Usher is still burning at Billboard’s number one slot. “Burn,” the second single from his latest CD “Confessions,” is enjoying its seventh straight week at number one, while his third single, “Confessions Part II” is holding down spot number two. When you factor in his first single, “Yeah!”, Usher has now spent 19 consecutive weeks at number one. Last week, the Atlanta resident set a record for the longest time spent of any artist at number one on a Billboard pop singles chart since their introduction in 1940. Burn baby burn!!

Verity the famed Gospel music label responsible for sharing artists like Donnie McClurkin, Fred Hammond, Richard Smallwood, and Tonex with the Christian world is celebrating its first decade in the music business. Verity Records has an incredible catalog of artists and albums, and are the proud developers of the Wow Gospel series that has been published since 1998 and the Gospel Greats series. This label, which has faced criticism for sounding too R&B and secular at times, is on fire for its birthday with new music pouring out of its studios. Just this summer alone there are seven albums being released like Fred Hammond’s ‘Somethin’ Bout Love’ which features Brian McKnight and Musiq, as well as the acclaimed Jon P. Kee, Ben Tankard and Twinkie Clark to name a few. Also look out for their anniversary compilation, ‘Verity Records: The First Decade’. Congratulations Verity, keep up your walk!

Multi-hyphenate Beyonce Knowles has added another job to her already stellar resume, fashion designer. She announced this week that she will enter into a joint venture with Arthur and Jason Rabin, the founders of clothing manufacturer Kids Headquarters. The Rabins will provide the licensing and brand management for the new label, according to a spokesperson for the deal. Beyonce and her mother/stylist Tina Knowles will head up the creative direction and inspiration for the line. "My mother and I share a love of fashion and style, and with this brand we're going to be able to share our vision of what is truly beautiful," Beyoncé said. "Our line will consist of fashions that I enjoy wearing, and I want them to be appealing to my fans as well."

The 2004 BET Award nominations have been announced and congratulations to Outkast who pulled in a record six nods for Best Group, Best Video of the Year (2), Viewers' Choice (2); and Best Collaboration. Usher received four nods for Best Male R&B Artist; Video of the Year featuring Ludacris and Lil John - "Yeah"; Best Collaboration featuring Ludacris and Lil Jon - "Yeah"; Viewers' Choice featuring Ludacris and Lil Jon - "Yeah". Beyonce received four as well for, Video of the Year featuring Jay-Z "Crazy In Love", Best Female Artist, Best Collaboration with Jay-Z and also a Viewers' Choice. Some of the other nominees include, Anthony Hamilton - Best Male R&B Artist and Best New Artist; Janet Jackson - Best Female R&B Artist; Alicia Keys - Best Video of the Year and Best Female R&B Artist; Ruben Studdard - Best Male R&B Artist and Best New Artist; Denzel Washington - Best Actor; Venus Williams - Female Athlete of the Year; Halle Berry - Best Actress. The show will air on June 29 on (of course) BET.

Compiled by Connie M. Howell