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.
The video for the second single from LeToya's 'Lady Love' LP, 'She Ain't Got' premiered a few hours ago. Directed by Bryan Barber the clip marks the first time we've seen the singer take the uptempo route for a single and it works fantastically. Put simply, Ms. Luckett nailed it. Though I'm a little on the fence about the budget (then again, there's a recession going on), the video does an awesome job of capturing the ferocious essence of the song. The attitude, the swagger, the choreography...all really good. Here's hoping this the gas which gets her project moving. 'Lady Love' hits stores August 25th.
Tidbit: This is exactly how I envisioned the 'All Eyes On Me' video from LeToya's debut. While some of LeToya's mid-tempo's are standouts, I must say I really prefer her uptempo offerings.
Peep songbird Mariah Carey on the set of the Brett Ratner directed clip for her latest single 'Obsessed' in New York yesterday. To be honest, I thought the rumours of the song being about Eminem was all good PR and the lyrics were ambiguous, however judging by these hilarious pics, Mimi is letting us know who it's about loud and clear! I'm actually anticipating this! Word has it the vid will premiere on July 13th.
Recent events meant the surfacing of Mariah's album cover for 'Memoirs of An Imperfect Angel' kinda went under the radar. Check it out below, it looks very Mariah circa 1997. I like:
Amidst the tragedy which struck the world this past week, the video for Jay-Z's much talked about new single 'Death of Autotune' premiered. I'm really feeling this one; how long has it been since a mainstream rapper came as hard as this, with something actually worthwhile to say? Good stuff.
As the shocking death of The King of Pop Michael Jackson continues to reverberate around the globe, new pictures of the icon rehearsing for his ill-fated London 'This Is It' shows - just 2 days before his passing - have emerged. As sad as this whole episode is, it's somewhat uplifting IMO to see MJ happy doing what he does best. Tour promoters AEG Live have confirmed that they have a full dress rehearsal of the show filmed. There is mounting speculation that a live DVD/CD of the show, and an accompanying live audio album of the set may be released at some point. Here's hoping it does. {Photo credit: Kevin Mazur/AEG/WireImage.com}
As many of you know, the BET Awards 2009 took place last night at The Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. Long time readers will know that with the big award shows, That Grape Juice are at the forefront with live coverage and performance videos. However, with Michael's passing really hitting me (and millions) to the core, the show kinda took a backseat in my mind, only regaining my interest when it began to be advertised as a Michael Jackson Tribute Show following The King of Pop's sudden death. Check out the night's performances below:
New Edition Opening
Jamie Foxx Intro
Keith Sweat/Guy/Bell Biv DeVoe Medley
O' Jays Tribute
Keri Hilson - Turnin' Me On / Knock You Down
Ne-Yo - Lady In My Life
Jamie Foxx & Ne-Yo - She's Got Her Own
Jamie Foxx & T-Pain - Blame It
Ciara - Heal The World
Maxwell - Pretty Wings
Soulja Boy - Turn My Swag On
Keyshia Cole & Monica - Trust
Beyonce - Ave Maria
Jay-Z - Death of Autotune
What should have been a memorable tribute to the biggest musical icon of our time, in reality, turned out to be falsely advertised, dry-a** show, which ended up featuring less MJ and more of the trash which populates the charts today. In all fairness to BET, 3 days is a very short space of time to alter a show which no doubt had been in production for several months. Yet, what is inexusable is the fact that the show was promoted as a Michael Jackson Tribute, when the organisers evidently knew it was going to be anything but that (and please let's not deceive ourselves, that was no tribute show. An artist of Michael's magnitude having THAT as his farewell from his own people? I think not). This reaked of a ratings ploy and to be quite honest smelled like sh*t.
Apologies if I seem a little heated, but BET dropped the ball - big time. Where were the much anticipated appearances from Whitney, Chris Brown, Justin Timberlake, Usher? Beyonce giving a stellar rendition of 'Ave Maria'...the only problem being that I saw that same ish three weeks ago at her tour! Where was the MJ song? Ciara, perhaps the single biggest by-product of MJ today, sitting on a stool singing a slow cut, when all we really wanted to see her sing and dance. Michael wasn't a ballader alone.
Though Jamie Foxx's antics made for a great opening segment, it quickly descended into the Jamie show with constant plugs for his tour, 3 performances and whatnot. The show's main redeeming factor, performance-wise IMO was Ne-Yo's live offering of 'Lady In My Life'. Also enjoyable was Keri Hilson's vocally-strained, yet still entertaining performance of 'Turnin' Me On / Knock You Down'. Everything else, inclusive Jay-Z's 'Death of Autotune' performance, Drake, Monica's schooling Keyshia etc, was kinda blah. A special mention has to go to Soulja Boy, who had me ready to dial animal services because he sounded like a dying banchee. Ugh.
