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Pharrell's 'G I R L'Pharrell Williams has defended the cover of his new album G I R L after it sparked racial controversy.

The "Happy" hitmaker received criticism for the artwork, which features him stood next to three women, because critics assumed they were all white and thought he should have included a black woman on the cover.

"What really disappointed me is that, man, [the critics] jumped the gun 'cause the woman I'm standing closest to is black and she's a black girl from Wisconsin I used to date over 10, 12 years ago. That must suck for people to just look at something and assume they know what's going on..." he said.

The 40-year-old singer, who is now married to Helen Lasichanh, also praised black women, in particular 12 Years a Slave star Lupita Nyong'o: "I told her two weeks ago at the Oscars luncheon her skin was flawless, I love her skin, my god."

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Gallery: Pharrell Williams Defends Album Cover


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RihannaRihanna is working on a concept album for new animated film Home.

The superstar's next record will be entirely inspired by the new 3D DreamWorks Animation movie, in which she voices a teenager called Gratuity "Tip" Tucci.

Jeffrey Katzenberg, CEO of DreamWorks Animation, revealed the news during the company's quarterly earnings announcement, explaining that Rihanna will perform new songs. While no further details have been confirmed, the release is likely to coincide with the film - based on author Adam Rex's 2007 children's book The True Meaning of Smekday - hitting cinemas this November.

The album will be Rihanna's first since 2012's Unapologetic, and a welcome return from the 26-year-old star, who released a new record every single year from 2009 until 2012. Despite taking a year off in 2013, the hardworking singer remained in the charts by collaborating with Eminem's smash hit "Monster" from his album The Marshall Mathers LP 2 and more recently with Shakira on "Can't Remember to Forget You."

Gallery: Rihanna to Release Concept Album Based on DreamWorks Animation


Pharrell WilliamsPharrell Williams is streaming his new album G I R L online for free.

The "Get Lucky" hitmaker says he is "happy to share" an early preview of his second studio album, ahead of its official release on March 3, and all the tracks have been made available to listen to on iTunes radio.

Taking to Twitter, Pharrell wrote, "Thankful for the opportunity to share my new album with everyone [sic]."

The ten-track follow-up to Pharrell's 2006 debut In My Mind features his Oscar-nominated hit, "Happy," along with a collaboration with Justin Timberlake on the track "Brand New," while Alicia Keys teams up with the star for "Know Who You Are." Pharrell, 40, worked with Miley Cyrus on her controversial #Bangerz album last year she has returned the favor by lending her vocals to his song "Come Get It Bae."

Click to continue reading Pharrell Williams Streams ‘G I R L’ for Free

Gallery: Pharrell Williams Streams ‘G I R L’ for Free


Robin ThickeRobin Thicke has cancelled a third tour date in the wake of his split from Paula Patton.

The "Blurred Lines" singer has now axed three consecutive concerts on his North American tour after announcing on Monday that he had parted ways from his wife of almost nine years.

This news comes as Robin was a no-show at Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort in North Carolina last night. The venue issued a statement reading, "Due to unforeseen circumstances, Robin Thicke will postpone his performance at Harrah's Cherokee originally scheduled for Tuesday, February 25. This concert will be rescheduled and the new date announced as soon as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience."

He previously scrapped gigs on Friday in Atlanta and Saturday in Orlando, blaming vocal issues, but instead was seen jetting to Vancouver, where actress Paula is currently filming, in a bid to save his marriage.

Click to continue reading Robin Thicke Cancels Third Tour Date After Marriage Split

Gallery: Robin Thicke Cancels Third Tour Date After Marriage Split


Tina Davis and Chris Brown

Chris Brown has accused his former manager of leaking his new album.

The R&B star, whose record X is set to be released May 5, warned his fans on Twitter that there are "snakes in the grass" and claimed his former boss, Tina Davis, was trying to "sabotage" the release, the follow-up to 2012's Fortune. "My old manager is leaking my NEW album and refuses to give me my back up hard drive to sabotage my album. That's F'd up G! [sic]," he tweeted. Chris later deleted the tweet but added, "Snakes in the grass ... Just stay positive."

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Gallery: Chris Brown Accuses Former Boss of Leaking Album


Eminem announces tour with Rihanna

Rihanna can't wait to go on tour with Eminem.

The rapper announced he is embarking on a three-city US tour with the 26-year-old singer, whom he has collaborated with three times in the past, on "The Monster" and on two versions of "Love the Way You Lie," this summer. "There are some shows coming up with Rihanna. It's a three-city tour: New York, Los Angeles and Detroit coming in August. The Monster Tour," the 41-year-old star said on Friday.

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Gallery: Rihanna Excited to Tour with Eminem


50 Cent50 Cent will release his next album on an indie label.

The "Candy Shop" hitmaker has severed ties with Eminem's Interscope imprint, Shady Records, after 12 years and will now be working with Caroline, a music distributor owned by Universal, starting with his album Animal Ambition, which is due out on June 3.

"I recorded so many album quality songs that I'm going to put the Animal project out as my viral marketing plan and then [Street King] will come out after. [Animal Ambition] is about prosperity ... ambition and prosperity," the star said in a statement.

The 38-year-old rapper has sold millions of albums for Interscope, including 15-million copies of his debut record, but the star's relationship with the label has been difficult since 2009's Before I Self Destruct, which failed to conquer the charts.

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Gallery: 50 Cent Signs with Indie Label


Lana Del Rey and Dan AuerbachLana Del Rey's new album Ultraviolence is being produced by The Black Keys' Dan Auerbach.

The "National Anthem" singer took to Twitter yesterday to post a picture of herself sitting on the lap of the rock frontman and Grammy Award winning producer. She teased fans by writing alongside the snap, "Me and Dan Auerbach are excited to present you Ultraviolence."

Dan has produced records for a number of artists including The Growlers, Hanni El Khatib and Dr. John, and the picture hints that he has been working with Lana on the follow-up to Born to Die in 2012, her second studio album.

Ultraviolence is rumored to be released on May 1, after the singer accidentally told a fan the release date, whilst signing an autograph.

Gallery: The Black Keys Producing Lana Del Rey’s ‘Ultraviolence’


Pharrell WilliamsPharrell Williams is set to release his new album G I R L next month.

The "Happy" singer, who is preparing for his performance at the BRITs tonight, will release his new record on Monday, March 3 through Columbia Records.

"When Columbia Records presented me with the opportunity to make an album, three things came to mind. One was the sense of overwhelming honor that I felt when I realized that they were interested in partnering with me on the album that I had always dreamed of making. Two, it would have to feel festive and urgent. And three, I instantly knew it would be called G I R L," he said, adding, "I hope you like it."

G I R L is Pharrell's first record in eight years and is set to be released earlier than planned after the success of his single "Happy," and insiders have described it as "incredible."

Gallery: Pharrell Williams Announces Album Date


Ariana Grande and Chris Brown

Ariana Grande has recorded a track with Chris Brown.

The "Baby I" singer has been in the studio with the controversial star - who is currently in rehab for anger management - and they announced their collaboration by sharing some of its lyrics on Twitter. "I dug a single seed into the ground, I hope it grows," Chris tweeted. Ariana responded, "In a year or two if you're around, you'll see a rose."

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Gallery: Ariana Grande Records with Chris Brown


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