In what comes as unsurprisingly surprising news (if that makes any sense), Nicole Scherzinger's serially delayed solo debut 'Her Name Is Nicole' has been pushed back to June 23rd (UK). Is there a point anymore? For real, by then it will be almost a year since the album was originally supposed to drop. You'd think the album was the hotness with the way it's still being pushed to the public. The reaction to those dreadful singles she released should serve as an indicator that not many are feeling what she has to offer as a solo artist. I say, throw in the towel (at least she tried lol) and call it a day. The Pussycat Dolls have a winning formula - she should stick with that.

Any thoughts?

It has been announced that Alicia Keys will be performing at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards on February 10th. Keys joins an already stellar line-up of performers which includes Beyonce, Rihanna, and Janet Jackson (unconfirmed).

Though I enjoyed Alicia's latest effort 'As I Am', her performance isn't one I'll be looking out for. Granted she always gives a good performance, I'm kinda left wondering what's the point - she's hit the stage at every award show for the last few months now.

Rihanna continues to up her endorsement game by becoming featuring in the now-iconic 'Got Milk' campaign. Can't hate on her hustle...or that of her label's.

In other Rihanna news, MTV.com is reporting that the 'Umbrella' singer is already at work on the follow-up to 'Good Girl Gone Bad'. I was now about to rant about how she needs to go sit down blah blah blah. Yet, it's obvious what's going on here. With her 'breakthrough' album 'Good Girl Gone Bad' having sold less than expected - especially after the monster that was 'Umbrella' - the label are gonna try squeeze out as much as they can from her marginally talented self.

Check out these new promotional pics for pop star Janet Jackson's new album 'Discipline' (due February 26th). Granted Photoshop was obviously enlisted, Janet looks great. For a split second I didn't know if these pics were from the 'janet' album days. At 41, Ms. Jackson is giving the young ones a run for their money.

This promotional pic for Kanye West's forthcoming 'Glow In The Dark' US tour was recently posted on his official blog. Though no dates were given, the pic reveals the supporting line-up, which certainly leads one to believe this will be one unmissable show. Rihanna, N.E.R.D and Lupe Fiasco have all been tapped to join the rapper on the nationwide trek. Dates should follow shortly.

The guys from Making The Band 4 - still without a name - stopped by MTV's TRL in Times Square, New York yesterday. There to promote the new season of the hit show - which began in Monday, member Mike was notably absent. Hmmm...

In this revealing interview, Grammy Award winning singer Kelly Rowland opens up to That Grape Juice about a number of issues including the highs and lows of her storied career, the forthcoming 'Ms. Kelly' re-release as well as her next album. That Grape Juice asks the questions you really want answers to. A great read, if I must say so myself :) Enjoy.

Sam: I’m here with Grammy-Award winning artist Kelly Rowland, one third of the biggest selling female group of all time Destiny’s Child.

Kelly: Wow, that’s a really cool title; nice introduction. I feel so glamorous (laughs).

Sam: Kelly, it really is an honour to finally be able to speak with you.

Kelly: Thank You.

Sam: How are you enjoying your stay here in London so far?

Kelly: I absolutely love London. I want to look for a place over here to come and camp out here for a little while. I love it. I’m really comfortable over here, I have the best fans here.

Sam: That’s great. After putting the word out on the site that we’d be interviewing you, the feedback from our readers was phenomenal. So saying that, I’m gonna fire away the questions…

Sam: Your great new single ‘Work’ is doing fantastically well here in the UK – especially the Freemasons remix. With suggestive lyrics such as ‘put it in/do it baby/do it baby’ some are a little confused about what the song is really about. Could you, please, clarify?

Kelly: (hysterical laugher) Basically, the song ‘Work’ is about the dynamic between a man and a woman – whichever you prefer. You meet somebody, you have the energy, flirting with somebody and telling them ‘In order to get a girl like me you’ve got to work, you got to put in work’. You can’t just come to me and buy me a drink and dance, maybe take me home or something like that. It’s not gonna be like that, you have to work for my attention, period, because I’m a lady (in English accent).

Sam: Indeed, you’re a lady (laughs). Ok, so upon the initial release of ‘Ms. Kelly’, ‘Work’ was a huge instant favourite among fans and general listeners as well. Many of our US readers want to know if the song is scheduled for a Stateside release?

