Though the last twenty years has seen many acts of African descent rise to levels once deemed impossible, there are some who believe the representation and handling of Black artists has been anything but favourable of late.

For, according to the creators of a new ‘Change.Org‘ petition launched this month, the game-changing rises of Beyonce, Rihanna, Usher and Alicia Keys see them join a minority of ‘ethnic’ artists whose material hasn’t been used to dirty and downgrade the efforts of their forefathers…at least for the most part.

Now find out why said petitioners have called on record labels to put an end to the alleged efforts they go to to have their black artists disrespect black culture, below…

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With a brand new Billboard Hot 100 Top 40 single to his name and a new album to promote one’d be right to assume Trey Songz has been a little busy of late.

Unfortunately, as the hit-making singer/actor continues to craft said album for his fans, he was forced to address a baseless rumour thrown his way today.

What went down?

Details below…

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With an army of viewers from The Voice in her arsenal, as well as lucrative endorsements from the likes of Target and Activia, all eyes are on what superstar Shakira is on course to sell with her new self-titled album.

Preceded by singles ‘Can’t Remember To Forget You’ and ‘Empire’, the set marks the singer’s first LP release since signing to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation management.

So what are the numbers looking like? The answer awaits after the jump…

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Kelly Rowland keeps her brand hustle buzzing.

Fresh from nabbing lucrative deals with TJ Steel and Jaguar, the ‘Motivation’ maestra has been announced the new spokesmodel for Caress skin care.

The major Unilever brand will feature Ms. Kelly in their promotional efforts for the following year.

Can you say winning?!

Peep the video announcement after the jump…

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In an era defined by VEVO views, social media, and ample propaganda, the word “legend” has arguably become diluted.

Indeed, there’s something to be said when the term (along with phrases such as “icon”) are lauded on questionable talents such Rihanna.

Yet, even Ms. Fenty has more of a claim to the word that the latest abuser of the term – Bow Wow.

The 106 & Park host, who hasn’t released charting material in years, caused quite the response on Instagram this week when he christened himself a legend.

Details below…

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The Voice and the big screen may be keeping Usher busy these days, yet that hasn’t stopped the recording process for his upcoming new album.

For, taking to Instagram today, the singer shared a shot of himself in the studio with hitmaker Rico Love, whose credits include Mr Raymond’s own ‘There Goes My Baby’, Beyonce’s ‘Sweet Dreams’, and Kelly Rowland’s ‘Motivation’.

Reportedly due later this year, the LP follows 2012’s ‘Lookin 4 Myself’ – which spawned hits ‘Climax’ and ‘Scream’.

Can Rico help Usher turn the (chart) lights on? Time will tell.

In the meanwhile, peep another pic below…

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After a quiet start, Shakira‘s promo machine is steam-rolling on in support of her new self-titled album.

The Latin superstar stopped by ‘The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon’ yesterday to perform the project’s latest single ‘Empire’.

Famed for her dynamite dance moves, how did the singer fare during the vocal-driven performance? The answer awaits after the jump…

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In the last year, R.Kelly has lent his voice and pen to material released by the likes of Lady GaGa, Kelly Rowland and Justin Bieber.

Today, in giving music lovers good reason to anticipate the birth of Keyshia Cole‘s new album, the pair have teamed up to whip up numbers for the August 2014 release!

Full story below…

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Tamar Braxton‘s hustle is infalible.

Last year saw the R&B diva release an album, continue to conquer the world of reality TV, land a talk show, and tour with John Legend.

Now, as Braxton gears up for the return of her show The Real (set to return in September), it has been announced that she’ll be hitting the road for a headline tour of her own beforehand.

Details and dates below…

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Platinum and Gold.

For 21 year old rapper Sage the Gemini, the above stand as two certifications he’s had no trouble obtaining since his debut last year, going Gold with the smash hit ‘Red Nose‘ and Platinum with the Vine-backed ‘Gas Pedal.’

So, is it any wonder that’s been enlisted by ‘Freddy vs Jason‘ singer/actress Kelly Rowland to build bops for her forthcoming studio album, shortly after she cut ties with Universal Republic.

How the world came to learn of their partnership? Through Gemini’s recent interview with hit radio show ‘The Breakfast Club’, where he stopped by for an interview now available to enjoy…below!

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Since blazing onto the scene almost 15 years ago as part of Gospel outfit Mary Mary, Erica Campbell has gone on to achieve global success and awards aplenty.

Now, the soul-filled songbird is embarking on a journey of her own. Literally.

Today marks the global release of Campbell’s hotly anticipated solo debut ‘Help’, which is preceded by singles ‘A Little More Jesus’ and the title track

That Grape Juice caught up with the star, who dished on flying solo, her WE tv reality show, the future of Mary Mary, and much more.

Our interview with Erica Campbell awaits below…

Erica Campbell Shouts Out That Grape Juice

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With a mere matter of weeks remaining until August Alsina unleashes debut album ‘Testimony’, the New Orleans singer continues to tease and titillate with new buzz cut ‘Kissin’ On My Tattoos’.

The track, which is produced by Jasper Cameron, joins ‘I Luv This Sh*t’, ‘Make It Home’, and more on the Def Jam set (which arrives April 15th).

Take a listen after the jump…

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