Webmaster: Sam About Me: Urban Pop Culture Enthusiast From: London, United Kingdom Site Since: February 2007 Current Version: 5.1 Email:sam@thatgrapejuice.net Additional:
That Grape Juice aims to be a reliable source for all that is Urban Pop Culture. False information will never deliberately be posted on this site. By posting news, rumors etc, we are in no way stating that they are 100% accurate. Much of what is written will be from my own perspective, which I am damn well entitled to have! I do not own the rights to any of the pictures posted on here; if there are any problems with me using them, please do get in contact.
Heavily pregnant R&B star Kelis, today, filed for divorce from husband of 4 years, rapper Nas. Peep the report below:
Kelis isn't whipping up anymore milkshakes for Nas.
The pregnant R&B songstress is looking to divorce her hip-hop star hubby of more than four years, E! News confirmed Thursday.
"I can confirm that she has filed for divorce," said a rep for Kelis, whose full name is Kelis Rogers-Jones. "We request the media to respect her privacy during this very difficult time."
She and Nas (full name Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones) tied the knot Jan. 8, 2005, in Atlanta after a two-year engagement. The pair are expecting their first child together—a son—this summer. Nas has a teenage daughter from a previous relationship. {Source}
WOW! I can't say I saw this one coming. After being together for so long (in Hollywood years, of course), I really saw these two as the standard-bearers of how industry relationships can stand the test of time. I'm definitely anticipating the reasons for the divorce; I can only imagine it'll be some drama...
During Rihanna's most recent return to Barbados this past weekend, the 21 year old joined Beenie Man onstage at the 'Reggae On The Hill' music festival.
While giving a rendition of Ms. Fenty's 'Umbrella', the dancehall legend switched up the lyrics, and took aim at Chris Brown, singing:
“Me no have no fancy car, but me nah give you no scar”
Is it wrong to find this just a tad funny?! LOL. That said, it must not have been that comfortable of a situation for Rihanna who, after waving to the crowd for a bit, walked off the stage - seemingly ignoring Beenie Man's requests to come back on. Ouch...
There really seems to be no holding back Lil' Kim on Dancing With The Stars! After a not-so-impressive showing on last week's show, Kim bounced back this week achieving the top score of the night for her and dance partner Derek Hough's performance of the Paso Doble. More power to her.
With the UK release of Beyonce's #1 box office smash 'Obsessed' set for May 29th, we here at That Grape Juice would love to know what those who have seen the movie think of it.
How was Beyonce's performance? The plot? Worth seeing? Drop a your views in the comments section...
Eminem is hitting the promo rounds in support of his first album in 5 years, 'Relapse' (due May 19th). The rapper, real name Marshall Mathers, features on the cover of the latest issue of VIBE magazine. Check it out above.
During her recent UK promotional trip, Ciara revealed that she is actively seeking a duet with icon Janet Jackson:
R&B star Ciara has revealed that she is hoping to arrange a duet with Janet Jackson in the future.
The singer confirmed that a project with Jackson is at the top of her wishlist following the success of 'Love Sex Magic', her recent collaboration with Justin Timberlake.
"My dream is to collaborate with Janet Jackson. She was my big idol growing up," Ciara told the Daily Star.
"JJ is amazing and, no matter what, you can't forget what she has contributed to American music. Janet is truly an icon. She was the only person I listened to as a kid, along with her big bro Michael." {Source}
This is one collaboration I'd definitely be checking for and one I'm sure many would want to see. I'm actually salivating at the prospect of what I'm pretty sure would be an uptempo duet (imagine the choreography!). Either way, it's good to see Ciara giving props where props are due.
Our girl Kelly Rowland stopped by Fox LA yesterday to promote her new fashion show, aptly titled 'The Fashion Show', which begins airing on Bravo (US) in May 7th. Kelly serves as both the host and one of judges on the show, which is billed as the successor to Project Runway. More power to her.
Reports are circulating that the UK's top girl group, the Sugababes have signed a US deal with Jay-Z's Roc-A-Fella:
Sugababes have signed a contract with Jay-Z's US label Roc-A-Fella, it has emerged.
The trio, who finalised the deal at London restaurant Nobu last month, will still be under contract with major label Island Records, as part of their UK deal, but will start working with a new team.