Kelly: If they make it one in the way the UK did. The UK made ‘Work’ a great single, I have to say. I put the song out, but it’s really the fans that do everything. You know, the fans made ‘Work’ a great hit and I appreciate them for that. So if the US does the same, hey we could have something great on our hands (laughs). There’s nothing like the UK fanbase, though, I must say.

Sam: Great. We have to talk about the ‘Ms. Kelly’ re-release. Following the release of your sophomore effort ‘Ms. Kelly’ back in July last year, it’s since been announced that a revamped version of the album will be released in March this year. What’s the reason for re-releasing the project?

Kelly: I felt like the album needed a new life; so I wanted to put some new tracks on there and give it another shot, you know what I mean. So that’s exactly what I did. I recorded an amazing track with Travis McCoy from Gym Class Heroes titled ‘Daylight’ and of course the ‘Work’ Freemasons remix. It’s giving something new and different on the re-release, which is something I really wanted to do.

Sam: Is there a particular reason why a re-release of ‘Ms. Kelly’ – which I must say is my best album from last year (Kelly: Thank you) – was chosen over doing a whole new album altogether?

Kelly: Say that one more time.

Sam: Basically, was there a reason…

All: (laughter)

Sam: Was there a reason why you decided to re-release the album, as opposed to making a new album?

Kelly: You know what; I wanted to give the album another chance to be heard. I mean, I felt the first time not a lot of people knew about the album and that’s not fair to the fans, it’s not fair to me. So I wanted to make sure I released a single that would, basically, have the fans really gravitate towards the album – those who have heard it, those who haven’t heard it, those that possibly want something new as well on the release. So that’s why I made the decision.

Sam: …which is very-well understandable. Many are keen to find out what the ‘Ms. Kelly’ re-release will be serving up. Who did you work with on the new tracks?

Kelly: On the new tracks, of course the Freemasons did the remix to ‘Work’ as well as Travis McCoy on ‘Daylight’. I’m actually trying to get one more in. I’m in the studio right now and playing around here and there. I don’t know if some songs will make it or not, but I’m still working with different producers; Mark Feist, who did Destiny’s Child’s ‘Emotions’. A lot of different people.

Sam: There was something floating around about you working with Nate ‘Danja’ Hills, who did Britney’s Gimme More’. Is this correct?

Kelly: I wanna work with Danja, but Danja is really busy, he’s really busy with other artists. When he sees this, he’s gonna kill me (laughs). But I really love Danja, I’d love to work with him, he’s so talented.

Sam: Are there any track titles and/or personal favourites you could share with us from the new tracks you’ve recorded?

Kelly: From the new tracks, gosh I must say that I love them all, to be quite honest with you. There’s a song I recently did with Mark Feist that I really love. I have to say, though, that I love ‘Daylight’ with Travis. We had fun giving ‘Daylight’ (a Bobby Womack cover) a new, younger life, which was really cool; to introduce young people to some more soul and put a twist on it.

Sam: Will the original track list be preserved or will some tracks be replaced?

Kelly: Some tracks will be replaced. We are actually in the process of doing that now, piecing it together still. You want to make sure that you are making the right decisions for yourself and your fans, so that everybody’s happy.

Sam: That’s good.

Kelly: Great questions.

Sam: A lot of fans sent questions in; they were really hyped to be able to present them to you.

Kelly: Yeah, these are great questions, a lot of journalism going on. I love it.

Sam: Thank you. People want to know if there’s going to be a bonus DVD packaged with the album, perhaps, as you’ve done quite a few videos. There was the ‘Like This’ video, the ‘Ghetto’ video, I’ve seen ‘Daylight’ and ‘Work as well. Will there be a bonus DVD of sorts?

Kelly: Possibly.

Sam: Possibly

Kelly: (in posh English accent): Possibly

Sam: Possibly

Kelly: (still with English accent) Possibly

Sam: Possibly

All: (laughter)

Sam: You filmed a video for the single ‘Comeback’, right?

Kelly: Uh huh.

Sam: People really wanna know where it’s at?

Kelly: It’s so fly! I LOVE ‘Comeback’. Yeah…

Sam: Will we be seeing the video anytime soon?

Kelly: You will see the ‘Comeback’ video, on the re-release.

Sam: Of the existing tracks, the confessional ‘Still in Love with My Ex’ is the song many are hoping to be a single. Are there such plans for this?

