavy coating of funky and laced with the lyrical dynamism that has made Lamar a household name, the hard-hitting number is rightfully being showered with an outpouring of praise.

Find out why below…

(more…)

Sam Smith and John Legend are on course to top the Official UK Singles Chart this Sunday with their new collaboration ‘Lay Me Down.’

As reported, the track – originally a solo cut on Smith’s debut album ‘In The Lonely Hour’ – was the bestowed the honor of being the official 2015 Red Nose Day UK charity single. Hence, proceeds from sales go toward the campaign to end poverty in Africa.

With the televised fundraiser currently airing on BBC1, TGJ has your first look at the pair’s powerful rendition of ‘Lay’ from tonight’s telecast.

Check it out below…

(more…)

It’s here!

Azealia Banks’ much touted cover for Playboy magazine has been unleashed.

The fiery femcee playfully poses a-front of the iconic publication in a bid to plug debut album ‘Broke With Expensive Taste.’

Shunned by conventional mediums such as radio and TV (due to her unpredictable and often controversial ways), Banks has made it routine to promote in a left-field manner.

Time will tell how beneficial going this particular route will be for her cause and career.

Keep an eye out for the full shoot – although, in being a family safe site, we won’t be sharing here. That said, we doubt folk will have to look too far.

In the meanwhile…

Your thoughts?

Married and now a mother, Kelly Rowland steps into the spotlight with her family.

The Grammy winning singer graces the cover of Essence Magazine‘s April 2015 issue alongside husband Tim Witherspoon and their four month son Titan Jewell.

After a roller-coaster set of months, it’s great to see Ms. Kelly glowing with her sources of joy. Beautiful cover.

The April issue of Essence is on newsstands now.

Your thoughts?

After finding a label sister in ‘Prisoner of Love’ performer Mariah Carey, Ciara joins Iggy Azalea to stand as one of two acts with good reason to celebrate this morning…both making major gains on the video sharing platform ‘VEVO.’

How fans of the Southern belles have pushed them to commendable heights in the last week?

All will be revealed, below…

(more…)

Rita Ora isn’t the only new act getting major play here at TGJ HQ.

For, storming onto the scene in spectacular style is Gabi Wilson, the R&B songstress some may recognise from the movie ‘School Gyrls‘, starring Angie Stone.

Now, she’s taken on Drake‘s jam ‘Jungle‘, reworking it for the world after the release of his new LP ‘If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late.’

Check her out below…

Your thoughts?

Check out Rita Ora!

The Oscar nominee looks all sorts of lush in newly unleashed promo snaps for cosmetic giant Rimmel London.

A major coup, the print, online, and televised campaign arrives ahead of The Voice UK star’s new single and album – the latter of which will serve as the ‘Black Widow’ belter’s US debut.

Peep more pics below…

(more…)

FOX are onto a bonafide smash with Lee Daniels‘ music drama ‘Empire’ and are beginning to create a cool synergy with their other properties.

Case in point last night’s episode of ‘American Idol.’

The long-running talent search welcomed Jussie Smollett and Bryshere Gray onto the stage to perform ‘No Apologies’ from the ‘Empire’ season 1 soundtrack, which is currently blocking Madonna from the top spot on iTunes.

Watch the pair, who play brothers Jamal and Hakeem Lyon, in action after the jump…

(more…)