While I sit here hoping to Sweet Jesus himself that BET are planning some kind of proper tribute special (I'd bet good money MTV are - MJ's birthday is in August, as are the VMA's), I dually wonder what the show would have been like had it not been an MJ 'tribute'. I shudder at the thought.
Despite last night's BET Awards being pretty much an exploitative joke (I won't even get into that...shameful), the most poignant part of the show was when Janet Jacksoon took to the stage as a representative of the Jackson family. Fighting back the tears, the star paid homage to her brother Michael Jackson - declaring that his legacy will live on forever.
As the much anticipated 2009 BET Awards are about to get underway live from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, That Grape Juice's 'BET Awards 2009: Your Shout!' area goes live right now! Tonight's show will be a special dedicated to the late King of Pop Michael Jackson.
Here you can post your views on anything and everything regarding the show. Pre-show rumors...Who you're looking forward to seeing... Who you feel rocked the red carpet, who should have skipped it altogether LOL...Who deserved to win what...and all that good stuff. This is your shout!
Please guys, bare with me in terms of updates, because like millions across the world, this has rocked me hard. Hard.
Thank you to all my friends who have called...I don't really feel like talking though. Anyone who knows me personally knows how big a part MJ played in my 'little world'. I really feel like my childhood officially died when he did. I feel blessed to have lived and experienced his genius and undeniable talent and I know that he will live on forever. You can not kill greatness. I love you Michael Joseph Jackson, forever.
It has literally, literally just been announced that Whitney Houston's 'comeback' album will go by the title 'I Look To You'. As previously reported the LP will hit stores September 1st (August 31st in the UK). Exciting stuff!
In other Whitney news, Akon - in the latest issue of Rap-Up magazine spoke about working with the legendary vocalist:
Akon recorded two songs with the diva, but it’s unknown if any will make her new album. One of those songs, “Like I Never Left,” leaked to the Internet last year. “After that song leaked, they pulled that back. That was officially supposed to be a single for her as well. But we’ll see what happens.”
Hmm...interesting. So 'Like I Never Left' was the previous official first single. One can only wonder how the song, which I must say is a grower, would have done. I mean it wasn't very 'I'm back, b*tches!', was it. Anyways, roll on September!
In what must be a record for the 21st century incarnation of Bad Boy, roster members Day26 actually have actually released their...wait for it........third single (yes, you read right!) 'Girlfriend', with the song's accompanying clip premiering today. That's pretty much where the 'good' starts and ends...
Boring, uninspired, pointless and undeniably a product of the recession, the vid offered little to nothing of interest - only further serving to highlight the many problems which underpin Day26 as a group as well as their label Bad Boy.
For too reliant have Diddy and the label become on Making The Band to push their top acts that nothing seems to go on promo-wise when the show is not on air. More so however, the sh*tty handling of the Danity Kane drama was IMO was the last straw as far as the public perception of Bad Boy as a label, as well as Diddy as a label head goes. Therefore, there is much ground to argue that the disbanding of Danity Kane is a major factor in the lack of public interest towards Day26 - a shame, as the guys are immensely talented. SMH...
As some of you may know, we announced a few months back 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, as well as the thousands who have already joined, will 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 means 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...
The That Grape Juice Facebook Grouplaunched last year, as I'm sure many of you will know. Work, school, college, home, wherever; I'm sure many of you - like myself - spend a ridiculous amount of time on Facebook. Yes, it's 'that' addictive.
Why not, then, combine your daily Urban Pop Culture fix with social networking and come be a part of the rapidly growing That Grape Juice Facebook community. Along with the thousands who have already joined (thank you all!), you will be the first to get word on upcoming interviews, competitions, view exclusive pictures and much much more. The discussion board/wall will also give you the chance to interact with other 'Grape Juice readers moreso now than ever before.
It's an open group, so anyone can join - invite all your friends too!
UK vixens The Saturdays performed their latest smash 'Work' on Loose Women this morning. Another pretty good performance, I must say.
That Grape Juice were in the house at the lady's show at London's Hammersmith Apollo last night as guests of main sponsor Microsoft (you know!) While the ladies may have a lil way to go on perfecting their television showings, they killed it live - something I didn't think I'd ever be putting finger to keyboard to write about a female POP group. From top to bottom, a great, great show. The 'unofficially official' lead singer Vanessa drank a cup of Sasha Fierce, because she was on fire!
During a recent interview, singer/song-writer Keri Hilson lifted the lid on what's going on behind the scenes with the Pussycat Dolls, revealing that lead (and only singer) Nicole Scherzinger was apparetly 'forced' into re-joining the group for their 2nd LP:
Keri Hilson has revealed that she believes that Nicole Scherzinger is "kinda forced" to remain a Pussycat Doll.
