Like many other artists this year, Trey Songz has seen the release of his new album 'Trey Day' pushed back on numerous occasions. Now re-scheduled for an October 2nd release, the CD will be preceded by this new single 'Can't Help But Wait' - which was penned by Johnta Austin. I'm liking the song and the video; I found both to be pretty engaging. It's kinda hard to believe that Trey has yet to fully blow up, seeing as he's very talented. Here's hoping this album garners him the recognition he deserves.

What do you think of the song/video?

Labels: Trey Songz

Part 3

Your thoughts?

Labels: Fantasia

Despite the poor performance of the singles released from his 'Curtis' album so far, 50 Cent remains confident of his chances of coming out on top in his chart battle with Kanye West. Speaking with San Diego’s 93.3 radio station yesterday (August 30th), he said:

“Its not possible for Kanye to beat me, I don’t know why I said that. Its like the teddy bear vs. the gorilla. Def Jam [West’s label] is going to buy about 200,000 of Kanye’s records. Kanye sucks, I’m going to be honest, he sounds like a robot, he has a robot record.”

Their albums need to hurry up and drop already; it's gonna be a interesting to see 50 justify his losing (which seems inevitable now). We all know he won't stay true to his word and retire if Kanye tops him (one can only dream), but he'll be more of a joke than he already is.

What do you think of 50's comments?

Labels: 50 Cent, Kanye West

Labels: Lil' Mama

A, somewhat, bitter Irv Gotti spoke out on Ashanti in an interview with Wendy Williams yesterday (August 30th). The INC president admitted to having an affair with the 'Only U' singer...while he was still married. He went on to make sly comments about Ashanti's now-shelved new single 'Switch'. Gotti's outburst seems to stem from his belief that the singer was 'disloyal' during the label's much publicised legal woes a few years back.

Labels: Ashanti

Rihanna recently shot the video for 'Hate That I Love You' (ft. Ne-Yo), the fourth single from her 'Good Girl Gone Bad' album in Santa Monica, California. I can understand why the label rushed through releasing her past CD's, but the rate she's dropping singles and videos now is a joke; and it's kinda showing too - 'Shut Up & Drive', the album's 2nd single, has stalled on the charts. Anyway, be on the lookout for the Anthony Mandler directed video in the coming weeks.

Labels: Rihanna

According to Hits Daily Double, the video for Kelly Rowland's long-awaited (and much needed) new single 'Ghetto' (ft. Snoop Dogg) will debut on September 10th on BET's 106 & Park. Be sure to check it out. {Source}

Labels: Kelly Rowland

The video for Chris Brown's new single 'Kiss Kiss' debuted today on BET's 106 & Park. I'm guessing the fact that I'm not a fan of the song is hindering me from liking the otherwise decent video. Still, Chris delivers with the choreography (as usual) and it definitely trumps the mess that was the 'Wall to Wall' video.

What do you think of the video?

Labels: Chris Brown

I know you don't usually see Britney Spears around these sides and neither do I have a particular interest in her music, yet it's evident her 'comeback' is an event in itself. Two new tracks from her forthcoming album have surfaced today; first single 'Gimme More' and 'Cold As Fire' (written by T-Pain).

Labels: Britney Spears

Keyshia Cole performed her smash hit 'Let It Go' on Yahoo's Pepsi Smash recently. She has really stepped it up with the live performances as of late and I thought she did pretty good here - although the choreography was kinda 'amerteurish'. Still, it's her voice that she's loved for, so it's all good.

In other Keyshia news, 'Let It Go' is currently the #1 most played track on US radio. The video for the track also occupies the top spot on BET's 106 & Park.

What do you think of the performance?

Labels: Keyshia Cole

Following the controversy surrounding his comments on black women, producer Polow Da Don has has spoken out - again justifying his comments:

AllHipHop.com: So do you stand by your statements?

Polow Da Don: Oh definitely. It has nothing to do with me, these effects. I didn’t make this stuff up. Only thing where people got misled is that I said I prefer a White woman, and that’s not the case at all. Really, I date all types of women. It was a stage in my life when I started dating a lot of White women- that was just a stage in my life. Right now, I date girls I like. I don’t base it off of any shade or color when I meet a girl now. They linked my comments about the Black family and Black women with the “King of the White Girls” and [the fact that] I dated White girls. That’s where it all went wrong. So when I was comparing Black women to White women, that has zero to do with me dating White women. What I was saying was factual though. Ladies and gentlemen agreed, n****s and b******s got mad.
{Source}

Talk about pouring fuel on fire...