Kelly: Yo, ya’ll have to call Sony. Make sure that whatever you want, they make it happen. First they have to, honestly, hear the fans feedback. The same way they (the fans) made ‘Work’ a big record, the fans make it happen now. Like, the artist can put out music, but look at what the fans are doing with the music industry. It’s all in their hands, so it’s really up to them. I love ‘Still In Love With my Ex’. It’s a personal confession for me, so I think that’s why it’s so close and personal to a lot of fans as well as those that, possibly, don’t even know Kelly Rowland. It’s something that really triggers and is familiar to them. I’d love for it to be a single. Anything could happen.

Sam: On ‘Ms. Kelly’ you flaunted a sassy, assertive, yet emotionally vulnerable side. What’s different with ‘Ms. Kelly’ this go round?

Kelly: For the re-release, I feel there is even more sassiness. When you think of ‘Work’, I like the fact that it was given a new life, like I said earlier. With ‘Daylight’, it brings more soul to the record, as well as the song I did with Mark Feist. It’s about me evolving as an artist and, just, trying out different things every time I put something out.

Sam: Though critically praised, ‘Ms. Kelly’s’ sales unfortunately didn’t reflect this. You’ve gone on record to say that you felt you’re label weren’t as supportive as they could have been initially; how was this so and how has it been combated this time around?

Kelly: Like I said, it takes the fans to let them see it’s a great record. They can see my passion, I think my management sees my passion, but it’s ultimately takes the label (to understand this) because they have to promote the record, they have to stand by you and be behind you. Now they are on board and everyone’s playing ball together (chuckles). So we’re all making it happen and that’s the most important thing, it’s working.

Sam: What’s your response to the calls from fans, naysayers etc that you should change labels, management etc? Because, I have to be honest with you, it’s something that is passed about quite a bit.

Kelly: It is passed about quite a bit. You know what’s so sad to me is that when people don’t know what’s going on, then they are basically entitled to their own opinion; opinions are like buttholes, everybody’s got one. The thing is, people are going to continue to say something, and they are going to continue to compare myself with Destiny’s Child, Beyonce, with Michelle, with whatever. They’ll do that forever and, of course; it’ll always be seen as what they want it to be seen as. But, you know what? Misery loves company and I don’t let miserable people bother me because I still love music, I love my family and I love everybody that I’m working with. If it needs change, then I’ll change it, when I see fit.

Sam: Great. Having experienced the ups and downs of the ever-changing music industry, what are the 3 things you see as necessary to survive in it?

Kelly: Hmm. Good people around you. I don’t keep ‘yes’ people around me; if I had a bad performance, I had a bad performance. If I was rude to somebody, I was rude to somebody and you shouldn’t act like that, you know what I mean. So it takes honest people around you. Passion. I feel like this could be taken away from me tomorrow, I’m not going to treat it like ‘Oh my God I get a number one record everyday’. That doesn’t happen. So I’m blessed to be in the position I’m in. Like when I first released the record and it didn’t do what I wanted it to do, that was also humbling. There are so many different experiences you go though that, basically, keeps your feet on the ground and I think that’s a great thing. I also think it’s something from God; I feel like this is a gift, I can’t hinder my gift at all.

Sam: The U.K. is arguably home to your most loyal fanbase, why do you think the UK is more appreciative of your music than the US?

Kelly: That’s a good question. I say, everyone’s a lot more open minded to music here. Nothing’s separated, there no ‘urban here, no pop here, this here’ Everybody listens to different types of music since they were small. At least that’s the impression I get when I talk to fans and different people who love music here. They can be like ‘Oh my God I love U2’ and in the same sentence say they love Jay-Z, that they love Coldplay or a new artist such as Adele or maybe Amy Winehouse. It’s really cool that people are open to music. Here it’s a passion, rather than a trend. Is that mean?

Sam: Nope, it’s not mean at all. It’s good that you’re being honest.

Sam: Though the ‘Ms. Kelly’ is your priority at present, have you started thinking about the direction of your next record?

Kelly: Totally. I’m just boggled right now because the sky is the limit. There are so many things I’d love to try. Like doing an album and trying out different songs, but live. Not actually recording it in the studio, but doing the song live and recording that and putting that out as an album. That would be so much fun.

Sam: So live instrumentation etc?

