Nicki Minaj‘s debut album, Pink Friday, was released last Tuesday.

It is now projected to debut at #2 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart with roughly 400,000 copies sold–an astonishing (and likely record-breaking) debut for any artist–let alone a female rapper. I am very happy that Miss Minaj is finally receiving the mega-watt recognition she’s deserved for the past three years.

That being said, we all know how I feel about Pink Friday.

I thought the cover looked a little sparce without some stickers that may help to guide the everyday music listener in their purchase. Therefore, I have created some album advisory stickers.

Caveat: I’m still a major fan (at least, of everything pre-Pink Friday Minaj). This is all in jest/boredom/lack of friendsdom. Nonetheless, I am fully prepared for/anticipating any and all allegations of being ‘a hater.’

Janet Jackson will grace the cover of the December 2010 / January 2011 issue of Instinct Magazine.

As you can see above, the diva’s pictured standing pretty in a bright red gown to commemorate World AIDS Day on December 1. Love!

A description of the feature, courtesy of the magazine’s Facebook:

In “The Quiet Power Of A Drama Queen,” Janet talks candidly with Instinct’s editor in chief Mike Wood about her pair of emotionally charged roles this year, adding “author” to her multi-hyphenate talents and also clues us in on how she sees music fitting in with her growing and critically acclaimed acting career. And of course, being only the fourth female in 13-years to get her own Instinct cover, Janet also opens up about that long-standing connection to the gay community, as well as her commitment to HIV/AIDS advocacy.

Can’t wait to read the feature–she’s always been a wonderful outspoken ally for the LGBT community.

Looking so lovely…go Miss Janet!

And now for something completely depressing.

It’s the video premiere of Sia‘s “I’m In Here,” the gorgeous, haunting ballad off of her sensational summer release, We Are Born. (WATCH)

Taking a break from the puppets, fuzzy felts and colours for a moment, Sia now finds herself soaring miles away on a bleak, cloudy airplane ride to nowhere.

The video is set to the acoustic version of the song (which is worthy of being deemed the sequel to Sia’s grand opus, “Breathe Me”), featuring vocals by The Bird And The Bee‘s Inara George.

Will this make you want to die? Yes, basically. But that’s kind of the point.

We Are Born was released on June 4. (iTunes)

Simply dying to see the video for Natalia Kills‘ “Mirrors”? Just hang on a little bit longer, darlings–the video will premiere on Thursday, December 2!

While we wait, I’ve got a brand new remix to enjoy from Cherrytree label-mate, Frankmusik: The Obsidian Overkill remix.

As one would expect, Frankmusik’s take on the track involves a whole lot of spooky, sizzling synthesizers and a wave of winding electronica. Whips, chains…and a brand new stomping beat! Delicious.

DL: Natalia Kills – Mirrors (Frankmusik Obsidian Overkill Remix)

If you haven’t already, check out the scintillating preview of the video for “Mirrors” right here. Coming sooooon!

The Perfectionist will be released March 2011. (iTunes)

Let’s talk about a song that is good–no, fantastic: “Castle Walls,” a song off of T.I.‘s upcoming studio album No Mercy, produced by Alex Da Kid and featuring Christina Aguilera. (LISTEN)

Just like Eminem‘s “Love The Way You Lie (feat. Rihanna)” (also produced by Alex Da Kid), the only reason we’re listening to this cut is for that emotionally overwrought chorus, which means you’ve got to wait patiently through the plodding, brooding rapped verses from T.I. to get to the actual goods.

But trust me–this one’s completely and utterly worth it.

“Everyone thinks that I have it all, but it’s so empty living behind these castle walls,” Xtina sadly croons as the song opens, “If I should tumble, if I should fall / Would anyone hear me screaming behind those castle walls?”

Then, something amazing happens: A weird, warbling electronic noise fills the silence. T.I. comes in and does what it is that he does above a hip-hop beat, and THEN Xtina comes in again with that chorus–now made even more amazing thanks to some sad string production, a triumphantly striding beat, and that distorted electronica sound in the background. AND IT’S SO GOOD.

But perhaps the greatest thing about this song is the fact that someone’s clearly told Xtina to cut it out with the noodling already–no extended scale runs, no growling, no shouting. It’s understated and GORGEOUS! If only she would do this kind of singing more often. Less is more Aggie…LESS is MORE!

Xtina’s already offered up a summer bomb and a Thanksgiving turkey, but this?

This is truly a winter gem.

No Mercy will be released on December 7. (iTunes)

OH. MY GOD.

Here we have X Factor‘s Matt Cardle singing a hilarious little ditty called “Ballad of Maiden,” dedicated to his befallen buddy from Team Minogue, Aiden Grimshaw. (WATCH)

“That Ace Ventura quiff, you were always so intense / It weirded Cheryl out because you didn’t rap,” Cardle tenderly croons.

And now, commence the “AWWW!”-ing, giggling and/or splurging from every gay and girl across the land.

Newsstands are about to get a whole lot LOUDer.

Though she’s already looking foxy fierce on the cover of the latest issue of Interview Magazine, Princess RiRi is about to grace the glossy pages of British GQ.

Click here to see the full set (and tidbits from the interview).

Too gorgeous to handle!

VIVA LA RIRI.

So here’s a fun thing I just learned today:

According to Wikipedia (which is never wrong) and this interview with Ellen (which is perhaps more verifiable), Akon‘s full birth name is Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam.

*Changes iTunes Artist section.*