The R&B singer claimed that Scherzinger's solo album Her Name Is Nicole has been pushed back several times in order for her to continue in the girl group, Ace Showbiz reports.
Hilson told the Daily Star: "I wrote 'Alienated', one of the songs on my album, for Nicole's solo project. It was a good album but she decided to go back to the Dolls instead of releasing it, well she was kinda forced to I think."
Scherzinger will reportedly leave the Pussycat Dolls to focus on her solo career after promotion for their Doll Domination LP is finished.
Speculation was fuelled further after the band's single 'Jai Ho!' was released under the name 'Pussycat Dolls featuring Nicole Scherzinger'.
In April, fellow group member Melody Thornton launched into a tirade about Scherzinger live on stage at a concert in Phoenix. {Source}
While I'm pretty sure there's more than meets the eye with all this i.e. contracts etc, the whole drama surrounding the group isn't a good look for Nicole's already down-in-the-dumps solo career. For the over-emphasis on her has bred overexposure; put simply, people just ain't checking for her like that - and the Dolls (as a collective) either because of it. The best cause of action at this junction IMO, would be to forget this solo thing (sorry, but the demand just isn't there), hit the studio and give ol' Melody some damn leads - at least to share.
The video for Sean Paul's new single 'So Fine', the first to be lifted from his 3rd mainstream LP 'Imperial Blaze', premiered this week. Directed by Ray Kay, the clip is very much a recession video, yet serves its purpose. The song itself sees the dancehall star serve up yet another infectious party anthem, which should see him be a high fixture on the charts.
To celebrate hitting #1 with her David Guetta collaboration 'When Love Takes Over' here in the UK this week, global star Kelly Rowland performed an acoustic version of the track for The Sun's 'The Biz Sessions'. You can watch the vocally stunning performance above.
R&B star Ashanti stopped by the Regis & Kelly show yesterday to promote her stint as Dorothy in The Wiz on Broadway (which runs until July 5th). The singer performed 'Home' from the production on the show. I keep saying this, but don't sleep on Ms. Douglas, she's really got some pipes on her. Great performance.
The video for Ciara's latest single (internationally) 'Work' made its world premiere here on the UK's 4 Music channel a few moments ago. Directed by none other than Melina, the construction site based clip is, to put it simply, hot, hot, hot...Ms. Harris did the damn thing. As ever the choreography brought something fresh and unique to the table and CiCi's swagger was in full force. My girl's Dutty Wine at the end was off the charts (Gwan my gyal!!! LOL). Great video, which should hopefully pump some life into the criminally underrated 'Fantasy Ride' project.
Tidbit: Missed our awesome interview with Ciara from earlier this month? Click here to check it out.
Check out this lengthy clip of R&B star Ne-Yo giving advise to an up-and-coming female singer, in a video lifted from Jo Jo Capone's DVD. As per the title of this post, you can see ol' Shaffer didn't hold back with his words. However, not ones to sensationalise anything, I can see where he was going with what he said - to an extent. The reality of the industry today is 'looks over talent; not a good look', but the reality nonetheless.
As for my take on Ne-Yo's comments, I'm torn; on the one hand, he's spouting the cold facts, yet on the other I'm thinking I'm not hearing much in the way of criticising the industry for the way it is and encouraging the lady to pursue her dreams regardless. After all, the likes of Fantasia, Jennifer Hudson, Jazmine Sullivan, among others, don't necessarily fit the mould, yet still enjoy great success.
As the start date of Michael Jackson's 02 residency here in London draws nearer, additional tickets for the most anticipated shows of the decade are set to be go on sale tomorrow, according to sponsors AEG, who forwarded on this press release to That Grape Juice:
MICHAEL JACKSON
KING OF POP
SWAROVSKI SET TO DAZZLE AT THE O2
With Staging Almost Set Fans Invited to Purchase Select Extra Tickets
The Countdown begins with 21 Days, 504 Hours Until Show Time!
Excitement is building and the tension is palpable as fans wait with baited breath for the kick off of Michael Jackson’s “This Is It” tour. History will be made as Michael Jackson takes his first steps on the O2 arena stage on July 13th sparkling with Swarovski crystals.
Great news for fans! As the staging details are being finalised for the hottest show of the decade a limited amount of seats will be released this Wednesday, June 24th at 8am to registered fans.
“Since we put tickets on sale prior to designing the show, we were quite conservative in holding back seats to accommodate the footprint of this massive and technologically advanced production. Now that Michael Jackson and Kenny Ortega are very advanced in the creative process, our production team is prepared to open up those “holds” to the general public. This is a great opportunity for some lucky fans to experience entertainment history” said Randy Phillips, President & CEO of AEG Live
The iconic costumes and spectacular sets of Michael Jackson’s “This Is It” tour will be encrusted with over 300,000 CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements, featuring 53 different shapes, 40 different sizes and 27 different colours!