The group fly out to Los Angeles today to start work on their seventh album and will be recording with producers behind some of Rihanna and Beyoncé's most successful singles. {Source}
Kudsos to them for landing a US deal! When honestly thinking of which mainstream UK acts could make an impact Stateside, I've always seen the ladies as capable. With their unique image, and obvious talent, I feel as though they will be able to stand-out in the crowded market that is the music industry. That said, it could end up like many UK acts that have tried their hand at US success - aka epic fail. However, let's hope it's otherwise.
Tidbit: Peep the ladies take on EnVogue's 'Don't Let Go' on tour last year by clicking here. Good stuff!
Amid rumors that lead (and only) singer Nicole Scherzinger is set to leave the Pussycat Dolls soon, hence why the group's latest singles are being officially billed as 'Pussycat Dolls (ft. Nicole Scherzinger)', tensions appeared to come to an all-time high during the group's recent show in Phoenix, Arizona.
When it came to Melody's turn to introduce herself to the audience (Melody being the darker skinned member, who can *sang*), the 24 year old proceeded to thank her fans for supporting her, even though she's 'never featured on any songs' (her exact words, not mine) LMAO. Further adding, that she and Ashely Roberts (the long-haired blond, who can also hold a note) were examples of 'never giving up on your dream' and that 'don't let anyone put you down'. My girl sounded heated. This was then followed by Nicole screaming 'say Nicole' several times over. LOL.
Regardless of what they or their PR will say, there is clearly drama behind the scenes - and rightfully so. It's beyond pathetic, IMO, that a voice such as Melody's should sit wasted, regardless of whether Nicole was always meant to be the 'star' or not. After digging up this 2006 Blender magazine quote from Melody, I can't help but think after 4 years she's feeling the same thing:
How did you feel when they told you Nicole was going to be the lead singer?
How can I put it? I have an idea of what I want out of this, and I think that it’ll definitely come. I’m biding my time. Whether they want to admit it or not, we all see this as a springboard for something else. Some girls have said, “It’s my dream to be in a pop group,” and I’m like, “OK, because I want to be Mariah Carey.”
Gotta love the 'realness'. It's just a shame that the labels and teams which surround a lot of these groups fail to see the benefit of shining the light on more than one person. The music industry is a business, and as with any business it's about making money. Surely, by promoting more than one talent in a group scenario, the group's profile is made even bigger and more money is to be made via solo projects? Industry politics. Tut.
Our friends over at SOHH caught up with former Danity Kane member Dawn Richard backstage at last night's Making The Band 4 finale. The singer-songwriter spoke on her new short hair do and the inspiration behind it, working on Diddy's new album 'Last Train To Paris' as part of a new group called Dirty Money, which consists of herself, Diddy and another singer-songwriter called Keleena.
The album is pretty much seeming like some kind of concept record, as Dawn maintains the group will be featured on all the tracks in some capacity - yet the album is still Diddy's (???). Sounds interesting...
As some of you may know, we announced last month that you can now follow That Grape Juice on Twitter! Adding to the ever-expanding ways to be apart of the That Grape Juice community, our Twitter page allows you to receive up-to-the-minute updates about the latest posts on the site as well as what's happening in the Urban Pop Culture world more generally.
What's more, you'll be able to keep up with me, 'Sam', while I'm on-the-go. I'll be making use of Twitter's cool SMS feature which allows me to let you guys know what I'm up to via my mobile/cell. That mean everything from checking in with you guys while on location at an artist interview to complete randomness from the wackiness that is 'my world'. So what are you waiting for...
Beyonce stopped by The Today Show earlier today to perform her current single 'Halo'. Put simply, awesome performance - much better than her 'Letterman' showing earlier this week. Everything from her energy, to her adlibs and riffs, to her outstanding vocal delivery were on-point.
Tidbit: Beyonce's new movie 'Obsessed' hits theatres in the US today. The movie also stars Idris Elba and Ali Larter. Will you be going to see it?
With the release of Ciara's 3rd studio LP 'Fantasy Ride' drawing ever nearer (May 5th), the singer launched her video diary series 'Fantasy Ride Webisodes' today. In the first episode, we see Ciara rehearsing choreography for her promo tour, singing several new cuts acapella (including 'Like A Surgeon' and 'Never Ever') and much more. A very interesting watch I must say.