Kelly: Oh definitely; live instrumentation, live vocals, backgrounds, everything. Doing it with the instruments, the artist and someone that puts together music, doing it live right on the spot. I saw Timbaland with Justin Timberlake at a show and he was putting together beats, like live, and I was crying (laughs) because it was just so amazing. I love creativity, like to that point, where it just moved me to emotion. I was like, ‘I want to do something like that’. I sat home and thought ‘what can I do that will be close?’ and that would be it. To put together a whole album live, doing it in front of an audience and just make it real hot and gritty.

Sam: Any producers you’d like to work with on the next go round?

Kelly: Pharrell. I’d love to work with will.i.am. I’d LOVE to work with will.i.am. I love him. I love him and Sweetback (Sade’s band)

Sam: Moving on, do you hit up sites such as ThatGrapeJuice.net to keep yourself posted on the latest goings on in music industry?

Kelly: Sometimes. I’ve just learned that in the past when I go on blog sites not everyone is happy with themselves so they have to tear you down. So I don’t go on them anymore. I just make my own little pictures books on my computer (laughs) and learn different things to do with iMovie and I make my own little world. That’s just me, that’s what I like to do.

Sam: Just to let you know, not everybody’s hating or coming at anyone from a derogatory angle…

Kelly: No, no, I know. I just like to keep myself free from all of that. It seems like every time I wanna even look, just to get some news or anything, if I’m out of the country or whatever it is, I’m like ‘God darn it! I’m sorry, my shoe was too big’ (laughs). I know not everyone is like that, but I just like to protect myself.

Sam: Which is understandable. So, tell me a little known fact about you?

Kelly: Do people know I like to eat? (All: laughs). I love food.

Aide: We found that Thai!

Kelly: My cousin would always say ‘you don’t look like you eat as much as you do’. I’m pretty much a homebody, I don’t know if people know that. I like to pick up my nephew from school. Ermm, go the grocery store and cook. Oh and I love my Nintendo DS.

Sam: You’re obviously enjoying a lot of success this year with ‘Work’, with the upcoming re-release and whatnot, but there are also a few releases from other female heavy-weights this year– including Janet and Mariah. Whose projects are you looking forward to this year?

Kelly: I love Mariah. I really can’t wait to see what Mariah does. I was really looking forward to Alicia Keys as well and I’m definitely satisfied with the album that she brought. Janet Jackson, I can’t wait to see what she’s gonna bring.

Sam: Have you heard the ‘Feedback’ song?

Kelly: I heard ‘Feedback’; only once, but it definitely made me dance – I was in the club.

Sam: A few random bits and pieces, here. The last time you cursed somebody out?

Kelly: (laughs) (looks to aide) Was it today? I didn’t cuss you out? I’m sorry. I guess today (All: laugh). I thought you were a soldier, no pun intended (laughs).

Sam: Not sure if you’ll answer this one, but: Obama or Clinton?

Kelly: Ohh too political.

Sam: Favourite Destiny’s Child song?

Kelly: It’s from our last album, the ‘Destiny’ Fulfilled’ album, ‘Love’. I love ‘Love’, it’s so beautiful. That one, and one that goes down in history ‘Say My Name’ – that has to be one of the best tracks of all-time, if I must say so myself (laughs).

Sam: I’m sure many would agree. Your favourite Beyonce song?

Kelly: Favourite Beyonce song? Oh, ‘Flaws and All’

Sam: Favourite Michelle song?

Kelly: ‘Heart To Yours’. It’s one of the most beautiful records; I love Michelle’s voice on it and I love the production and everything. It’s just so fly and cool.

Sam: Real quick, favourite LeToya song?

Kelly: Let’s see, I liked her ‘All Eyes On Me’ record

Sam: I liked that one too.

Kelly: It was a good record.

Sam: Are there any tour plans, a live DVD? A lot of your fans want to know if you’ll be doing anything along those lines.

Kelly: I sure hope so. I’m so ready to tour; I sleep with ideas in my head. I can’t wait, that’ll be so exciting for me.

Sam: Lastly, what is your ‘Comeback’ as an artist? What makes fans comeback to Kelly Rowland?

Kelly: I think they sense I’m real, you know what I mean. I’m a real person, a real human being, a real person that loves music and they see and hear that on my records and appreciate that. I guess that’s something we identify with each other with. What you put out, you get back.

