MUSIC VIDEO: "Because of Love"- Soul Singer Bianca Rose feat. Ayanna Witter-Johnson

Check out the visual for beautiful ballad "Because of Love" by singer Bianca Rose!

The track also features cellist/vocalist Ayanna Wittter-Johnson, whose smooth cello adds a special effect to the ballad. "Ayanna and I collaborated on every part of the creation of this song, from writing to recording, so it only made sense that the video was an extension of this partnership, whilst debunking the stereotype of competition between women," Bianca said. "We believe there is a place for us all in this business so we actively make room for one another." That's very refreshing to hear!

"Because of Love" is the second single from Bianca's debut album, No Fear Here, which was just released yesterday! The song itself is so soothing as the ladies sing together, expressing words of affection to the ones that they love.

Watch the video below!

Catch a First Glimpse of the All-Female Star Studded Cast of Ocean's 8!

Associated Press/Rex/Shutterstock

We've finally got a first official look at the all-female star studded cast of Ocean's 8!

The cast, Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson, Awkwafina, Rihanna and Helena Bonham Carter, were pictured sitting inside a subway car in NYC as their characters. The Ocean's Eleven spinoff has the ladies planning a major heist in the city, and will have a bunch of celeb cameos, including ones from Katie Holmes, Kim Kardashian West, and Kendall Jenner.

Check out the first official pic from the movie below!

#MondayMotivation

It's another Monday, and it's back to the grind! Here's some #MondayMotivation to help get you through the week!

This quote is from the late great Mary Tyler Moore, who just passed away last week at the age of 80. I read this, and was instantly rejuvenated. Working towards my goals keeps me going, and killing milestones or challenges that come my way does feel great. I need that, in the midst of everything that's going on around me. That gets me out of bed in the morning. I hope that's the same for each of you. This motivated me to stay on my grind, and keep smashing my goals! 

Missy Elliott Releases New Video for "I'm Better" and Announces Documentary

YouTube

Missy Elliott is back in full effect! 

The legendary rapper just dropped a new song entitled, "I'm Better," featuring Lamb, as well as an accompanying visual! The track is reflective of today's music but also Missy's unique style and vision. A hot song, lots of dancing, great costuming, and incredible special effects wrapped up into an amazing video...which is what we know from Missy! Watch "I'm Better" below...

Throwback Jam of the Week: "Every Little Step"-Bobby Brown

It's Throwback Thursday and we've got another throwback from back in the day! 

So, since The New Edition Story miniseries was being promoted and airing on BET, some NE and Bobby Brown music has been stuck in my head pretty much the last few weeks. Especially this jam, my favorite from the former Bad Boy of R&B, "Every Little Step!" Been hitting the steps around the house and everything. I SWEAR I was born in the wrong era. I was meant to be in my twenties in the late 80s and 90s! 
Anyways, watch "Every Little Step" below!

ABC Greenlights 'Black-Ish' Spin-Off

Nadya Wasylko / Teen Vogue

Yara Shahidi could very well be getting her own spin-off! 

ABC has given Black-Ish creator and executive producer Kenya Barris the go ahead to start working on a spin-off headlined by Yara's character Zoey Johnson as she enters a new phase in her life...college! 

See the Full List of Nominations for the 2017 Oscars

Dale Robinette/Lionsgate

The nominees for the 2017 Oscars have been announced! 

La La Land, starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, got a crazy FOURTEEN nominations, tying the record for most nominations received by a single film with Titanic and All About Eve. Overall, it's definitely more diversity in terms of films and actors nominated, so I'm optimistic to watch this year.

The Oscars will air live on February 26, with Jimmy Kimmel hosting. Check out the full list of nominations below!

New Edition Receives Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Angela Weiss/AFP/Getty Images

New Edition now has their own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!

The R&B supergroup that ruled the charts back in the 80s received the honor on January 23.

Angelina Jolie is the Face of Guerlain Parfumeur's New Fragrance

Getty

Angelina Jolie is keeping it pushing with a new project up her sleeves!

