Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin was no stranger to having her name listed atop music charts over the last six decades, but – thanks to her inimitable talent – controversy was rarely the catalyst to get her there.

That changed this week, however, thanks to a parodic post that’s galvanized everything but laughs in its wake.

Look inside to see how reignited support for her timeless classic ‘Natural Woman’ came from the most unlikely places.

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Chloe Bailey sprung a surprise on fans moments ago with the announcement of her debut album, ‘In Pieces.’

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Miley Cyrus has flown in at the top spot of the Billboard Hot 100 with her new single ‘Flowers.’

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It’s that time of year again. The Oscars 2023 air live on March 12 on ABC.

As is always, eyes on mass are on which movies are up for honors at the latest installment of the historic ceremony.

Moments ago, it was revealed that Rihanna received a nomination for her stirring ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever‘ anthem, ‘Lift Me Up.’

Angela Bassett, who starred as matriarch Ramonda in the film, also made history by nabbing Marvel’s first nomination in an acting category (Best Supporting Actress, while Brian Tyree Henry received a nod for Best Supporting for his powerful performance in ‘Causeway.’

Lady Gaga also landed a nomination for Best Original Song for ‘Hold My Hand’ from ‘Top Gun: Maverick.’

But without further ado…check out the full list of nominees at the 95th Annual Academy Awards below…

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Coi Leray looks poised to watch ‘Players‘ become the biggest hit of her career.

Thanks to jaw-dropping momentum on TikTok, videos using the tune on the platform (in some variation) have collectively amassed over 5 billion views – a positioning she’s looking to capitalize on by unveiling the official music video for its DJ Smallz 732 Jersey Club remix.

Released via Uptown Records/Republic Records, the Nimi Hendrix-directed clip sees Leray visit her home state of New Jersey to turn up while dancers show off their best renditions of the moves associated with the song’s viral dance challenge.

Look inside to see the action in full.

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Despite her untimely death at age 22, Aaliyah managed to accumulate more accolades in her short career than artists many years her senior could ever dream.

Beyond selling over 35 million records worldwide, collecting a slew of Billboard hits, and gaining industry recognition in the form of top award wins and nominations, the ‘One in a Million’ singer’s game-changing fusion of Hip-Hop and R&B influenced generations after her – an impact that can still be heard and seen in some of the genre’s contemporary offerings.

For these reasons and more, the diva’s dedicated fan base have taken the “strength in numbers” approach to get the attention of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s voting committee with hopes of seeing her name listed among its 2023 class of inductees.

Details inside.

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This summer will see Burna Boy and a host of major names heat up the live scene at Afro Nation Portugal 2023. 

For, the full line-up for the returning festival – which fuses the best in Urban and Afrobeats music – has been unveiled and promises a flavor-filled extravaganza like no other.

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August Alsina may have previously insinuated he was ready to hang up his mic, but we’re sure fans aren’t complaining about the fact he’s been blessing them with a consistent stream of new music since making that announcement.

After dropping singles ‘Shake the World,’ ‘Beautiful Way,’ and ‘Lied to You’ (all assumed to be featured on his forthcoming project), the award-winning crooner has now lifted the lid on his first solo release of 2023: ‘Myself.’

A testament to his tough upbringing in New Orleans, the reflective track sees the 30-year-old pay homage to himself for making it out of the trenches.

“’I stayed real and I ain’t tryna fool myself / Navigated out the jungle, didn’t lose myself / Never forgot what I had to do myself / When I only had me, myself and I, do or die,” he sings on the inspiring cut.

Arriving alongside a music video directed by MarkMark, hop inside to hear ‘Myself’ in full. (more…)

It’s no rumor; Lizzo‘s 2021 hit single, ‘Rumors,’ has been certified Platinum at the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

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Ahead of the February 3 launch of her forthcoming ‘Soul II Soul’ tour with Kem, powerhouse songstress Ledisi is giving her dedicated fans yet another reason to see her live thanks to the release of new single ‘I Need to Know.’

The first taste of music set to line her forthcoming album (due on digital shelves this Spring), ‘Know’ is an emotive, soulful ballad that sees Leddy ask the love in her life about the status of their failing relationship.

“I just need to know how we’ve / Gotten to the point where we can’t talk about things / We always used to find a way to figure out things / What’cha wanna do? / ‘Cause I can’t keep going through this,” she wails on the Rex Rideout-produced cut.

Hear it in full inside.

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‘Girls Trip 2’ is officially in the works and fresh details have emerged about the hotly anticipated flick.

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Check out Rita Ora!

The Pop chart-topper returns to the airwaves this week with the release of her brand new single ‘You Only Love Me’ (due January 27).

Trumpeting her comeback, the 31-year-old appears on the cover of GQ Hype.

Beyond posing it up, Ora dishes on her forthcoming third studio album (her first since 2018’s ‘Pheonix’), owning her masters, falling in love with her partner Taika Waititi, and more.

Pics and quotes below…

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