As the music world is still reeling from the untimely death of Grammy-winning crooner George Michael, new fans and old are clinging to the singer’s prized discography to remember him.

And, while it’s by no means unusual for an artist’s catalog to see a boost in sales posthumously, some acts – as legends David Bowie, Whitney Houston, and Prince exhibited at the time of their passings – exceed even the highest expectations.  Now, Michael can add his name to that list.

Billboard reports:

“In the week ending Dec. 29, sales of Michael’s music — including with his former duo, Wham! — increased 2,678 percent (to 477,000 albums and songs, rounded to the nearest thousand) as compared to the previous week (17,000). Of the 477,000 total, album sales equaled 48,000 (up from just 1,000 the week previous), while song sales totaled 429,000 (an increase from 16,000 a week earlier).

In total, Michael/Wham! earned 103,000 equivalent album units during the tracking frame — a gain of 2,071 percent compared to the 5,000 units earned a week earlier.”

Tuck in below to see who joins George in this week’s refreshed TGJ Chart Check:

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As reported here, The Weeknd‘s ‘Starboy’ was behind Rae Sremmurd‘s #1 hit, ‘Black Beatles,’ on the Hot 100 for so long it actually tied the all-time record for most consecutive weeks at #2.  Finally, after a $.69 iTunes sale, the Daft Punk-assisted tune finally ascended to #1 last week, giving Weeknd his third chart-topper.

Now, as the refreshed Hot 100 reveals, that sale may have been just what the doctor ordered to get him to #1, but it damn sure wasn’t enough to keep him there.  For, after just 1 week of topping the tally, he’s already been ousted from its perch.

Curious to see who its new occupant is?  Tuck in below to see and also find out whom among your faves landed in this week’s new TGJ Chart Check:  Hot 100…

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According to Brandy, her 2017 will be all about peace and positivity.

She is, however, keen to clear up any confusion as to a claim made by a songwriting friend who alleged that she took issue with him posing for a picture with Beyonce.

See what she had to say below…

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Rihanna may not have nabbed a hit with ‘Kiss It Better,’ but she’s managed to snag a Platinum plaque for the ‘ANTI’ track.

Full story below…

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‘Crank That’ rapper Soulja Boy has gone from cranking out disses to cranking out an apology to Chris Brown and Migos member Quavo after days of trading insults online with each.

The beefs – which saw Brown and Quavo shade Soulja into oblivion  unearth unflattering videos of the the rapper as well as wield attacks on his finance, physical appearance, and more – were called to a halt today when Soulja took to Twitter to offer the proverbial “white flag.”

This, after Brown proposed the two literally enter a boxing ring to “duke it out.”  See the video below:

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Drake‘s domination of 2016, thanks to his blockbuster album ‘Views,’ is looking to spill over into 2017 the awards season is any indication.

Indeed, after nabbing an impressive 8 nominations for the 2017 Grammys, now the rapper/singer can add 12 – that’s right – 12 iHeartRadio Music Award nominations to his growing awards resume.  In categories that include “male artist of the year,” “hip hop artist of the year,” and even “song of the year” for his #1 hit “One Dance,” Drizzy is set to dominate the showing once it’s held on March 5th at the Forum in Inglewood, Calif.

Keen to see who he’ll face for the coveted trophies?  See the full list below:

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Viewers of Mariah Carey‘s E! show have been questioning the authenticity of the drama on the supposed “docu-series.” But it appears the drama off-camera is undeniable.

As widely reported, Mimi was left red-faced after an audio malfunction wreaked havoc on her performance on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. A performance many are alleging she attempted to lip-sync.

In the wake of the chaos, the 46-year-old’s manager and producers for the special have been trading blows in the ring of public opinion.

And while talk on both sides has turned to legal litigation, Carey is reportedly making colossal changes on her team.

See what we mean below…

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At the rate Azealia Banks is going, it’ll be little surprise if she’s banned from the internet by the year’s end.

For, fresh from her headline-grabbing axe from Twitter in 2016, the foul-mouthed femcee has been sensationally deleted from Facebook.

Full story below…

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Lady Gaga has already publisized plans for a large tour in support of chart-topping album ‘Joanne.’

Yet, with the singer presently having her hands in many a pie (see: film, single promo, and private shows), details have been scarce about her live plans.

Well, that seems to be changing.

Find out why below…

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Vivica Fox has stuck a fork in her beef with former bae 50 Cent.

The actress made the revelation during an interview on the Wendy Williams Show this week, during a visit to promote her new Lifetime stripping show ‘Vivica’s Black Magic.’ 

Full story below…

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It seems that for every Kim Burrell critic calling for her to be blacklisted there is a supporter armed and ready to defend her.

Arguably the most-hated woman in America following the unearthing of a Biblical-based assault launched at openly gay men and women, Burrell learned that her remarks had cost her an appearance on ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show.’

Ellen’s move was lauded by those who argued Burrell’s remarks were hateful, hurtful and divisive.

However, rising from the shadows are those who believe that Burrell is being unfairly punished.

Why?

Freedom of speech.

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Madonna‘s ‘Truth or Dare‘ is to be reborn.

Full story below…

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