“Swarovski is thrilled to partner with Michael Jackson and his creative team for the stage and costumes. As the King of Pop, it is only natural for him to be crowned in crystal.” Nadja Swarovski, Vice President Swarovski Crystal Business.
Kenny Ortega, Michael’s directorial partner and creative collaborator said, “Swarovski and their team have been incredible partners throughout the development of This Is It! It has been an exciting collaboration, as their support, ideas and world class products have inspired our fashion and scenic elements to a new state of the art!”
For all fans who have registered on www.michaeljacksonlive.com but have not purchased tickets will be re-entered into the lottery system once again to receive a code. If you haven’t yet registered do so before Tuesday, June 23rd and you will also be entered to receive a code. Please note, receiving a code does not guarantee a ticket. 4-ticket limit per person applies and if you have previously purchased tickets you will not be able to do so again. Stay tuned to www.michaeljacksonlive.com for more ticket information.
This will be the first chance to see the King of Pop in London in over a decade for 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.
With a heritage encompassing some of the most memorable moments in entertainment history, Swarovski crystal has captured the spotlight alongside eminent musicians from Madonna to Mariah Carey, Beyoncé to Britney Spears and Gwen Stefani to Girls Aloud.
After a tumultuous 4 months, singer Chris Brown is breathing a sigh of relief today after copping a plea deal in the assault case involving former lover Rihanna. Peep the report below:
R&B star CHRIS BROWN has avoided a jail spell after he pleaded guilty to assaulting his ex-girlfriend RIHANNA. He made the plea just hours before the former couple was due to come face to face in court in Los Angeles.
Brown, 20, was ordered to serve 180 hours community service in his home state of Virginia and told he must stay away from Rihanna.
He will also serve five years probation for felony assault, and his progress with be monitored by the court at regular intervals.
The singer was also made to enrol in a domestic violence counselling program, according to US website TMZ.com.
Shocking pics, released earlier this year, showed how Rihanna had been left beaten and bruised following a fight with her ex on the evening of the Grammy awards in February.
The Caribbean-born songstress arrived at court dressed in all black, a sign she may have been expecting the worst.
A bystander said: "It looked as if she was going to a funeral." {Source}
While I'm sure many will hold their own opinions on this, I'll just glad the media circus surrounding this all can begin to subside. That said, it will be real interesting to see if Chris can resurrect his career Lazarus-style, as the funeral for his career was held when that now infamous battered Rihanna pic made the global rounds.
The Much Music Awards took place in Toronto, Canada last night, and saw performances from, among others, Lady GaGa and the Black Eyed Peas. Check out GaGa's show-stopping performance (you'll see why) of 'Love Game' and 'Poker Face' above, as well as the Peas' live showing of 'Boom Boom Pow' below:
I really enjoyed both of these; GaGa with all her expected theatrics and wackiness still turned in a great performance, which actually sounded good this time. The exploding **** were a hilarious. BEP did their thing too, with this being one of their better live offerings of 'Boom Boom Pow'. Good stuff.
The net is abuzz with a story that Black Eyed Peas frontman Will.I.Am apparently assaulted celebrity blogger Perez Hilton last night in Tornonto, Canada following the Much Music Awards. Check out the two very different accounts of what went down below:
Perez Hilton has reportedly been attacked by Black Eyed Peas star will.i.am and his security.
The internet blogger alleges that he was assaulted by will.i.am, real name William J. Adams, after the MuchMusic awards in Toronto last night.
"I'm in shock. I need the police ASAP. Please come to the SoHo Metropolitan Hotel now. Please," he wrote on Twitter.
"I was assaulted by Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas and his security guards. I am bleeding. Please, I need to file a police report. No joke."
Posting an update ten minutes later, he added: "Still waiting for the police. The bleeding has stopped. I need to document this. Please, can the police come to the SoHo Met Hotel.
"I spoke to my lawyer. I really need to talk to the authorities. Please come to the SoHo Met Hotel. Have called the police. Need them here."
Police and representatives for will.i.am have yet to release a statement. {Source}
This then saw Will.I.Am give an alternate view of what occured:
will.i.am has rubbished claims that he assaulted celebrity blogger Perez Hilton in Toronto last night.
The Black Eyed Peas star admitted that the pair had an argument, but insisted that a fan turned on Hilton after he labelled will.i.am a "f*ggot".
Speaking in a video blog, the rapper said that he approached Hilton after he "disrespected" bandmate Fergie and was subsequently subjected to a tirade of verbal abuse.
"This dude walks away, I leave, and then [Hilton] says, 'You know that was very f*ggot of you for coming at me like that'. I said, 'Yo dude, I was just saying keep our name out of your mouth if you're going to be disrespectful'," he said.
