20 years after its release, Lil’ Kim’s ‘Hardcore’ remains hard-hitting. With an incredible singles-run, iconic videos and impressive chart stats, the Queen Bee delivered a debut era that defined dynamite.

From The Vault ventures back to that time with the female anthem ‘Ladies Night’ (Not Tonight Remix).’

The cut was co-billed ‘Not Tonight,’ yet the version serviced a single was this remix. And, though the original was produced by Jermaine Dupri, the incarnation of the track that was a worldwide hit was helmed by Rashad ‘Ringo’ Smith.

It famously (and heavily) sampled Kool & The Gang classic ‘Ladies Night’ and saw Kim backed by the fiercest female squad. Who else but Missy Elliott, Left Eye, Da Brat, and Angie Martinez. The latter of whom is renown for her radio career, yet at the time was dabbling in Rap.

This A-list cast managed to take the song all the way up to #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Rap charts; Kim’s third consecutive on that tally. It peaked at #11 on the UK Singles Chart and was a Top 5 hit in New Zealand, reaching #4.

Directed by Lance Riveira, the accompanying visual was a girl power affair and featured notable cameos from Mary J. Blige, Queen Latifah, T-Boz, groups Xscape, SWV, Total and Blaque, as well as actress Maia Campbell.

Scenes of the ladies performing were juxtaposed with clips of them being pampered by chiselled assistants. Also inter-spliced was footage from the movie ‘Nothing To Lose’ – starring Martin Lawrence – for which the song was included on the soundtrack.

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Togetherness. It’s a concept that seems to be long forgotten when assessing today’s musical climate. One need not look beyond the “bad bitches” solely needing themselves on their “team.” Or the posters glorifying the “bad blood” which exists between them. The modern crop of female acts have taken the “lonely at the top” concept and run with it. Olympic style.

Kim’s gripe with some of today’s top femcees has often centered on their “supposed” lack of solidarity. Which, regardless of which side of the argument one falls on, is difficult to deny.

In any case, songs such as this, ‘Lady Marmalade,’ ‘Telephone’ and ‘Bang Bang’ prove that there aren’t many things as impactful as female acts united on a track.

We patiently await the next. In the meantime…

Your thoughts?

Beyonce is said to be preparing a foray into the wonderful world of education.

Full report below…

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Hoping to give Usain Bolt a run for his money during his latest Olympic journey is Justin Gatlin.

Before he does that, he made his way to Hot 97 to catch up with Ebro Darden and his posse to discuss his preparations for the Olympics and the ‘Black Lives Matter’ debate.

Will you agree with his estimation of the social movement?

Watch to find out below…

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With the summer upon us, Fantasia brings the heat with her scorching new album ‘The Definition Of…’

Released yesterday, the set serves as the American Idol alum’s fifth studio effort and follows 2013’s ‘Side Effects Of You.’

Wondering what the star’s slick mix is projected to sell first week? Well, wonder no more because the answer awaits after the jump…

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Kanye West is ever outspoken and lived up to his billing moments ago on Twitter.

The rapper turned human megaphone this time shared his view on the on-going battle between streaming platforms – with specific reference to Apple and Jay Z‘s TIDAL.

Yeezy, along with acts such as Rihanna and Coldplay, signed on as a part-owner in Jigga’s company.

And despite a number of high-profile exclusives (the most notable being Beyonce‘s ‘Lemonade’), the service lags by quite a margin behind market leader Spotify and Apple Music.

With the latter reportedly in talks to buy TIDAL, it seems Ye’s words are timely and perhaps provide an insight into the status of negotiations.

See what we mean below…

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In December 2014 Rihanna made her way to Paris to shoot a visual that has never seen the light of day…until now.

Yes, this week has coughed up the visual for the number ‘Goodnight Gotham‘ which appears on her latest album ‘ANTI’ before she is expected to attend this year’s MTV Video Music Awards in New York City.

Meet us below for your first spin on the video below…

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When they aren’t wooing microphones with the ever-sweet vocals, Beyonce’s vocalists The Mamas can be found making music of their very own.

This month, the ladies have learned the British production force Catman Boogie has thrown its support behind their ‘Foot in the Wall.’

It makes for an exciting watch.

For, it sees the ladies get down with Bey’s backing dancers and flaunt the energy they’ve delivered since joining the star’s creative posse in 2007.

Catch Crissy Collins and co backstage below…

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Welcome to Retro Rewind, the TGJ original feature whipped up to celebrate TV and Film’s glorious past.

Today, we honour the epic series that was ‘Xena: Warrior Princess.’

Pictured above with her lover Marcus, the character made her first appearance in 1995 to lead the Hercules spin-off to ratings glory.

She succeeded.

For, compelled by Lucy Lawless‘ portrayal of the former villain’s quest for redemption, TV lovers turned the series into ratings magnet much to the delight of producers Robert Tapert and Sam Raimi.

Hailed, alongside ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ and Jessica Alba‘s ‘Dark Angel‘, for leading the way for the fearless group of female action heroes who followed her, Xena’s impact on Pop culture is often credited for reshaping the way in which male audiences consumed TV shows fronted by women.

Alas, the last decade has seen TV fail to deliver female leads as bold and brave as the corset-rocking warrior.

Step back in time with us and weigh in on why you think this may be below….

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Usher is back. At least it seems as so.

The R&B crooner appears to have taken a soft launch approach to the release of two new singles ‘No Limit’ and ‘Crash.’

For, his promotion of both songs has been noticeably scant and the video for one (Limit) has yet to launch.

Nonetheless, the 37-year-old took to the stage on ‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’ this week to perform.

‘Crash’ was his pick on this occasion. Watch Mr Raymond in action below…

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Demo alert!

Following its commendable chart run globally Adam Lambert‘s ‘The Original High‘ has been welcomed by a surprise this week.

What it is?

Its original demo.

The release, which packs a melody some fans say reminds them of the one featured in Lana Del Rey‘s ‘Queen of Disaster‘, leaked three days ago forcing the gifted Lambert to share it with his supporters on social media!

Hit the play button below to give it a spin!

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As reported here, July 29th brought with it the release of ‘Platinum Hits’ – a greatest hits package compiled to highlight the hits of Miami dance machine Jason Derulo.

Featuring hits like ‘Don’t Wanna Go Home,’ ‘It Girl,’ ‘Wiggle,’ and more, fans who already own Derulo’s hits were given an incentive to purchase the collection thanks to ‘Kiss the Sky’ – the only new song among his previously released numbers.

Produced by Danish hit-makers Thomas Troelsen and Thomas Eriksen, the funky track is sure to draw comparisons to Bruno Mars’ ‘Uptown Funk’ for its retro-inspiration.

Is Jason on his way to yet another hit?  Tuck in below and tell us:

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At last night’s Democratic National Convention there were times Katy Perry‘s ‘Roar’ sounded more like a howl or a neigh, but that didn’t stop the party’s supporters from partying right along with the hitmaking diva.

Wielding an empowering speech about her longtime support of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton before launching into the first televised performance of her latest hit, ‘Rise,’ Perry took the crowd to task (in more ways than one) with the Olympics-sponsored tune.

Later keeping the party going by revisiting her 2013 #1 hit ‘Roar,’ the singer/songwriter was certainly one to watch during night 4 of the DNC.  Did you miss any of the action?

Catch it below:

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