Music Matters Daily: J. Cole's New Album Goes Gold

Plus, Janelle Monáe turns into a sexy elf.

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2014 Forest Hills Drive Gets Plaque After Second Week - J. Cole must've been pretty good this year because his Christmas gifts keep getting bigger and bigger. Aside from dropping the critically acclaimed highest selling rap debut of the year, Cole received a delivery he can't quite stuff in his stocking. The RIAA sent Cole a gold plaque for 2014 Forest Hills Drive after its second week sales totaled more than 500,000 copies. This is his third gold record to date.— George Chapman, Jr.(Photo: PA PHOTOS /LANDOV)

Jessie J. Twerks for the 'Gram - If you were still skeptical about Jessie J's dancing skills after her video for "Burning Up," then her recent Instagram battle should silence all critics. The British bombshell, who is mostly known for her powerhouse vocals, took a stab at Chris Breezy's #ChristmasChallenge, where fans and celebrities alike brought back the dance moves from Chingy's 2003 "Right Thurr" video. Check out Jessie's response here.(Photo: Jessie J via Instagram)

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Jessie J. Twerks for the 'Gram - If you were still skeptical about Jessie J's dancing skills after her video for "Burning Up," then her recent Instagram battle should silence all critics. The British bombshell, who is mostly known for her powerhouse vocals, took a stab at Chris Breezy's #ChristmasChallenge, where fans and celebrities alike brought back the dance moves from Chingy's 2003 "Right Thurr" video. Check out Jessie's response here.(Photo: Jessie J via Instagram)

Janelle Monáe Gets Sexy for Santa - Our favorite musicians have been celebrating the holidays all different kinds of ways and Janelle Monáe is no different. The typically uniformed performer took to Instagram to reveal a sexier side of her we haven't seen. She took an electric selfie dressed up as an elf. Check the holiday edition of Janelle here.(Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

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Janelle Monáe Gets Sexy for Santa - Our favorite musicians have been celebrating the holidays all different kinds of ways and Janelle Monáe is no different. The typically uniformed performer took to Instagram to reveal a sexier side of her we haven't seen. She took an electric selfie dressed up as an elf. Check the holiday edition of Janelle here.(Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

E-40 Joins Big Sean on Jimmy Fallon - Big Sean stopped by The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to perform his hit single "IDFWU." As with every performance on the famed stage, Sean was accompanied by The Roots to give it a soulful energetic feel. Dedicated to “everyone who deserves it,” Sean delivered a passionate set with the help of the legendary E-40, who clearly hasn’t missed a beat. Check out the electrifying performance here.(Photo: Douglas Gorenstein/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)

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E-40 Joins Big Sean on Jimmy Fallon - Big Sean stopped by The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to perform his hit single "IDFWU." As with every performance on the famed stage, Sean was accompanied by The Roots to give it a soulful energetic feel. Dedicated to “everyone who deserves it,” Sean delivered a passionate set with the help of the legendary E-40, who clearly hasn’t missed a beat. Check out the electrifying performance here.(Photo: Douglas Gorenstein/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)

Joey Bada$ Drops New Single "Curry Chicken" - Joey Bada$ is gearing up for the release of his forthcoming album B4.DA.$ with the release of new single “Curry Chicken.” It's not exactly what the song's title suggests though, as he spits bragadocious bars over a soulful melody. Its harmonious beat with Joey’s cocky lyrical content makes for a track you just have to bump. Listen to “Curry Chicken” here. (Photo: Relentless Records)

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Joey Bada$ Drops New Single "Curry Chicken" - Joey Bada$ is gearing up for the release of his forthcoming album B4.DA.$ with the release of new single “Curry Chicken.” It's not exactly what the song's title suggests though, as he spits bragadocious bars over a soulful melody. Its harmonious beat with Joey’s cocky lyrical content makes for a track you just have to bump. Listen to “Curry Chicken” here. (Photo: Relentless Records)

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Elijah Blake Responds to Police Brutality - The growing number of deaths of young Black men at the hands of police has everyone crying out for peace. Like many other artists, Def Jam signee Elijah Blake has released his response in light of the recent tragedies with an emotionally charged video for "We Are One" highlighting protests he’s led in L.A. and footage of various police brutality responses. Watch it here.(Photo: Def Jam Recordings)