Sam: Thank you very much Kelly for your time.

Kelly: No, thank you.

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In a recent interview with Sister2Sister Magazine, actress Vivica Fox spoke on the reason why she wants to adopt a child and become a single mother:

“I haven’t met anybody that I want to be reminded of. You gotta think about that for 18 years because, more than likely, you, as a woman, you’re gonna be stuck raising the kids. Knowing me, I’d have a baby by somebody I can’t stand and he’d (baby) look just like him (boyfriend). It’d be like, ‘Damn, here you come again today…’ You don’t want to take it out on the child. I’ve gotten a little old to be walking around pregnant (but) I’d make a wonderful mom. I’m good with kids. I love kids. It’s just that (pregnancy) hasn’t happened in my life.”

Aunt Viv cracks me up. It's a shame she's still a mess though. I'm not sure I'll ever forgive her or Kim for messing their God given beauty with that all that plastic surgery. SMH...

During an interview with our friends over at SOHH, R&B songstress Keyshia Cole revealed that she is already prepping her third album for a late 2008 release:

"I'm writing down ideas now, just what I feel like the album should be about. This is the first time I've actually done that so that should be fun. They want it out by Christmas."

Cole's sophomore effort 'Just Like You' was recently certified Platinum, having sold approximately 1,028,200 in the US. I really see her star rising higher and higher.

The Official website for R&B star Ashanti unveiled the cover for her latest single 'The Way I Love You'. F-L-A-W-L-E-E-S! She really does look amazing. Word has it, she will be shooting the video for the song in the Bahamas any day from now. Ashanti's new album 'The Declaration' is due out on June 3rd.

Peep this pic of Jamie Foxx at the Pepsi STUFF launch, which took place earlier this week. Something seems a little off, but I can't put my finger on it....

The Recording Academy have announced that R&B superstar Mary J. Blige and Def Jam's Rihanna have been added to the list of performers at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards. Blige will perform with legend Aretha Franklin, the Clark Sisters, Israel And New Breed, and Trin-I-Tee 5:7 in a special gospel segment. Rihanna will take to the stage with reunited group The Time.

What can I say, the Grammy's is shaping up to be an unmissable show. With confirmed performer Beyonce rumored to be tearing down the stage with Tina Turner, as well as Janet Jackson's 'comeback' performance of 'Feeback' it will be very interesting.

It has been confirmed that Ashanti's much delayed new album 'The Declaration' has pushed back yet again. Originally set to drop late last year and then March this year, the set - the singer's fourth - will now be released on June 3rd.

Though some may be thinking 'it's Mya all over again', especially with Universal/Motown's patchy record, I think it makes sense. With the inevitable chart invasion that will be Janet (Febraury) and Mariah (April), releasing a record in that window - if you're not a guaranteed seller (sorry, Ashanti isn't at present) would be too risque IMO. 'The Way That I Love' you has been received very well, so dropping another single before releasing the LP in June might be what the label are going for. Only time will tell...

The ladies of Danity Kane appear on the cover of the March/April issue of KING magazine. I must say they are all looking on-point. But, damn, that dishcloth on D.Wood's head has got to go.

In other Danity Kane news, it has been confirmed that 'Damaged' will, indeed, be the first single to be lifted from the group's new album, the title of which has been confirmed as 'Welcome To The Dollhouse' (....hmmm). The track beat out the Danja-produced 'Pretty Boy' in the fan poll to choose the next single. The album is due out on March 18th.

US visitors, do be sure to catch the new season of Making The Band , starring Danity Kane next Monday (January 28th)

The new season of MTV's Making The Band is set to start next week Monday (January 28th). Meanwhile, new music from the still-nameless group that were formed last season has surfaced.

Produced by Mario Winans, 'Got Me Going' (the rumored first single) is smooth R&B number, with an edgy, contemporary twist. I'm really liking the vocal arrangement on this one; the way in which their voices are interlaced to create the harmonies really stands out here. Something here reminded me of vintage 112.

With a snippet of 'Together' having hit the net earlier this month, the full version of the track has surfaced. At the production helm of this gem is hit-maker Brian Michael-Cox. Put simply, the track is one of the best new songs I've heard so far this year. Great stuff.

