The Queen’s take on a King?  Indeed, as reported here, Queen of Hip Hop Soul Mary J. Blige has joined film diva Angela Bassett for ‘Betty & Coretta’ – a Lifetime Network film chronicling the lives of famed civil rights leaders Betty Shabazz and Coretta Scott King.

The wives of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King (respectively), the movie specifically tells the tales of their lives post the death of their husbands.  And, while Bassett has already won acclaim for her 1992 portrayal of Shabazz, now Blige is ready to fill those big shoes for what may be her most challenging acting role yet.

Pulling double duty as the film’s star and producer, find out the latest on the film’s progress when Billboard caught up with Blige recently at the iHeartRadio Music Festival above.  To see Blige’s performance from the festival, however, click here.

Fans are definitely loving news that ‘Let Me Love You’ crooner Mario is readying a comeback via RCA Records.

Already teasing fans with mixtapes and guest appearances galore over the past few years, the forthcoming months are set to see the Baltimore beau return to center stage with a new, yet titled LP.  An LP whose first offering comes in the form of ‘Killa’, the Glass John produced slow jam that sample’s R&B veteran R.Kelly‘s ‘Your Body’s Callin’.

Already earning multiple spins here at TGJ HQ, is ‘Killa’ what Mario needs to regain reign over R&B charts? You tell us below:

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With a new greatest hits collection (November 13th) and tribute documentary (October 17th) in motion to pop legend Whitney Houston, it looks like fall is shaping up to be Houston-heavy for fans still celebrating the late singer’s life.

For, as reported today, Usher, Jennifer Hudson, and R. Kelly are three names set to pay homage to Houston in a Grammy-sponsored, hourlong tribute.  Set for taping October 11th, the surely star-studded event is expect to unveil more performers as the weeks pass.

Fans looking for tickets to the Los Angeles-hosted event can click here for details.  Those unable to make the show can catch it when it airs on CBS in November (source).

Who else would you like to see perform at the special?

Your thoughts?

R&B songbird Tiffany Evans is celebrating tonight following the birth of her first child yesterday.While details are minimal at present, we can confirm that the 20 year old delivered a healthy baby girl, who weighed in at 6/13 oz.

June saw many in the Urban community stunned to learn that Evans was not only pregnant but also married.

Peep a pic of Evans and her young one below…

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It’s almost here!

Christina Aguilera‘s ‘Your Body’ video is but a few days away from debuting. So as to tide you over, the Pop powerhouse has unwrapped another preview of the Melina directed clip.

Check it out below…

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Prince brought communities from around Chicago together last night at his ‘Welcome 2 America’ concert, in the city’s Chicago United Centre.

So, as to give his audience a night they’d be sure to never forget, the icon welcomed ‘Winnie‘ beauty Jennifer Hudson to the stage for an ‘incomparable’ duet.

Watch below…

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‘Scandal’ star Kerry Washington is hot on the promotional trail for the hit ABC show, which returns this Thursday. Her latest stop? Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Check out the talented actress dish on her career, the Emmy’s, Scandal season 2, and more.

Your thoughts?

At this point in her career, it’s safe to say Nicki Minaj will- if she hasn’t already- become one of Pop’s more powerful contenders.

Now, after striking up a business relationship with American Idol’s Ryan Seacrest, the Rapper has reportedly inked a deal with his E! Network, to star in a ‘Keeping Up With Kardashians‘ esque reality series.

Details below…

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Reaching six albums is a feat few artists ever achieve; a fact which renders Pink‘s performance on the Billboard 200 this week even more remarkable.

For, the Pop rebel has hit the #1 spot for the for first time in her 12 year career with her sixth studio album, ‘The Truth About Love’.

Full story below…

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Ashanti embraced her inner journalist recently, fulfilling her role on ‘FUSE’ with an interview with polarizing MC Lupe Fiasco.

Discussing the Rapper’s latest release ‘Food & Liqour II‘, their conversation left no Lupe related stone un-turned- discussing everything from his political standpoint to his oft intense creative efforts.

Watch below…

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With the US launch of her debut album ‘ORA’ soon approaching, That Grape Juice shines a light on one of Rita Ora’s stand out cuts on the LP, ‘Love And War‘.

Featuring ‘Nobody’s Perfect’ lyricist J.Cole, the Ester Dean creation serves as one of the album’s strongest pieces, featuring the vocals Ora is fast becoming renown, an infectious hook and a melody far stronger than that held by ‘R.I.P’ and its dance sister ‘How We Do‘.

In short, we’re hoping this is a single. So, until fans get word that it will…

Enjoy below…

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After weeks of teasing and titillation, Rihanna has finally debuted her brand new single ‘Diamonds’.

Penned by Sia and produced Benny Blanco, the track serves as the lead single from the model’s 7th studio album in as many years.

Love her or loathe her, you know you want to listen, so what are you waiting for. ‘Diamonds’ awaits after the jump…

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