Tidbit: I guess this will silence those who question Ms. Harris' vocal ability. That said, truth be told, she has come a long a** way vocally compared to when she first came out.
The finale (and rumored last ever) episode of Making The Band 4 aired last night. Hosted by MTV's Sway, the night saw the former members of Danity Kane (sans Aundrea) come back together to discuss the demise of the chart-topping group.
While I'm cautious about taking sides, I will say this made great television! You could cut the tension with a knife; the bitchiness levels were off the Richter. Besides the back and forths between Aubrey, Dawn, D. Woods (Shannon, as ever, seemed to take a backseat to it all), just watching their body language (and seating arrangement - notice how it changes after the commercial), made it all the more evident that there are still issues between the ladies. A shame, as they, IMO, were one of the most promising collectives to emerge on the music scene in a long while. It'll be interesting to see how the future plays out for all five ladies...
Regular readers of That Grape Juice will know that I'm none-too-fond of the current dynamic of The Pussycat Dolls; IMO the one-singer/nameless back-up dancers/'singers' format is not the business. After all in you're in a singing group, surely you should be able and given the platform to...erm...actually sing!
While PCD's team etc seem to be slow to hipping to the fact that people aren't feeling the 'Nicole & Co' set-up (See: 'Doll Domination' sales), they do seem to understand that we do want to hear what the other girls are working with. So, on the ladies recent European tour, each 'other' member (basically everyone but Nicole) got to perform a cut solo (their solo cuts from the 'Doll Domination: Deluxe' edition). Peep the professional clip from this January's Glasgow, Scotland show to see all 4 of the other girls perform:
After watching this, it's kinda easy to see why some of the other ladies aren't singing lead (aside from Melody, as she actually nailed her performance. Did you check the whistle note?). However, the odd line to sing here and there for the other ladies would not go amiss. Hearing Ms. Scherzinger on every single track is beyond jarring IMO and is probably the reason her solo album is still sitting somewhere unreleased. Equality, people, equality.
Rapper Lil' Kim delivered her first performance on Dancing With The Stars, which didn't impress the judges all that much - with one labelling it 'underwhelming'. That said, the pint sized star, who performed the Rumba with dance partner Derek Hough, still got a pretty decent score from the judges. For what it's worth, I liked it :S
*Update* Interview now slated for later this week. You can still submit questions!
R&B star Keri Hilson hits London tomorrow for her promo tour, and I've just received word from her label that we have confirmed phone time with her late tomorrow afternoon (London time). Short notice, I know; however, as usual, I'm throwing it to you guys to submit any questions you may have for the talented singer-song-writer in the comments section below. As usual, only legitimate questions will be considered. Thanks guys :-)
*Please note, as I'm sure you are aware of already, plans can change at any given time. However, at present, all systems are go... *
Superstar Beyonce stopped by The Late Show With David Letterman last night, chatting it up with the talk show veteran about her 115 date 'I Am...' world-tour, singing for the Obama's, Jay-z, sticking up for Solange, her new movie 'Obsessed' and more. Bouncy also performed current single 'Halo' also. Check it out below:
Great interview! It's refreshing to see a more relaxed, less-media-robot Beyonce in interviews these days; it certainly helps makes her more relatable.
About the performance, hmmm...something about these 'Halo' live performances aren't really rocking my world. While, as ever, there's no flaws with the vocals, something about her delivery live on the track - which I can't put my finger on - doesn't do it for me....
The official radio/Pop version of David Guetta's new Kelly Rowland assisted single 'When Love Takes Over' finally surfaced today. For the last few months, several remixes of the cut have been floating around the net.
About the track, I'm liking it a lot. Granted the Dance/House production isn't my usual listening preference, Kelly's vocal delivery (singing full voice) really makes this one a winner. Raw, impassioned and believable, Ms. Kelly shines on this one more so than I've heard from her before. Great catchy track, which I envision being a success here in Europe.
Tidbit: Kelly is set to record the video for the clip with David shortly.