"This dude says in front of a whole bunch of people and fans in Canada, 'You're a f*ggot, will.i.am'. Right, I'm like, 'Wow dude, whatever'.
"He walks away and then one of the fans goes a little crazy and like starts some stuff with Perez Hilton. I'm sitting minding my own business waiting for a car, but it goes to show you how crazy things can get. It's not that serious, it's all music and opinions.
"People make a career from opinions, which is cool, but don't be disrespectful about it. And fans don't get all crazy about it. That's all I got to say today. Tonight was a good night but it ended quite crazy." {Source}
Can you say drama, drama, drama! I guess only they know the reality of what really went down, however I must say it looks overly suspect that Perez is there Twitter-ring away when he's supposedly been "assaulted". I mean come on now...it's like getting mugged in the street and whipping out your Blackberry to Twitter 'Sweet Minty Jesus, I've just been mugged!' Either the utmost of stupidity or attention whoring. My gut tells me it's a little of both...
Kelly Rowland's star is shining brighter than ever these days, the former Destiny's Child star is carving out quite the successful solo career, scoring her 2nd UK #1 (solo) this week with her collaboration with David Guetta 'When Love Takes Over'. After a couple of false-starts, things really do seem to be on the up for this immensely talented beauty:
KELLY ROWLAND has danced her way to the top of the U.K. singles chart with nightclub smash hit WHEN LOVE TAKES OVER.
The R&B star decided to step away from her usual style of music to hook up with French DJ David Guetta on the remixed track.
And the gamble appears to have paid off as she shot straight to the top of the British release countdown.
The song topples Brit newcomer Pixie Lott's Mama Do, who sits ahead of the third track, Boom Boom Pow by the Black Eyed Peas.
Dance singer Agnes is at number four with Release Me, while Keri Hilson and Kanye West's collaboration Knock You Down rounds out the top five. {Source}
I'd be lying if I said I wasn't ecstatic for Ms. Kelly, who thoroughly deserves this. Some of you may wonder why I stan so hard for her, and I'll tell you why: as a music lover, there is nothing more frustrating than seeing someone with so much talent and potential be overlooked in favour of vocally-challenged, non-singning singers (not saying any names...'Eh Eh Eh' LOL). That said, there's nothing more gratifying than seeing such talents acheive feats like hitting #1 and all that good stuff. More power to her.
In other Kelly news, check her performance of the song from last night at French music bonanza Fete De La Musique:
Great performance! Ms. Kelly definitely had her DC3 swag in effect (See: stilleto-stage running, weave flicking and all that good stuff LOL).
Having completed her mini-promotional tour, which saw stops in select European cities as well as the US, Brandy is back in the studio to continue the recording of her 6th studio album. The latest to join the producers list is none other than Pharrell Williams of the Neptunes - as confirmed by Brandy herself on Twitter today. Williams joins an all-star list of writers and producers lined-up to work on the as-yet-untitled record, which includes Ne-Yo, Stargate, The-Dream and Tricky Stewart.
It appears Brandy and her team are sparing no expense when it comes to enlisting the best of the best to work on the album, following the commercial tanking of her last LP (her Epic Records debut and the criminally underrated) 'Human'. Interestingly, the at-time-of-writing absence of past collaborators Rodney 'Darkchild' Jerkins and Timbaland suggests she's looking to work with those she hasn't worked with in the past.
As one of those who really enjoyed 'Human', yet understood the sad reality that such records don't really enjoy chart success in today's industry, I'm really salivating at the info known about this new project - top producers, more commercial sounding, yet the same high quality we've come to expect from Brandy. Word is we can expect the album in stores this Fall.
Check out the official trailer for Ciara's new DVD movie 'Mama I Want To Sing', which also stars Patti Labelle, Hill Harper, and Lynn Whitfield. Say what you want about Ms. Harris, but she sounds pretty good, and her acting doesn't look bad either. The movie STILL is without a solid release, though.
In a recent interview with MTV, teen rapper Soulja Boy revealed Michael Jackson to be his inspiration:
"But as far as getting my inspiration for stage performance, it has always been Michael Jackson. I remember I watched the DVD ... Michael Jackson came and stood onstage for 10 minutes. They was screaming the whole 10 minutes. I actually imitated that a couple of times in my show." {Source}
LMAO! Honestly, I mean come on now...Soulja Boy and Michael Jackson should not even be mentioned in the same sentence, much less when talking stage presence or performance.
As the UK's top girl group the Sugababes ready their US label debut on Jay-Z's Roc Nation, the ladies have revealed that none other than Rihanna has been advising them on the material for the record:
Sugababes star Keisha Buchanan says the trio have struck up a close friendship with Rihanna while recording in America.
Rihanna has become the "fourth Sugababe".
The 'Umbrella' singer has been advising the British trio - who have signed a record deal with Jay-Z's Roc-a-Fella label - while they are recording in America and has struck up such a close bond with the 'Ugly' stars, they have grown to regard her as part of the band.
