When most artists decide to allow product placement in their videos, it's usually painfully unsubtle. Calls are made from the newest cellphone on the market, but rarely with anyone on the other line, and the latest headphones lay on tables with nary a DJ to ever pick them up (see: this gal). But leave it to Solange, practically in spite of her own eye-catching self, to have her newest clip "Locked in Closets" presented by Absolut Tune, the vodka brand's new white wine fusion, but not have it become a glorified commercial for the hot commodity. 

It's tough covering Aaliyah's music in any capacity, but a song like "Come Over" is even more difficult. The late songstress put her best chops forward on that single, but Sevyn Streeter was up for the challenge. 

The photo above was taken in 1933 in Harlem, NYC. The man in the photo (the only one looking directly at the camera) is the spitting image of Jay-Z. As he leans back in his too cool blazer, he looks as though he even has the swagger of one Mr. Carter. The black and white photo was found at the Schomburg Center For Research In Black Culture at the New York Public Library. 

We've been following the journey of Leah LaBelle—Pharrell and Jermaine Dupri's newest protege—for over a year now, ever since the Toronto-born, Seattle-bred R&B singer was thrown a "Welcome to New York" party and the attendees didn't just include her hometown friends but the likes of Mariah Carey and L.A. Reid, too. We wondered if she really packed the punch these musical heavyweights appeared to be banking on or if she'd just fizzle out after a few minutes of fame. 

French Montana has spent the last few years juggling cameos and releasing street singles in the hopes of finally dropping his full-length debut. The time has come, and May 21st marks the date when Excuse My French will greet the world. Last night in New York City, the Bronx rapper hosted a listening event where the Ciroc flowed, as did the music...through incredibly loud speakers. 

"When was the last time you got to be 100% real, ya'll?," we're asked (well, moreso demanded an answer from!) on the intro to John Legend's latest single, "Who Do We Think We Are?" The voice continues, "I don't want ya'll holding back nothing!" Ok, ok, we won't. Now, can we get to the song now? Because it's a good one.  

If you were completely underwhelmed by Mariah Carey's last comeback single, the ironic and tragically-titled "Triumphant" (and honestly, who wasn't?), then you (like I) should look to her latest tune "#Beautiful"—yes, folks, the hashtag comes included—to help fill that void.