Say what you will about Rap Icon Lil Kim, but if the last two years have proved anything it is that both she and her music are just as provocative as they were back when she debuted almost twenty years ago.

For, after using the hype surrounding Nicki Minaj’s ‘Pink Friday’ to promote her controversial ‘Black Friday’ mix tape  and reestablish her status as major player in contemporary Hip Hop, she has in many ways succeeded in forcing the world to pay careful attention to both she and her oft enjoyable material.

Now, after coming under fire for delaying ‘Friday’s  long awaited follow up, there are  many who suspect the Rapper has set the project’s release date to coincide with the  release of Minaj’s ‘Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded‘ in a bid to further capitalize on their long running feud.

So- ever curious to know what you’re thinking, we here at TGJ HQ want to know the following:

Are you going to buy ‘2012′ And if not- why?

Weigh in below!

Moments ago, the official statement from Beyonce & Jay Z in response to the birth of their first child, Blue Ivy, was released to the general public, following the child’s birth two nights ago.

Without further delay, read what the pair had to say below…

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In what will come as shocking news for fans of Rap veteran Snoop Dogg, it has emerged that he has been arrested in Texas for possession of an illegal substance.

Details below…

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She may only  be a day old, but it would seem New York native Blue Ivy is already well on her way to becoming almost as celebrated as her super star parents, Beyonce & Jay Z.

For today, in what will sure to have many fans the world over reaching for their nearest box of Kleenex’s, her father has released a surprisingly honest number named ‘Glory‘, which- quite interestingly- features the new born baby herself.

Get into it below…

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Nights ago, That Grape Juice caught up with R&B veteran Brandy to discuss her upcoming role on hit show ‘The Game‘ and her long awaited 2012 album.

Today, in further support of the acclaimed series, the entertainer joined her fellow cast mates on ‘The Wendy Williams Show’ to dish on everything from its new season, on screen drama and why it might just be its best season to date.

Watch below…

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It was all smiles this weekend as the cast of American Idol took the Television Critics Association 2012 Winter Tour in support of the show’s upcoming season.

Snapped alongside the show’s fellow stars was a considerably playful Jennifer Lopez who is also  readying for the launch of her own TV show ‘Q’Viva‘, which also stars her ex husband Marc Anthony.

More shots below…

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Peep these snaps of ‘Cockiness‘ diva Rihanna having what appears to be a whale of a time at the Laker’s VS Memphis Grizzles game at the Los Angeles Staples Center last night.

Rocking a pair of Christian Louboutin heels and enjoying beer and Pop corn with one member of her entourage, the performer was clearly in good spirits, perhaps brought on by the news that she is now the highest selling digital act of all time and the fact her ‘Loud Tour‘ raked in a cool $90 million last year.

More snaps below…

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The last few years have seen Kelly Rowland really step out as a solo force. An occurrence which has not only been noted by many a music head, but also Essence – who are to honour the singer next month.

Full story after the jump…

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With over 2 million copies sold worldwide since November 2010, Nicki Minaj‘s ‘Pink Friday‘ has become quite the earner for both she and her bosses over at YMCMB.

So, as a reward for her efforts, the label’s executive BirdMan aka Baby surprised the animated songstress with what  can only be described as a gift of ‘lavish’ proportions.

Find out what he got her below…

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As two of modern music’s biggest acts, Rihanna and Beyonce naturally find themselves compared. Add their race, gender, and genre’s into the fray, and the pair emerge as direct competition. At least, from the standpoint of their fiercely loyal fanbases.

And while it’s oft their fanbases who address the matter, Rihanna herself has given her two cents.

Find out what the she had to say below…

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After spending much of 2011 touring the States with critically acclaimed play ‘What My Husband Doesn’t Know’, Michelle Williams closes out the year with a return to music.

The soulful singer is hard at work on a new studio album (due 2012); and, so as to whet appetite’s, she’s teamed up with German DJ’s Electric Giant Beatz, featuring as a guest vocalist on their new single ‘On The Run’.

As keen appreciators of the Destiny’s Child star’s vocal prowess, we invited Williams onto our acoustic show The Splash during her recent London visit.

Check out the song bird soar with a special stripped-back version of ”Run’ above…

Your thoughts?

“Later on in my destiny, I see myself having your child”

With fans and celebs alike rejoicing at the arrival of Beyonce‘s baby girl Blue Ivy, we thought it the aptest of occasions to travel back in time to relive one of the new-mom’s most defining moments.

This week’s From The Vault pick is the live performance her 2003 classic ‘Dangerously In Love’ at the Grammys 2004.

King Bey won 5 of her 16 Grammys on that night, one of them being for the said song.

Backed by a larger-than-life animated painting, the megastar delivered a vocally flawless rendition of the track. Notably more passionate, raw, and honest than the recorded version, she performed with such intensity and conviction that one can’t but feel what she felt for those 4 minutes.

Stunning stuff.

 Your thoughts?