Labels: Michael Jackson
Labels: Jeremih
Labels: Sugababes
Labels: Day26
Prosecutors plan to call Rihanna as a witnesses during a hearing in Chris Brown's assault case, her attorney said Thursday. Donald Etra told reporters that prosecutors have told him the Barbados-born singer will receive a subpoena to testify at a preliminary hearing June 22. The hearing will focus on whether there is enough evidence to continue the case against Brown.Brown was arrested in February on suspicion of hitting and choking Rihanna, then his girlfriend, in a rented car hours before the couple were scheduled to appear at the Grammys. Rihanna has not been formally been named as the victimn in police or prosecutors' reports.Etra said Thursday Rihanna will comply with the order. If she is called to testify, the 21-year-old singer would be subject to cross-examination by Brown's attorney, Mark Geragos.A judge on Thursday rejected as premature a motion by Geragos to receive police and investigative records related to the case and the apparent leak of a photo of a beaten and bruised Rihanna.Brown wasn't in court Thursday, but he's required to attend the preliminary hearing. {Source}
Labels: Chris Brown, Rihanna
Labels: Lady GaGa
Labels: Kelly Rowland
Labels: The Saturdays
Labels: Pussycat Dolls
Honesty Is The Best Policy
Well guys, this one has been a long time coming...
Since starting That Grape Juice back in February 2007, I kinda made a conscious effort to strictly keep the site and what is going on in "Sam's world" as separate as possible. This was (and is) for a number of reasons; most important, however, is what I feel is the need to keep the focus on the content of the site and site branding, as opposed to plugging myself. Over the last 2 and a half years, I feel I have managed to do that and I'm *very very very* proud of what the site is and continues to stand for. Hence, I feel no way in saying I know I have on my hands one of the best Urban blogs on the net!
However, I'd be deceiving myself, and you guys, if I said I wasn't aware of the fact that over the last few months things just haven't been how they once were. So without wallowing in the dramatics, let me step out from behind the shadows as such and clue you guys up on what's been happening.
I launched That Grape Juice back in 2007 during my first year as an Undergraduate at Brunel University (brap! LOL). Since then, much of which is due to you all, I've seen the site sky rocket to heights I would have never imagined - celebrity fans, interviews, International recognition and all that good stuff. What's more, That Grape Juice has opened so many doors for me professionally and personally. Without going off the point though, I've seen all of this happen while I've been doing my thing with the studies. However, as I'm sure all my fellow students will know, with my final year having kicked off in October last year, it really meant I had to amp up things on the academic side because 'I don't do failure' LOL. Consequently, the site, while still maintaining an overall high quality in content (interviews etc), saw lesser posts and whatnot. So while you were probably thinking 'WTF is Sam doing?', I was probably cranking out essays last minute while high on Red Bull, Lucozade, and Pro Plus LOL. So, it can be really hard hearing from some of you, things like: 'Where the hell is such and such interview' or 'Sam, you're slacking'. It's more than cool though, as I: a) understood the bigger picture and b) understand that people will only go on the information they have, which in this case was very little LOL.
What does this all mean in the grand scheme of things, then? Well, with University now completed as of last week (Randomness: I finally turned 21 last week too!..on the same day as my younger sister, weird ey?), it's back to business - and by that I mean it. Though That Grape Juice was started out of my love for Urban Pop Culture, its success and the thousands of visitors we receive daily, mean I have a responsibility to deliver the very best. So, with that said, you can look forward to some exciting things in the in weeks and months ahead:
* New Bloggers: We are actively looking for new bloggers to join the That Grape Juice team. Off head, I'd say there are probably two places open - an Assistant Reporter and a dedicated Music (Album) Reviewer (or are there any other roles you feel you could fill? Let me know). There is a slight preference for bloggers who currently or have in the past blogged on other Urban Pop Culture sites - this is for practicality purposes i.e. usage of blogging platforms, knowledge of reliable sources etc. It goes without saying, but a majorly in-depth knowledge of Urban Pop Culture is essential, as is a high level of English. If you feel you're up to the job, drop me an email at: sam@thatgrapejuice.net (Positions have a qualitative pay-off, as opposed to a monetary one LOL)
* A Move From Blogger to Wordpress: Though many of you may not know the implications of this, you will LOL. In a nutshell, it means the site will be taken to the next level look-wise very soon. Also, That Grape Juice will be much more interactive.
* More Great Interviews: We already have some press time with some of your favourite artists in the coming month. So watch this space! (They will be up ASAP as well LOL)
* More Competitions: We are continuing to build great working relationships with many a company, which means we are in a position to run more competitions to win things you, as That Grape Juice readers, will love.
