Since her passing, numerous reports have done the rounds regarding a Whitney Houston biopic, the flick documenting her well publicized life.

With Rihanna, Jennifer Hudson and Vivica Fox all rumored to be contenders for the role as adult Whitney, this week saw reports of who was to play Whitney as a child emerge.

Reports which claim Willow Smith is to score the coveted role.

Details below…

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Scoring a #1 song on the Billboard Hot 100 is no easy feat, well, it used to not be. Not only does it mark an artist’s reign on the most coveted of Billboard charts, but it also signifies their heightened cultural relevancy and serves as a tangible measure of success.

While many acts have had the pleasure of resting their laurels on the top spot following an ascend of some kind, not many can say their singles debuted at #1. Debuting in the pole position is the musical equivalent of Tiger Woods hitting a hole in one, Kobe Bryant sinking a basket from backcourt, or Rihanna staying on key throughout a performance–it’s rare!

See the select few whose single’s have the distinction of debuting at #1 after the jump and sound-off below. The roster may surprise you.

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She’s your favorite’s favorite and arguably the most sought after female songwriter of all time. Lending her pen to hits such as ‘Unbreak My Heart’, ‘I Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing’, and more, Diane Warren has seen her name inked in history books almost as many times as she’s inked hits for the likes of Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Mary J. Blige, and countless others – most recently Beyonce for ‘A Star is Born’.

Recognized four times Billboard’s Songwriter of the Year and six times ASCAP Songwriter of the Year, Warren tells That Grape Juice there are still unconquered territories in her already decorated career.  Giving us the scoop on her latest sessions with Beyonce, Kelly Rowland, and more, she dishes on her feelings on Rihanna and Nicki Minaj while addressing rumors that she is currently working with Pop icon Whitney Houston!

All this and more after the jump…

Diane Warren Shouts Out That Grape Juice

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On February 28th, Estelle will releases her third studio album ‘All Of Me‘, the follow up to 2008’s ‘Shine‘.

So today, in support of the Soul driven record, the performer has released its official track list, two weeks ahead of its release.

Peep below…

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After a full-on media campaign, NBC and the cast of The Voice can breathe easy and breath happy. For season two of the hit talent-search drew a huge audience following its premiere last night.

Full story after the jump…

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Estelle has come a long way since her ‘1980′ days.

From scoring a #1 single with ‘American Boy‘ back in 2008, to winning a Grammy for that very release, the last few years have been very good to her.

Now, in support of her latest LP of the same name, the star has signed onto headline the ‘All Of Me‘ tour, as part of BET’s Music Matters series.

Tour dates and details below…

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Today marks what would’ve been the 33rd birthday of R&B diva Aaliyah.  Ten years may have passed since her untimely 2001 passing, yet the fallen angel is still regularly commented on in contemporary conversations and debates in popular music.  Such only echoes the ever-present regard of her influence and style.

With just three studio albums, her nearly decade long career spanned more recognizable records than many could boast in twice the time.  Even in such, there are often overlooked or unheard numbers that don’t receive the praises of “One In A Million”, ‘Back and Forth’, ‘The One I Gave My Heart To’, and more.

Thusly, we at TGJ HQ saw it only fitting to gift this ‘Best You Never Heard’ to fans and spectators in honor of the star that is Aaliyah.

Hear Miss Haughton ‘at her best’ after the jump:

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‘Spotlight’ singer Jennifer Hudson shot to fame seemingly overnight with her acclaimed performance in 2006’s ‘Dreamgirls’ as Effie.  The role, the career-defining moment in the American Idol alum’s stint in entertainment, later led her to the Academy Award stage to accept the Oscar for ‘Best Supporting Actress’ in 2007.  Interestingly, as Hudson’s new memoir ‘I Got This:  How I Changed My Ways and Lost What Weighed Me Down’ details, the songstress was almost the center of another acclaimed, Oscar nominated film – 2009’s ‘Precious’.

The role, eventually landed by actress Gabourey Sidibe, may have won its leading lady a nomination for Best Actress at the following year’s Academy Awards, but Hudson says she was unwilling to pack on the pounds for the portrayal.  Speaking on the offer, J.Hud says:

““I had done that with Effie… and as much as I was moved by this film,” she said. “I wanted to try a role that had nothing whatsoever to do with my weight.””

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Despite the missed opportunity, Hudson hasn’t looked back and continued with the other movie and music ventures that shortly followed.  Fans can read more on this and find out what other gems Jennifer sheds light on in her new memoir, due January 10. (source)

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Rapper T.I. may have built a career on blazing the charts with hot albums and singles alike, but his recent comments on gays being overly sensitive to jokes (featured in the December 2011 VIBE issue of which he covers) set a firestorm in the media.  Definitely no stranger to beefs, the ‘Top Back’ rapper has landed himself back atop of a few disapproving lists (gay rights supporters being the main).

The Grammy-winning Georgian took to VIBE to discuss a number of topics from jail life, his book and forthcoming reality show, return to music, and more.  But, all of the aforementioned were overshadowed by a comment the emcee made about a very ill-received, anti-gay Tracy Morgan joke that landed the comedian in his own splash of hot water.

Recently caught up with by our friends over at TMZ, hear T.I. clarify his statements after the jump:

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The last week has been quite the whirlwind for Rap czar Nicki Minaj.

From winning big at the 2011 American Music Awards to finding herself engaged in a Twitter spat with Cher, the last seven days have proved that the one time waitress is slowly but surely achieving the notoriety she has been working so tirelessly to acquire.

Now peep her performing her single ‘SuperBass’ at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show recently, armed with her trademark Pink locks and show stopping fashions.

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Undoubtedly still high from her double win last night at the 2011 American Music Awards, fashion forward femcee Nicki Minaj is moving forward with the successor to her successful #1 debut album ‘Pink Friday’.

Speaking with Cash Money record label CEO Birdman, Billboard got the latest dish on the diva (whose first new single maybe dropping sooner than you think):

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Fans can certainly expect to see more of Queen of Hip Hop Soul Mary J. Blige in the coming weeks as her long awaited album ‘My Life II: The Journey Continues Act 1’ hit stores today.  However, with the album’s second single (‘Mr. Wrong’) video completed, Act 2 of the album looking to hit shelves in May, and 2 movies up her sleeve, its safe to say 2012 will be a busy year for MJB and fanbase.

Still glowing after her show stopping performance of ‘Mr. Wrong’ at last night’s 2011 American Music Awards, the ‘Give Me You’ diva gave fans a list of things they could look forward to seeing her in (including mentions of touring).  Find out where you can catch the Grammy winner after the jump:

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