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Back in 2011, Lady GaGa confirmed the creation of the ‘Born This Way Foundation‘, a community designed to project troubled kids.

In partnership with her mother Cynthia, Harvard University and the MacArthur Foundation, today saw exciting news pertaining to its launch confirmed today.

Oprah Winfrey will air the launch on her OWN network as part of her ‘Oprah’s Next Chapter‘ series.

Details 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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R&B lovers get excited!

Yes, in what will be sure to have the respective fan bases of Mary. Blige and Keyshia Cole reaching for their debit cards, the pair are to join forces at the 18th annual Essence Festival, in New Orleans.

Full story  below…

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Aaliyah‘s untimely death aged 22 in 2001 left the Urban community in shock. And while the masses have since coped with the loss by celebrating her legacy, Hip-Hop heavyweight Drake has opted to immortalise the singer on his body.

Spotted playing tennis with basketball star Carmelo Anthony, Drizzy (in the white headband) inadvertently revealed his latest ink work. Check it out after the jump…

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As one of Hip Hop’s more ground breaking acts to date, Young Money Prince  Drake can often be found at the center of heated Rap centric debate.

Loved by some while loathed by others, his arrival and subsequent success on and in the scene has made him the  undisputed figurehead of Contemporary Rap/Hop Hip Hop.

Of course, with such attention comes just as much criticism.

With Lil Kim stating that ‘he just wasn’t built for this hood sh*t’ and Common revealing  his upcoming release ‘Sweet‘ was written all about him, the suggestion that Drake’s singing has made him ‘less of an MC ‘ is one estimation that doesn’t seem to be going anywhere soon.

So,  ever eager to bring attention to the topics you are most passionate about, That Grape Juice asks the question:

Is Mr ‘Marvin’s Room‘ ‘too soft’ for Contemporary Hip Hop?

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The music world was rocked today with the loss of rap pioneer Heavy D.  The famed rapper, whose hits include “Now That We Found Love” and “Nuthin’ But Love”, died today at age 44.  His influence, seen heavily (even today) in the Hip Hop community, led friends, fans, and followers to take to Twitter to offer condolences.

Nicki Minaj, Usher, Missy Elliott & Timbaland, and LL Cool J are just a few of the names who joined in the out-pour of support for the fallen rapper.  See their statements after the jump:

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Recent months have seen Camp Britney Spears successfully avoid or deal with a number of minor controversies.

Much to the delight of her fan base who have managed to enjoy this era of her music without the media hoo ha that plagued her career circa 2006/2007.

However, in which will be sure to serve as bad news for Team Brit, her recent video shoot for the single ‘Criminal‘ which was shot in London days ago, has now found both she and the video’s production team in scorching political water.

Find out why below…

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With a line-up that already boasts the likes of Brandy and talent show alums Leona Lewis, Jordin Sparks, and Adam Lambert, news has surfaced another talent-show graduate’s name has been added to the mix – Jennifer Hudson.  The ‘Spotlight’ songstress joins a list of ‘major’ singing stars tapped to mentor ‘minors’ on their quest for musical stardom.

Debra Byrd, resident vocal coach and mentor on the show, spoke highly of Hudson, stating:

“These kids wanted to sing for her, because they just loved her so much. She was able to bring to these kids who look up to her this great presence, this great energy and a wealth of information.”

In related news, Black Eyed Peas hitmaker Will.I.Am has also signed on for a mentoring spot.  Set for a September 23rd premiere on The HUB TV Network, fans can find out more info on the show here.

Your thoughts?

In news that will no doubt rock the showbiz community, actors Will Smith and wife Jada-Pinkett Smith are reportedly calling time on their 13 years marriage.

Full story below…

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In what will be sure to serve a boost for the controversy-stricken ‘Michael Jackson Forever’ concert, Pop force Beyonce has been confirmed as the latest entertainer to sign on to tribute the man she has heralded as her idol.

Full story below…

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Rappers Jay-Z and Kanye West‘s latest joint album ‘Watch the Throne’ is, as expected, finding major success on worldwide charts – with the latest reports indicating its reign over 23 charts all over the globe.  With strategic marketing and an unprecedented (of recent times) avoidance of early leaks, the album is on track to be a big seller boasting nearly a half million first week sales.

But, while Jay and the hip-hop community are no strangers to joint albums, MTVNews sought to weigh the impact of this most recent effort with the question:

Will there ever be a pop duet album?

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Diva Christina Aguilera flaunted her curvaceous figure at the launch of her latest fragrance ‘Royal Desire’ in Munich, Germany today.

‘The Voice’ judge has seen the show allow for her star to re-ascend after a tumultuous 12 months. In capitalising on her renewed fame, the 30 year old is currently in the studio working on her 5th studio album.

More pics from the event, which was held at the Upside East Lounge, below…

Your thoughts?