As well as all of this, you should expect all the things which have made That Grape Juice your Urban Pop Culture mainstay on the net.
Thank you so so so much for your continued support; and remember...
Keep it locked on That Grape Juice!
Drop any comments, suggestions in the comments section...
Labels: Beyonce
Labels: Mariah Carey
BET Sound Off captured this footage from the Def Jam showcase last night...
Review in a bit...
In the meanwhile...
What do you think of the video?
Labels: Kanye West, Rihanna
Labels: Kanye West, The Dream
We have just received word from Usher's team that the Grammy award winning star's forthcoming album will be titled 'Monster'. The LP, the follow-up to last year's 'Here I Stand' has been confirmed to hit stores this fall.Labels: Usher
Beyoncé is releasing a new remix album and DVD collection on June 16 called Above and Beyoncé Video Collection and Dance Mixes – and PEOPLE.com has your first look at the cover art.Check out the official tracklist for the set below:
Among the tracks included on the collection is a remix of her song "Ego" featuring a guest appearance by Kanye West. "The song is fun," says Beyoncé. "It talks about someone being very confident and having this swagger when they walk and when they talk."
As for nabbing West, well, Beyoncé says the rapper – known for his outsized personality – was a good match. Recounting her conversation with West, Beyoncé says he agreed to do it, telling her, " 'Okay, so you have a song about an ego and you want me on the record?' He's like, 'I love it. I'll do it.' "
Above and Beyoncé will be available at Wal-Mart everywhere and J&R Music stores in New York City beginning June 16.
1. "If I Were a Boy" 5:03
2. "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" 3:20
3. "Halo" 3:44
4. "Diva" 4:06
5. "Broken-Hearted Girl" 4:31
6. "Ego" (Fan Exclusive) 3:56
7. "Ego" (Remix Feat. Kanye West) 4:47
8. Behind the Scenes
9. Credits
1. "If I Were a Boy" (Maurice Joshua Mojo UK Remix)
2. "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)" (DJ Escape Club Version)
3. "Diva" (Karmatronic Club Remix)
4. "Halo" (Dave Aude Club)
5. "Broken-Hearted Girl" (Catalyst Remix)
6. "Ego" (DAC Remix)
7. "Sweet Dreams" (Karmatronic Remix)
8. "Ego" (Remix featuring Kanye West)
Labels: Beyonce
Michael Jackson has delayed the opening four nights of his residency at London's O2 arena.Word has the show's promoters AEG are claiming the scheduling of Madonna's occupancy of the 02 a few days before MJ's show was suppose to kick of, left the King of Pop will little-to-no time to rehearse. While the media will no doubt have a field day with this, I can't say it's that big a deal, the opening is just 4 days later. That said, I'd probably be humming a different tune if it was my August date that had been pushed back to next year. Ouch...
The first show of the “This Is It” tour on July 8 has been pushed back by five nights. The other dates have gone back to March 2010.
An email from Ticketmaster and promoter AEG Live states: "Due to the sheer magnitude of the “This Is It” concerts at the O2 Arena promoters and producers AEG Live and Kenny Ortega, Michael’s directorial partner and creative collaborator have elected to move back a few of the opening shows in order to meet the challenges presented by such a massive and technically complex show.
"We wanted to ensure that all of Michael's fans attending the concerts get the same quality in staging and level of entertainment.
"It is AEG Live's sincere hope that those lucky enough to have purchased tickets will have enough time to change their personal schedules and travel plans if they are coming from outside of London.
"We do not want anyone to miss this once-in-a-lifetime experience. We understand the inconvenience this may have caused and for this reason we have secured some excellent hotel deals for Michael Jackson fans traveling to London on these rescheduled dates."
Full refunds are available to those who can't make the shows. There is no explanation for the delay.
Here's the changed Michael Jackson dates:
8th July will take place on 13th July 2009
10th July will be moved to 1st March 2010
12th July will be moved to 3rd March 2010
14th July will be moved to 6th March 2010
Labels: Michael Jackson
Labels: Mariah Carey
Labels: Lady GaGa
Labels: Tyler Perry
Email your answer as well as your full name, age, contact number and address to competitions@thatgrapejuice.net. Please be sure to put 'Beyonce / Solange Comp' as the subject. A winner will be selected randomly from all correct answers. Competition ends Friday 22nd May.
Good luck!