Ne-Yo recent sat down with Essence magazine to discuss a number of things including the gay rumors that he's been dodging since debuting, as well as the recent drama with R. Kelly. Check out the extract below:

On The Gay Rumors

Honestly, when I first heard that there were rumors out there about me being gay I thought, Wow someone must really hate me. There’s nothing wrong with being gay, but I just couldn’t understand why someone would make up lies like that. I remember speaking to Jay-Z about it and he was like, ‘Look, man you haven’t made it until someone says you’re gay.”

Okay, so because I can respect a woman’s shoe game, and not to mention that I’ve bought a few pairs of shoes in the past for the women in my life, that makes me gay? That’s hilarious.”

On R. Kelly 'Beef':

I don’t hate R. Kelly. There won’t be no diss records—we don’t do that in R&B. Seriously, I looked up to R. Kelly as an artist, and still do, but I don’t have respect for him as a man. I was happy to join the tour. I’m a man, so I don’t disrespect other men. I would still be open to talk to him. But his not coming to me directly was blatant disrespect, because he didn’t even view me as someone important enough to show respect to by talking to me man-to-man. If you have issues with me, then be man enough to come to me personally, but instead he had his people do it and then they said it wasn’t him but that the promoters asked me to be removed from the tour and that’s b—sh–.

You can read the rest of the article by clicking here.

Your thoughts?

According to MTV.com, The Game and former mentor Dr Dre are to reunite on the former G-Unit rapper's new album 'LAX' - which is apparently 80% completed:

“[Dr. Dre] dropped some stuff off,” Game’s DJ Nu Jerzey Devil said. “But I’m not sure if Game did anything to them yet.” Game has been recording in Miami and Los Angeles and should be ready to release LAX this spring.

Dre joins the already impressive line-up of producers set to feature on the project, including Scott Storch and Cool & Dre. This will mark the first time The Game and Dre have worked together since the rapper's much-publicized departure from G-Unit, following the release of his debut album 'The Documentary'. Dre was noticeably absent from Game's sophomore effort, ironically titled 'Doctors Advocate' amid rumors that he had sided with 50 Cent & G-Unit.

Check out the official trailer for 'Tyler Perry's Meet The Browns' starring acclaimed actress Angela Bassett:

It has been confirmed that pop superstar Janet Jackson will be performing at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards on February 10th. Renown dancer Blake McGrath, who is part of Janet's team, revealed the news during an interview with MTV Canada, further stating that Janet is currently in rehearsals for the big show. {Source}

Janet joins the Grammy performer line-up which includes Beyonce and the Foo Fighters.

R&B singer Keyshia Cole stopped by MTV's TRL, in Times Square, New York, yesterday to promote her latest single, the ballad 'I Remember'. Cole also spoke about her role in the forthcoming MTV flick 'How She Moves'.

We all know Mariah Carey isn't one to cover up her body; and why would she? The 37 year old star looks great in this deliberately suggestive pic, snapped in the Caribbean recently. No doubt the 'We Belong Together' singer is making sure her body is on-point in the run-up to the wave of of promo that she will be doing for her forthcoming album 'That Chick' (due April 1st)

Jill Marie Jones, famed for her role as Toni Childs in CW sitcom 'Girlfriends', has finally spoken out the true reason behind her departure from the popular show in an interview with Essence. It marks the first time the actress has addressed the issue since leaving the show two years ago. Below are extracts from the interview:

Rapper Lil' Kim has officially parted ways with longtime label, Atlantic Records, according to Billboard.com. The pint-sized star plans to release her next album independently. Check out part of their report below:

On DJ Kay Slay's Sirius Satellite Radio show "Streetsweeper Radio" last week, Kim shared that she harbors no ill feelings toward Atlantic. She said she was afraid to release her music independently several years ago but is now more comfortable in her knowledge of the music business to work her project.

It's rumored that the MC will join Capitol Music Group's independent arm, Imperial Records, however Kim's management was unavailable for comment. Fat Joe is also signed to Imperial.

Lil Kim's upcoming album, which was originally slated for February, is now tentatively set for April or May 2008.

Kim's Atlantic swan song, 2005's "The Naked Truth," has sold 394,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

I was kinda surprised by this, simply because I thought Kim had left Atlantic soon after being release from jail in 2006. An increasing number of artists are opting for the independent route, with varying levels of success. It'll be interesting to see how things pan out for The Queen Bee.

Any thoughts?

