After joining forces to top music charts with hits like ‘Knock You Down,’ singers Keri Hilson and NE-YO reunited in an attempt to reign over TV ratings charts with their VH1 Christmas film, ‘Hip-Hop Family Christmas.’

Toplining a star-studded affair that featured MC Lyte, Terrence J, Serayah, Red Man, and more, Hilson and NE-YO (born Shaffer Smith) portrayed a newly-engaged couple who are looking to help soften the image of their fictional Rap royal family as the dysfunctional group prepares for a live Christmas television special.

Though a knockout on the critical front, look inside to see how ‘Family Christmas’ fared with its ratings.

(more…)

‘Ray of Light’ hitmaker Madonna is looking to enlighten 50 Cent on the proper way to apologize after the rapper lent sarcastic sympathy to the Pop Queen for dissing her last week.

As we reported here, 50 (born Curtis Jackson) took to social media to ridicule the aging diva for posting provocative photos – a measure she responded to by saying he was ‘jealous’ he won’t look as good as her when he’s in his 60’s.

Once Jackson got wind of her response, he posted an apology on Twitter that many – including the Pop icon – perceived as half-hearted.

Late Friday night (December 10), Madge weighed in on his comment with a lengthy clap back.  Hear it inside:

(more…)

The same day Leonardo DiCaprio‘s star-studded dark comedy, ‘Don’t Look Up,’ hits theaters (as we reported here), the lead single from its soundtrack – performed by two of the movie’s stars Ariana Grande and Kid Cudi – gets the official video treatment.

Titled ‘Just Look Up,’ the song’s clip arrives on screens just a week after the Nicholas Britell-produced soaring ballad made its official premiere to drum up buzz for its parent film.

“Just look up/There is no place to hide,” Grande sings on the song’s chorus. “True love doesn’t die/It holds on tight and never lets you go.”

A glittery affair performed in front of a screaming audience of fans, the screen behind the performers shows galactic imagery, which references the film’s plot of two astronomers (Leonardio DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence) who discover a comet is on a direct collision course with Earth.

Look inside to hear ‘Look’ and see how good Grande and Cudi make impending doom sound.

(more…)

Whether penciled in history books for reasons good, bad, ugly, and/or everything in between, 2021 brought with it some of entertainment’s most memorable moments.

Now, as the year draws to a close, we are reflecting on our favorite moments that rocked – and to some degree maybe even reshaped – the Urban and Pop cultural landscape as we know it.

Next, we’ll look back at the historic Rock & Roll Hall of Fame achievement of Hip Hop icons LL Cool J and Jay-Z.

(more…)

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 Holistic Healing with assistance from Sah D Simone.

Watch below…

(more…)

Almost three years after alleging he was the victim of a hate attack, Jussie Smollett was convicted on five counts of fabricating the entire incident.

As reported, a Cook Country jury found the former ‘Empire’ actor guilty on all but one of the charges he was hit with.

The six men and six women opted to side with the account given by key prosecution witnesses Abel and Ola Osundairo, who say they conspired with Smollett to plan the January 2019 hoax.

In the wake of the verdict, Smollett’s legal team issued a statement at the front of the courthouse confirming that they will be mounting an appeal to prove his innocence.

Full story below…

(more…)

Burna Boy continues to blaze on a global scale and his heat streak has taken the GRAMMY winner all the way to New York’s Madison Squarw Garden.

Full story below…

(more…)

Ashanti stopped by The Breakfast Club today and chopped it up about many a topic.

Basking in the afterglow of being crowned Lady of Soul at the 2021 Soul Train Awards, the R&B veteran opened up about the decision to re-record her masters and Irv Gotti’s less-than-endorsing comments.

The 41-year-old also revealed she is working on a documentary that will shine a light on a lot of the behind-the-scenes drama few folk know about.

She also spoke on maintaining a private love life and much more.

Watch the insightful interview after the jump…

(more…)

Music superstars Kirk Franklin and Mya Harrison were just a few of the big names tapped to help Lifetime bring in some holiday cheer this year via their annual #ItsaWonderfulLifetime campaign, with each GRAMMY winner toplining one of the network’s most highly anticipated showings.

With Franklin’s ‘A Gospel Christmas’ and Harrison’s ‘My Favorite Christmas Melody’ premiered December 4 and December 5 respectively, the musical-laden Lifetime movies packed a potent, 1-2 punch on the critical and ratings front.

Look inside to see how each fared.

(more…)

Nearly a month after Rick Ross first introduced his fans to ‘Outlawz’ – the first single from his 11th studio album ‘Richer Than I Ever Been’ – the GRAMMY nominee has released the official accompanying visual for the Jazmine Sulllivan and 21 Savage-supported tune.

The cinematic clip sees its three stars bring out their inner hustlers as they take to the streets to share a glimpse of life on the wrong side of the law.

Premiered just moments after ‘Richer’ hit major digital platforms (as we reported here), look inside to see the captivating ‘Outlawz’ music video.

(more…)

Saweetie fans, affectionately called #IcyGang, who were bummed the rising rapstress didn’t make good on her promise to release her serially delayed debut album, ‘Pretty B*tch Music,’ over the summer will be thrilled to know the ‘Icy Chain’ hitmaker won’t be leaving them in the cold this winter.

As she continues to revamp the project to bring it up to her standards, the 28-year-old (born Diamonté Harper) is set to tide music lovers over with a 7-song EP

More inside:

(more…)

Rick Ross may have caused a commotion with the ‘church usher’-inspired original cover to his 11th studio album, ‘Richer Than I Ever Been,’ but by the LP’s December 10 release date the Biggest Bawse pulled a swerve by taming the project’s artwork.

Arriving on digital shelves on the wings of its previously released lead singles, ‘Outlawz’ (featuring Jazmine Sullivan and 21 Savage) and ‘Little Havana’ featuring The Dream & Willie Falcon), the 10-song opus also features high profile appearances from the likes of Future, Wale, Benny the Butcher, DreamDoll, Blxst, and more.

Speaking on ‘Richer,’ Ricky Rozay:

“…I feel this is the best album I’ve ever done. I make progress every day. I feel like some of the stuff I’m saying on this album is really going to separate it from others.”

Stream it inside via Apple Music and Spotify to see if you agree.

(more…)