Labels: Polow Da Don

A host of stars came out to celebrate with Jermaine Dupri at the opening of his new nightclub, Studio 72, in Atlanta last night. Celebs in attendance included Usher and wife Tameka Foster, Nelly, Monica and T-Boz. As expected Dupri's girlfriend, Janet Jackson (who was looking on-point), accompanied the hit-maker to the event.

Labels: Jermaine Dupri

Soulja Boy stopped by BET's 106 & Park earlier this week to perform his smash hit 'Crank That'. I liked the performance, though he must be one of the first rapper's I've seen use a backing track...it's all good though. Though some of our international visitors may not know who he is, they will do soon. 'Crank That' as well the dance that goes along with it have taken the US by storm; where the song currently sits at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and is still rising.

What do you think of the performance?

Labels: Soulja Boy

Since the much hyped finale of 'Making The Band 4' this past Sunday, many have been looking for the ballad version of the group's song 'I Want You Exclusive' - which was performed during the live telecast. You can listen to the track below. I'm definitely liking this one; it'd be good if they recorded this version in the studio.

Labels: Making The Band 4

Labels: Jennifer Lopez

Though Amerie's third album, 'Because I Love It' has been a moderate success over here in Europe - spawning two UK top 10 singles, the CD's US release seems to be in jeopardy. Following a number of push-backs, the CD was re-scheduled for Stateside release in 'Summer 2007 ', yet it's status now reads 'TBD' (to be decided). Sources are claiming that the 'One Thing' singer will soon be (or may have already been) dropped by her US label.

Labels: Amerie

Singer Keyshia Cole graces the cover of Sister 2 Sister magazine's October issue. Though I'd say she's looking good, something feels a little off with the shot - can't think what it is though...

Labels: Keyshia Cole

Upon hearing the snippet of Alicia Keys' new single 'No One' last week, I was kinda sceptical about the track as well as the direction of her forthcoming album 'As I Am'. However, having listened to the track in it's entirety, I'm definitely liking it more. This soulful mid-tempo isn't far removed from the sound she has channeled on her past efforts and is sure to please fans and critics alike. Alicia's third studio album 'As I Am' hits stores November 13th.

Labels: Alicia Keys

Don't usually do this, but I thought to take a minute to wish Michael Jackson a Happy Birthday. The undisputed King of Pop turned 49 today. I'm just hoping he hurries up and drops that new album of his to remind the imitators, and the world at large, of who really sits at the top.

Labels: Michael Jackson

R&B star Chris Brown features in the October issue of VIBE magazine. In the interview, Brown (attempts) to explain his way with the ladies:

“I’ve had girlfriends, but it’s different. Not jump-offs! Like, you don’t be like, ‘That’s my girl,’ but you know when you hang with her, it’s like … friends with benefits. If I’m singling out one girl, think about all the other girls who are falling in love with me in that club. What they gon’ think? So it’s like, I have a relationship with every girl. It’s like every girl is my girlfriend.”
{Source}

Having tried to make sense of what he said, the only thing I did understand was that it sounded like nonsense. I'm not too sure Chris knew what he meant either lol. With all this talk of 'friends with benefits', it's hard to think that the boy only just turned 18. SMH...

Labels: Chris Brown

It turns out Akon's 'apology' in his current single 'Sorry, Blame It Me' isn't as personal as he would have us believe. Check out the report via TMZ:

Akon, hip-hop singer and amateur concertgoer tosser, is singing a new tune — “Sorry, Blame It On Me” — where he offers apologies for his recent troublesome events — including lewd dancing at a club in Trinidad with a 14-year-old pastor’s daughter, and causing Verizon to dump their sponsorship of Gwen Stefani’s tour, reportedly because of Akon’s shenanigans. Someone’s had a busy summer!

TMZ inside sources reveal that Akon did not pen the song. Say what?! It seems DJ and producer Clinton Sparks actually wrote the entire ballad — even though his credit is listed as co-writer and producer. Sparks will fly!

This leaves many wondering if Akon’s apology is more of a publicity stunt to capitalize on his bad decisions. An insincere apology? From a man who allegedly practices polygamy? Say it ain’t so!

I can't say I'm surprised by this...

Your thoughts?

*I'll be leaving later LA today :( so updates may be a bit slower than usual. Be sure to keep it locked on That Grape Juice though, as there are some great things in the works upon my return to the UK. The interviews with Jagged Edge and Johnta Austin will DEFINITELY be up before the week is out*

Labels: Akon

After establishing herself as a successful song-writer, Solange Knowles has signed a worldwide co-publishing deal with EMI Records. Having already co-penned hits for her sister Beyonce ('Get Me Bodied', 'Upgrade U' etc), the deal will see Solange earn a nice percentage of rights to any song she (co)writes. She will also receive more writing opportunties for other artists. The youngest of the Knowles clan is currently in the studio recording her sophomore album 'Solange & The Hadley Street Dreams'. {Source}

Labels: Solange

The video for Common's latest single 'Drivin' Me Wild' premiered today on MTV's TRL. I've been feeling this track for a while now and I'm glad it got the single treatment. It definitely serves as one of the Chi-Town rapper's best video's yet. The UK's own Lily Allen features in the song and video also. Damon Dash makes a brief cameo too.