Singer Keisha Buchanan - who makes up the group with Amelle Berrabah and Heidi Range - told Britain's Daily Star newspaper: "We keep missing Jay-Z. Every time we're gonna hook up he's off partying with Diddy or someone, but Rihanna has been a huge help to us. She's been like our fourth members, listening to all our songs and saying what she liked and what she didn't."
Keisha also heaped praise on new singer Cherri V, who releases her debut single 'Until The Sun Comes Up' next week, for her "refreshing" sound.
She added: "I'm so pleased she's breaking through. Her sound is so refreshing." {Source}
Interesting. I say this as it's funny Rihanna is lending her advice on their material, when all signs point to her own material being selected for and dictated to her!! LOL. Also notable is the fact that all three members can sing circles and then some around Ms. Fenty. Not being mean, just saying...
Randomness: Just came off the phone with my friend who made a really valid point IMO. RiRi really needs to hit the studio sometime soon (or be seen to), as she's merely a few paparrazzi shots off becoming a full-fledged socialite.
Fierce fivesome, The Saturdays, stopped by GMTV this morning to perform their stomping new single 'Work'. While I feel the group still need a bit of polishing, I definitely enjoyed this performance; the song actually goes hard.
Tidbit: Not to take away from the group, but is anyone else already anticipating Vanessa's (in the middle) solo project. Her voice is the business.
Jennifer Hudson's fiance David Otunga has officially joined World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) (random or what?). The Harvard graduate and former 'I Love New York' contestant made his wrestling debut at the company's official development territory Flordia Championship Wrestling (FCW) this week.
As a big wrestling fan, once upon a time (and to a less extent today), it's not oft you see people from other media arenas join the WWE - especially as wrestlers. Like the commentators say I'm sure all eyes will be on him from here on out. I mean, I never ever envisioned posting a wrestling match on That Grape Juice LOL.
Randomness: WWF/E was the business during the 'Attitude' days. HBK, Austin, The Rock, DX, Mankind, Undertaker...ahh childhood memories!
Kelly Rowland is doing the promotional rounds here in Europe for her collaboration with David Guetta - 'When Love Takes Over'. Their most recent stop being in Guetta's native France on popular show Le Grand Journal last night, where they performed the single. Check it out above.
Loved it! Ms. Kelly really is taking it to the next level with the vocals, the confidence, the look (she looked stunning, right?)...everything. I'm itching now more so than ever for that 3rd album of hers.
In other Kelly news, 'When Love Takes Over' is way ahead of the pack in the mid-week chart over here in the UK, which means it's pretty much a cert that it will be #1 come Sunday on the Official UK Singles Chart. Go Kelly!
Lastly, in a recent interview Kelly confirmed that she worked with Ne-Yo for the first time recently in a collaboration between herself, the 'Closer' singer, and David Guetta for the latter's album. Fingers crossed they Kelly and Ne-Yo work together on her record; for, I think they'd conjure up something great. {Source}
Pop's comeback queen Britney Spears has hit back at the media murmurings about her supposedly being forced into her current massive world tour:
BRITNEY SPEARS has addressed rumours she was pressured into launching her current world tour - insisting she proposed the idea because she was sick of people thinking she was "finished."
Spears has endured a tumultuous 12 months which saw her lose custody of her two sons, suffer a break down and spend time in hospital under a mental health order. But the pop superstar appeared to bounce back with the launch of her Circus shows earlier this year (09), which will see her take in the U.K., Europe and Australia on a mammoth run of live dates.
But Internet gossips have speculated that Spears is not ready for such a massive operation, with many suggesting she was pushed back out on the road by her father Jamie and manager Larry Rudolph.
But Spears insists she was the driving force behind her Circus tour - because she wanted to silence the critics who thought her career ended with her meltdown. She says, "A lot of people thought I wouldn’t make it. People thought I was finished, didn't they?
“I guess for a while last year it looked that way. Nothing I can do about the past. But I’m hoping to prove them wrong now. And I have really put everything I have into this new show."
And the Toxic hitmaker admits going back on the road has been a therapeutic experience for her.
She adds, "I'm not sad any more. I was just so sad for such a long time, but not any more. And you know what? That feels really, really good. I'm happy. Truly. I feel like the girl who has it all. I have my family, my boys, my friends, my fans, this show." {Source}
It's great to see that ol'Britney is in a great place mentally. However, if it's proving critics wrong about her abilities, then I'm afraid she's gonna have to step it all the way up. For, despite all the spectacle, critics - almost in unison - have highlighted the facts that a) Ms. Spears seems to forgot how to dance and literally just struts up and down the stage and b) she almost gets swallowed up in the epic-ness of her show; put simply, she almost isn't the star of her own show. That said, baby steps...
