Janet Jackson sent fans into a frenzy this week with her stunning new shoot for Essence Magazine. 

Aptly timed, the spread – which was lensed by Yu Tsai – arrives as the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer gears up to rock the 2022 Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans next month.

Before then, Ms. Jackson is taking the masses behind the scenes of her striking feature.

Watch the Pop queen in action after the jump…

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Muni Long has been unveiled as the MTV Push artist for June.

To commemorate the honor, the singer-songwriter delivered a dynamic medley of new her new single ‘Baby Boo’ and  breakout bop ‘Hrs & Hrs.’

Arriving on the heels of her freshly minted joint venture deal with Def Jam, the showing saw Muni – who all at once is a major songwriter and rising artist in her own right – put a unique spin on both tracks.

Backed by a collective of instrumentalists, she showed up and showed out.

Watch the performances after the jump…

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Ari Lennox has pulled the plug on an array of live dates.

Find out why after the jump…

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Mo’Nique surprised fans at her latest show by delivering an on-stage apology to D.L. Hughley. 

As widely reported, the pair locked horns after the comedienne verbally lambasted ‘The Kings of Comedy’ star over a contract dispute in Detroit.

What ensued was a theater of traded insults on social media – with the most recent instance seeing 54-year-old Mo’ draw on the sexual abuse Hughley’s daughter suffered as a way of demeaning her nemesis.

That particular action led to Hughley’s eldest offspring laying into the ‘Precious’ star

The latter appears to have resonated. Because Mo’Nique has apologized.

Full story below…

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Cardi B has re-upped with Facebook for another season of her show ‘Cardi Tries _____.’

The Messenger series (which is executive produced by the star alongside Jesse Collins) sees her trying her hand at new skills outside of her Hip-Hop rooting. From lacing up to become a ballerina, firefighter, car racer, teacher, and more.

She won’t be alone, as notable names and faces pop up to help her achieve her goals.

The latest episode of season 2 is here and sees Cardi learn how to make chocolate with the help of Teyana Taylor.

Watch below…

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Drake sprung a surprise on fans yesterday (June 17) with the release of his seventh studio album, ‘Honestly, Nevermind.’

Perhaps most surprising, however, was the fact that the unexpected LP saw the Canada-born titan delve deep into Dance music.

With the response thus far being potently polarizing, what are LP’s commercial prospects looking like?

The first-week sales predictions are in and bring with them the answer.

Full story below…

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With over two decades in the spotlight, Ciara is no stranger to the peaks and politics of the music industry.

And, in a new interview, she opens up about experiencing the latter in more recent times.

Full story below…

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FLO have new music on the way!

The new group (comprised of Renée, Jorja, and Stella) have been enjoying viral success with their breakout bop ‘Cardboard Box’ and now they are looking to follow up the MNEK-penned jam with another vocally-driven jam.

Full story below…

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VERZUZ is back and this time it’s an R&B showdown.

Because Omarion and Mario will be doing battle!

Full story below…

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John Legend may already be serving his fans a taste of ‘Honey’ via his latest single (which features singer-songwriter Muni Long), but just days ahead of the sweet tune’s arrival he was serving the video to ‘Dope.’

Assisted by JID, the Ian Kirkpatrick & Ryan Tedder-produced jam comes as the latest fix of the new music set to line Legend’s forthcoming seventh studio album – the follow-up to 2020’s critically acclaimed ‘Bigger Love.’

After winning over critics with the metaphor-laden tune, he’s now taking us behind the scenes to see the magic of how the ‘Dope’ music video came to life.

See the Christian Breslauer-directed action inside.

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Having already rocked headlines with the announcement of his new label Love Records and new album to be released via Motown Records, Diddy is ready to deliver the first fruit of the latter venture.

After a lengthy absence from the music scene as a performer, Friday (June 17) brought with it Diddy’s official return courtesy of the new song ‘Gotta Move On.’

The Bryson Tiller-assisted tune, which was first brought to the masses via a live performance at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards (which Diddy also hosted), sees the two exchange words of encouragement as they heal from the heartbreak of selfish lovers.

“If she don’t want my love, I’m guessin’ I gotta move on, I guess / I guess, I guess, I came a little too strong, I guess / She don’t want my love, I guess I got move on I guess (Gotta move on),” Tiller spits on the chorus of the RNSOM-produced cut.

Hop inside to hear it in full:

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Few sitcoms can rival the enduring resonance of ‘Martin.’

Indeed, 30 years after its debut, the Martin Lawrence-led series continues to occupy a cherished position in Pop culture – thanks to the magnetic performances of its cast, stellar writing, and punchlines that – like a fine wine – taste better with time.

Fittingly, the show – which ran for five seasons from 1992 to 1997- is being toasted on BET+ with ‘Martin: The Reunion.’

Easily one of the most anticipated television events of the year, the special unites the stars of the show to celebrate a legacy like no other.

Martin Lawrence is joined by the likes of Tisha Campbell, Tichina Arnold, and Carl Anthony Payne II in an unmissable journey down memory lane.

That Grape Juice was on-hand at the premiere event for ‘Martin: The Reunion’ in Los Angeles, which proved to be an unforgettable evening.

Celebrating alongside the cast were guests such as Affion Crockett, DeRay Davis, Garcelle Beauvais, Tommy Davidson, Beverly Johnson, Matt Barnes, and Devin Griffin (EVP & GM, BET+).

TGJ’s Shar Jossell caught up with Martin Lawrence, who opened up about ‘Martin: The Reunion’ and the show’s broader impact.

‘Martin: The Reunion’ is streaming now exclusively on BET+.

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