Ben Drew aka Plan B released his sophomore album, The Defamation of Strickland Banks (TDSB), this week. For starters, it is a FULL departure from his rap-filled debut album. TDSB showcases Plan B's vocal ability rather than rapping skill and it results in a soulful, concept album that... well, I'll save the rest for my review. ;)

Speaking of rappers, Stephen Paul Manderson aka Professor Green has his single out. I Need You Tonight featuring Ed Drewett is showing a great chart position in the UK midweeks, battling Usher's OMG for the #2 spot.

In other chart-related news, Scouting For Girls are headed towards another week at the UK #1 with This Ain't A Love Song, which would make it three weeks on top. On the album midweeks however, SFG is losing the #1 spot to Plan B. Hurrah!

Xenomania producer and main songwriter for our favorite UK girlband Girls Aloud, Brian Higgins, said that it would be a miracle if the girls would come back for another album. Rumours of a rift between the Aloud have been going around like crazy SINCE their debut, and GA have proven the media wrong, but this time it might be different, since both Nicola Roberts and Sarah Harding admitted that they haven't been in touch with fellow bandmate Nadine Coyle, who is busy recording in LA for her solo effort. (via MTV UK)

After the release of Christina Aguilera's comeback single Not Myself Tonight (listen here), the media has been abuzz with Lady Gaga comparisons. Akon speaks out, "Aw man, that’s not even any competition. You are actually giving Christina too much credit." Well, excuse me, Akon. Xtina was fa-bu-lous (and Dirrty) waaaay before Gaga came. Both of these pop divas are lovely, but to say it like that makes Akon a very close-minded individual, per se. (via MTV UK)