You can now preview Ciara's hotly anticipated 3rd studio album 'Fantasy Ride' (due May 5th) over at Amazon.com. Say what you want, but the album is sounding like the business IMO. Judging by the clips, stand-outs (of the tracks that haven't 'surfaced' in their entirety online) include 'Tell Me What Your Name Is' and 'Like A Surgeon'...
Central London was brought to a stand still this afternoon as 100 Beyonce impersonators launched into the now iconic 'Single Ladies' routine in Picadilly Circus. The spectacle was used to promote Bey's Trident Gum sponsored free concert here in London at the 02 in November. To be in with a chance of snagging a pair of tickets from the 13,000 available, all you have to do is buy a pack of Trident Gum. Competition is open to UK residents only.
Probably one of the best promotional efforts I've seen or heard of in a while. It'd be awesome if labels, marketing teams etc dabbled in such unconventional advertising more often. Great stuff.
The Pussycat Dolls (aka Nicole and 'the others') stopped by The Ellen Degeneres Show to perform their current single 'Jai Ho' recently. While the song has grown on me considerably, the 'sameyness' of the group's dynamic continues to jarr me. It's like damn, give one of the other chicks a chance to say something...anything...'hey mom'...something!!!
In all fairness to Nicole, I doubt she has much say as to who sings what (although I could be wrong); it's most likely the team/producers behind them. Yet surely they should know by now what the masses are calling for - to hear Melody and co sing (and for them to produce better material ala the first album). I mean, if you watched the performance closely, the other girls (whose names I'd bet good money you don't know) barely, if at all, hold the mics to their mouths.
Baring all of this in mind, it does kinda make one think about the whole 'only one person singing' in a group debate. For years many have argued about the unfairness of a group (usually female) only having one lead; however increasingly I'm finding more people saying 'shoot, I'd fall to the background. After all it's a cheque at the end of the day'. That said, and I know this is kinda random, but would you rather...
a) Be in a group that gave each member some kind of shine
or
b) Fall back, keep quiet and accept the money for essentially being a nameless face in the background?
Since hitting the US this month, Alexandra Burke has been keeping her Twitter followers informed about the progress of her album and US experience:
Alexandra Burke has been introduced to a host of top US music producers as she starts work on her debut album.
The X Factor winner flew out to America earlier this month and has since met with Timbaland, Red One and Jay-Z.
Writing on her Twitter page, Burke suggested that a track with Stargate, who have previously worked with Rihanna and Leona Lewis, could be her next single.
"Oh my oh my! This song is the ONE!! Stargate man... U Guys are just amazing!" she wrote.
The 20-year-old fuelled speculation that she would be pairing up for a duet with Beyoncé after confirming that they had met up.
"Oh my GOD I just met Beyoncé again!! And this time I didn't cry!! She listened to my songs!! My heart is racing," she added. {Source}
It's kinda hard to not share in Alexandra's excitement for this record; the growing producers list has me salivating at the prospects of what the album could be - a winner. Let's hope so...
The British version of America's Got Talent, the aptly titled Britain's Got Talent, is currently underway and making headlines across the globe. While the last couple of weeks has seen a star born in Susan Boyle (Youtube), the most recent episode of the show saw 12 year old Shaheen become a favourite. Peep the video below to see what went down:
Amazing performance! Mind you, Simon's random interjection and the OTT editing, kinda has me thinking it may be a little suspect (which reality-esq shows aren't these days?). That said, the boy can 'saaannggg' LOL. His runs and riffs sound on par if not better than some of the artists dominating the charts now. Here's hoping he goes far...{Thanks Ashley F!}
Woman of the moment, Lady GaGa is currently here in London promoting her current single 'Poker Face' (which has already hit #1 here and just about everywhere else). She stopped by the Jonathan Ross Show last night on BBC to perform the song, which you can watch above.
As much as I like her, there's no denying that performance was the hottest of messes. Knowing that she's a capable (and pretty decent) live singer, this shout-fest was not the business. Not at all. What's more, and I say this very cautiously, my girl seemed like she was on that 'good stuff'; not during the performance alone, but also during her interview, which you can watch by clicking here. SMH...
Check out a lengthy snippet of the official lead single from Christina Milian's forthcoming album 'Elope', The-Dream penned 'Zipper' above.
