In case you didn’t know, songwriting is a very lucrative business.

So lucrative, that while recent years have seen many acts have fall prey to bankruptcy and other financial woes, the writers they enlist to pen their material have gone on to become- in many instances- even more financially secure than some of the industry’s highest paid executives.

Take serial chart topper ‘The Dream’ for instance.

Responsible for Beyonce‘s ‘Single Ladies’, Justin Bieber’s ‘Baby‘ two name just two, the singer-songwriter has risen to become the go to man for any in need of a hit.

Now, he has revealed just how much he earned for penning Rihanna‘s 2007 hit ‘Umbrella‘ and air out his thoughts on ex wife Christina Milian, all during a recent appearance on ‘The Tim Westwood Show‘.

Watch below…

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Say what you will about Keri Hilson, one can’t knock her charitable efforts.

The ‘Pretty Girl Rock’ singer flew out to Ivory Coast over the Holidays to perform. However, it was a visit to the La Caza children’s orphanage which touched the star most.

Speaking on the experience, Hilson told Okay Africa:

“Yeah, my favorite part by far was visiting La Caza — an orphanage for children who lost their parents in the civil war.  It was a really emotional experience and great to get to see the kids smile. For the holidays, I’m sending them over packages of bookbags, t-shirts, sunglasses, notebooks, and even an electric keyboard!”

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Kudos to Keri for using her star-power for a worthwhile cause. Not enough artists do.

Peep more pics of Ms. Keri Baby at her day job below…

Your thoughts?

With her debut album set to hit stores on April 3rd, Pop upstart Willow Smith has a lot to do to ensure the LP lives up to the success of its lead single ‘Whip My Hair‘.

So, in a bid to remind the world of the talent so many of her supporters have grown to love her for, she has recorded a cover of Kid Cudi‘s ‘All Along’.

Her impressive rendition below…

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Brandy was spotted looking all flavours of fierce as she rung in the New Year at The Cosmopolitan‘s Las Vegas bash.

The star, who donned an Emilio Pucci ensemble, is gearing up for a major resurgence this year – beginning with a recurring role on BET’s hit sitcom The Game, and a return to the charts with her first release for new label RCA.

Peep another shot of the singer, and reported boyfriend Ryan Press, after the jump…
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Christina Milian may not have had a hit in a minute, yet she’s remained a staple in the headlines; many of which surround her controversial marriage and divorce from hitmaker The-Dream.

Now, as the singer hits the promotional trail for ‘The Voice’ (which she serves as a digital correspondent for), she’s opening up about her time with the ‘Single Ladies’ producer and what she’s learnt.

Soundbites from her Yahoo interview after the jump…

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X Factor USA star Melanie Amaro has been ear-marked for sure-fire success after winning season one of the Fox talent search.

However, as many an industry analyst will know, how her $5 Million dollar record contract is handled has a direct correlation to how successful she’ll be. Everything from A&R, to producers, to marketing the finished comes from the seemingly bottom-less pocket – essentially creating way for a profitable success or a highly expensive failure.

Put simply, the young starlet would need to be in the right hands for her dreams post-show to come to fruition. A fact Simon Cowell seems to know well, as he has negotiated a deal for Amaro with fellow music mogul and X Factor judge LA Reid.

Full story below…

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Mario is back!

Yes, and  with only a matter of months to go till the release of his upcoming Rico Love produced album, the entertainer has released a remix to Drake and Lil Wayne‘s ‘The Motto‘ in support of his upcoming ‘Truth Be Told’ mix tape.

Listen below…

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Though mute on the musical tip, ‘Songs In A Minor’ maestra Alicia Keys has been making major moves behind the scenes of stages and television.  Recently occupying the directorial seat for Lifetime’s ‘5’ as well as her latest production endeavor ‘Stick Fly’ (on Broadway), Miss Beatz’ recent absence from Billboard hasn’t exactly meant she’s been unbusy.  And, with news that she and hubby Swiss Beatz are putting the finishing touches on her 2009 ‘The Element of Freedom’ follow-up, fans will finally get to see Keys do what she does best – tickle the keys.

In the mean time, Keys and co thought to tickle something else while ringing in the new year.  Avid art fans, the musical family took to L.A.’s Mr. Brainwash (MBW) art exhibit which features interesting depictions of famed pop monarchs Michael Jackson, Madonna, and more.

See more of Alicia going hard in the paint below (source):

Your thoughts?

Five years ago, 50 Cent had the world – quite literally – at his feet. Fast forward to today and the climate is altogether different for the former chart-topper.

Renown for his verbal spars, the rapper’s latest “beef” is with his record label, who appear unwilling to release his new material – after a string of commercial disappointments.

Not content with taking the label to task on Twitter recently, the G-Unit general once again took to the public platform to vent over the issue. Yet this time, his usual banter was accompanied by chilling remarks.

Details below…

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With season 2 of The Voice drawing ever-nearer, expect to see shots such this newly unveiled promo pretty much everywhere.

Host network NBC are pulling out all the stops (and clearly Photoshop) to ensure the run-away hit (which stars Christina Aguilera) is an even bigger one on its second outing; an initiative which is being backed by a media blitz leading up to the show’s return on February 5th.

Your thoughts?

She’s the pen behind some of music’s biggest hits, yet 2012 will finally see Ester Dean step out from the lucrative shadows, after signing a new deal with Roc Nation.

Full story after the jump…

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For many expecting mothers, pregnancy brings with it stress, yet plenty rest.

However, for budding icon Beyonce, it’s been a time to plot her next musical move; one, it seems, will see her on the move quite literally later this year.

Details after the jump…

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