Labels: Competition
Labels: Mariah Carey
Labels: Janet Jackson, Jermaine Dupri
Labels: Michael Jackson
Labels: Jamie Foxx
Yung Joc is no longer staying quiet when it comes to his business dealings with Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Bad Boy Records. Last week in New York City, the Georgia native told Rap-Up.com that he plans to take the label to court after executives attempted to coerce him into signing documents.“[They're] giving me ultimatums about signing agreements or they won’t put out my album, just like that,” Joc reveals.Now that the rapper, most noted for his 2006 smash “It’s Goin’ Down,” has gone public with the news of the court proceedings, he’s airing out Bad Boy’s dirty laundry. “They owe me some things,” he says. “It’s a big situation. I’m paying for royalties, I’m paying for advances.”His frustrations with the label arose when he repeatedly received questions from concerned fans pondering his next album release. “I figured, maybe if I shine some light on it, then someone will see what the fuck I’m going through,” Joc admits. “I’m tired of my fans saying, ‘When’s your album coming?’ and I keep telling them, ‘It’s coming soon.’ ’Cause it makes people feel like you ain’t got nothing, like you searchin’. And I got records that’s ready to go right now.”Yung Joc signed to Bad Boy in 2006 with the help of Block Enterprises founder Russell “Block” Spencer. Joc went on to release two albums under the Bad Boy imprint, New Joc City and Hustlenomics.His third effort, titled Mr. Robinson’s Neighborhood, is set for release this year on his label, Swagg Team Entertainment, an imprint under the Jive Records umbrella.
Labels: Teedra Moses
Labels: Jazmine Sullivan
Labels: Jennifer Hudson
Labels: LeToya
Labels: Jordin Sparks
Labels: Whitney Houston
Labels: Ciara
Labels: EnVogue
Labels: Raz-B
Labels: The Saturdays
Best Male R&B Artist
The Dream
Jamie Foxx
Ryan Leslie
Neyo
T-Pain
Best Female R&B Artist
Beyonce
Keyshia Cole
Keri Hilson
Jennifer Hudson
Jazmine Sullivan
Best Group
Day 26
GS Boyz
NERD
The Roots
Three 6 Mafia
Best Collaboration
Jamie Foxx ft T-Pain-Blame It
Keri Hilson ft Lil Wayne- Turnin Me ON
Jim Jones & Ron Browz ft Juelz Santana-Pop Champagne
TI ft Rihanna-Live Your Life
Yung LA ft TI & Young Dro- Aint I
Best Male Hip Hop
Lil Wayne
Rick Ross
TI
Kanye West
Young Jeezy
Best Female Hip Hop
Lil Mama
MIA
Trina
Best New Artist
Keri Hilson
Kid Cudi
Ryan Leslie
MIA
Jazmine Sullivan
Best Gospel Artist
Regina Belle
Shirley Caesar
Mary Mary
Smokie Norful
Trin I Tee 5:7
Video Of The Year
Beyonce-If I Were A Boy
Beyonce- Single Ladies
Jamie Foxx ft T-Pain-Blame It
TI ft Rihanna- Live Your Life
Kanye West-Heartless
Best Actor
Common
Idris Alba
Samuel L Jackson
Will Smith
Jamal Woolard
Best Actress
Angela Bassett
Rosario Dawson
Taraji P Henson
Jennifer Hudson
Beyonce Knowles
Best Male Athlete
Kobe Byrant
LeBron James
Reggie Bush
Dwayne Wade
Tiger Woods
Best Female Athlete
Tamika Catchings
Lisa Leslie
Candace Parker
Serena Williams
Venus Williams
Labels: Amerie
Jay-Z and Ciara are planning a summer tour together, the former's representative has confirmed to Billboard.com."I will say it because the information has been leaked. Me and Jay-Z will be doing a 10-city tour run together! More details coming soon! [sic]" Ciara revealed on Twitter Monday night.The full itinerary has not yet been announced, but Jay-Z's rep did say it won't be a 10-city tour, although she wouldn't confirm if it was more shows or less.Still, a few dates and venues have already been revealed, including stops July 3 and 4 at The Pearl at The Palms in Las Vegas, July 10 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut, and July 12 in Atlanta.Before the Jay-Z tour, Ciara will support Britney Spears on the European leg of the "Circus" tour in June. {Source}
MICHAEL JACKSONI seriously can not wait for the first show to kick off. More over, I can't wait until August when the show I'll be attending takes place (where I'll sitting in the first, center block - A2!). As a fan of MJ since childhood, and having never seen him perform before (although I was in the house at the World Music Awards 2006, but we won't count that!), to say I'm hyped to see the show is an understatement.
KING OF POP
Kenny Ortega Announced As Show Director
(May 12th, 2009) – The streets of Hollywood are buzzing; Michael Jackson mania is in full swing 5,500 miles away from The O2 arena – the home of his historic 50 concerts this summer.
