There once existed an era where obtaining a Gold and arguably Platinum record was a given for even the most modest of acts. Today, we see “A List” artists struggling to hit bronze. With 2016 nearing its end, only three acts (Drake, Beyoncé, and Rihanna) have reached Platinum status with their new releases; and even that count has been called into question (see: ‘ANTI,’ Samsung, and streaming).

As sales have dived, streaming has thrived – helping the U.S music business grow by 8.1% over the last year. And still, in the sea of changing rules and weekly revisions, it remains difficult to decipher who is dominating and whose success may be attributable to smoke and mirrors. Indeed, it’s now become commonplace for projects that have yet hit to hit Platinum in pure sales being certified double and even triple Platinum thanks to “other” factors.

A simple sign of changing consumption patterns? Perhaps. But what is becoming problematic is how said plaques are being used and arguably abused to market the meagre as major.

This reality has led some corners to call for the implementing of a Silver certification by the RIAA. It’s already a “thing” in large markets such as the U.K and we, here at TGJ, feel the States could benefit from the same.

Tune in after the jump to see what me mean…

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The drama knows no end on VH1’s ‘Basketball Wives LA‘, the series which follows the lives of women with romantic ties to the lucrative sport.

This season delivers a storyline in which Jackie Christie finds herself in a precarious situation when she attends a party thrown to celebrate a friend’s clothing line.

Insanity ensues once the Reality TV star meets the dress she has been asked to wear on the night and learns that her brand of alcohol, which sponsors the event, has been slighted by its organisers.

Ready to see what happened next before the show’s new episode hits VH1 this Sunday?

Hit the play buttons after the leap…

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As a Grammy winning songwriter, Beyonce is routinely hailed for her pen-game. And, despite two decades in the game, the praise continues to pour in.

This time is courtesy of rockstar Jack White.

The pair teamed up for the song ‘Don’t Hurt Yourself’ on Queen Bey’s Platinum selling album ‘Lemonade.’

Now, in an insightful interview with NPR, the former White Stripes star opened up about what it was like working with the 35-year-old superstar. As a writer.

His words on her process after the jump…

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September 4th.

This week’s From The Vault celebrates not one but, two milestones. For, the date marks the birthday of one of Pop culture’s brightest stars as well as the 10th anniversary of her sophomore effort.

Suffice to say, today’s pick comes courtesy of Beyonce and her infectious single ‘Upgrade U’ from her funkified ‘B’Day’ LP.

The hard-hitting cut saw Bey partner up with producer Swizz Beatz, songwriter Sean Garrett, and bae-turned-husband Jay Z.

Though the power couple had professed their infatuation with each other on prior releases, this instance centered on one-up-man-ship. Indeed, Bey and Jay traded vivacious verses about how necessary they were to the other. Both personally and professionally.

In being shamelessly materialistic, the track still managed to maintain the singer’s fervent feminist stance. Because at every utterance, she made it known that she had her own, was her own, and is such a catch that Jay could no longer be alone.

Commercially, the song was only released in the US as a promotional single. As such, it was a minor hit on the Billboard Hot 100 – peaking at #59. It was, however, a Top 20 smash on the Hot Hip-Hop/R&B chart where it reached the 11th position.

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‘Formation’ director and good friend Melina Mastoukas took the helm of the jam’s shinny video alongside Queen Bey.

In order to accentuate the luxurious lure of the song’s lyrics, Ms Carter is seen cavorting amidst expensive goods such as jewelry, diamonds and gold watches. All the while remaining the hottest commodity herself.

Never one to disappoint as a performer, the diva delivered with choreography and slickly hit her steps like a seasoned pro. As with the track, the visual and the movement therein have become iconic.

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If the 10 years leading up to ‘B’Day’ were used to establish Beyonce as “the hottest chick in the game,” the decade that followed saw her become an icon, a Pop culture force, and a undeniable legend in the making.  An enviable status achieved through sheer showmanship, philanthropy, and – above all – a dutiful dedication to her craft.

In recent times, “unpredictable” has become a Beyonce trademark. As such we’re  buckled up for what the decade ahead holds for music’s reigning royal. We imagine, there’ll be more surprise and excitement on the horizon.

So with that…

Happy anniversary to this R&B classic and the album it sits on. And the Happiest Birthday to Beyonce!

You thoughts?

For many, the completely unique experiences of African-American often goes unnoticed in the political zeitgeist.

Now, as Hillary Clinton battles Donald Trump with hopes of winning the keys to the White House, she has been accused of using the African-American electorate to win the votes she needs to secure the power some believe she doesn’t use to support them.

Why the founder of the peaceful ‘Black Lives Matter’s movement concurs?

Alicia Garza‘s estimation of Clinton’s supposedly habitual use and abuse of black people below…

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Chris Brown has never been one to hold his tongue. Hence, true to form, he’s taken to Instagram to hit back at the dramas – both legal and beyond – that have encased his name in recent days.

As reported, the ‘Back To Sleep’ singer has been accused of assaulting his longtime (and, now, former) manager. He also hit the newswire this week after a fiery text exchange saw his publicist quit.

Naturally, his image is taking quite the beating. And he’s now sticking up for himself.

See what he had to say below…

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Missy Elliott‘s unorthodox comeback campaign continues with the release of ‘Ghostbusters (I’m Not Afraid).’

The track, which sees the legendary femcee team up with Fall Out Boy, is the theme for the remake of the much-loved franchise (which lands in theaters July 15th).

Elliott’s presence on the cut comes after her explosive return to the scene with ‘WTF (Where They From)’ last year.

Anticipation remains sky-high for the star’s new album; yet in the time since ‘WTF’ she’s instead served up new material by way of endorsements and features.

Pending the arrival of the LP, listen to ‘Ghostbusters’ below…

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Oxygen, home to the Reality TV series ‘The Bad Girls Club’, is to deliver a brand new show based on the fashionable world of modelling to the world.

Details below…

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The Billboard Music Awards is set to deliver an unforgettable performance from Kesha, the Pop princess who claims she was drugged and raped by the producer Dr. Luke.

Full story below…

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‘Unpretty‘ producer Dallas Austin enjoyed the company of the rapper Eve in London last night, celebrating the GumBall 3000 rally at ‘Tape.’

Fun snaps below…

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In Prince‘s short but resonating time on earth, the superstar was fiercely fervent about how and where his music was consumed.

Indeed, beyond his ardent activism for artist independence from the major label machine, he was a weary of the digital revolution and made a point to play that game on his own terms. It’s a decision which, in the wake of his sudden death aged 57,  is making the rush for access to his vast catalogue the definition of a treasure hunt.

Still, it hasn’t quelled the mass appetite to re-live the tunes that defined a generation and inspired many more.

A perusal of the iTunes charts illuminates this in earnest.

Full story below…

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