That Grape Juice has just received word that we have interview time with Amerie tomorrow afternoon - US time (apologies for the short notice!).
Do you have any questions for the 'Why R U' singer? As usual drop them in the comments section below. You guys know the drill, only legitimate questions will be considered. Thanks guys!
Some of you may recall an uber-low quality behind the scenes clip of Beyonce's latest video for new single 'Sweet Dreams' surfacing on the net last week. Well, now the clear, high-quality version has surfaced and it's looking like a winner. Check it out above.
Some of you may remember Charlamagne as shock jock Wendy Williams' former side-kick, and for those who do, you'll know, like Williams, he's no holds barred. So whose decision it was to allow Cassie on his show on 100.3 The Beat recently is anyone's guess. Because, as you probably guessed, he ripped her to shreds live on air. Everything from her vocal ability, to the nude pics, to being a nobody in the 'Beyonce / Rihanna' world, to Diddy...this really was slightly uncomfortable to listen to - even if a little funny. Nonetheless, Ms. Ventura kept her composure, which I guess earns her brownie points in terms of following the Media Training 101 handbook.
Anyway enough of my rambling, check out the interview below:
Mariah Carey's hotly anticipated new single 'Obsessed' has literally (literally) just premiered on Chicago's B96 radio station...and it's not good news (IMO).
The Tricky Stewart produced and (The) Dream penned cut sees Mariah sing - vocoder effect en toe- over a much more Urban sounding beat - in comparison to the single offerings from her last effort 'E=MC2'. Getting the 'good' out of the way first; the record is a laced with catchy hooks that should ensure it be a fixture on the radio.
The bad? Basically everything else! For an artist who is oft labelled 'The Voice', this isn't a good look - at all. For IMO any mediocre R&B chick could have churned out the very same track - to much less fanfare. The overly-processed and cooked-up sound of Mariah's voice via the vocoder also doesn't do the 39 year old any favours in the forever-raging debate about the state of her voice. Summed up, Mariah dropped the ball with this one. I'll probably become "Lamb Stew" for this, but oh well...LOL.
R&B star Kelly Rowland is once again over our side of the pond here in her home-away-from-home London, promoting her collaboration with David Guetta - 'When Love Takes Over'. The pair today stopped by ITV1's This Morning to perform the song, as well as sit down for a chat. You can check out the performance above and the interview below:
I must admit, I'm stanning quite a bit now, as Ms. Kelly nailed that performance vocally. Definitely the best I've heard her sound vocally (solo) for a long while. The song, while the genre not typically being my cup of tea, really hits the mark due to Kelly's vocal delivery. As a longtime fan, I've always longed for material that showcases Kelly's ability to belt, as well as Kelly doing such a song justice live. She scored on both points. Great performance.
With Kelly currently being one of the most sought after free agents on the market, according to sources, with a new label being somewhat inevitable, along with the success of this song, the future is looking real bright for her. While it may have taken some to time to materialise...she told you she was gonna bump like this! LOL. More power to her.
The official cover for Mariah Carey's brand new single 'Obsessed' (which premieres today) has surfaced on popular fansite Mariah Daily.
As you can see, it's a clothes off / sexed-up affair. That said, I'm not complaining - she looks hot. Let's just hope the material and her vocals are on par with this (hot), as this sexy image she seems to be touting this go round, judging by this pic, will make for her to seem a little desperate IMO if her vocals or material are lacking.
Just a few more hours to go for 'Obsessed'. Come on Mimi, shut up your critics! {Thanks Marjan!}
The video for Beyonce's Kanye West assisted 'Ego (Remix)' premiered a few hours ago on Access Granted. This recession really isn't the business, for if you were expecting a fully-fledged new video, you'll be bitterly disappointed. The only thing new about this, is Kanye's edited-in scene, which essentially mirrors the original video. Blah.
Tidbit: I've really warmed to the original video, mainly because of the choreography, since it debuted a few weeks back.
While the release date of LeToya Luckett's sophomore effort 'Lady Love' still up in the air, new material from the set has surfaced in the form of 'Don't Need You'. Produced by Madd Scientist (Beyonce & Jay-Z's 'Hollywood'), the mid-tempo ballad is a cleverly written take on oft-tackled issue of relationships. The cut also really illuminates the fact that LeToya's voice has really matured with this new record.
Having been somewhat on the fence with much of Ms. Luckett's new material (sorry, but 'Not Anymore' was not cutting it), I'm feeling a lot more optimistic about 'Lady Love' after hearing this.
If you thought the Nas and Kelis divorce was going to be a mess-free affair, think again! According to TMZ, Kelis has lifted the lid on the nitty gritty of the couple's separation...and it's not a good look for Nas:
Kelis claims estranged hubby Nas has left her high and dry ... not offering her a penny in the wake of her impending birth ... and she says she's broke -- "I have run out of money."
