Dancing machine Jason Derulo made a shocking announcement to MTV News revealing plans to take an extended break from music (after just two albums) to focus on acting.  The announcement comes shortly after the ‘Don’t Wanna Go Home’ singer, whose sophomore album ‘Future History’ will hit stores in September, reportedly passed on an opportunity to play famed guitarist Jimi Hendrix in a biopic.

In reference to the role’s declination, the Miami native stated:

“I really wanted to make sure it [the Future History album] gets the exposure it deserves. It has to be heard by everybody. After this album, I will dive full-throttle into movies for a while. I will ultimately take a break from music.”

Read the full story here.

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As has become standard fare for the publishers of Billboard magazine, the first week of July marks the release of the ‘mid-year’ chart.  This year’s chart, designed to detail the best album and single sales of the year up to its halfway mark, reveals little surprises other than female domination.

See what girls run the music world after the jump:

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It’s been almost 3 months since songbird Mariah Carey gave birth, and just as many months since anyone has seen her. The mother of twins’ self-imposed exile ended today after she spotted in New York City as she returned to her Manhattan residence.

The 41 year old is reportedly gearing up to serve as a mentor on Fox’s X Factor USA, ahead of the release of her next studio album (currently slated for a late 2011/early 2012 release window).

More pics via Celeb Buzz below…

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After delivering one of the most praised sets of this past weekend’s Essence Festival, Jill Scott spoke with MTV News about her latest (and first) #1 album ‘Light of the Sun’.  The ‘Long Walk’ singer also shared her thoughts on her festival co-stars and the ‘chart bump’ by Beyonce.

See what the soulstress had to say after the jump:

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In a pot that is certain to boil over the next couple of days, the Twitterverse was ignited when R&B newcomer Miguel voiced his opinion on fellow crooner Lloyd‘s recent hairdon’t (seen here).  The ‘Sure Thing’ singer had this to say:

On a recent stop promoting his latest release ‘King of Hearts’, the ‘Lay It Down’ singer was quizzed on his feelings regarding the statement.

See how he responded after the jump:

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With little over two weeks before Kelly Rowland‘s ‘Here I Am’ arrives in stores, fans and critics alike are in for a treat, as snippets for the entire LP are now available.

Take a listen to what Ms. Kelly will be serving up this time around…

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R&B crooner Lloyd’s fourth studio album, ‘King of Hearts’, is out this week. To celebrate it’s release, the ‘Lay It Down’ singer got a tattoo that covers the back of his head. During a recent promotional stop to BET’s 106th & Park, Lloyd gave the inspiration behind his new ink.

“I’m a contrast, i’m a walking contrast. I go from hard to soft. I go from the guns to roses, which is in my tatt, and I like to go from the streets to the sheets. I make street savvy R&B music but I also like to slow it down and be sensual at times.”

Source

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Original American Idol and Grammy Award winner, singer Kelly Clarkson is gearing up for the release of her fifth studio album. The as-yet-untitled project is set for an October release date. A few months back, a snippet of previously unheard ‘Let Me Down’ surfaced on the internet. Today, a full version of the track is available. Is this the first sign of new material from the ‘Because of You’ singer?

Check it out below…

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With the biggest first week album sales of 2011 and a No. 1 single Lady GaGa seems to be running the world of pop music. Earlier today, “Mother Monster” took to Twitter to answer fan submitted questions about her upcoming world tour. When asked about her next single GaGa reveled a few details.

Check below to see what they are…

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Cher Lloyd may have yet to officially release her debut single, yet that hasn’t stopped her confusing image from becoming even more…confusing.

The 17 year old ‘Swagger Jagger’ singer ditched her long locks for a new shaved hair do, as evidenced by new shots of her as she walked around London this week.

Granted Ms. Lloyd is still, free, and finding herself, anyone who knows the industry knows image consistency is key (at least per project). Just ask Rihanna and that dusty red wig.

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Today sees the arrival of “new” music from the much buzzed about Frank Ocean. Produced by Midi Mafia, ‘Dreamkilla’ is a fast paced tale of a man on the run – if only in his dreams.

Check out the track below…

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Other than Beyonce’s much discussed #1 debut, there are four other new arrivals in this week’s top ten of the Billboard 200. At No. 3, Kanye West-protege, rapper Big Sean’s full legnth debut, ‘Finally Famous: The Album’, comes in with 87,000 sold. Disney alum, and Justin Bieber’s significant other, Selena Gomez, bows in at No. 4,  Selena Gomez & the Scene sold 78,000 copies of their third album ‘When the Sun Goes Down’. Ironically, season seven American Idol winner, David Cook arrives at No. 7 with his sophomore effort ‘This Loud Morning’ (46,000), while season 10’s champion Scotty McCreery’s five-song EP ‘American Idol Season 10 Highlights’ rounds out the top ten with 40,000 sold.

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