Before Monica zoomed to the top of real-time R&B sales tallies with her latest single, the June 30-released ‘Letters,’ the R&B diva signed up to be the cover girl for the latest digital edition of ‘Essence‘ magazine.

Turning heads in designer drip, the GRAMMY winner took to lifestyle mag’s pages to not only dish on her long-awaited new album, ‘Trenches,’ but also speak about motherhood, overcoming adversity, and her optimistic outlook on finding true love in her 40’s.

Striking some must-see poses along the way (under the helm of famed photographer Gunner Stahl), look inside to see the behind-the=scenes action from the sexy shoot.

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The Weeknd may have fielded mixed reviews for his performance in season 1 of the hit HBO drama, ‘The Idol,‘ but the music that’s been lifted from the series has been consistently greeted with fanfare.

As if scoring serious thumbs up for previous releases ‘Family,’ ‘Lesser Man,’ ‘Take Me Back,’ and the global R&B smash hit ‘Popular‘ (featuring Queen of Pop Madonna and Playboi Carti) wasn’t enough, the Canadian hitmaker (born Abel Tesfaye) is hoping for more of the same in response to the last three songs lifted from the show – ‘Like a God,’ ‘False Idols,’ and ‘Dollhouse.’

While ‘God’ and ‘Idols’ (featuring Suzanna Son and Rap star Lil Baby) were produced with Mike Dean, ‘Dollhouse’ features Tesfaye’s ‘Idol’ co-star Lily-Rose Depp.

All three could be heard on the season finale of ‘The Idol’ (which aired on July 2) and streamed inside.

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Rick Ross is renowned for being the “boss,” but it was gravity that was in charge at his recent pool party.

The rapper hosted an extravagant bash at his Georgia estate.

Ever the showman, the MC took to his diving board in a bid to demonstrate his skills.

Unfortunately, Rozay’s plans were foiled when his own knees gave out on him and he took quite the tumble into the pool.

Watch the moment below…

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Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice continue their heat streak with ‘Barbie World.’

The fiery femcees first ignited the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 with the ‘Princess Diana (Remix)’ and the pair have followed suit with their ‘Barbie’ movie anthem.

Full story below…

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Bree Runway is embarking on a new chapter as an independent artist.

The eclectic songstress has been making waves on a global scale with bops such as ‘Hot Hot,’ATM,’ and ‘Somebody Like You.’ She’s also collaborated with the likes of Lady Gaga, Missy Elliott, as well as Khalid and recently wrapped a stint touring with Lizzo.

However, for all the buzz, many have been awaiting that all-important breakout moment for the London-based star. And Bree herself has been vocal about the hurdles in recent interviews.

Now, she’s gone public with the announcement that she’s departed Universal’s EMI Records.

Full story below…

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Since blazing onto the mainstream scene with ‘2 On,’ Tinashe has not looked back.

Navigating the oft-complex industry can be a tall task for the even most seasoned of musical titans, yet the 30-year-old has established a revered presence by way of unfettered creativity and boundless exploration.

In doing so, Tinashe has consistently rendered herself one of the most exciting talents in the game.

That Grape Juice caught up with the starlet following her showstopping performance at BST Hyde Park 2023 in London.

During our EXCLUSIVE interview, the multihyphenate spilled on her electro-inspired new music and being influenced by the likes of Janet Jackson and Beyonce. She also opened up about how she sees success today.

Join us after the jump…

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FLO have sprung a surprise on fans with the release of their brand new EP ‘3 of Us.’ 

Executive produced by MNEK, the set toasts the significance of the number three in the group’s trajectory: 3 members, 3 songs, and 3 matching tattoos from their first trip to NYC together. The project also arrives ahead of FLO’s performance at the Wireless Festival on July 3.

Speaking on the songs ‘Control Freak’ and ‘Change,’ Stella, Jorja, and Renee said:

“We wrote these two songs last year and thought they would be a great addition to our set list for our debut shows! We were overjoyed with the reception they received throughout our North American tour and thought it’s only right we give the fans what they deserve!”

On the EP’s title track, the ladies added:

“Also written last year, this was our take on The Boy Is Mine by icons, Brandy and Monica. It was so fun to write with MNEK again as he always understands our vision. We got to live our 90s love triangle fantasy!”

Take a listen below…

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Taylor Swift’s ‘Cruel Summer’ is looking to scorch the charts 4 years after it was initially released.

More details below…

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Shakira is continuing her impressive run of singles with yet another droplet.

Entitled ‘Copa Vacia,’ the song is a back-and-forth discussion about not giving enough love and affection to the other person.

You’re always busy with so many businesses/ […] Drop your phone, use your hands with me/I know you’re hot but I’m hotter,” Shakira sings across the song.

As for the video, it was co-directed by Shakira and Jaume de Laiguana and it imagines Shakira as a mermaid that has been forgotten while her  co-star comes to save her.

Watch the stunning clip for ‘Copa Vacia’ below:

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Olivia Rodrigo has a hit on her hands, because her new song ‘Vampire’ is set to blaze the charts.

More details below…

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Macy Gray is putting the drama 0f 2022 behind her and marching forward with the promotion of her latest album ‘The Reset’ – her first studio effort in 5 years.

Joined by her band The California Jet Club, the GRAMMY-winning songstress is set to jet on a Stateside trek that kicks off in New York on September 29 and touches down in Virginia, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Florida, Georgia, and more before wrapping up in Maryland on October 15.

Curious to know if she’ll be bringing her unmistakable vocal stylings to a stage near you this Fall? Hop inside to see the current list of dates.

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Despite being royally bummed by news Queen of Pop Madonna has postponed her 2023 ‘Celebration World Tour‘ after falling ill, the diva’s fans have new reason for a celebration: her speedy recovery.

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