On November 7th 2011, Dr. Conrad Murray was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter for his partMichael Jackson’s death.

Sentenced to serve four years at the Los Angeles County Jail after having his medical license revoked, Murray also faced a $100 million restitution  lawsuit by the Jackson estate, which would see him fork out the money Jackson would have made had his ‘This Is It‘ tour kicked off.

Now, two months after Murray’s sentencing ,the lawsuit has been dropped.

Find out why below…

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Quite unfortunately, reports of ghostwriting within Female Rap seem to be showing no signs of dying down.

Indeed, despite the critical acclaim awarded to the likes of ‘Left Eye’, Nicki Minaj and Missy Elliott for penning their own music, many Femcees  have come under fire for using  ‘ghostwriters‘ to discreetly create their look and  sound for them.

None more so than Rap icon Lil Kim.

Now peep Charli Baltimore explain why Kim’s so called lack of creativity made life difficult for many a 90s Rapstress, below…

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For many, Lady GaGa is Pop’s most palatable dish. Indeed, the 25 year old  presents something fresh, new, and different, while giving a nod to the Pop eccentrics of the past.

Yet, the cake she’s serving up is widely agreed to have been baked by Madonna – meaning trouble was always around the corner.

Noted for her Hip-Hop-esque “beefs”, the 53 old has sunk her claws into her one-time friend during a number of stinging interviews recently; leaving wondering what her motiv is.

Hit ‘PLAY’ to watch us weigh up Madonna’s antics!

Without a doubt, JLS status as the UK’s leading boy band is just as in tact today as it was when they first hit the scene four years ago.

Now it seems, following the critical boo boo that was ‘Jukebox‘, the band are eager to ensure album #4 wins them commercial success and critical acclaim alike.

Find out why they think working with Adele will help them do just that,below…

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For many, Lady GaGa is Pop’s most palatable dish. Indeed, the 25 year old  presents something fresh, new, and different, while giving a nod to the Pop eccentrics of the past.

Yet, the cake she’s serving up is widely agreed to have been baked by Madonna – meaning trouble was always around the corner.

Noted for her Hip-Hop-esque “beefs”, the 53 old has sunk her claws into her one-time friend during a number of stinging interviews recently; leaving wondering what her motiv is.

Hit ‘PLAY’ to watch us assess Madonna’s antics!

Your thoughts?

Pop powerhouse JoJo continues her comeback campaign, most recently stopping by Jordan Common for a Mix 107.9 showcase.

Check out the 21 year old rock out to current single ‘Diaster’ and show Rihanna up (again) with a “better than the record” take on ‘What’s My Name’ after the jump…

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Music monarch Mary J. Blige has been deemed by many one of the hardest working women in show business for her continued efforts post-2005’s smash ‘The Breakthrough’.  3 albums and nearly 7 years later, the 41-year-old is still blessing fans with a bevy of performances and appearances alike.  And, if her reported schedule for 2012 is anything to judge by,  there’s plenty more to come.

In conjunction with racking up nominations (including a possible Oscar nod) for her addition to ‘The Help’ soundtrack ‘The Living Proof’, Blige is returning to the big screen with the Tom Cruise-fronted musical ‘Rock of Ages‘ as well as to record shelves with ‘My Life II:  The Journey Continues Act 2’.

Still very much on the promo path for ‘Act I’, however, the songstress took to Billboard’s ‘Press Pass’ to answer fan questions and give more details on the critically acclaimed album (her 10th).  Interestingly dishing on the topic of radio airplay with her latest offerings and more, see Blige and sponsor American Express reunite for this informative Q&A session after the jump:

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The last few tumultuous months haven’t exactly seen Grammy winning soulstress Fantasia deemed a media darling.  But, despite recently welcoming a newborn like fellow R&B belter Beyonce, Fannie’s hustle hiatus is swiftly working its way to grind.  While fans anxiously await the follow-up to 2010’s critically acclaimed collection ‘Back To Me’, Miss Barrino is getting back to business by headlining The 13th annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration with the NFL gospel choir.

Also boasting gospel heavy hitters Cece Winans and Donnie Mcclurkin, the event is set for taping on February 3rd for conversion to a one-hour telecast premiering on SuperBowl weekend.

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Tidbit:  We’re more than ready for Barrino’s non-musical mayhem to blow over so she can get back to herself and back to charts!  Its LONG overdue!

Your thoughts?

An outpour of sympathy has flooded social media and news outlets since the announcement of R&B pioneer Etta James‘ passing earlier today.  And, while news of the ‘At Last’ singer’s death is still sending shockwaves through the industry, stars who have imparted covers of some of her most cherished hits are sharing their thoughts on the matter.

A songstress who has repeatedly praised James throughout her own career is Christina Aguilera.  Making her soulful cover of Etta’s most memorable hit a staple in her own live showings, Aguilera took to her official website to say:

“Etta James was a force to be reckoned with. A true gift to music and a woman of great spirit and courage.

Her raw tone and the passion she put forth on a record spoke to me at a very young age and has continued to influence and inspire me throughout my career. She will NEVER be forgotten, her voice will forever live on and she will inspire talent for generations to come.”

Like fellow belter Beyonce, Xtina too was afforded a chance to spend time with the legendary songstress – one whom she has long touted to be an idol of hers.  Take a look at the two’s photoshoot from years past after the jump:

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On February 14th, Nicki Minaj‘s sophomore album ‘Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded’ was set to hit stores worldwide.

Now, in an unexpected turn of events, the Rapper has pushed the LP’s release date back, announcing the news online minutes ago.

Full story below…

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‘No More Drama’ diva Mary J. Blige may be no stranger to inspiring awe through her soul stirring performances, but as evidenced by these photos, even some of Hollywood’s heaviest hitters are still star struck by the 9-time Grammy winner.

Rubbing shoulders with some of Hollywood’s elite at the Sundance Film Festival recently, the Queen of Hip Hop soul was one of many in attendance at the star-studded event yesterday.  One particular Grammy-winning starlet was reportedly anxious to have a photo opp with Blige and if this pic is anything to go by, it was written all over her face.

Get into more of this set of MJB and Billboard titan Taylor Swift below (thanks to Rap-Up):

The collection of photos surface days after it was announced Miss Blige is set to play co-host to Kelly Ripa on the (formerly branded) ‘Regis & Kelly’ show Tuesday, January 24th.

Your thoughts?

For those who thought the promo push for ‘Jumping Trains’ had slowed down, think again.  Aside from conducting a number of interviews and performances, Pop belter Jojo is still garnering critic and fan approval for the album’s first single ‘Disaster’.

As the Massachusetts maestra’s quest continues, she’s been found turning up the heat in her photoshoots.  No better set lends proof to such than her recent shoot with VIBE magazine.

See the sexy shoot after the jump:

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