What do you think of the video?

Labels: Common

Hit-maker Polow Da Don sparked controversy with his comments about 'white girls brain game' several months back. The producer, whose hits include Ciara's 'Promise', spoke more on his self-proclaimed status of 'King of the White Girls' in an interview with AllHipHop.com. Check out what he had to say:

AllHipHop.com: Now, you call yourself the “King of All White Girls.” Elaborate on that for me.

Polow Da Don: Just the “King of the White Girls.” I ain’t self proclaimed but I run with it. [Laughs] There was a stage in my life where I went crazy with dating white women. I have nothing against black women, but they’re raised differently. White women are raised to respect and serve their men. Black women are taught to question [their men]. Black women look at submission as being weak. White women look at submission as being a woman. And anyone who has a problem with this statement is ignorant. Just look at the divine order; it goes man, woman, child.

{Source}

Interesting lol. I'm sure many eyebrows will be raised with this one...

Your thoughts?

Labels: Polow Da Don

As Keyshia Cole's current single 'Let It Go' continues to climb the charts, a new song from her forthcoming 'Just Like You' CD has surfaced. Produced by Rodney 'Darkchild' Jerkins, 'Shoulda Let You Go' is a great mid-tempo track that I feel has a lot of hit potential if it were to be released as a single. Though a good thing, I must say that the track does resemble Mary J Blige's 'Enough Crying' on a number of fronts - including production, vocal arrangements and subject matter. Anyway, this track has me even more hyped for Keyshia's album (due September 25th).

Hit or Miss?

LISTEN: Shoulda Let You Go (Radip Rip)

Labels: Keyshia Cole

It's been a while since we've heard any new material from Capitol recording group Cherish. However, as the quartet continue to work on their currently untitled sophomore effort (due in 2008), a new track has surfaced called 'Shoe Fanatic'. Though the song's subject is kinda 'blah', I'm liking this. The production is on-point and the girls ride the beat nicely. I'm actually anticipating the group's new CD; the first album was pretty good and it seems they've found their niche - the fun uptempo's.

Labels: Cherish

{Danity Kane and Diddy backstage at the finale}

All five members of Danity Kane made a surprise appearance at tonight's' grand finale of 'Making The Band 4'. Sitting alongside Diddy, the ladies - as well as the Bad Boy head himself - reaffirmed that the group is still together despite the rumors and misunderstandings. Diddy went on to announce that the girls will be heading into the studio in the coming weeks to start recording the follow-up to their Platinum selling debut 'Danity Kane'. The album is set to be released early next year and will be followed by a tour with the winners of the current season of the hit MTV show.

It was good to see ladies put on a united front after what has been a pretty messy few months. Considering it's common knowledge that Diddy screwed them over, I'm glad he's re-focusing on the group. A sidenote: It was great TV watching them fake-smile their way through the interview with Diddy; something made all the more evident by Dawn's distant body language (I'm gonna try and have a video up soon). Still, it's good that they've ironed out their differences.

Your thoughts?

Labels: Danity Kane

Labels: Making The Band 4

Labels: Rihanna

In other Alicia news, a snippet of 'No One' - the confirmed first single from the new album - has hit the net. I think I'll reserve my judgement until the full track surfaces... Click here to listen to the snippet (Props to Toya for the heads-up)

Labels: Alicia Keys

Labels: Eve

Some five months after the release of 'Like This', Kelly Rowland is finally gearing up to premier the video for the her 2nd single 'Ghetto' (ft. Snoop Dogg). Speaking with MTV from the set of her ESPN promo clip - alongside 50 Cent -the singer said the following about the video:

I'm working with Andrew Gura on this video. It's very, I'd say ... gosh, I'm trying to get the right word out because I don't want to sound crazy. ... It's ghetto. It's really fly. I feel like everybody has some sort of element of ghetto in them. Think about it. Right? Wouldn't you say so? And everyone knows what the ghetto is.

Click here to watch the interview

It's all well talking about it, but her people need to get the video out ASAP! Things seem to be looking up for her though; as well as the ESPN spot, Kelly is set to tour at the end of the year through into early next year. Sources continue to confirm that Kelly is indeed recording new tracks... for a new album, perhaps?