The actress has been named the face of Guerlain's new fragrance for women! Angelina was able to connect with the beauty brand back in 2015 in Cambodia while she was directing her film, First They Killed My Father. She has a special connection with the brand, too, since it produced one of her late mother's favorite powders.

In The Spotlight: Pop Singer Suzy Olson

Another spotlight to start the week! If you are or represent an upcoming artist, designer, producer, etc., and are interested in being featured on The Spotlight, please visit our Features/Submissions page for more info.

Today, we have rising pop singer, Suzy Olson!

The 16-year-old from Arizona got her start in music by singing in church, alongside her four brothers. Her parents sang each week as well, and her older brothers played instruments, so she comes from a pretty talented family! Her mom was also a music teacher, and the artist began singing with her choir at the age of three. Suzy knew that performing was for her after her mom didn’t cast her in a lead role for a production when she was five. Undeterred, the young artist keeps working towards honing her craft. She’s also involved in shows at East Valley Children’s Theatre in Mesa, AZ, as well as her school productions and competitions at New School for the Arts and Academics.

MUSIC VIDEO: "Remember Me"- Pop Electro Singer Oparu

New music video for you all today! Check out the visual for "Remember Me," the debut single from pop electro singer Oparu!

On the chilling track, Oparu sings of wanting to be remembered after she leaves, which seems to mean when she's no longer here in the physical world. In the video, she watches from afar as a mysterious man roams the desert, implying that, even though she's no longer here, she's still watching over him. It's definitely a powerful song and video that takes special meaning for those who ever lost someone special in their lives. Oparu's soft, operatic sound on the song definitely stands out as well.

Watch the music video below!

#MondayMotivation

Good morning everybody...here's some #MondayMotivation to get you motivated this week!

Again, it's so easy to get caught up in the whole idea that you should have done certain things by a certain age, that you should be more ahead than you are right now. Occasionally, I have those thoughts myself. However, that takes away from what you have accomplished, and can kind of put you in a defeated state of mind. So don't watch the clock. Keep pushing. Until that clock runs out, you still have time!

NEW MUSIC: "Catch a Vibe"- R&B Singer Shaun B

TGIF y'all...new music for you today! R&B singer Shaun B has dropped his latest single, "Catch a Vibe," for listeners!

The song, produced by SlowKings, is featured on Shaun's upcoming album, Cocaine in the Evening, which is set to be released on February 10. Per press release, "Following up on his soulful and personal "Vacay" song, "Catch A Vibe" creates an element of nirvana as it just brings you to nothing short short of pure good vibes as the 808s hit and the singing slows down time."
Take a listen below!

Throwback Jam of the Week: "Come Back in One Piece"-Aaliyah feat. DMX

It's Throwback Thursday, and we're back with another jam from back in the day!

In honor of what would've been Aaliyah's 38th birthday this past Monday, this one is a classic with her and DMX, "Come Back in One Piece!" The track was featured on the Romeo Must Die soundtrack, and the pair also starred together in the flick, along with Jet Li. 
I really loved this track and video! It was the old tale of the bad boy running the streets, and the good girl he had back at home who had his back through whatever. These two worked well together, and my God, Aaliyah was so incredibly gorgeous!
Watch "Come Back In One Piece" below!

RECAP: "Friendly Fire"- Being Mary Jane S4, E2

BET

Last night's episode of Being Mary Jane was a very eye-opening one for our girl Mary Jane!

Picking up from last week, MJ is still reeling from Ronda telling her that there's real chance of advancement for her at Good Day USA. When Lee comes to see her, MJ just wants to dive into sex to not think about it. Meanwhile, down in Atlanta, Niecy gets it on too with her baby daddy Dante. They mention getting their own place, but Dante doesn't even have a job, so how is he about to pitch in?! He mentions that Niecy has a settlement check coming in, but she wants to put that in a trust for her kids. Dante is definitely about to manipulate her out of that money...WATCH.

