An outpour of grief and mourn continues to grip the industry as friends and fans of late Pop icon Whitney Houston share their condolences.  And, much like many-a-young R&B songstress, Fantasia regularly cited Miss Houston as an influence for her own offerings.

Also like Houston, Barrino found her base in the church.  Such base undoubtedly helped shape Houston’s sound, style, and influence across multiple genres – unmistakably found (and referenced) in many of both singers’ recordings and live showings.

Now, at a recent stop in Chicago, Fantasia was found giving a tearful testimony in honor of the fallen singer.  Hear her thoughts below:

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In a time where best selling albums are few and far between, the success of Adele‘s ‘21′ has come as a welcome surprise to Pop connoisseurs the world over.

Averaging with 200,000 units world wide each week, the album’s chart reign is showing no signs of letting up, and now- find out why it is set to stifle its rivals even more this week, below…

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She plays sassy Tasha Mack on hit BET sitcom ‘The Game’, so it’s only natural that actress Wendy Raquel Robinson looks all flavours of diva on the cover DENIM magazine’s ‘Black Issue’.

Peep more shots of the shoot below, as well as quotes from the feature. Slaying at 44. Work!

Via The YBF:

DENIM:  While “The Game” is receiving record ratings since its return last season, there is still a bit of backlash.  How do you and the cast handle negativity towards the show?
WRR: You know people are always looking for something fresh- something new.  The criticism last year was that we [The Game] were moving too fast. Now we’re moving too slow.  We have 22 episodes and it has to build up. It’s hard for me to watch the show to see where improvement is needed- I mean if we’re in it we don’t see it.

DENIM: Do you ever see pieces of yourself in your role as Tasha Mack?  If so, in what ways are you similar?
WRR: Well I do have an alter-ego similar to Tasha Mack! [laughs] Her name is Miss Wendy! Miss Wendy about her business and will snap.  She crazy and wants things done her way! [laughs]

Your thoughts?

If you love Female Rap, February 14th 2012 is one date you won’t be forgetting anytime soon.

Because on that day, Rap rivals Nicki Minaj and Lil Kim set the net on fire with brand spanking new music, Minaj with ‘Starships‘ and Jones with ‘If You Love Me‘.

Now, find out how both ladies are faring online below…

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Following her controversial set at the 2012 Grammy Awards, Nicki Minaj has come under fire from ‘The Catholic League‘, who have labelled the Rapper a blasphemous attention seeker.

Details below…

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As was to be expected, Adele‘s set at the 54th Annual Grammys has led to a boost in sales of ‘21‘, her latest LP.

To be exact, with 237,000 copies sold this week, it enjoys a sales increase of 95%.

Full story below…

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As a man, Jay Z is one of Pop’s more celebrated entities, admired for his music as well as his well publicized business feats.

The ‘Blueprint‘ for many a musician turned mogul, his rags to riches story is astounding to say the least- and now, find out why Pop force Nicki Minaj has plans to follow suit below…

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As the face MAC’s Viva Glam campaign, Rap star Nicki Minaj took to ABC’s ‘Good Morning America’ today to raise awareness for the brand’s cause.

Indeed, joined by Ricky Martin, Minaj discussed the campaign’s fight against HIV/AIDs with Robin Roberts, revealing- for the very first time- how the disease has affected her personally.

Watch below…

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It’s been a turbulent few years for Pop trier Nicole Scherzinger. Axed from the X Factor and her music career in a perpetual state of “so-so”, the 32 year old strangely has the uncanny ability to always landing on her heels. A point underlined by the launch of her ‘Killer Love Tour’ this week.

The European trek kicked off in Brussels, Belgium on Monday and looked to be quite the treat. Choreographed by JaQuel Knight (the force behind Beyonce‘s ‘Single Ladies’), the show – by all accounts – is a high-octane, dance-filled, ball of brilliance. Brilliance only marred by a ‘hit-lacking’ set-list. Underscoring, again, the exact problem with “brand Scherzinger” – the material.

 She has everything (the voice, the moves, the look),  yet it was difficult to assemble a lengthy array of performances (for songs) which were in any way interesting.

We can only hope she finds the right material pronto. For, as you’ll see below, she has ‘it’ in abundance.

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Pushing on past the pain, Monica took to the stage in Hartford, CT last night, where she performed an impromptu tribute to her idol and friend, Whitney Houston at Hot 93.7’s Love and Laughter Show.

The singer, still visibly grieving the loss of icon Houston – who passed away on Saturday, pulled through, delivering a soaring rendition of the late star’s ‘You Give Good Love’.

Watch the performance below…

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Season 5 of The Game continued tonight on BET.

Serving up a heavy dose of drama, comedy, and sexy, this series looks set to be its best yet!

Check out episode 7 of the smash hit sitcom below. Melanie, Derwin, Tasha, Malik, and co are back! Singer Brandy also stars.

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While rap rival Lil’ Kim is getting love for her Valentine’s Day groove ‘If You Love Me’, ‘Harajuku Barbie’ Nicki Minaj is certainly preparing her own version of ‘doll domination’ – lifting new songs, VIBE magazine cover, and behind the scenes footage of ventures to come.  Readying fans for her April 3rd-due ‘Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded’, the ‘Stupid Hoe’ hitmaker adds to her growing list as she has now been unveiled as Allure magazine’s April covergirl.

Set to hit stands March 20th, Minaj’s feature story already has readers chatting with lifted quotes such as:

“I had a little conversation with Jay-Z at the Victoria’s Secret fashion show. He said, ‘Congratulations on all your success.’ And I was like, ‘Yeah, I’m coming for you. I’m coming for your spot, Mr. Mogul.'”

The announcement of Minaj’s ‘Allure’ front follows behind the scenes footage of the fashionista’s new ‘Viva Glam’ campaign with cosmetics champions M-A-C.  Joined by Latin hitmaker Ricky Martin, the venture is one of many Minaj is preparing to accompany a new fashion line and previously announced nail polish line.

See all the action after the jump:

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