It is with much excitement that I can confirm that That Grape Juice will be interviewing R&B star Kelly Rowland in Central London on Thursday. The interview has actually been something that's been in the pipeline for several months now, so I'm real glad it's come to fruition. With Kelly being a prominent feature on the site, I'm sure you have questions you'd want answered, so please do drop them in the comments section (as usual, only legit/reasonable questions will be considered). Thanks guys.

The on-off rumors about the supposed 'beef' between G-Unit members 50 Cent and Young Buck have been rife for several months now. Buck addressed the issue during an interview with our friends over at SOHH. Here's an extract:

With the rapper noticeably missing from overseas tour dates with the Unit, people have speculated on his relationship with G-Unit boss 50 Cent. Buck says that while the relationship has changed, he wouldn't call it beef.

"I wouldn't say that the relationship has deteriorated, " he explained. "At the end of the day, I been over here getting money and establishing me. My relationship with 50, it is what it is. 50's becoming bigger by the day."

"We don't communicate as much as we used to, but that's cool because I'm not the type of artist that's gonna wait for the CEO to make a move for me," he continued. "I respect 50 to the utmost. Even though at times to the world it seems like 50 ain't down with me, I still stay loyal to the n*gga because he put me in this position. It's just he's more focused on 50 more than anybody. Everybody wonders, what's up with Buck and Fif? He's a business man. He gets the final word and makes the [business] decisions for G-Unit. Anything outside of that, you gotta ask 50 about."

UK newspaper The Sun has published exclusive pictures of trainwreck-in-waiting, Amy Winehouse, taking a cocktail of drugs -including cocaine - whilst at a party last Friday (January 18th). The paper also reports the 'Rehab' singer snorted powdered ecstasy, as well admitting to taking six Valium pills to “bring myself down". Check out the rest of the pics below (you can watch the video by clicking here):

The producer behind Leona Lewis' monster hit 'Bleeding Love', Ryan Tedder, has stated that there is a 'strong possbility' that he'll be working on the much-anticipated debut album by 'Dreamgirls' Jennifer Hudson. This comes on the heels, interestingly, of Tedder's confirmation that J Records label head Clive Davis is taking the album in a new direction - one consistant of "high-energy, beat-driven material with soulful hooks." Here what he had to say about the project:

They made half an album and ended up scrapping it. Clive — wisely, I think — said, 'No one's going to buy this. We're trying to turn her into Aretha Franklin, and that's not realistic. They scrapped a bunch of songs and started fresh".

"I heard a Timbland song that was by far the best song she's done. I do wish, and I know the label wishes, that this album had come out six months ago. But Clive's smart. He didn't want to just put out a crap album just because of the momentum" {Source}

It kinda figures. Considering it's been so long since 'Dreamgirls' came out, it was obvious something was up with the project. Still, it's good to see that Clive is making sure Jennifer delivers the best album possible. I'm real amped about Timbaland's contribution to the album...it'll be interesting to see what they come up with

According to Access Hollywood, R&B star Usher's father, Usher Raymond III, passed away in an Atlanta hospital on this past Friday (January 19th). As of writing, the cause of death is unknown. Funeral arrangements are set to be announced shortly {Source}

It's been well-documented that Usher's father was not much of a feature in the singer's life. Having walked out on Usher's mother, Jonetta Patton, soon after the singer was born, it wasn't until 2004 that Usher decided to strike up a relationship with him. I guess, despite the unfortunate nature of what's happened, it's good Usher was able to establish a relationship of sorts with his dad prior to his death.

The release date for the re-release Kelly Rowland's 'Ms. Kelly' album was confirmed on BBC Radio 1 yesterday during their chart countdown. A re-vamped version of Rowland's sophomore effort will hit stores, in the UK, on March 10th. Her new single 'Daylight' will feature on the set, as well as production from the likes of JR Rotem ('S.O.S') and Nate 'Danja' Hills ('Gimme More'). Also included will be the Freemasons remix to current UK single 'Work', which is performing fantastically well over here The single debuted at #31 on the Official Singles chart -prior to it's official release today.

Be on the lookout for the first televised performance of 'Work' this week, when Kelly stops by daytime show This Morning here in London on Thursday. What's more, fans hoping to see Kelly can catch her at the London Astoria on January 26th, where she is to perform a live set.

I'm kinda on the fence about the idea of the re-release; a whole new album sounds better to me, but oh well. The Danja track(s) is something I'm particularly looking forward to.