WOW! Christina is coming hard this go round. I feel no way in saying this is hands-down the best thing she's dropped since 'Dip It Low'. The beat is the hotness, while Christina is actually singing full voice on the hook. Great, great track.
Jennifer Hudson's joint tour with Robin Thicke rolled into Atlanta last night. The Grammy and Oscar winner was joined by the legendary Jennifer Holliday during 'And I Am Telling You', with the pair shutting it all the way down (I love me some church wailing and Ms. Holliday's priceless facial expressions!). A-mazing performance. {Thanks Kisha!}
Solange has stayed promoting her sophomore effort 'Sol-Angel & The Hadley Street Dreams' since it's release last August, last night taking a break from her tour with Estelle to perform current single 'T.O.N.Y' on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon.
Last night saw the airing of part 1 of the 2 part finale of the current (and rumored 'last ever') season of Making The Band 4. Peep the video above to see what the fate of Danity Kane revealed...
That said, I'm still waiting for next week's 'live show', when all 5 girls come back, before I cast any final judgements, as it's evident we are all nicely being put on the edge of our seats with PR spin and clever editing. 'It's not over till it's over', right?
Check out Teairra Mari's collaboration with former Def Jam label mate Kanye West 'Diamonds'. The airy mid-tempo cut, which is set to feature on Mari's sophomore LP 'At This Point', was originally recorded by Christina Milian for her scrapped 'Dream In Color' album (now named 'Elope').
MTV recently caught up with the youngest of the Knowles clan, Solange, who shed some light on a possible collaboration with big sister Beyonce:
Now that Solange Knowles has cleared up rumors that she was dropped from her record label, she can begin work on her follow up to Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams. On this next album, will the world can finally get a duet between Solange and her superstar sister, Beyoncé?
“I definitely think that they’ll be a time and a place for me and my sister to collaborate,” Solange told MTV News. “It’s just all about the time and the place and letting it evolve naturally — and whenever that day happens well embrace it we’ll come up with something good.
When Beyoncé and Solange aren't busy with their careers — or trying to figure out when to get in the studio together — the girls do manage to find some time to talk about, well, music. B loves to learn about new music from her little sister. "I play a lot of new music for her, 'cause obviously she works a lot," she said. "I get the chance to introduce new music to her and that's always fun. It's sort of our little bond through music — exploring new artists."
Sisters or otherwise, with both ladies being as talented as they are, a collabo would be hot.
After 3 months of musical inactivity, for reasons we're all more than aware of (See: Chris Brown), Rihanna is set to hit return to the stage in Dubai next month:
Rihanna is set for her comeback. The “Disturbia” star’s first performance since her altercation with Chris Brown will be a May 28 concert in Dubai, E! News confirms.
“There will be over 25,000 tickets available,” says Mary Rachelle Cherpak, a spokeswoman for Dubai Tourism. “They will be going on sale in the next couple of days.”
Though the location is still TBD, she says it will most likely be a designer outdoor venue.
Says Cherpak: “Normally they create a special stage in the desert for these events.”
Rihanna had been scheduled to perform at the Grammys on Feb. 8, but she canceled just before the ceremony following the incident with Brown. Her last concert was Jan. 29 in Los Angeles. {Source}
While I commend Ms. Fenty for getting back to her business, I can't say the prospect of her performing excites me in the slightest (See: Pig Squealing, Plank of Wood, etc).
According to our friends over at Singers Room, Brandy will be returning to the television circuit this year:
R&B singer and former Moesha star Brandy has jumped on board ABC's forthcoming series "This Little Piggy" !
Centered around a family man who's forced to take in his younger brother and sister when times get tough, "This Little Piggy" will feature Brandy as the "high maintenance wife" of the younger brother played by Jeff Davis.
Planned for pilot presentation during the 2009-2010 season, "This Little Piggy" comes from writers Steven Cragg and Brian Bradley (Mad TV).
"Piggy" marks Brandy's first scripted television role since an appearance on the UPN show "One On One".
Brandy made her television debut on the 1993-1994 series "Thea" as Danesha Turrell and went on to achieve her greatest television success with 'Moesha'.
