Mrs. Shawn Carter, professionally known as Beyonce Knowles, released her fourth studio album, ‘4’, last week. Moving 310,000 units, the LP was the superstar’s fourth consecutive No. 1 album, and, in a twist of fate, her lowest selling debut on the Billboard 200. Never one to be counted out so soon, the ‘Run The World (Girls)’ singer is set for a second week atop the chart.

Check below for details…

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In continuing to our quest to delve beyond the spectacle of te industry, we sat down with hitmaker Bryan Michael Cox here in London recently. The candid interview saw us chat it up with the renown songwriter/producer about his storied career, songwriting process, Kelly Rowland‘s new found solo success, Beyonce‘s ‘4’ and more!

As ever, we ask the questions others won’t. Questions Cox answers readily and willingly.

An insightful watch, we must say!

Click here to watch!

Moments ago,  the latest visual to be released from the band Sade surfaced online, titled ‘Love Is Found’.

Lifted from their ‘The Ultimate Collection’ album, the black and white video features clips from their world tour which is also in support of their latest LP.

Watch ‘Love Is Found’ below…

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Just days after the untimely death of her cousin, a song titled ‘We Miss You’ by rapper Nicki Minaj has surfaced online.

Whilst thought to be recorded some time ago, its surfacing today is reported to have been prompted as a response to her cousin’s murder.

Listen to ‘We Miss You’ below…

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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.

Your thoughts?

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…

Your thoughts?

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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