Listen: Lady Gaga – “Applause”

To avoid premature leakage, Lady Gaga premiered “Applause,” the lead single from ARTPOP, ahead of its scheduled release date.

Initially, I planned on reviewing this track thoroughly. (Lady Gaga is one of the biggest Pop stars in the business, after all.) However, after listening, I concluded that it wasn’t worth my time. I was able to compress my thoughts into a single tweet. Tell me if you agree below. Read More →

Janelle Monaé’s ‘The Electric Lady’ Cover Art & Tracklist [Update]

Janelle Monáe looks like a futuristic android on the cover art for The Electric Lady, her forthcoming album due out on September 10th.

Some of the most talented people to ever grip a mic are featured on the LP, including Prince, Miguel and Erykah Badu. Solange and Esperanza Spalding are the other two guests. Read More →

Listen: Katy Perry – “Roar”

Despite killing, burning and burying the old her, Katy Perry’s new single “Roar” sounds like everything else she’s done—infectious, generic pop fodder. It took five people to write the rudimentary, cliché lyrics—Perry, Dr. Luke, Max Martin, Bonnie McKee and Henry Walter. Read More →

Ariana Grande Plays An Acoustic Set

Inspired diva-in-training Ariana Grande played an acoustic set with guitarist Dan Kanter in support of her forthcoming debut, Yours Truly (Sept. 3). She performed her singles, “Baby I” and “The Way.” Read More →

Robin Thicke Has The No. 1 Album & Song

Robin Thicke currently has the No. 1 album and song on Billboard 200 and Hot 100 charts, respectively, with Blurred Lines and its title track. Robin is the 17th act to earn this bragging right in the past 10 years.

Chart titans Rihanna and Adele accomplished this feat in 2012. Mariah Carey, Kanye West, Alicia Keys, T.I., 50 Cent, Usher and OutKast are a few other artists who have also earned this distinction. Read More →

Big Sean Assists Girlfriend Naya Rivera On “Sorry”

Big Sean told The Breakfast Club that his relationship with Naya Rivera sparked after she followed him on Twitter, and he dropped a few gems in her direct messages. Since then, Naya has ‘treated him like a king’ by cooking his favorite dishes and being an all around amazing companion.

Naya stars as Santana Lopez on FOX’s hit musical comedy-drama, Glee. Despite the show’s success, Miss Rivera is ready to dabble in music. The 26-year-old launches her career with “Sorry,” a bouncy, urban-pop tune featuring the Detroit player himself. Read More →

Tracklist: Trinidad James – ’10PC Mild’

When Trinidad James goes to American Deli, a popular eatery in Georgia, he orders a ’10-piece mild, all flat wings with light sauce’ plate (not the combo?). He was so inspired by the dish that he titled his mixtape, 10PC Mild.

Following the unveiling of the cover, Jame$ revealed the tracklist for the street tape. The features aren’t included, but we know the Young Chop-produced “SHUT UP!!!” features Travi$ Scott. Read More →

Racist Retailer Tells Oprah She Can’t Afford A $38K Handbag

• Oprah was a victim of racism in Switzerland. A racist retailer told the Billionaire she couldn’t afford a $38,100 handbag. Oprah made $77 million last year.
• While promoting her new movie Lee Daniel’s The Butler, Mariah Carey reveals that a white person spat on her when she was younger.
• The Daily Show with Jon Stewart proves that race remains a difficult subject. Correspondents Jessica Williams (black) and Samantha Bee (white) convene two panels to discuss the state of race relations in America.
• Rapper Talib Kweli joined Florida-based activists The Dream Defenders in their fight for “Trayvon’s Law.” Last week, they were joined by iconic singer, actor and activist Harry Belafonte.
• Henry Louis Gates is producing a documentary series titled The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross. The six-hour PBS special, which starts on October 22nd at 8PM, will trace 500 years of black history.
• Swastikas and phrases “Heil Hitler,” “die nigger,” “fuck nigger” and “fuck Jackie Robinson” were scrawled on a Jackie Robinson and Pee Wee Reese statue at Brooklyn’s MCU Park. Police are investigating the incident.