Any thoughts?

Labels: Kelly Rowland

R&B singer Keyshia Cole performed her smash hit 'Let It Go' during her show at New York's Nokia Theatre this past Sunday (August 19th). Billed as the surprise of the night, both Missy Elliott and Lil' Kim joined her onstage to perform their song. I'm really loving the performance; Keyshia sounded great and the crowd were hyped throughout - especially when Missy and Kim came out. Great stuff.

What do you think of the performance?

Labels: Keyshia Cole, Lil Kim, Missy Elliot

It's no secret that rumors about Ne-Yo's sexuality have been circulating for a while now. The singer was asked how the rumors began in the current issue of Sister 2 Sister Magazine. Here's what he had to say:

I don’t know. To this day I’m still trying to figure it out. You know what I think it is? It’s because when you see me, when you talk to me, my mannerisms are not-I’m not that. So people see me and they don’t see something that they’re accustomed to and people feel the need to have to categorize stuff. They just can’t let it be “I don’t know what that is.” So they got to do something. He’s not rough, rugged, and raw, so he must be gay”.

Though I will never forget the lipgloss he donned for the 'Because of You' vid, he does have very valid points...

What do you think about his comments?

Labels: Ne-Yo

The 'Making The Band 4' finale is set to air this Sunday (August 26th) at 10.00pm. I've managed to catch the majority of this season since being out here in US (the show hasn't started back home yet) and think it's been great. Of the 10 finalists left, my picks for the band are:

From left to right: Brian A, Willie, Qwanell and Mike

I'm really hoping Diddy doesn't screw over whoever is picked to be in this group as he has done with so many before them; the majority of the guys this year can really 'sing sing' and are some of the best vocalists on any season the popular MTV show. Click here to check out the Bryan Michael Cox produced track that will serve as the group's first single - 'I Want You Exclusive'.

Remember you can vote for your favourite(s) - which could influence who makes the group (not sure how legit this is though lol). Click here to vote

Who do you think will make the group?

Labels: Making The Band 4

Amy Winehouse is seriously a train-wreck waiting to happen. The 'Rehab' singer and her junkie husband, Blake Fielder-Civil, got into a drug-fueled fight at a London hotel in the early hours of this morning - leaving them both bloodied and bruised. Click here to read the full story.

Labels: Amy Winehouse

Sweet Jesus, I'm done! Word has it Mya's 'Liberation' album has been delayed yet again. The CD was re-scheduled to drop on September 18th, but it's release is now listed as 'TBD' (to be decided). I'm doubting if it'll ever see the light of day - which may actually be a blessing; as sources claim it sounded a mess. Mya really isn't in a good position and hasn't been for a while. Maybe shelving this album and starting afresh wouldn't be a bad idea?

What do you think of Mya's latest push back?

Labels: Mya

Former 'Making The Band' choreographer, Laurie Ann Gibson has spoken out about her now- infamous fight with Diddy - which resulted in her being fired (or leaving - depending on who you believe) the popular MTV show. Having watched the catch-up episodes again yesterday, I definitely agree with her that the show was edited to make her look bad. The camera's were allegedly still rolling - yet all we got was mangled audio and clips of Laurie Ann acting a diva. Diddy knows he was wrong for that..

What do you think of Laurie-Ann's comments?

Labels: Laurie-Ann Gibson

Here is the *official* album cover for Keyshia Cole's sophomore effort 'Just Like You'; a previously posted cover turned out to be a promo pic. I'm actually liking this one better.

Labels: Keyshia Cole

The Screamfest tour hit New York's Madison Square Garden yesterday (August 22nd) and looked to be a great show all-round. Hip Hop showed out in a major way with Jay Z, Diddy, T.I, Kanye West and 50 Cent (you read right) appearing on stage together. Check out more pics of the event below:

Yung Joc

Ciara was joined by 50 Cent again

That first pic of 50 standing alone is priceless lol...though I'm sure it was just taken at the wrong time. Kanye and 50 onstage together is kinda suspect, but I doubt their 'chart battle' is a publicity stunt (as some will no doubt be thinking) - they were never 'beefing' (like that) to begin with. LMAO at Yung Joc - since when did rappers do strip teases?

What do you think of the pics?

Labels: 50 Cent, Ciara, Diddy, Kanye West, T.I, Yung Joc

As reported last week, Kanye West was interviewed in the current issue of Complex magazine. The 'Stronger' rapper also did a photo-shoot for his feature; I don't know what to think about these pics - they're 'different' for sure lol.

{Click pics to enalarge

What do you think of the pics?

Labels: Kanye West