Kelis filed legal papers claiming Nas isn't paying her support, pre-natal expenses -- nothing, even though she claims he is filthy rich.
Kelis is asking the judge to order Nas to pay for spousal support, child support, all pregnancy-related expenses, and one-half of all medical expenses after the child is born. She also wants $3,500 for the baby nurse after the child's birth, and $20,000 for strollers, cribs and other baby supplies.
Kelis says, "My survival is based on [Nas'] will at this time. If he does not want to pay for an expense, it does not get paid." The couple was married in 2003. The baby is due this month.
Kelis says she's entitled to maintain the lifestyle to which she became accustomed during their marriage -- they have 5 homes, fly first class, go to fancy restaurants, and on and on. Most interesting -- "There were many expensive pieces [of jewelry] such as a princess-cut diamond tennis bracelet that was recently appraised for $190,000. My engagement ring is an approximately nine-carat cushion-cut diamond solitaire. I have numerous watches...such as Cartier, Rolex, Frank Muller and Chopard."
Her lawyer, disso-queen Laura Wasser, says in a separate declaration she's asked Nas to ante up some $$$ for Kelis and the unborn baby but he hasn't responded.
Wow. Can you say 'drama' or what! While there are three sides to every story (hers, his, and the truth), this really doesn't bode well for Nas in the court of public opinion. Nonetheless, the whole situation is real, real unfortunate.
That Grape Juice is pleased to announce that we have teamed up once again with Live Nation, this time giving you the chance to win a pair of tickets to the Wireless Festival 2009. The hotly anticipated event takes place between July 4th - July 5th 2009 at London's Hyde Park.
We're giving you the chance to win a pair of tickets to the 2nd, and arguably most anticipated, day (July 5th 2009) of the 2-day outdoor extravaganza. For, taking to the stage on that date will be none other than Kanye West, along with Kelly Rowland, Alesha Dixon, Flo'Rida, Young Jeezy, The Noisettes, Q-Tip, N-Dubz, Mr Hudson and many more!
To be in with a chance of winning, answer the following question correctly:
What was Kanye West's first UK #1 single?
a) Goldigger
b) Stronger
c) Love Lockdown
Email your answer as well as your full name, age, contact number and address to competitions@thatgrapejuice.net. Please be sure to put 'Wireless Festival 09 Comp' as the subject. A winner will be selected randomly from all correct answers. Competition ends Sunday 21st June.
* Please note, prize does not include transport expenses, yet entry is still open to all countries.
As Whitney Houston continues to ready her as-yet-untitled 'comeback' effort for a September 1st release (August 31st - UK), more details about the LP has surfaced via Showbiz 411 columnist Roger Friedman:
I told you earlier this week that Whitney’s album was done, and would be released by the Grammy deadline cut off of August 31, 2009.
Well, yesterday Arista Records confirmed it. There’s one weird hitch: the album will go on September 1st, one day after the deadline. I know, it doesn’t make any sense. Maybe it’s a shipping thing, and the Grammys will allow a 24 hour grace period.
More importantly, here’s some news: Alicia Keys wrote and produced a track on the album for Whitney. Houston has been “working” Alicia for a couple of years, and it finally happened. The track is also produced by Alicia’s reported current love interest, the producer Swizz Beatz. (His real name is Kasseem Dean, by the way.)
There are tracks on Whitney’s album from Diane Warren, Stargate, and other top producers of the day. But the first single is set to be a David Foster production.
And yes, the track that was leaked last year with Akon, “Like I Never Left,” will be included in its finished form.
I am told, also, that the album is a combination of big, sweeping ballads and 80s dance music like Houston’s trademark hit, “How Will I Know” and “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.”
So it looks like we will have new albums from Whitney and Mariah at the same time after all. It’s a flashback battle of the divas, circa 1994. Bring it on! {Source}
The Swizzy and Alicia production collabo sounds real interesting. As pertains the Akon collabo 'Like I Never Left', the song grew on me considerably after first hearing it; the airy, laidback nature of it feels apt for the impending summer period ahead. That said, I'm gonna need the final version of the song to see Nippy batting it out of the park with the vocals, because, the end aside, she was talking through most of the track. In any case, roll on September 1st, roll on!
As the shocking death of The King of Pop Michael Jackson continues to reverberate around the globe, new pictures of the icon rehearsing for his ill-fated London 'This Is It' shows - just 2 days before his passing - have emerged. As sad as this whole episode is, it's somewhat uplifting IMO to see MJ happy doing what he does best. Tour promoters AEG Live have confirmed that they have a full dress rehearsal of the show filmed. There is mounting speculation that a live DVD/CD of the show, and an accompanying live audio album of the set may be released at some point. Here's hoping it does. 
