‘I Feel It Comin’ crooner The Weeknd felt Usher‘s 2012 hit, ‘Climax,’ was strangely similar to some of the music he’d created the year prior – namely his 2011 song, ‘House of Balloons.’

In a tell-all interview with Variety (as we reported here), the 30-year-old asserted his entry into the Pop music realm not only changed the genre but also influenced the work of a number of artists whose works followed.

But, while Elijah Blake – the man credited with writing the lyrics to the Usher song in question – took to social media Wednesday (April 8) to slam the notion of copying (click here to read more on that), Diplo (the tune’s producer) is siding with Weeknd (like we reported here).

Once Dip’s comments got to the desk of Blake, the singer-songwriter had a fiery response.  See it inside:

(more…)

At 32-years-young, award-winning Gospel siren Kierra Sheard is already a music industry veteran of 20+ years.

Heiress to the Clark dynasty, Sheard’s Urban-tinged Gospel hits like ‘You Don’t Know’, ‘Why Me,’ ‘Indescribable,’ and more – have seen her step out of her family’s legendary shadow to stomp her own path in the genre’s history books.  The positioning is one she’ll undoubtedly reassert with the arrival of her long awaited self-titled new album, ‘Kierra’ (in stores April 17).

That Grape Juice recently caught up with the ‘It Keeps Happening’ singer to dish on her latest happenings, which is highlighted by her highly anticipated film debut aboard the forthcoming Lifetime ‘Clark Sisters’ biopic (set for an April 11 premiere).

Look inside to read on this and more:

(more…)

#Selenators rejoice!

In addition to releasing the deluxe version of her latest chart-topping album, ‘Rare,’ Thursday (April 9), Selena Gomez is already teasing the music video for one of its new tracks.

Titled ‘Boyfriend,’ the Pop starlet took to social media moments ago to unveil the first peek at the clip (which is reportedly due in full April 10).

See it inside:

(more…)

Nene Leakes is sounding off…again. And this time it’s led to a spar with ‘Real Housewives Of Atlanta’ co-star Kandi Burruss. 

Find out why below…

(more…)

When she isn’t warming the hearts of her fans on social media with her quirky personality, the immensely talented Ari Lennox can be found in the studio building material for her creative universe.

The latest gem to emerge from that realm is the visual for her single ‘Bussit.’

Tune in below…

(more…)

In an industry as fickle as the music business, longevity can be an elusive concept.  For the lucky (but often deserving) batch who manage to see their respective impacts survive changing musical trends and tides, a particularly fortunate class – even among that small group – vaunt relevance.

Granted, the ageist industry sees less women than men score the latter, but the list of female acts who have remained competitive far beyond their commercial peaks – especially on Billboard – is nothing to dismiss.

Look inside to see who made the ultra-exclusive list.  Don’t be surprised if your fave is absent…

(more…)

The Weeknd tends to be a man of few words, letting his music do the talking – which it does in earnest, especially on the charts.

His latest release ‘After Hours’ arrived during the global health crisis, yet went on to deliver career-best first week sales. And, as at writing, remains #1 on the Billboard 200.

Still, he’s not resting on his laurels. Instead, he’s stepped into the promotional spotlight a-front of Variety Magazine – which we shared with you earlier.

Beyond the snazzy snaps, however, lay an interest quote from the singer about his impact on the musical landscape – as well as his (perceived) impact on his more seasoned contemporaries. Namely Usher. 

Full story below…

(more…)

From ‘Blinding Lights’ to flashing lights, photographer Pari Dukovic had music superstar The Weeknd striking his best poses for the latest issue of ‘Variety.’

On hand to discuss his latest blockbuster album, ‘After Hours,’ the Grammy winner waxed honest about fears the impact of the coronavirus pandemic would have on the long-awaited project, its accompanying tour, and more.

This side of history may see him the victor of battling those odds as the LP topped the Billboard 200 with gargantuan streaming figures (as we reported here), but behind the unfazed persona the singer (born Abel Tesfaye) wasn’t exactly confident it would.

Look inside to see Tesfaye get personal on this matter, reflect on the darkest days of his life, his Ethiopian heritage, and so much more:

(more…)

Check out Lady Gaga!

The Pop titan stuns on the double cover of InStyle Magazine, which also dubs as its Beauty Issue.

Posing it for a variety of striking shots (lensed by Nathaniel Goldberg), the feature also sees the singer open up about forthcoming album ‘Chromatica,’ battling back from depression, and her strong desire to start a family.

Pics and quotes below…

(more…)

Before joining the cast of ‘Love & Hip Hop Atlanta‘, Rasheeda stood tall as an influential fixture in Atlanta’s thriving Urban music scene and supported the careers of newcomers who would go on to become globally recognised household name (see Ciara‘s ‘Goodies‘).

Unfortunately, recent years have seen her contributions to her culture diminished and overlooked by a new generation of spectators who know her primarily as being the long-suffering wife of fellow ‘Love & Hip Hop‘ cast member Kirk Frost.

This week she was forced to defend her marriage on social media when one concerned fan quizzed her on the union.

Full story below…

(more…)

Toni Braxton is back!

The R&B legend delivers a care package in the form of new single ‘Do It.’

A delicious slice of grown R&B, the track is the first offering from the GRAMMY winning icon since 2018 album ‘Sex & Cigarettes.’

Speaking on the song, Braxton said:

“I wrote this song about a year ago when a friend was going through the struggles of trying to end a relationship that wasn’t good for her. We have all been through situations like this, when there is really nothing more to say, you know he’s not right and you just need to do what you need to do. There is also an element of hope in the song, that after you do what you need to do things will get better.

During these unprecedented times, make the most of your time indoors with some self-reflection. Now might be a good time to quarantine your heart as well in order to examine what it really needs.”​

What are you waiting for? Listen to new Toni below…

(more…)

The battle of the bops continues! And this time, it was T-Pain and Lil Jon who squared off in a seismic showdown.

Taking to Instagram Live, the pair did battle with their biggest hits and were watched by more than 200,000 realtime.

Their duel is the newest instalment of a rapidly popular Verzuz series, which is being spearheaded by Swizz Beatz and Timbaland and has birthed spars between the likes of The-Dream & Sean Garrett, as well as Johnta Austin & Ne-Yo.

Check out clips and setlist below, and let us know who you thought won!

(more…)