Missy Elliott. Lauryn Hill. Nicki Minaj.

Though other Female Rappers may have enjoyed fleeting moments of popularity during their prime, the three named above can not only boasting of long running popularity, but the cultural impact to back it up.

Indeed, whether one chooses to love her or hate her, Minaj’s impact on Rap and Pop culture’s serving of Urban music does stand as one of the most phenomenal yet underrated chapters in the industry’s story.

For, while she joins Rihanna and Beyonce to be hailed as one of three leading Black female artists both home and away, her polarising nature still leaves many unable to accept how remarkable her rise has been.

So, as to praise the ‘Still I Rise‘ performer at the BMI Urban Awards last night, her Rap sibling Trina shocked its audience with a moving tribute dedicated to her.

Watch below!

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Meet ‘The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete‘, the brand new movie set to hit theatres on October 11th!

Starring Jennifer Hudson, Jordin Sparks and featuring original music from co-producer Alicia Keys, the movie is already anticipated to be one of the year’s strongest releases, teasing its moving story via a trailer now available to watch above!

Your thoughts?

Last month, we asked you to name a number of songs you felt were worthy of being named one of ‘the greatest songs of the last decade’.

From the list you provided, we put together a tally featuring the cuts that were named the most to create TGJ’s ‘The Greatest Song of the Decade Is…’ poll.

Now, with over 160,000 votes cast, the overwhelming response has seen us given no choice but to extend the poll for another month- giving you more time to take your favourite cut to the top!!

That’s right…up until September 23rd 2013, you can continue to vote for the songs listed here!

Weigh in below!

Busy Barrino!

Singer Fantasia continues to show that her hustle knows no bounds. Fresh from wrapping up a promotional tour for newest album ‘Side Effects Of You’ alongside Andrea Bocelli, the dynamo performer took front stage center at Steve Harvey‘s Neighbourhood Awards 2013. There, the Grammy winner rocked the house with fan favourites ‘When I See You’ and ‘It’s All Good’.

Watch the 29-year-old in action after the jump…

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We’re not sure about you guys, but everyone here at TGJ HQ will be spending their Sunday night at TGJ HQ tuned into the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards.

Of course, as it always the case with award ceremonies, it’s what goes on off stage that has most viewers tuned in, and that’s set to be no different with this ceremony, packing a seating arrangement sure to be more interesting than some of the night’s performances.

Find out why below…

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Christina Milian is back.

The ‘Dip It Low’ singer has spent much of the last few years weathering a number of personal and professional hurdles; indeed her dramatic relationship with The-Dream, countless record-labels, motherhood, and ultimate lack of new music have almost eradicated any memory of how we came to know the starlet the first place.

However, after recently announcing her departure from The Voice (where she served as Social Media Correspondent for four seaaons), the 31-year-old seems to have a chart return in her sights. Currently signed to Lil Wayne’s Young Money, the first taste of her new material surfaced today in the form of ‘Encore’.

Not to be confused as a single of sorts, the promo cut provides interesting insight into the direction of new Milian. Take a listen after the jump…

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It’s the uncomfortable subject matter many seek to avoid by any means possible.

We’re talking about race of course, and how society’s perception of certain races and the varying shades within them serve to support some, while creating a glass ceiling for others.

Now peep comments made by J.Cole to BET recently, which saw him speak openly- and pretty accurately- on race in America.

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Thought you’d seen all there was to see of ‘Love & Hip Hop Atlanta‘s season reunion?

If so, now’d be a good time to think again. For, while the episodes that aired on VH1 saw her address the season’s drama with her cast mates, never before seen footage from the taping sees K.Michelle do what she does best and perform cuts from her brand new album ‘Rebellious Soul’.

Watch the Urban hit maker in all her live glory after the jump!

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Christina Aguilera is back on The Voice and has brought along British star Ed Sheeran for the ride.

The Pop powerhouse has enlisted the ‘Lego House’ singer to help her pick her team on the 5th season of the Fox hit.

Watch the pair discuss their unique alliance on Extra after the jump…

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It appears Chris Brown is keen to give the masses many reasons to buy new album ‘X’.

Originally slated for release early this year, the project was bumped to July before being moved to “Fall”, with little explanation. Yet, in reading between the lines, it seems the singer wants to showcase as many facets of the record before it hits retail. And, of course, score an undeniable hit – the latter of which has so far eluded the project.

Having already spawned singles ‘Fine China’, ‘Don’t Think They Know (ft. Aaliyah)’, and ‘Love More (ft. Nicki Minaj)’, the stage blazer is wasting no time revving up the LP’s fourth offering, which he took to Twitter to announce moments ago.

His words after the jump…

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This Sunday, Katy Perry will rock the VMAs with the very first live performance of her new single ‘Roar‘.

Fortunately for her, the live showing follows the record breaking feat she’s achieved this week- thanks to the Dr.Luke penned song!

Chart news below!

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Believe it or not, this Sunday will see the stars align to shine at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards!

Set to flaunt performances by Katy Perry, Drake, Bruno Mars and Justin Timberlake, the night’s brightest star is set to be ‘Pig’ performer Lady GaGa, who will kick off the show with the very first performance of her new single ‘Applause‘.

Only right then, that she spills a little on what we can expect from the show…as she did during her interview with KISS FM yesterday!

Watch below!

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