Today’s From The Vault pick is lifted from Whitney Houston’s criminally-underrated ‘Just Whitney’ album, which was released 20 years ago this week.

We give you ‘Watchulookinat’.

The early 2000s were quite a storied period of time in the life of the dynamic diva. Indeed, while the window started with her dominating the worldwide charts, she magnetized the eyes of the masses for reasons that weren’t music-related… but we won’t go there today.

In 2002, Nippy made a move to silence the naysayers and flip the script with the unapologetic ‘Whatchulookinat’.

Produced by then-husband Bobby Brown and co-written by Houston, it packed a certain aggressiveness absent from her previous work and was a plea for the world to let her live her life as best as she could.

Sadly for the song – and parent album – chart success wasn’t on the cards. Indeed, the track peaked at #96 on the US Hot 100 and #75 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop tally. It fared better internationally though, scoring commendable Top 20 placings in the UK, Canada, Italy, Spain, and Portugal.

A critique of paparazzi culture of sorts, the song’s music video was directed by Kevin Bray. The action took place inside of a disposable camera used by comedian Mike Epps to capture Houston as she’s stepping out of the recording studio with friend Faith Evans.

Fun fact: Migos member Offset is featured as one of the many young background dancers surrounding Whitney.

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20 years on, it’s even more unclear why this tune got overlooked as it sits perfectly alongside the revered singles from the chanteuse’s previous project ‘My Love Is Your Love.’

While it wasn’t groundbreaking thematically nor sonically, the ‘Just Whitney’ album had some great moments – namely this very track, ‘One Of Those Days’, ‘Tell Me No’ and ’Try It On My Own’ – which were clearly tailored for world domination, if it wasn’t for the unfortunate climate it was released in.

Whitney, we thank you, we miss you, and we’ll always love you.

Your thoughts?

Cardi B is the latest name to pay her respects to the late Takeoff, who was tragically murdered on November 1.

The femcee, who is married to fellow Migos member Offset, has collaborated with the group multiple times on hits such as ‘Motorsport’ and ‘Type Sh*t.’ She maintained a solid relationship with the popular ensemble.

Head below for her emotional tribute message.

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Cardi B is clapping back at detractors who suggest she’s not being completely forthcoming about her sexual preferences.

Having fielded criticisms for allegedly ‘queer baiting’ in the past, the GRAMMY winner is no stranger to skeptics suggesting her bisexual antics on screen are strictly performative and not reflective of her true self.

On Monday (September 19), however, the mom of two reminded her followers that although she is happily married to rapper Offset, she still identifies as a card-carrying member of the LGBTQ+ community.

See what sparked her reiterated commentary inside.

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Cardi B has been spared jail time in a long-running legal wrangle.

Full story below…

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With rumors of a Migos split a constant, a new development will no doubt pour fuel on the flames of speculation.

For, moments ago it was announced that members Quavo and Takeoff have joined forces to release a new collaborative album.

Full story below…

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As less three weeks separate music lovers from the August 5-due new album ‘Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 2,’ expect to see and hear much from Calvin Harris in the time ahead of its release.

Having already thrilled fans with the 21 Savage-assisted ‘New Money,’ now Harris taps heavyweights Pharrell, Justin Timberlake, and Halsey to lead his newest song ‘Stay With Me.’

“Hey, it’s a mess out there / They can leave, but we don’t care / We’ll stay, I’m good right here / I’ve been waiting for you all year,” sings Hal on the chorus of the groovy dance number.

Before bouncing to pre-order ‘Bounces Vol. 2,’ which also features the likes of Young Thug, Offset, Latto, Tinashe, Chloe Bailey, PUsha T, Snoop Dog, Lil Durk, and more, hop inside to hear the sizzling ‘Stay.’

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Ahead of the April 29 release of his star-studded new album, ‘Watch the Sun,’ singer-songwriter PJ Morton was the one to watch early Monday morning (April 18) as he woke up America with a stunning rendition of his latest single, ‘My Peace,’ on ‘Good Morning America’ (GMA).

Bringing along the song’s features, JoJo and Mr. Talkbox, along for the ride, the trio delivered a rocking performance onthe  platform just shortly after Morton discussed the inspiration behind it with ‘GMA’ hostess Linsey Davis.

“I think all of us kinda felt that nobody was worth our peace. That’s all we had. We saw everything could be taken away so quickly. So I gotta keep my peace,” PJ said.

Did you miss the three doing what they do best? No worries; we’ve got you covered inside.

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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 about tattoos along with her husband Offset.

Watch below…

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Cardi B is not holding back.

The music superstar is opening about the recent birth of her son and the rumors that she got surgery after giving birth to him.

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Cardi B may be heavily pregnant, but she’s not on maternity leave just yet.

Because the chart-topping rapper was brought on stage as a surprise guest during Migos‘ set at Hot 97’s Summer Jam 2021. 

Fans erupted into an excited chorus of cheers as the femcee joined husband Offset, Quavo, and Takeoff to perform their latest collaboration ‘Type Sh*t.’

Cardi’s appearance follows high-profile showings in the videos for Normani’s ‘Wild Side’ and Lizzo‘s ‘Rumors.’

Watch her in action after the jump…

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The secret it out.

For, Cardi B may have just revealed that she has a collaboration on Pop Smoke‘s upcoming posthumous album.

More details below…

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