Oxygen may have hit a homerun on the commercial front with their new controversial docu-series “Preachers of L.A.”, but critically, the show has viewers very much on the fence.

Based on the lives of six L.A. based megachurch pastors – Bishop Noel Jones, Bishop Clarence McClendon, Pastor Wayne Chaney, Bishop Ron Gibson, Pastor Jay Haizlip and Pastor/Gospel singer Deitrick Haddon – the show raked in a whopping 1.1 million viewers for its October 9th premiere.  The feat did come, however, at the feet of some heavy criticism from industry tastemakers down to everyday viewers aboard social media networks like Twitter and Facebook.

Slamming the extravant pastors for displays of wealth (houses, cars, jewelry, etc.), the latest disapproval comes from fellow megapastor T.D. Jakes who, despite being the “best friend” of Bishop Noel Jones, distanced himself from the show and even labelled it “junk”.

T.D Jakes via Report:

“Now, I know you been watching that junk on TV.  I want to tell you right now, not one dime of what you’re sowing right now will buy my suit. I want you to know my car is paid for. I want you to know I got my house on my own. I want you to know I’m not bling-blinging. I am not shake and bake. I have sold enough books and produced enough movies. I don’t need your offering to pay for this little slimy suit. So I rebuke that spirit in the name of Jesus Christ.”

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Bishop Noel Jones admitted that Jakes was not exactly a fan of the show via an interview with our buds over at TheJasmineBrand.  The newest fiery quote came just a week after Jakes’ own television show “T.D. Jakes Presents: Mind, Body & Soul” made its debut aboard BET.

Your thoughts?

Estelle is moving on.

After enjoying the lion-share of her success under John Legend‘s Homeschool Records (a joint deal with Atlantic), the British-bred songbird has flown from her recording nest of  six years to create her own label.

Details after the jump…

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Alexandra Burke is evolving.

After racking up multi-Platinum success with hits such as ‘Hallelujah’ and ‘Bad Boys’, the London-bred beauty is embracing a more soulful sound on her hotly anticipated third studio album.

Fresh from rocking the stage at her US debut, we caught up with the singer who waxed all sorts of candid about a number of topics. Ever keen to the ask the questions you really want answers to, we quizzed  Burke on breaking America, signing a  management deal with Kevin Liles, and what this means for her eagerly awaited American “launch”. A wholly frank Alex also set the record straight on why she recently left her record label.

Confident, assertive, yet the same “Alexandra” the masses fell in love with, the 24-year-old not only knows the artist she wants to be, she’s grabbed the wheel and is steering herself there.

An insightful read awaits after the jump…

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It’s onwards and upwards for Alexandra Burke.

Fresh from nabbing a major US management deal, the 24-year old is now a free agent (musically) after departing her record label.

Details after the jump…

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Seven years.

That may not seem like a long time on paper, but in ‘industry theory’…it’s a lifetime.

From the unexpected rise of Rihanna to the ground breaking arrival of Lady GaGa, the last seven years have seen Cassie watch acts she once considered contemporaries (or had never heard of) become music juggernauts…while her brand watched from the sidelines.

So, why has it taken so long for her return to music?

Her interesting explanation below…

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Solange Knowles is following in the skilled footsteps of her father.

For, after spending the last few years gracing many a playlist with a consistent yet ever progressive sound, she has announced the birth of her very own record label- years after reports indicated she was next in line to inherit the ‘Music World’ throne.

Details below…

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As reported here, former Fugees frontwoman Lauryn Hill was sentenced to three years in prison due to tax evasion on $1.8 million earned between 2005-2007.

But, in a last minute twist of fate, the ‘Joyful, Joyful’ songstress was given new reason to sing the tune as news of a lucrative multimillion dollar deal with Sony Music could yield enough return to cover the diva’s debts and evade jailtime.

While speculation mounted on the exact figures of the deal, Ms. Hill penned a letter to not only announce launching a new label, but also specifically address the deal’s details and her current financial woes.  Read her lengthy statement below:

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‘Goin’ In’ singer Jennifer Lopez is goin’ to a new label if newly surfaced reports are to be believed.

Shortly after sending fans into a frenzy with the announcement of her new RedOne produced, Pitbull-assisted single ‘Live It Up’, now the rumor mill is spinning stories indicating Lopez’s already extensive resume with the producer just got one more notch…

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Jay-Z continues to make mega-moves with his Roc Nation empire.

Fresh from hitting headlines that the full-service entertainment force is venturing into the Sports world, it has today been announced that the company has teamed up with Universal Music to house the official Roc Nation record label.

Beyond literally being a big deal, some may be wondering why this is this such a “big deal”. Well, while the Roc manages and A&R’s the likes of Rihanna, Rita Ora, Timbaland, and Kylie Minogue, they -until now-have not operated as an actual record label. Indeed, each of the aforementioned acts sit under different (and in some cases, rival) corporate umbrellas.

With this latest development, Roc Nation truly becomes its own  360 entity. Put simply, it’s now its own Def Jam, RCA, Columbia, and presents exciting new prospects for music moving forward.

Check out the press release after the jump…

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On the surface, the above girl group- AKB48- are what some might call a Pop dream, a PG friendly J-Pop collective renown for their cute style and even cuter lyrics.

However, in what in marks a horrific turn in their candy coated journey, they have come under intense media scrutiny this week after one of its members was reportedly forced to shave her head bald and record a YouTube apology, after allegedly spending the night with a male companion.

Details below…

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Well it looks like ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ star Kandi Burruss shouldn’t expect a wedding gift from rapper Bow Wow, if his recent comments are anything to go by.

For, as fans know, hip hop producer extraordinaire Jermaine Dupri is set to be honored in his native Atlanta for two decades worth of contributions to the music industry via his ‘So So Def’ imprint.

While many of the roster’s occupants appeared to have jumped at the opportunity to honor their mentor at the ‘So So Def All-Star Anniversary Concert‘, a certain former Xscape member appeared to have other plans – namely launching her own ‘Ladies Night’ tour.

News of such sent Bow Wow on a Facebook rant – one that saw him label Burruss as ‘wack’ (amongst other things) for her expected absence.  See his fiery quote below:
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Who said reality TV didn’t have its perks. Just ask K. Michelle from ‘Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta’.

For, after being written off by much of the music industry following the termination of her first record deal, our friends over at SingersRoom have revealed that the Soul-filled songbird is once again nesting at a major label.

Find out where below…

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