This is definitely a good look for Brandy IMO. Next to everyone watched and loved Moesha, so a return to the world of sitcom seems like a sure-fit. {Thanks Tony and Demetrius!}
American Idol winner Fantasia has finalised a deal with VH1 to air her own reality show:
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Former "American Idol" star Fantasia Barrino will return to reality television in a new unscripted series on VH1.
The nine-time Grammy nominee has received a series commitment from the network for a show, as yet untitled, that will premiere in early 2010.
The project will chronicle Fantasia's life as a recording artist (recording her new album) and young single mother.
The North Carolinian rose to fame as the winner of the third season of "Idol" and has gone on to a successful career as a recording artist. Her autobiography, "Life Is Not a Fairy Tale," led to a Lifetime movie in which she played herself. {Source}
More power to her! I've been eagerly awaiting Ms. Barrino's new LP for the longest time, so it'll be great seeing the process of the album's development.
R&B star Ciara was the feature guest on last night's episode of America's Next Top Model on the CW. Ms. Harris surprised the aspiring models at their 'house', with them engaging in a photoshoot with her later. Peep part 1 above and part 2 below:
It's a shame about where the video cuts! Anyways, Ciara looked great.
Oscar and Grammy winner Jennifer Hudson is currently on tour in the US with R&B crooner Robin Thicke. The pair's most recent stop was at New York's WaMu Theatre in Madison Squared Garden. You can watch some of Jennifer's set below:
Awesome performances! It goes to show why, as I've said many a time, Jennifer is one of the premier talents of today. Sans the dancers, stage theatrics and other enhancements / distractions, Jennifer still manages to be a force on stage.
As some of you may know, we announced last month that you can now follow That Grape Juice on Twitter! Adding to the ever-expanding ways to be apart of the That Grape Juice community, our Twitter page allows you to receive up-to-the-minute updates about the latest posts on the site as well as what's happening in the Urban Pop Culture world more generally.
What's more, you'll be able to keep up with me, 'Sam', while I'm on-the-go. I'll be making use of Twitter's cool SMS feature which allows me to let you guys know what I'm up to via my mobile/cell. That mean everything from checking in with you guys while on location at an artist interview to complete randomness from the wackiness that is 'my world'. So what are you waiting for...
As expected with such shows, Making The Band 4 has saved the best for the last; the press release we have received about the season's finale has stated that the all five of the original members of Danity Kane will be present. Check it out below, as well as info on Day26 and Donnie:
MTV GIVES CLOSURE TO FANS WITH 'MAKING THE BAND 4: THE FINAL CHAPTER' A two-part SEASON FINALE EVENT BEGINS THURSDAY, APRIL 16th AT 9PM ET/PT AND CONTINUES APRIL 23rd 9PM ET/PT
Special Appearances By Sean 'Diddy' Combs, Day26, Donnie Klang and Danity Kane Share the Same Stage for the First Time Since Their Break-Up
New York – April 14, 2009 – MTV will air a two-part season finale of hit series "Making the Band 4" beginning Thursday, April 16th at 9pm ET/PT and ending with special event "Making the Band 4: The Final Chapter" to air Thursday, April 23rd at 9pm ET/PT. In part one, viewers will watch as Dawn and Andrea find out if they will continue their career as Bad Boy artists, when Sean 'Diddy' Combs reveals the fate of Danity Kane. Day26 is faced with the dilemma of moving forward even if it means that they will do so without their band mate Q. The drama culminates on April 23rd as MTV Correspondent Sway Calloway hosts part two: a special finale event. Day26 will also perform songs from their sophomore album.
The finale event will event will give viewers a chance to reflect on the most talked about moments from this season -- from the separation of Danity Kane to tumultuous road taken by Day26 to complete their new album. Viewers will also watch as members of Danity Kane come together for the first time since their separation to speak directly to their fans. Donnie Klang will update fans with details about the next stage of his career.
This ought to be real, real interesting. While I'm completely thrown as to what is currently the genuine 'reality of Danity Kane' (good PR spin by all involved), I'm definitely hoping the ladies patch things up, if only just for the sake of their fans. That said, the wording of the press release has me thinking Dawn and Aundrea may be in line for their own Bad Boy solo careers. Whatever the case, it's all speculation at the moment. Roll on the finale(s)...
