Let’s not lie to ourselves…all of us are anticipating the release of Ashanti‘s new album ‘BraveHeart‘.

While we’re hoping she inks a record deal to give it the push her talent deserves, it’s clear to see the star is determined to head the independent route and now- before it arrives on R&B’s shores- she sat down to discuss the project and her role on ‘Lifetime’s ‘Army Wives‘.

Peep her dish on one of its strongest cuts, observing the careers of Beyonce & Rihanna and her former mentor Ja Rule, below…

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It’s finally here!

After announcing its arrival last year, Pop bully Rihanna launched her ‘Diamonds World Tour’ at the First Niagra Center in Buffalo last night, performing a collection of her greatest hits to the general public.

Of course, faced with the fact that the many dates across the globe are yet to have sold out, the singer put her best foot forward alongside a crew of well rehearsed dancers and what might be her strongest stage design yet.

Watch her perform ‘Where Have You Been’ below…

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It’s been a difficult week for Pop pin-up Justin Bieber.

Ripped to shreds by the British press after turning up two hours late to his London O2 Arena show on Tuesday, the 19 year old was yesterday taken to hospital after becoming short of breath mid-way through another UK concert. And unfortunately for the purveyor of Bieber Fever, things would only get worse today.

For, while leaving his London hotel, the ‘Baby’ singer would engage in a foul-mouth clash with a photographer.

Watch how the drama went down after the jump…

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Since blazing into the mainstream with ‘212’, Azealia Banks has ensured her name is hot on the lips of many. Indeed, a potent potion of beef, virals, and visuals have made the New Yorker a staple in the minds of the masses.

Now, it seems, the budding star is ready to show and prove with new single ‘Yung Rapunxel’. Due out on March 26th, the Lil Internet produced cut is the “first” to be lifted from Banks’ hotly anticipated album debut ‘Broke With Expensive Taste’. So what better way to get folk talking than with a super out-there single cover.

Seemingly paying homage to her outspoken M.O, the edgy shot sees the femcee’s eyes replaced with her mouth. Cue the “illuminati” chants in, 3, 2…

Your thoughts?

Having drummed up ample buzz with digital EP ‘True’ last November, Solange is gearing up to release the critically acclaimed set in physical form.

In a carefully carved homage to her “boutique artist” status, the youngest of the Knowles clan has paired up with clothes store Opening Ceremony – who will exclusively sell the project in CD form in their stores from March 11th; the mini-album will also be available to buy online from their website.

Check out the newly revealed artwork for the ‘Losing You’ led set above. The eclectic shot was snapped by New York artist Mickalene Thomas. Fierce.

Check out our favourite ‘True’ cuts after the jump…

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She’s the Rap icon with a legacy with rooted in the core of Hip Hop itself. However, despite her long list of successes scored between ’96 and the early noughties,

Lil Kim has seen her brand overshadowed by reports surrounding her aesthetic. More specifically, reports that suggest she has dabbled in cosmetic surgery.

Now, after the above picture of her leaving a promotional appearance two days ago was sent to media outlets across the globe, she has hit out at them with claims that the image has been ‘photo shopped’ to damage her brand.

Full story below…

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Tina Turner shines bright on the April edition of German ‘Vogue‘, unveiled online today.

Gracing the magazine at 73 years young, the ‘Private Dancer‘ singer hit the publication with a spread shot by Claudia Knoepfel and Stefan Indlekofer and styled by Nicola Knels.

Her appearance in the high end magazine comes four years after the end of her ‘Tina:50th Anniversary’ Tour which played 47 arena dates across the globe and generated a cool $80 million for the icon. This, a testament to her longevity as an artist and the world’s continued admiration of her timeless material and performance style.

More below…

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Despite readying the launch of her ‘Diamonds World Tour’  this week, Rihanna still found time to spew a little ugliness days ago when she launched a subtle dig at SONY Princess Ciara.

Indeed, by way of her unemployed puppet Melissa Forde, the part time entertainer mocked the singer’s a capella rendition of her new single ‘Body Party’, released in full hours later.

Today, Ciara addressed the matter in depth during an appearance on Chicago’s 107.5FM, explaining that she knew Rihanna and her perpetual pet ‘weren’t coming from a positive place’.

Full story below…

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Let’s be honest.

While his public persona may be a little one dimensional (R&B Sex Machine 101), Trey Songz rarely disappoints when it boils down to what really matters, the music.

It’s for this reason that we can’t but look forward to the release of his new music video ‘Fumble‘. However, we’ll have to be patient. For, before its release on Monday, fans will just have to make do with a teaser released in its aid.

Peep the vocalist in action below…

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 Mariah Carey puts her best look forward in the video for ‘Almost Home‘, unveiled online today.

Released in aid of magical movie ‘Oz: The Great & Powerful’, the music video stands as the perfect commercial for the icon’s forthcoming album, which will feature production from her ‘American Idol’ partner/manager Randy Jackson.

Enjoy below…

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Her vicious attack on Brit Femcee Shystie may have left some Pop spectators disgusted by her, but we doubt that’ll stop Azealia Banks‘ on her quest for world domination.

For, four days before she blasted the ‘Murderation’ starlet, she took to the GeorgeFM Breakfast Show for an interview pertaining her debut album.

However, towards the end of her conversation with its hosts, she revealed that she had collaborated with ‘Schoolin’ Life’  vocalist Beyonce and ‘Monster’ singer Lady GaGa, following months of speculation surrounding a cut featuring all three entertainers.

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It’s that time of year again!

Our friends over at MTV have announced this year’s Hottest MC’s In The Game.

Now in its eighth year, the tally true to form is  certain to spark debate. So what are you waiting for? Check out who in Hip-Hop has been ordained as the hottest after the jump…

{The list below was compiled by the MTV Hip-Hop Brain Trust; an elite body of tastemakers whose picks were centered on the following metrics: rhyme skill, flow, buzz, commercial success, cultural impact, online presence, and business expansion}

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