‘Grenade’ divo Bruno Mars has certainly blown up to out of this world success since his 2010 debut ‘Doo Wops & Hooligans’.  Fast forward two years later, the singer has notched 10 top 10 singles to his credit and, if UK’s ‘Notion’ magazine is to be believed, is the ‘new King of Pop’.

While such notion is sure to garner its fair share of chatter, there’s no denying the kid is talented.  And, with his sophomore album ‘Unorthodox Jukebox’ gearing up for its December 11th release, Mars shows off that talent in a new behind the scenes video of the making of that album.

See the ‘Locked Out of Heaven’ hitmaker in action below:

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BET’s new current affairs show ‘Don’t Sleep’ has been gaining ample buzz since launching in October.

Anchored by former CNN journalist T.J. Holmes, the show tackles topics of politics, popular culture, among other issues pertinent to the Urban diaspora.

This week’s episode (26) features chats about he case of Jordan Davis, interviews with John Singleton, Gabby Douglass and Kendrick Lamar; Holmes also talks to the “Sleep Talkers” about African-Americans in the media.

Hit ‘PLAY’ to watch above…

Your thoughts?

For Tamar Braxton, the last 24 hours have been nothing short of a blessing.

Hitting the net with her scorching new single ‘Love & War‘, the last few hours have seen the cut ascend on iTunes like a bat out of hell, and is now on spot away from hitting #1. Yes, you read that right, #1.

However, in the case any doubted the true reach of the singer’s commercial power, tonight has seen her enter territory many a R&B rival has tried- and failed- to match. Territory, by the name of the UK charts.

Good news below…

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She’s one of Pop’s greatest masterminds, and today- in what will come as amazing news for her ‘Kerimel Kisses’– Keri Hilson is the latest performer to join the ‘VH1 Divas’ lineup, airing next Sunday on VH1.

Exciting details below…

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As evidenced by the rant of ‘Believe’ beau Justin Bieber‘s manager, it’s pretty safe to say that some camps are still up-in-arms about the 2013 Grammy nominations unveiled last night.

Indeed, every year sees some scorned team or artist supporter feel “cheated” due to an absence from the nominations tally (see: Jill Scott’s rant last year), but this year marks a noted difference in that  A) the male domination of categories, B) the absence of hip-hop and R&B from major categories, and C) the glaring, 2011-instated removal of “gender-specific” categories.

With only acts who released material from September 1, 2011 to September 30, 2012 eligible for consideration, the wealth of overlooked talent is earning a collective side-eye from many-a-music lover.  Just ask fans of Brandy & Monica‘s ‘It All Belongs To Me’, Mary J. Blige, Lana Del Rey, Madonna,  and, of course, Nicki Minaj & Justin Bieber…

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With the likes of Adele and Taylor Swift serving as today‘s mega sellers, it’s easy to forget sales feats scored by ‘Luv The Hurt Away’ singer  Britney Spears.

Welcoming first week sales of 1,319,193 units with 200o’s ‘Oops!…I Did It Again’, Spears- even today- boasts sales that even the likes of Lady GaGa and Rihanna are unlikely to ever see.

Now, after taking Will.i.am’s ‘Scream & Shout’ to the top of iTunes, she has landed a record that makes her run as a global icon all the more mind blowing.

Details below…

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Longtime viewers of WE tv hit Braxton Family Values will be well-versed with Tamar Braxton‘s quest for stardom in her own right. Fast forward two years since the show’s launch and it looks like the youngest of the clan is onto a hit with new single ‘Love & War’.

Details after the jump…

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Perhaps by way of careful managerial moves, Justin Bieber‘s transition from Teen Pop sensation to Pop ‘bad boy’ has undoubtedly been a success for the star, hitting #1 with his new album ‘Believe’ earlier this year.

However, in what comes a shocking blow for his continued efforts to elevate his brand to the next level, last night saw him snubbed by the Grammy committee’s  2013 nomination list.

This, much to the horror of his manager Scooter Braun.

His thoughts below…

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Beyonce & Jay Z lent their support to their good friend Lebron James last night, arriving at the ‘Sports Illustrated Gala’ in NYC.

Named the ‘Sports Illustrated Sportsman Of The Year’, James arrived with the power couple who hit the event two months before Beyonce performs cuts from her new album at ‘Superbowl 2013’.

Both dressed in suits, Blue Ivy’s parents watched as Lebron was honored for his contributions to the sport of Basketball, which will also see him cover the December issue of the magazine.

Snaps below…

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From doo wop pop chick to top chick?  That’s clearly the motto ‘Braxton Family Values’ breakout star Tamar Braxton has adopted.  Indeed, the multi-octave songbird has long sung of her desire to soar on the solo tip.

And, if she thinks that ‘Love & War’ – the lead single from her forthcoming, yet-titled LP will be the key to flying the coop…then she just may be right!  Fire awaits below:

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It’s UK counterpart may have crash and burned on a ratings front, but that hasn’t stopped Rihanna from readying the launch of ‘Styled To Rock USA‘ next year.

Set to launch on the ‘Style Network’, the fashion series will boast 10 episodes which will see fashion hopefuls from across the US compete in weekly challenges, to be crowned the winner…under the close eye and pupilage of fashion heavyweights.

On the show, Style shared:

“Rihanna is a trailblazer, a trendsetter and the epitome of style. She has a powerful and unique point-of-view that transcends every aspect of pop culture, including fashion, and is a leading creative force. On the heels of our successful network rebrand,Styled to Rock and Style’s new partnership with Rihanna will reinvent the fashion competition genre, fueling our viewers insatiable appetite for all things style.”

Check out an episode from its UK sister above…

Your thoughts?

LL Cool J and country/pop princess Taylor Swift tagged team hosting duties were in full effect at the annual Grammy Nominations Special/Concert.  Boasting a performer’s roster that included Ne-Yo, Maroon 5,  and more, it’s safe to say the 2-hour special was rocking from start to finish!

Click below to see who blazed the Bridgestone arena stage:

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