Katherine Heigl Welcomes Baby Boy with Husband Josh Kelley

Josh Kelley/Instagram

It's a boy! Katherine Heigl and her husband Josh Kelley have revealed that they welcomed a son after announcing Katherine's pregnancy in June!

Kevin Hart Starring in TV Special to Teach His Daughter and Others About Black History

Brian To / WENN

If Hidden Figures has reminded us of anything, it's that black people have made significant contributions to American history, and it's often swept under the rug. 

Sure, we learn about the important Civil Rights Movement and those leaders that worked towards the cause, Harriet Tubman, and other well known figures (all of whom are important, do not get me wrong!). But each year around Black History Month, those same leaders and figures are highlighted all the time through media, in school presentations, and the like. So we have a slanted view of all of the contributions that black people have made.

Kevin Hart is seeking to change that by starring in an upcoming TV special on black history! The special, Kevin Hart Presents: The Black Man’s Guide to History, will feature more hidden black figures that have made major impacts to society. 

NEW MUSIC: "High For Hours" - J. Cole

Getty

Rapper J. Cole, whose album, 4 Your Eyez Only, recently went gold, dropped a new track, "High For Hours," out of nowhere that sounds like it could've fit on the album also!

#MondayMotivation

Good morning everyone...it's another Monday and most everyone is off today for the holiday. Still wanted to drop some #MondayMotivation to get you through the rest of the week!

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,  today's quote comes from him. Whatever you do, keep moving forward. No matter how long it takes, no matter the small steps you have to take to continue pressing towards your goals, KEEP. MOVING. FORWARD. Do something today that will get you one step further towards achieving your dreams! 

That Controversial Episode of 'Urban Myths' With Joseph Fiennes as Michael Jackson Has Been Pulled

Sky Arts

That hot mess of an episode of Urban Myths starring Joseph Fiennes as the late Michael Jackson has officially been PULLED!

The network Sky Arts planned to air a controversial episode of the series about some story that Michael took a random road trip with Elizabeth Taylor and Marlon Brando after 9/11 from NYC to LA. Besides the fact that that's just a bizarre story anyway, the major issue is that Joseph, a white man, was playing someone who was African-American!

After uproar from not only the Jackson family but also the public, Sky Arts made the decision to pull the episode, which was set to air on January 19.

Throwback Jam of the Week: "Love Don't Cost a Thing"-Jennifer Lopez

It's Throwback Thursday, and we're back with another great jam from back in the day!

Let's go back to the early 2000s with this hit from Jennifer Lopez — "Love Don't Cost a Thing!" From the late 90s and 2000s especially, Jenny from the block brought the hits. All this mess with Drake aside, she's still doing her thing in music (AND acting AND producing, et cetera, et cetera), and still looks amazing! This song was always my jam, and it popped up randomly on shuffle the other day. So I wanted to feature it this week!
Watch the video below!

RECAP: "Getting Nekkid"-'Being Mary Jane' Season 4 Premiere

BET

Being Mary Jane is back for a new season, and Mary Jane is is a new city, with a new job, and a new attitude! And, of course, I'm recapping it all!

It's been a little over a year since the season 3 finale, and Mary Jane has moved on from SNC to a correspondent position at Great Day USA in New York City! Though she should really be focused on the new job, MJ goes to see a matchmaker, Felicia Beatty, to try to find love.  A few DAYS into being in the city, y'all. Even Felicia can read her well, and tells Mary Jane to do self-reflecting and wait a few months before trying to find a guy. But does MJ listen?

In The Spotlight: Pop/Alternative Singer Samantha Paixao

Happy to feature another great rising artist! If you or your client is an upcoming artist, designer, etc., and would like to be featured on The Spotlight, please visit our Features/Submissions page for more info.

Today, we have pop/alternative singer Samantha Paixao!

Hailing from Toronto, the artist has been singing basically all of her life, stating that music has always helped to make her feel happy. “I thought that if there was a way I could create what made me happy, and help other people feel the same way, then I was going to try my hardest to make it happen,” Samantha said. Though she always wanted to pursue a career in music, the singer admitted that she can be shy around people. However, when she gets on stage, she’s like a whole other person!

