August Alsina, ‘Beg For It‘ beauty Iggy Azalea and ‘Black Whiskey’ singer Elijah Blake stand as just three Def Jam acts to welcome a new Head of A&R this year, greeting producer No I.D. as he steps into the coveted position.

Previously the co-head of A&R, I.D. (born Dion Wilson) will now oversee creative moves made by each and every act on the star-birthing label, reporting to its CEO Steve Bartels while managing affairs over at his own label ARTium Records, which houses Common, Jhene Aiko and the aforementioned Blake.

On the news, Bartels shared:

In a year where Def Jam has established such new artists as Iggy Azalea, Jhene Aiko, YG, and August Alsina, no one is better suited to creatively represent and expertly guide our label moving forward than No I.D. He is not only a proven hit maker and creative thinker, but he is a bold leader who is well respected by both the artists and executives alike. Together, we are poised for even greater levels of success.

Your thoughts?

Usher may serve up suave naturally, however the singer isn’t afraid to lighten the mood when need be.

Such was the case on the latest stop of his new tour, The UR Experience, which kicked off in Canada this week.

During his performance of ‘Bad Girl’ on the trek’s Toronto stop, the 36-year-old invited a selection of fans on-stage with him. What ensued was hilarious – perhaps unintentionally.

All we’ll say is that the thirst was real…

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Chris Brown set the net ablaze last night when he launched a verbal lashing on hosts of ‘The Real’, Tamar Braxton and Adrienne Bailon.

The explosive episode took place following an airing of the Fox show which featured a segment of the ladies discussing Brown’s relationship with longterm girlfriend Karrueche Tran.

In the time since, Tamar has posted a sassy comeback while Chris deleted the post.

According to the ‘Loyal’ singer, the latter was by no means an apology nor is one due anytime soon.

His latest Instagram letter and Bailon’s response below…

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For months, speculation has been rife about an alleged feud between Kenya Moore and Vivica Fox on Donald Trump’s ‘Celebrity Apprentice’. The story, which gained ample traction, was deemed odd as neither had confirmed involvement with the show at the time the report hit.

All doubt was dissolved today, though. Because it formally announced that both ladies will star as competing contestants on the newest season, which debuts in January…

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‘Sail On‘ chanteuse Beyonce has done it again!

Yes, after giving former manager Mathew Knowles the boot in 2011, the entertainer has seen her brand reach exciting new heights in the years following, using her star power to secure deals that have no doubt made her the envy of a rival Pop superstar.

So, spare a thought for said superstars today as they learn that they’ve been outperformed by ‘Yonce once again.

Who, what, where and why?

All will be revealed below…

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Season 4 of ‘Scandal’ has proven somewhat a slow-burner. However, writers of the ABC hit are gearing up to pour fuel on the flames with the return of Khandi Alexander – known to most as Maya (Mama) Pope.

Details below…

{Please note article contains spoilers}

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Rihanna‘s bag of tricks suddenly doesn’t seem as deep anymore.

For, album in and album out…her antics are as predictable as her dial-tone vocals.

The pre-release approach to her eighth LP, which fans have codenamed ‘#R8’, is no different. Because, once again, the 26-year-old has resorted to stripping off her clothes.

Case in point, her new cover shoot for Esquire UK.

Being a family site, we can’t post all the pics. But the racier set are floating about on social media and let’s just say Fenty is pulling out all the stops (or should we say all her clothes). In one pic, she’s naked. Literally.

It’s as if there’s the belief that by showcasing her particulars she’ll suddenly ascend to the level of the album-sellers that she otherwise sits behind. If indeed that’s the case, we envisage she’ll be in for a rude awakening. Talent commands respect…not ta ta’s.

Anyway, more snaps below…

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Hip-Hop titan Kendrick Lamar has been garnering ample radio play with new single ‘i’ – the lead release from his hotly anticipated sophomore album.

Today saw the uplifting cut paired with a visual.

Check out the video for ‘i’ after the jump…

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A carefully calculated campaign has seen Nick Jonas jump from from former boyband-er to one of Pop-Urban’s fastest rising solo stars.

Beyond an array of body-baring photoshoots, the main vehicle for the transformation has been the 22-year-old’s delicious new single ‘Jealous’.

A Billboard hit, the blazing number (lifted from Jonas’ self titled debut, due November 11th) has thus far peaked at #27 on the Hot 100, and in a bid to help the track bolt ever higher, a new remix with R&B star Tinashe has been serviced to radio today.

Take a listen below…

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Kelly Rowland isn’t letting pregnancy halt her fitness hustle.

The ‘Ice’ singer continues to heat things up with regular gym work outs – despite being due to give birth any day now.

Granted music is our forte, we’re loving how fierce Ms. Kelly is keeping things as she preps to deliver her and husband Tim Witherspoon‘s imminent bundle of joy.

Here’s hoping the active pregnancy will spell a speedy return to the charts. We know she’s been working on her fifth album this year, so the likelihood is high.

Your thoughts? 

It’s official!

Beyonce‘s blockbuster fifth album is heading back into stores in a new Platinum Edition boxset..featuring a horde of new songs, remixes, and collaborations.

Details below..

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Ashanti is on a roll.

Fresh from being snapped with Instagram’s next top model Rihanna over the weekend, the R&B belle bumped into former rival Beyonce at the New York Nets game at the Barclay’s Centre last night.

The ‘Only U’ belter was on hand to perform the US National Anthem at the event, which was also attended by Jay-Z (who owns a stake in the venue).

Clearly, based on the pic above, there was no animosity between the ladies – nor should there have been. Yes, they were pit against each other for years, but neither has ever had anything negative to say.

And while one’s contributions to music has far outpaced the other, they both have songs and records that today’s new names could only dream of achieving. More power to them both!

Your thoughts?