Tidbit: Peep a behind the scenes look at Aubrey's 'Make-Under' for US Magazine below:
Adrienne Bailon, formerly of 3LW and the Cheetah Girls, recently sat down with Hot 97's Angie Martinez to discuss her time with both groups, her new solo deal with Island Def Jam, the 'adult pictures' which almost ended her career and more. A pretty interesting interview, one in which Adrienne comes across really well.
In news that will no doubt disappoint LeToya Luckett fans, her much anticipated sophmore LP 'Lady Love' has been pushed back from it's May release to June 23rd. The album, which is set to drop via Capital Records, has already been slated to drop on several different dates prior to now. Here's hoping this one sticks. {Source}
The album's delay seems to be down to strategic reasons (i.e. create space for the release of two singles etc), hence LeToya's promo schedule is looking a little different at the minute. Therefore, our interview with Ms. Luckett has also been pushed back a little. It's coming real soon; I'll be sure to keep you guys posted!
Meanwhile, check out two new clips from 'Lady Love', the LP's 2nd single 'Regret' (produced by Tank) and 'Matter' (produced Warren Field Oaker), by clicking below:
Black Eyed Peas front-woman Fergie performed the US National Anthem at the Obama's first White House Easter Egg Roll event this past extended weekend. Hit play to hear the atrociousness of a performance. It really should go without saying: some people should just not touch certain songs. Awful.
Lil' Kim is still on fire on Dancing With The Stars; the feisty rapper and dance partner Derek Hough performed The Jive this week, earning Kim the highest score of the night (and her personal top score). Go Kim!
Following the dismal sales of Bow Wow's most recent LP 'New Jack City II' (31, 000 copies to be exact), the rapper has decided to hold true to his earlier promise to hang up the mic:
Shad had me cracking all the way up! If this wasn't a video full of excuses, I really don't know what is. Your album belly-flops on the charts and now, all of a sudden, you've 'donedidit' all and moving on from Hip-Hop LMAO. Blunt as it may sound, I'm pretty sure Hip-Hop stopped caring about Bow Wow a long time ago.
The phrase 'it's about quality, not quantity' comes to mind during this obvious 'save face' of a clip; of Bow's 7 albums, how many do you actually have? What's more, how many were actually any good? I will say, though, Mr Moss, is very smart, as, without being overly pessimistic or hard on the boy, after those sales I can't see his label holding onto him for too long. It's looking very much like a 'retire, before I get my behind dropped!'
That Grape Juice wishes you all a very Happy Easter. I hope you're enjoying the day with your mostest and closest lol...I know I will be. Thanks for you're continued support and remember to keep it locked on That Grape Juice!
Peep R&B 'singer' Cassie sporting a very unusual do; having shaved off one side of her hair. A fashion statement or a cry for attention, who knows. That said, she does actually kinda-sorta-ish pull it off!
Check out this snippet of the title track from LeToya Luckett's sophomore LP 'Lady Love'. While full judgement will be given upon hearing the track in it's entirety, I must say I'm liking how LeToya really seems to have evolved with her material with this 2nd CD - judging by the cuts heard thus far.
Peep supermodel Naomi Campbell striking a pose on the cover of Giant magazine.
The star, often branded a 'diva', recently spoke out against her ex-manager, blaming him for her not so favourable reputation:
Supermodel NAOMI CAMPBELL has taken aim at her former boss, blaming him for her reputation as an awkward diva.The Brit insists she’ll never forgive Elite chief John Casablancas for the comments he made about his one-time top model when she left his agency - because they’ve stuck with her….…Firing off about the father of The Strokes frontman Julian Casablancas in the new issue of America’s Giant magazine, Campbell says, “He had to attack me because I decided to leave. Models can leave agencies. I was not under a written contract.
“I was shocked to see how he acted. He started that first rumour (that I was tough to work with).” But Campbell insists she has had the last laugh - because she’s still working with the world’s top photographers: “The people that love me, love me and that’s what matters to me.”
Oh whatever LOL. Naomi is a diva and she knows it. Her phone throwing episodes never cease to crack me up. Ms. Campbell always seems to throw her cell at the same sorts; I've always wondered what would happen should she attempt such behaviour with 'Shaniqua from the block' or Tanisha from ends LOL.