Kenny Ortega, the renowned Director, Producer, Choreographer and creative talent is hard at work collaborating with Michael Jackson in the overall design and direction for the upcoming ‘This Is It’ concert shows. Ortega previously worked on Michael Jackson’s Dangerous and HIStory tours, some of the most spectacular shows ever staged. Last week, thousands of dancers flew in from every corner of the globe including Japan, Australia, South America and Europe to audition for Jackson and Ortega – all of them were chasing their dream of winning a spot to perform on stage with their idol Michael Jackson.
Even after the selection process narrowed the competition from thousands of submissions to over five hundred top international dancers, there was still no dance space large enough in Los Angeles or New York to house the auditions. The producers ended up booking LA’s Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE, part of the site where the Grammy Awards are held each year, to handle the unprecedented numbers of performers who flocked to these auditions.
Ortega, having once been in partnership with Gene Kelly, is most recently known for his work as the Director and Choreographer of Disney’s, High School Musical 1, 2 & 3. Ortega also Produced and Directed the Barbra Streisand’s Millennium concert tour and is a two time Emmy award winner for his work as Director and Choreographer of the 2002 Winter Olympics opening and closing ceremonies in Salt Lake City, Utah.
In receiving the phone call from Michael to lead the team, Ortega said, “My answer without a beat was nothing could keep me away. Collaborating with Michael on the Dangerous and HIStory tours were two of the greatest creative experiences of my life, to be invited to partner with him again is a dream come true. Working with Michael is always a true and full partnership, he is a creative mastermind, he assembles top professionals to lead his team and then inspires each and every one of us to climb to new places, break out of the box and conquer new challenges. He is the most significant artist and entertainer of our generation.”
“This Is It” is a spectacular concert experience incorporating iconic Jackson songs and choreography mixed with original new works. Ortega says, “Our show goals are to create more than a concert but a complete theatrical musical experience with a dynamic balance that features Jackson in both spectacular production and intimate settings. The stage set, choreography, costumes, lighting, effects and overall production will be of the highest standard and pushing the state of the art.” Michael is dedicated to every detail and aspect of the show working closely with his creative and talented production team. He is “tremendously excited” about sharing his stage show with hundreds of thousands of fans this summer in London.
Ortega goes on to say, “It has been over a decade since Michael and I worked on the HIStory tour together. We had been in discussion in the last couple of years about finding a new project to work on. When I got the call to join him for these concerts I was in-between gigs, catching my breath. I had just finished a World Press tour for High School Musical and was about to start a new film. In accepting the invitation I had to move a few mountains to clear my schedule, but I’m thrilled to say I’m fully on board.”
Casting is in final stages for dancers and the band. The dedication, passion and determination of these performers, who are all personally inspired by Michael Jackson brings an unprecedented intensity to the stage. Michael Jackson, The King of Pop, has influenced a generation of performers through his music, dance and stage shows impacting an art form.
This week with rehearsals in full swing the impossible has become possible as details to this complex and dramatic show are being put together. And when moments get intense and exciting in rehearsals an age-old British tradition has been adopted – a tea break!
Ortega adds, “I go to work each day with a huge sense of joy just knowing what is in-store. Michael, the team and I will hash out a creative idea, we’re ready to implement it and Michael will say let’s sleep on it. The next day he is back in studio raising the bar to the next level and pushing us further for greater dynamic results.”
Randy Phillips, President & CEO of AEG Live, commented, “The unprecedented demand for these shows turned a normal public on sale into a cultural phenomenon and pushed the boundaries by which we measure success. Michael and Kenny are creating an escapist adventure that will take the audience on an entertainment experience only imagined in dreams or big budget motion pictures. This is the perfect pairing on unique creative talents with the greatest repertoire in contemporary music.”
Ortega concludes, “I am looking forward to the creative days ahead as we build a Michael Jackson experience like no other, and to ultimately arriving at The O2 - a magnificent venue and a worldly place. I am thrilled to be a part of the team that once again is bringing Michael Jackson, the greatest entertainer of our generation, back to the stage and into the light and love of his devoted fans.”
By the end of the 50 concerts, 1 million fans will have witnessed one of the greatest musical events in history. This will be the last chance to see the King of Pop in London in what will be a historic stage show, and once in a lifetime concert experience - this really is it!
Note To Editors - One of the world’s most popular entertainers, Michael Jackson has sold over 750 million units worldwide and is one of the very few artists to be inducted twice into the US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Guinness Book of World Records has recognised Michael Jackson as the Most Successful Entertainer of All Time and Thriller as The Biggest Selling Album of All Time. Jackson won 13 Grammy Awards and received the American Music Award’s Artist of the Century Award.
Michael Jackson’s “This Is It” 50 concerts sold out in a matter of hours on March 13th smashing box office records.
Labels: Michael Jackson
Labels: RandomNess
