Hip-Hop fans have another reason to celebrate as Drake has been added to the MTV VMA performers lineup. The rapper, whose debut album, ‘Thank Me Later’, has already been certified platinum in the US since it’s June 15th release, joins Usher, P!nk, Jay-Z, Katy Perry and Kanye West among others. The MTV VMA’s will air live on September 12th.

Thoughts?

Check out this new track by Jay-Z’s protege J.Cole. The track, entitled ‘The Blow Up’, was produced by the rapper himself and will be featured on his upcoming debut album set for release later this year. Give the ‘The Blow Up’ a listen below:

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This week’s Best You Never Heard feature returns this week with little known gems by Danity Kane, Destiny’s Child, Johnta Austin, and Mary J. Blige.

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Danity Kane – Lights Out

Lifted from Danity Kane’s 2008 sophomore smash ‘Welcome to the Dollhouse’, ‘Lights Out’ served as one of the LP’s many highlights. Penned by band-member Dawn, and produced by newcomers Flex&Hated, the song served up a delicious slice of Urban-Pop – which no doubt have made a dent on the charts had it been released as a single. From its production, to its vocal arrangements to its lyrical dexterity, this is a home-run of a track if I ever heard one.

Unfortunately, the group – who were the nearest the industry had come to producing a Destiny’s Child successor, disbanded at the top of 2009 (see: Diddy, petty squabbles, and Bad Boy). Yet, with gems such as this, Aubrey, Dawn, Aundrea, Shannon, and D. Woods clearly made their mark. (SAM)

Listen:

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Destiny’s Child – If

The release Destiny’s Child’s final album, ‘Destiny Fulfilled’, was a bittersweet experience for both fans and critics alike. However, the trio ensured that the record was packed with some of the best songs that they ever recorded. One such track was track #8 – ‘If’.

Vocally fluid and lyrically astute, the group harmonised with perfect synchronisation; engaging in carefully timed exchanges without missing a beat. Yet, what was most interesting about ‘If’ was the fact that it is one of the few songs in the entire Destiny’s Child catalogue that did not revolve around Beyonce. Not only did all of the girls get equal airtime but we finally got hear what they are capable of as a group instead of just Beyonce and her background singers. (TRENT)

Listen:

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Johnta Austin – Turn It Up

Listen:

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Mary J. Blige – Kitchen

There is a reason that Mary J. Blige is called the Queen of Hip-Hop/Soul – this woman always manages to evoke a wide range of emotions amongst her listeners. ‘Kitchen’ stands as a shining example of exactly how Blige manages to apply her incredible voice to lyrics reflecting real life experiences without sounding contrived or unnatural.

Utilising clever metaphors and a classic R&B melody, the diva and her co-writer, The-Dream, combine the essence of 1970’s Soul with modern production to create a song that proved to be a standout track on her ‘Stronger with Each Tear’ LP. If there is someone in life who is trying to take what’s yours and you want to send them a message then this is the song for you. Mashonda. (TRENT)

Listen:

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Pop phenom Lady GaGa is proving to be quite the tour de force. The ‘Bad Romance’ singer was last night presented with a plaque commemorating her sales of 13 million albums and 51 million singles worldwide.  This over the course of just two years.

The emotional moment took place at the Staples Centre during the Los Angeles stop of the 24 year old’s ‘Monster Ball’ tour.

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Go GaGa! Critiqued by a select few for being a gimmick with no substance, this ought to silence the naysayers. For during this economical climate, consumers are consistently investing the most in who and what they see the most quality in. Hence why, despite not boasting the total #1’s of a certain Bajan Billy-Goat, GaGa’s sales trounce hers – despite the former having a 3 album advantage. A testament to true talent.

Your thoughts?

Beyonce and her team certainly know how to keep the masses talking about her. Indeed, the 29 year old’s latest shoot for her mother Tina’s ‘House of Dereon’ clothing line has been drip-fed over the course of this week – with the latest images being unveiled today.

Peep the superstar’s stunning shots for the line’s Fall 2010 campaign below, as well as a behind the scenes look at the shoot after the jump. {Spotted at PB via BW}

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RedOne, the hitmaker behind many of Lady GaGa‘s smashes, is currently working on Nicole Scherzinger‘s sophomore (yet first commercially released) LP.

While recently recounting his earlier work on the Pussycat Doll singer’s ill-fated ‘Her Name Is Nicole’ album, the producer uses an interesting analogy when describing the material on the record overall.

The hilarity below…

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The ever-controversial Kanye West made a very daring proclamation while visiting Angie Martinez on Hot 97 today. Yeezy pointed out that Nicki Minaj has the potential to be “the #2 rapper of all time” behind Eminem as far as sales and impact. Check out what he had to say below:

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Several weeks ago we reported that Taio Cruz had recorded a remix to hit smash hit single ‘Dynamite’ with new label-mate Jennifer Lopez. However, many were left scratching their heads when Lopez was a no show in Cruz’s video for the song, which turned out to be for the original.

In any case, the remix has finally surfaced (literally moments ago). Take a listen after the jump…

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During an interview with Ryan Seacrest this morning Lady GaGa revealed some surprising news. The chart monster let it slip that despite previously stating that she had completed her new album she has in fact returned to the studio and is considering releasing 2 records in 2011.

GaGa noted that her creative vigor was inspired by the overturning of California’s Proposition 8 last week. Check out what she had to say below:

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Kanye West stopped by Hot 97 for a promotional junket today. During the interview with Angie Martinez, the rapper debuted a new unmastered song , entitled ‘See Me Now (Ft. Beyonce & Charlie Wilson)’, from his upcoming album which hits stores on September 14th. Check it out below:

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Christina Aguilera has just released a new video for her cover of Etta James’ ‘Something’s Got A Hold On Me’. The song will be featured on the soundtrack of her new movie, ‘Burlesque’, which hits cinemas on November 24th. Check out the video below

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Jennifer Lopez had been lined up to fill one of the empty seats on  the ‘American Idol’ judging panel but those plans have been scrapped. It is being reported that former force on the music charts had too many “out of hand” demands and the Fox network simply “had enough”. This news comes on the heels of rumours that a diva with actual vocal talent, Mariah Carey, has her eye on one of the judging spots.

Clearly Lopez didn’t get the memo that her career is only two drips away from being flushed down the toilet. With her music failing to make a dent on the charts and a movie career that has become more stagnant than ever, Lopez needs capitalise on every available avenue if she wishes to remain relevant. In other words, stop acting like a diva and just be happy that you’re even invited to watch the show.

Thoughts?