It’s a topic Hip-Hop routinely treats as taboo, yet a topic hot the lips of many American’s heading into November’s Presidential Elections.

Indeed, homosexuality -particularly same sex marriage- continues to be fiercely debated in the US, especially following Barack Obama‘s public backing of such groups last week.

Now, Hip-Hop heavyweight Jay-Z is weighing in on the matter, voicing his opinion in a new interview with CNN. Check out what he had to say after the jump…

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The last few months have seen the world become acquainted with Rita Ora – the singer. However, in age where “knowing” the artist is paramount, the ‘R.I.P’ chart-topper journey’s “home” to West London in her latest VEVO Lift Diary to recount where it all began.

Peep the episode after the jump…

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‘Fortune’ comes to those who hard work, and Chris Brown is putting in ample amounts in the lead-up to the release of his new album.

Having shot videos for his latest US releases ‘Till I Die’ and ‘Sweet Love’, as well as a guest slot on Nicki Minaj’s ‘Right By My Side’, the 23 year old filmed the visual for his next International release ‘Don’t Wake Me Up’.

Peep more pics from the Colin Tilley directed clip below…

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At 20 years old, Azealia Banks wasn’t even born during Grace Jones‘ heyday. Yet the young talent tributes the fashion icon accordingly on the  striking cover for her debut EP ‘1991’.

Due for digital release on May 29th (and June 12th physically), the 4-track collection features viral smash ‘212′, as well as four other tracks.

It serves as a prelude of sorts to meatier releases from Banks later this year; mixtape ‘Fantastic’ is due in the Summer (with its lead single ‘Jumanji’ having already premiered, while her hotly anticipated album ‘Broke With Expensive Taste’ is being readied for a Fall release.

Peep the ‘1991’ tracklist after the jump…

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After rocking fans over the weekend with his slamming ‘Scream’ and ‘Climax’ performances, Usher looks to keep the momentum going tomorrow with his highly anticipated MTV special ‘MTV First’.  Hosting behind the scenes looks at his recent stint on Broadway, as well as teasing new material from his June-due ‘Looking 4 Myself’, the singer is undoubtedly looking for this album to boast the same chartbusters that some of his previous efforts have.

Set for air on Wednesday at 7:54 p.m. ET on MTV and MTV.com, the singer is set to also sit down for an in-depth interview with resident anchor Sway.  Get a sneak at all the action below:

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Nelly Furtado may be content to let her new single ‘Big Hoops’ bounce its way into the public arena, yet it seems its housing album ‘The Spirit Indestructible’ requires more crafting, for it has been pushed back globally.

Details after the jump…

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Easily the worst kept secret in the media-scape, today saw Britney Spears‘ role as a judge on The X Factor USA confirmed. Finally.

An undeniable coup for Fox and Simon Cowell, the move ensures the show is a cemented hot topic pre, while, and post-airing. A relative stroke of genius given NBC’s decision to air season 3 of rival show The Voice at the same time this Fall (instead of next February).

After all, if the ratings follow the competitive patten of both shows’ key players, Spears and Christina Aguilera, the big X looks poised to come out on top. Yet, at what price?

Almost 7 years have passed since Britney could perform or remember a simple 8-count. A tragic far cry from the air of “show-stopper” that defined her early-mid career. And that’s not to mock the 30 year old. Indeed, well-documented are the emotional and mental strains that have plagued her personally. Strains only those who’ve reached such dizzy heights of stardom could even begin to fathom. Strains, that for all the milking of her “brand”, are still overwhelmingly apparent (see: stunt doubles, lack of spark, hyper-controlled interviews, and the like).

One has to wonder, then, if The X Factor as an apt platform to rehabilitate her image – especially given the fragility of her “everything” at present.  As the likes of Nicole Scherzinger learnt last year, public scrutiny is a guarantee on such a show; and while Spears’ hefty $15 million pay-packet is certain to include all sorts of clauses to ensure she come across “present” courtesy of the producers, there’ll be no hiding once the live shows commence.

Unlike many, our gripe comes not from her inability to sing live. It simply stems from the question of why is Spears signing on to look for the X Factor in others when her own has been missing for years?

From this vantage-point, Spears simply needed a lengthy break to re-discover “self”, with her performer “spark” following organically thereafter. How doing that in front of the public will help her remains to be seen. What is palpable, though, is that her stint on the show has all the makings of car-crash TV. And while we’re hoping to be proven wrong, like many we’ll be watching expecting the worst. Sigh…

Your thoughts?

Ne-Yo is back!

Merely moments ago, the R&B hitmaker unveiled new single ‘Lazy Love’, the lead release from his comeback set ‘R.E.D’ LP – which is now confirmed to hit stores on September 18th.

After a rocky outing with last project ‘Libra Scale’, does Universal Motown’s new SVP of A&R serve up the goods this time? Judge for yourself after the jump

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The news we’ve all been waiting is finally here.

Yes, after months of speculation, Britney Spears has confirmed that she is to judge alongside Simon Cowell, LA Reid and Demi Lovato on X Factor USA, season 2.

Official release below…

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Peep this snap of Britney Spears, posing alongside Demi Lovato and confirmed X Factor USA judges Simon Cowell and LA Reid.

Set to confirm the ladies affiliation with the show, the pic comes hours before FOX releases an official statement announcing their arrival on the hit series, which waved goodbye to Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger earlier this year.

Your thoughts?

In support of their new LP ‘Mylo Xyloto‘, Coldplay enlisted Rihanna for the cut ‘Princess Of China‘, for which a scene from its upcoming video can be seen above.

Drawing on ‘kung fu’ flicks for inspiration, the video will see Fenty play a Samurai using Geisha girl, following the release of her acclaimed clip for ‘Where Have You Been‘.

Behind the scenes footage below…

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Earlier this year, Pop Prince Chris Brown teamed up with Rap Queen Nicki Minaj for the cut ‘Right By My Side‘, lifted from the latter’s latest LP.

So, in a bid to see it rocket on the Hot 100, the pair shot its video recently- teasing fans with a still from the clip above.

Thus far, the cut has peaked at #51 in the US and #24 in the country’s Hot R&B/Hip Hop songs chart, as well as  #101 in the UK.

However, with its video set to coincide with the launch of Minaj’s ‘Roman Reloaded’, it is likely to land the Rapper her  third US Top 10 this year, following ‘Starships’ and ‘Turn Me On’.

Your thoughts?