Lil’ Kim is wasting no time putting her revived relevance to good use. The pint-sized rapper, 35, was snapped filming the video for new single ‘Clap Clap’ in Brooklyn, New York yesterday (January4th).

The song will reportedly debut first week of February on the mixtape of her new posse, I.R.S (International Rock Stars). Thereafter, Kim will release her own mixtape, with her long-awaited studio album to follow.

Your thoughts?

Congratulations are most certainly in order for Nicki Minaj. The Young Money star has seen her debut LP ‘Pink Friday’ certified Platinum by the RIAA.

Awarded for US shipments of one million (+), the magnitude of the feat is heightened when considering Minaj, real name Onika Maraj, released the LP merely a month ago.

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Though Minaj remains a figure of much debate, it’s hard to deny the positive ripple effect her success will have for female Hip-Hop.

Needless to say, those at the top of the industry hierarchy are primarily concerned with their profit margins; and with Nicki almost single-handedly reviving interest in female Hip-Hop, her acheivements will no doubt facilitate the signing of a new crop of female MC’s. What’s more, her success also re-opens doors for those who’ve been struggling to re-affirm their place in the ever-changing musical landscape (see: Trina, Eve, and Lil’ Kim). Again, not because “the suits” particularly care for female Hip-Hop. No. Rather, because there is clearly money to be made – again.

In any case, things are looking up for female Hip-Hop; and love her or loathe her, Ms. Minaj is a prime catalyst for it.

Your thoughts?

The last 12 months have been quite the roller-coaster for sultry singer Toni Braxton. Characterised by the breakdown of her marriage, commercial disappointment, and filing for bankruptcy again, 2010 is undoubtedly a year the R&B legend wishes to leave in the past.

Hence, in kicking off the new year with a bang, the legendary vocalist, 43, has revealed that she is considering posing for Playboy.

Full story after the jump…

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Here is the 4th webisode of Chris Brown’s Mechanical Dummy series. In this edition, entitled ‘Breezy Art…Dance’, the entertainer professes his love for dance and the form’s impact on the masses.

Check out the video below:

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Budding R&B diva Keri Hilson paid a visit to The Late Show With David Letterman tonight, serving up a Motown-inspired performance of current hit ‘Pretty Girl Rock’.

Check out singer-songwriter in action below…

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Beyonce was spotted in New York City today. The alleged songwriter will be releasing a new album this year. See more images below:

What do you think of the pics?

Pretty Face, No Talent, otherwise known as Rihanna is readying not one but two new singles. The fashionista recently paused the promotional push for her ‘Loud’ LP to rap up filming of her new movie ‘Battleship’. However, the  22 year old is set to open the door of her infamous microwave, to unleash a duo of new fast food hits.

Find out what ‘The Voice’ will be serving up in a matter of weeks after the jump…

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Pop heart-throb Justin Bieber features on the cover of Vanity Fair‘s February issue.

Speaking to the magazine about his hyperactivity, the 16 year old purveyor of Bieber-Fever said:

“Just the way my brain works. I’m not normal. I think differently—my mind is always racing. I’m just … nuts. But I think the best [musicians] probably are. “

Adding about his acute insomnia, he said:

“(I sit up at night thinking) about all the things I didn’t have time to think about during the day — like family and God …”

Ok then…

In other Bieber news, actress Selena Gomez has reportedly been receiving death threats after being snapped kissing the singer.

Your thoughts?

After reviewing hundreds of your applications, the top 15 candidates for the That Grape Juice 6-month internship have been selected! Check your email to see whether you have been chosen to advance to the 2nd phase of the selection process and to collect the instructions you will need for the next set of outlined tasks.

We thank all of our readers who submitted their work for consideration. Many of you possess remarkable talent and we hope to hear from you again in the future when other opportunities arise!

Good luck!

This week’s  Best You Never Heard features little known gems by Kelly Rowland, Jazmine Sullivan, Oliva and Kelis.

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Kelly Rowland – ‘The Show (ft. Tank)’

As many will recall, Kelly Rowland’s 2007 effort ‘Ms. Kelly’ was marred by shocking management, bad single choices, and poor promotion. Still, the Gold certified LP delivered many a gem – including the Tank-assisted ‘The Show’.

Perhaps the raciest of Rowland’s oft underrated efforts, ‘The Show’ features the Destiny’s Child star and the R&B crooner trading verses about the much treaded on ‘deed’. However, unlike countless other sensual cuts, the song employs clever metaphors and similes in staging the ‘act’ – instilling an aura of ‘tact’ and ‘class’ in an otherwise risqué subject matter. Vocally, Tank’s butter-smooth baritone and Rowland’s soprano are a matched made in R&B heaven. {SAM}

LISTEN:

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Jazmine Sullivan – ‘Excuse Me’

In a time when R&B has been sidelined by consumers in favour of generic Pop hits, Jazmine Sullivan continues to satisfy the supporters of true artistry. ‘Excuse Me’ was included on the singer/songwriter’s critically acclaimed ‘Love Me Back’ LP, and serves as one of the record’s most compelling tracks.

Co-written and produced by Missy Elliott and Cainon Lamb, the song not only displays Sullivan’s technical skill but her ability to interpret the meaning of the lyrics, creating a truly believable performance.

‘Excuse Me’ demonstrates the exact reason why Sullivan’s talent is desperately needed in today’s music industry. Most acts are unable to carry a tune without the assistance of heavy production and auto-tune; hence a vocalist of her stature deserves our appreciation. {TRENT}

LISTEN:

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Olivia – ‘Cherry Pop’

A victim of constant push-backs and label-politics, R&B songstress Olivia’s career has been quite the non-starter. Formerly a member of G-Unit, the singer’s sophomore effort ‘Behind Closed Doors’ (2005) indeed never saw the light of day. However morsels of material from the LP have since found their way onto the internet; with one of the most solid being the Missy Elliott produced ‘Cherry Pop’.

Boasting much in the way of Retro appeal, Elliott’s production on the racy cut gives a contemporary nod to 70’s Funk; with Oliva’s Old Skool vocal rasp further lacing it with both modern and Throwback sensibilities. Great track! {SAM}

LISTEN:

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Kelis – ’22nd Century’

Regardless of its poor commercial performance, Kelis’ ‘Flesh Tone’ included a collection of brilliant Dance recordings. Of course, the standout song of the 9-track lineup was definitely ‘22nd Century’.

Laced with incredible the production provided by Boys Noize, the record truly has a unqiue futuristic appeal, allowing the distinct tone of Kelis’ voice to shine.

‘Flesh Tone’ is undoubtedly one of the most underrated albums released in the last year. However, judging by the current trend in music which is leaning toward more Dance-oriented material, Kelis may have simply been one step ahead of her peers – in the 22ndcentury to be precise.{TRENT}

LISTEN:

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Another day, another Beyonce commercial. The superstar features in L’Oreal‘s latest television spot for their ‘L’Oreal Feria’ hair dye line – which was cultivated specifically to be fronted by the ‘Single Ladies’ singer.

Peep the 29 year old in action below…

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Here is a special behind the scenes look at the making of Alicia Keys’ ‘Speechless (Ft. Eve)’. The video shows how the songstress composed the track which is dedicated to her son. Peep the footage below:

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