Roc Nation has done it again!

After spearheading the success of Rita Ora’s debut LP ‘ORA’, the Jay Z led company have scored their latest UK #1 album with the Pop piece, ‘Unapologetic‘.

Exciting details below…

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If only all performers were as genius as J.Lo.

In an age where album campaigns are scrapped upon the arrival of underwhelming first week sales, Lopez proves that a unsuccessful album does not have to equate to an unsuccessful era.

For, as her current ‘Dance Again’ World Tour will attest to, her lucrative dealings with Fiat and ‘American Idol‘ have ensured that despite the commercial failings of her latest LP ‘Love?‘, her stock as a celebrity/ touring force stays hotter than ever.

So hot, last night saw her take her tour to Shanghai, where she performed at the ‘Mercedez Benz Arena’ alongside her ever smoking dance crew and boyfriend, Casper Smart.

Snaps below….

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“Do you remember?!”

Indeed we do remember Spring 1992; a window in which the late Michael Jackson was once again dominating TV, radio, and global arenas – thanks in part to this week’s From The Vault pick – ‘Remember The Time’.

Unleashed as the second single from the phenomenal ‘Dangerous’ album, ‘Time’ and the majority of said LP were produced by Jackson and (then-new) partner in crime Teddy Riley – marking a major musical shift for the King of Pop who achieved much of that title under the pupilage of Quincy Jones beforehand.

The New Jack Swing cut proved to be a commercial smash, peaking at #3 in both the US and the UK and securing a slot within the Top 20 of all the other major markets.

Beyond it’s chart run, the most exciting aspect of this single’s campaign was its fantastically flawless accompanying short film. Directed by John Singleton, and boasting appearances from actor Eddie Murphy, supermodel Iman (who played Jackson’s love interest), and basketball star Magic Johnson, the visual does a stellar job showcasing Jackson’s unparalleled talent, yet also Ancient-Egyptian culture. Indeed, for all the debate surrounding MJ and race, he made quite the statement enlisting an all-black cast in a quest to truly mirror the reality of the “historical era” the video tributes.

As you would expect from the greatest entertainer that was (and arguably ever will be), the video comes embedded with a killer dance-break – in the same vein Jackson himself popularised in the legendary  ‘Thriller’ clip. In many ways, ‘Time’ and its accompanying visual are a source of inspiration for both professional dancers as well as a multitude of today’s biggest artists.

Michael Jackson’s passing left a void in many a heart and as the new generation of entertainer is rising, it’s evident that few pack even a fraction of the qualities that made him individual so special, so extraterrestrial.

So to answer the question MJ was asking: we will never forget! We’ll always remember his unravelled gift, his artistic vision, his alien stage presence, as well as his unshakable commitment to charity.

Long live The King!

Your thoughts?

By way of his elusive nature, Diplo stands as one of Pop’s most influential contributors in his own ‘discrete’ kind of way.

Responsible for the Beyonce classic ‘End Of time’ and MIA’s Top 40 smash ‘Paperplanes’, recent months have seen him closely linked to Azealia Banks’ debut effort, ‘Broke With Expensive Taste’, set for release at the dawn of next year.

Now watch as he dishes on his experiences with Pop’s leading ladies during an interview with ‘Sway’s Universe‘ earlier this week. An interview, which saw him reveal that he had enlisted Banks to help craft material for Missy Elliott, five years before she came to the public’s attention.

Watch below…

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Peep this pic of ‘Fortune’ sensation Chris Brown , seemingly asleep in Pop singer’s Rihanna‘s bed.

Uploaded to the latter’s Twitter page last night, the pic sees Brown surrounded by Bart Simpson memorabilia,  hours after wrapping up another night of his ‘Carpe Diem’ tour, which the ‘Fool In Love’ singer recently joined him on.

More below….

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The X Factor 2012 aired its eight Live Show this evening. This portion of the talent search sees the contestants’ ability showcased before a live audience – with an act being sent home each week.

Judging the hopefuls are new additions Gary Barlow, Tulisa Contostavlos, original panelist Louis Walsh, and newcomer Nicole Scherzinger.

{An international phenomenon, local versions of the show show now air in the US, Italy, France and beyond. The brain-child of Simon Cowell, The X Factor is responsible for birthing the careers of Leona Lewis, Alexandra Burke, One Direction, Cher Lloyd and JLS.}.
Peep the best of this week’s Live Shows below…

It seems Rihanna is feeling very cocky of late.

Likely to be ‘feeling herself’ following the recent success of her new single ‘Diamonds‘,the model with a mic shocked fans when she took the social networking site Twitter to declare her love for her fan base ‘The Navy’. Then, in what proved to be an ‘interesting’ move, bash the support groups of rival performers.

Find out what happened below…

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Check out these pics of Rihanna founder Jay Z, enjoying downtime with Pop icon Beyonce and R&B royal Kelly Rowland.

Hitting the ‘Nets Vs Clippers’ game in NYC on Friday, the Power trio enjoyed the company of Beyonce’s cousin Angie Beyince, nights after Jay celebrated the end of Rihanna’s ‘777’ Tour in NYC with ROC business partner Jay Brown.

Watching the game at the Barclays Center, their sighting comes just four months before B performs a medley of cuts at Superbowl 2013, in support of her fifth studio album.

More below….

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 …and Nicki Minaj just keeps on winning!

Fresh from releasing the Hip Hop heavy ‘The Re-Up’ on Monday, this week has seen the ‘American Idol’ judge welcome news that will undoubtedly cement her status as Rap’s leading contender.

Details below…

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For many, the unfortunate sales scored by Nelly Furtado‘s ‘The Spirit Indestructible’ were a harsh reminder as to why lengthy chart breaks can oft spell disaster for today’s entertainer.

So, perhaps in learning her lesson, the ‘Say It Right’ star recently announced the launch of a tour in support of the album, hoping to push both she and the polarizing release.

Now, she has confirmed its German leg.

Details below…

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R.Kelly‘s ‘Trapped In The Closet’ is officially back!

Hitting the web hours ago via IFC, Chapter 23 of the long running series blazes the net with more twists and turns than anyone could have anticipated- making for ‘must see’ viewing.

We guarantee this will put a smile on your face.

Find out why 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 (24) features chats with comedian Kevin Hart, Tony Rock Tichina Arnold and congressman Gregory Meeks. The show also visits Far Rockaway, Queens after Hurricane Sandy.

Hit ‘PLAY’ to watch above…

Your thoughts?

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