Your thoughts?

It's been a short while since the last 'From The Vault' posting, but it's back this week in the form of ATL's 'Make It Up With Love' video. Released back in 2004, I remember playing this song over and over. In a time when B2K were ruling (I'm using the term very loosely) the charts with their cookie-cutter songs, it was real refreshing seeing a group of same-aged teens, who were all vocally talented, putting out great music. Check out the video - see if you can spot a certain 'Goodies' singer:

After the hysteria that ensued following Raz-B's shocking molestation claims (and the subsequent retraction of them), I thought that spelled the end of the B2K reality show/re-launch. It appears I was mistaken ,as yet another preview for the show hit the net recently. Check it out:

St. Louis rapper Nelly has teamed up with Fergie for his latest single 'Party People'. According to AllAccess.com {Credit: Kevipod}, the single is set to officially hit airwaves on February 19th and will serve as the 'official' first single from Nelly's 'Brass Knuckles' album. Originally set for release back in November last year, the album was withdrawn from release schedules after the lead single (which will probably be labelled a 'buzz' single now) 'Wadsyaname' tanked. 'Brass Knuckles' is now set for release on June 24th.

Are you checking for Nelly // Your thoughts on the Fergie collabo?

R&B singer Brandy was snapped by the paparazzi whilst shopping in Los Angeles on Thursday. Hmmm......

Comedian and radio personality Steve Harvey sports a new look on the cover of the latest issue of JET magazine. The 'Original Kings Of Comedy' star, who turns 51 next Thursday, is kicking off a campaign called '50 & Fly'; his feature in the magazine explains the campaign, as well as what inspired his new look. A tidbit, word has it, Steve's famed high-top, was a hair piece all along!

Matthew Knowles released a statement yesterday confirming that Beyonce will, in fact, be performing at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards, which will be held Los Angeles on February 10th.

After a string of poorly selling albums, Christina Milian was unceremoniously dropped from Def Jam back in 2006. Over the past year, Milian has maintained that she was in serious negotiation with another label - whilst working on her new album, yet she remained tight lipped on who exactly they were. It has now been revealed that the 'Dip It Low' singer has signed up to MySpace's new label (which is in partnership with Interscope Records). Like myself, initially, I'm sure some of you are thinking 'MySpace...wtf?' However, who knows; the label is a new venture for the company and with Milian on board from the onset, it could really be a good look for her. {Source}

Here's hoping she delivers an album that is worth anyones money this time around, because that 'So Amazin' LP was straight garbage (IMO 'It's About Time' is her only solid effort). Producers on the as-yet-untitled CD include, among others, her boyfriend Dre of Cool & Dre, Nate 'Danja' Hills, Ryan 'Alias' Tedder and Evan 'Kidd' Bogart.

With the new season of Making The Band set to kick off in a couple of weeks, Danity Kane are giving the public the opportunity to pick their new single. You can listen both tracks, 'Damaged' and 'Pretty Boy' below and follow the link to cast your vote. I, personally, went for the Danja produced 'Pretty Boy'. The uptempo track does a good job of encapsulating the group's Pop/R&B sound with Danja's trademark Hip-House sound that seems to be all the rage these days. What's more, the girl's are doing different things with their voices - in terms of vocal arrangement, the hook etc. Great track. Not really feeling 'Damaged'.

It has been confirmed that teen R&B star Chris Brown is to release 'Picture Perfect' as the next single from his current album 'Exclusive'. Though I think the will.i.am produced track is pretty solid, I'm kinda baffled as to why he/the label are overlooking better tracks as singles such as 'You'. Still, I'm sure Chris' CD will continue to shift units well into the year; since dropping 'Exclusive' back in November, the album has sold through a very impressive 1,121,800 copies according to Nielsen SoundScan. Anyway, you can check out the single - of which a remix featuring Bow Wow and Hurricane Chris will debut soon - below. {Source}

The above pic is supposedly the cover of Mariah Carey's forthcoming album 'That Chick' (due in April). Though some may complain that she's whipped off the clothes yet again, I think the cover looks great - tasteful. My only gripe is that terrible album title; aside from being...well...rubbish... it seems totally mismatched with the the cover itself.

Actress/singer/rapper Queen Latifah has hit out at the mounting level of negative press she's been receiving as of late.