Sadly, actually being able to sing isn’t a prerequisite for being a “singer” these days. Thankfully, though, there are still names flying the flag for the talent. Case in point Tori Kelly.

The 22-year-old has been on a crusade of sorts this year introducing the masses to vocal pipes that could dazzle even the harshest of critics.

Kelly’s campaign continued this week, pulling into the ‘Ellen’ studio. Having wowed with current single ‘Hollow,’ she also delivered a dynamite showing of fan-favorite ‘Should’ve Been Us’ – both of which feature on her debut album ‘Unbreakable Smile.’

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The rapper Nicki Minaj has learned that her older brother has been arrested in New York City.

Full report below…

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‘Genie Atrapdo’ vocalist Christina Aguilera paid tribute to the late and great Frank Sinatra yesterday evening.

Where? At the ‘Sinatra Gala’, an event designed to honour the entertainer’s life and legacy with song. There, she wowed its audience with a performance at the Lincoln Centre‘s David Geffen Hall as she continues to work on the project that is her forthcoming album.

More below…

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Rick Ross has recruited Mariah Carey for what is the rapper’s most mainstream effort in years.

The pair, who previously teamed up for Mimi’s not-so ‘Triumphant’ single in 2012, this time serve up ‘Can’t Say No.’

Lifted from Rozay’s new album ‘Black Market’ (which hit retail today), the sing-along-song samples Carey’s classic ‘Can’t Let Go’ and sees her belt out the lyrics with her 2015 voice (which, admittedly, still packs a decent enough punch).

Listen to the diva and bawse on their latest duet below…

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Only one week remains until August Alsina‘s all-important second studio album ‘This Thing Called Life’ lands in stores.

The record follows the New Orleans native’s debut ‘Testimony,’ which opened at #2 on the Billboard 200 in April 2014 with first week sales of 67,000.

To help best that LP’s total (278k), the 23-year-old has enlisted the likes of Lil Wayne and Chris Brown – with latter appearing on the song ‘Been Around The World.’

Much to the delight of their fervent fanbases, the pair have premiered the track (which samples Lisa Stansfield‘s 1989 classic ‘All Around the World.’)

Take a listen below…

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Mariah Carey‘s 2014 effort ‘Me. I Am Mariah…The Elusive Chanteuse’ may have scored major points on a critical front, yet it failed replicate said success where sales were concerned. Indeed, the LP (though one of our favorites of her 00’s releases) saw Mimi sweep up her lowest opening week digits to date.

Today, the star’s camp seek to revive interest in her career with a Las Vegas stint and lucrative partnerships with brands such as MAC and ‘Game of War.’ The goal? To restore the commercial clout she’d possessed during her heyday – or perhaps more realistically following chart-wowing ‘Emancipation.’

Therefore, as she pens the new chapter of her personal  and professional life, TGJ throws on its A&R hat to share what we feel would work best for the vocal butterfly before she drops new cuts.

Will you like what we have to say?

Find out after the jump….

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With its star-studded cast featuring the likes of Queen Latifah, Mary J. Blige, Ne-Yo, rapper Common, David Allen Grier, and ‘Orange is the New Black‘s Uzo Aduba, NBC’s highly anticipated live remake of the 70s classic ‘The Wiz’ whizzed right on by all of the competition to top Nielsen’s ratings last night.

Matching its critical acclaim with blockbuster numbers, the soulful musical – the third of NBC’s live remakes – has given the broadcast network its highest Thursday night ratings in 2 years!

Curious to know how many tuned in to watch Dorothy and her crew ease on down the road?  We thought you’d be. Ease on down under the jump and get the numbers:

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Just a year after he burst onto the scene with his critically and commercially acclaimed debut ‘Testimony,’ New Orleans native August Alsina readies a redo in the form of ‘This Thing Called Life’ – his sophomore album.

Dropping next Friday (December 11th), the 15-song set sees appearances from some of R&B and Hip-Hop’s heaviest hitters like Chris Brown, Lil’ Wayne, Anthony Hamilton, Jadakiss, and more.  Going head-to-head with the genre’s leading monarch R. Kelly, tuck in below to see the album’s official trailer and take a peek at the full length track list:

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The must-see event of the holiday season may have wrapped up last night, but Twitter is still alight with positive reviews of the NBC live remake of the classic stageplay-turned-film ‘The Wiz.’

Led by Grammy winning superstars Queen Latifah and Mary J. Blige, the show was highlighted by stunning stage props, high octane choreography, and, of course, must-hear revamps of some of the production’s memorable musical numbers.

The new ‘He’s The Wiz,’ ‘You Can’t Win,’ ‘No Bad News,’ and ‘Home’ renditions all earned thumbs up from critics and viewers last night, but if you missed any of the action (or simply want to relive the magic), it all awaits below:

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J. Cole has found a friend in HBO.

How and why?

All you need to know below..

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The Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin has enjoyed a career spanning many a decade, hence the ‘Respect’ singer has seen an endless list of names come and go.

With this generation very much dominated by blue-eyed soul songbird Adele, it’s little surprise that the outspoken legend has an opinion on the ‘Hello’ belter.

More below…

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‘Before You Walk Out My Life’ beauty Monica has yet another treat for fans before they walk into record stores to purchase her forthcoming opus ‘Code Red’ (in stores December 18th).

Already giving fans a taste of things to come with the Lil Wayne-assisted ‘Just Right For Me’ and the album’s title track (featuring Missy Elliott), now Mo shows off her oft-envied chops with the ballad ‘I Know.’

Tuck in below to hear the stunner belt like only she can:

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