A demure Janet Jackson joined her family today at a Los Angeles courthouse for day two of the preliminary hearing of Dr Conrad Murray – the physician charged with the manslaughter of her brother Michael Jackson.

More pics of the Pop icon arriving at the courthouse below…

Your thoughts?

2011 has only just begun but things are already looking grim from the music industry. With whopping 8% decrease in album sales compared to the same week last year, artists from all genres experienced a rapid decline in their success at retail outlets. However, all is not lost.

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Michael Jackson‘s first posthumous LP ‘Michael’ closed out 2010 as one of the year’s best-sellers. Lead by the Akon-assisted ‘Hold My Hand’, the LP has been an international smash, still occupying top 10 chart positions across the globe – despite being released almost a month ago.

Looking to extend the project’s success, Sony Music and The Michael Jackson Estate are set to release another single from the project.

Find out what it’ll be and take a listen after the jump…

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Marsha Ambrosius has debuted the video for her single, ‘Far Away’. The R&B singer/songwriter will be releasing her new album, ‘Late Nights & Early Mornings’, later this year. Check out the video for the Just Blaze-produced below:

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Keri Hilson recently tweeted this image of herself alongside her idol, Lauryn Hill. The ‘Love In This Club (Part 2)’ writer is eager to collaborate with Hill on one of their upcoming projects.

What do you think of the pic?

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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