MUSIC VIDEO: "Heart of Man"-UK Wordsmith Joshua Luke Smith

UK wordsmith Joshua Luke Smith has dropped a great, new track called "Heart of Man," as inspiration for the new year!

The track, featuring Joshua's powerful spoken word, calls for us to reflect on 2016 (the good and the bad), and travel through 2017 with a renewed spirit. "My hope is this song helps to slow us down, to help us step into this year fully here, present and hearts full and ready to love," Joshua said of the song.

Watch the video below!

Here's the Full List of Winners at the 2017 Golden Globes

Frazer Harrison/Getty

The 2017 Golden Globes aired just last night, and we've got the full list of winners!

La La Land, starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, received a very impressive win of seven awards, including Best Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy)! Other big wins came from, new hit show Atlanta, the critically-acclaimed Moonlight, and Viola Davis, who won Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture for Fences!

Check out the full list of winners below!

#MondayMotivation

All right y'all...shake off those Monday blues and get to it! Here's some #MondayMotivation for the week! 

This one is important to motivate people towards better self-care. It's something that I definitely struggled with last year, and promised myself that I would do better with in 2017. At the end of the day, you can't take care of others, or do well at your work, if you're not taking care of you first. And that's not selfish. It's not selfish to want to see yourself happy, and making yourself a priority. At all. Take care of yourself, because this life is all you have. Take a few moments for yourself this week!

The Nominees for the 2017 iHeartRadio Awards Are Here!

iHeartRadio

The iHeartRadio Music Awards are back in March, and the nominees have been announced! 

Drake completely dominated the list, snagging 12 nominations for his work on Views! Other big contenders include Justin Timberlake, Adele, Beyoncé, and The Chainsmokers. Definitely a lot of talent and great music this year, so we'll see who takes home what awards in a few months.

The iHeartRadio Music Awards air March 5 on TBS, TNT and truTV at 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST. Check to see if your fave was nominated below!

Janet Jackson Gives Birth to Her First Child!

SOLAIMAN FAZEL AND JANET JACKSON

Janet Jackson is a new mom!!! 

The singer and her husband Wissam Al Mana welcomed their first child on Tuesday, Jan. 3, as confirmed by her rep!

Learn the sex and name of the baby below!

In The Spotlight: R&B/Pop Singer Juliane

Another spotlight for you all…the first of many in 2017! If you or your client would like to be featured on The Spotlight, please visit our Features/Submissions page for more information.

Today, we have Montreal-based pop/R&B singer Juliane! 

From birth, the artist has always been surrounded by music and the arts, so it’s no surprise that she eventually went into music herself. “My parents are music lovers, and they introduced me to so many genres,” Juliane disclosed. “My mind has always been filled with different types of music but I've always been very attracted to pop-soul and R&B music.”

Wale Performs "Black Is Gold" at the Fillmore Silver Spring

To kick off the new year on New Year's Day, Wale heads back to the DMV for a hometown show every year, and KILLS IT! 

Last night, he hit the Fillmore Silver Spring and performed his new track, "Black Is Gold," which is truly uplifting to black people, especially black women! It's a song of love and appreciation, and I really love it! 

I also love the fact that Wale is seeming more focused on doing him this year, and not worrying about what other people think. In his own words, "J. Cole ain't wake nobody up...I been doing this!" 

Watch him perform "Black Is Gold" below!

#MondayMotivation

Happy New Year everyone! Here's some Monday Motivation to kick off 2017!

From her song "Freedom," Beyoncé gave us this line, and it kicked my butt into gear. Obstacles came in 2016. I know they're going to come in 2017. But I REFUSE to quit. I refuse to not advance. I refuse to stay stuck. I'm going to keep running, and I hope you have that same mentality this year! Hard times WILL come, but keep pushing towards those goals regardless!