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Elijah Blake Responds to Police Brutality - The growing number of deaths of young Black men at the hands of police has everyone crying out for peace. Like many other artists, Def Jam signee Elijah Blake has released his response in light of the recent tragedies with an emotionally charged video for "We Are One" highlighting protests he’s led in L.A. and footage of various police brutality responses. Watch it here.(Photo: Def Jam Recordings)

K. Michelle Is the New Taylor Swift? - We all love K. Michelle because she’s easily one of the most genuine artists of our generation. Every time she sits for an interview, we learn more and more about the soulful songstress who sometimes gets flack for being so honest. She still managed to surprise, however, in a recent chat with Yahoo. The “Love Em All” singer compared herself to country superstar Taylor Swift. "I do consider myself like the Black Taylor Swift because she’s like me  – when she’s in a relationship, she doesn’t care who you are, she’s gonna write a song about it, and she doesn’t care what you think," says K. Watch what else she says here.(Photo: Yahoo Music)

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K. Michelle Is the New Taylor Swift? - We all love K. Michelle because she’s easily one of the most genuine artists of our generation. Every time she sits for an interview, we learn more and more about the soulful songstress who sometimes gets flack for being so honest. She still managed to surprise, however, in a recent chat with Yahoo. The “Love Em All” singer compared herself to country superstar Taylor Swift. "I do consider myself like the Black Taylor Swift because she’s like me  – when she’s in a relationship, she doesn’t care who you are, she’s gonna write a song about it, and she doesn’t care what you think," says K. Watch what else she says here.(Photo: Yahoo Music)

Luke James Joins Jessie J on the Road - We knew music would help solidify the love between songstress Jessie J and her beau Luke James, but we didn't know we'd get a tour from the musical couple. The two lovebirds took to Instagram to announce Luke's addition to Jessie's tour in the U.K. As the former opening act for Beyoncé, Luke should have no problem captivating a crowd overseas, especially with his woman by his side.(Photo: Luke James via Instagram)

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Luke James Joins Jessie J on the Road - We knew music would help solidify the love between songstress Jessie J and her beau Luke James, but we didn't know we'd get a tour from the musical couple. The two lovebirds took to Instagram to announce Luke's addition to Jessie's tour in the U.K. As the former opening act for Beyoncé, Luke should have no problem captivating a crowd overseas, especially with his woman by his side.(Photo: Luke James via Instagram)

Adrian Marcel Drops New Acoustic - It's always refreshing when singers remind you that they have real talent by slaying a good ol' acoustic. Adrian Marcel did just that when he dropped his in-studio acoustic version of his new ballad "Spending the Night Alone." Impeccable vocal abilities clearly aren't a problem for Adrian as he cruises in and out of his full voice and crisp falsetto through the duration of the song. Check it out here.(Photo: Universal Republic)

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Adrian Marcel Drops New Acoustic - It's always refreshing when singers remind you that they have real talent by slaying a good ol' acoustic. Adrian Marcel did just that when he dropped his in-studio acoustic version of his new ballad "Spending the Night Alone." Impeccable vocal abilities clearly aren't a problem for Adrian as he cruises in and out of his full voice and crisp falsetto through the duration of the song. Check it out here.(Photo: Universal Republic)

Ab-Soul Tours LA - Ab-Soul took time out of his busy schedule to take pop culture guru Karen Civil to some of his favorite LA spots. In the three minute clip, Ab-Soul stops by RIF Los Angeles to cop some new gear and FourTwoFour for some new shades. Find out where he likes to eat and more, here.(Photo: Courtesy The FADER via Youtube)

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Ab-Soul Tours LA - Ab-Soul took time out of his busy schedule to take pop culture guru Karen Civil to some of his favorite LA spots. In the three minute clip, Ab-Soul stops by RIF Los Angeles to cop some new gear and FourTwoFour for some new shades. Find out where he likes to eat and more, here.(Photo: Courtesy The FADER via Youtube)