Tuesday, July 31, 2007
posted by Sam at 9:27 AM
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{Click to enlarge pic}
Beyonce and Solange feature in the latest promo shoot for their (and their mother Tina's) clothing line House of Dereon. Beyonce looks her usual curvacious self, but it's Solange who stands out most to me. She really is coming into her own - she looks great. A small tidbit: I hear the line isn't doing all that well due to overpricing and the clothes being...well...tacky (or so I've been told).

What do you think of the ad?

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posted by Sam at 6:24 AM
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That Grape Juice can confirm the first official details about Jennifer Lopez's forthcoming new English-language album. Slated to hit stores in Europe on October 8th, the singer's sixth studio effort is titled 'Brave' and will be lead by first single 'Hold It, Don't Drop It'. Producers on the album are set to include Swizz Beats, Midi Mafia and JR Rotem.

After hearing the first single, I'm not too sure if Jennifer can make the comeback her music career needs. Still, there's hope she can pull it together - 'Wrong When Your Gone' (featured on the CD) sounds promising. On a side note, I'd love to know the reason behind the album title, as the material I've heard thus far doesn't indicate a particular direction.

Will you be checking for 'Brave'?

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posted by Sam at 2:28 AM
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R&B songstress Teedra Moses has announced that her long-awaited sophomore CD ‘The Young Lioness’ has been pushed back (again) to next year. In a move to, perhaps, ease the angst of fans eagerly awaiting the album, Teedra has also confirmed that she will release another mixtape before the year’s out. Check out her MySpace post:
hey yall. Just letting you know that my album is not coming out this year. It has been push to the top of next year. Not my decision but I ain't mad. It is what it is. I really am ready for yall to hear it though!!! Its funny, industry people think every artist hates their label, but in my case their wrong. I don't hate nobody. I just don't quite understand their logic. But don't cry for me Argentina. I'm soooo Goood!! I don't put my faith in a label my faith is in God, who reminds to have faith in myself and my team. God has a plan for me so no weapons formed against me will ever prosper. I'm starting to work on a Christmas mixed Tape. I know that sounds novel which ain't normally my angle, but I'mma put a sexy soulful twist on christmas... ya feel me!
TVT (Teedra’s label) really need to get it together. Its been two years or so since the CD was supposed to drop. If-when the album is released-they don’t promote it right, they would have done Teedra and her fans a serious injustice. I’m starting to think she’d be better off at another label.

Your thoughts?

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Monday, July 30, 2007
posted by Sam at 3:33 PM
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Again, I know it's kinda short notice, but I will be interviewing Island Def Jam/So So Def artist Johnta Austin on Wednesday (August 1st). Following a label switch (from Virgin to Island), the talented singer/songwriter is set to drop his 'Ocean Drive' album on September 4th. Please drop any questions you may have for Johnta in the comments section. Note that only genuine and reasonable questions will be considered :)

*The Jagged Edge interview will be up soon*

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posted by Sam at 12:08 PM
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The video for Eve's latest single 'Give it To You' (ft. Sean Paul) premiered yesterday. Directed by Melina (who was behind most of Beyonce's 'Anthology' clips), the video is great; and aside from 'that' blond wig, Eve is looking on-point too. The vid really manages to capture the song's summer vibe. Eve's new album 'Here I Am' is set to hit stores September 18th.

What do you think of the video?

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posted by Sam at 4:28 AM
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After a record-breaking 10 weeks at the top of the Official UK Singles Chart, Rihanna's 'Umbrella' has been dethroned by Timbaland's 'The Way I Are'. The track, which features newcomer Keri Hilson, swapped its #3 postion with Rihanna to claim the top spot. It's not bad news for the Bajan singer whose next single 'Shut Up & Drive' rockets #65-#18 on the chart - based on downloads alone.

Finally! 'Umbrella' was a grower, but after a while it was like 'who's still buying this?'. Considering I feel 'The Way I Are' to be one of the better tracks from Timbaland's overhyped 'Shock Value' CD, it's great to see the track enjoying chart success. Rihanna really seems to be doing it BIG over here too, with 'Shut Up & Drive' on course to peak at a high position.

Any thoughts?

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posted by Sam at 2:44 AM
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As part of their Hip Hop Week, MTV2 screened a ‘Hottest MCs In The Game’ special this past weekend. In constructing the list, a panel of MTV News staff that looked at the most prominent MC’s of the past year and took into account the following: straight-up skills, success (both musically and entrepreneurial), impact on the game, an MC’s ‘cool’ factor, and how they carry themselves on and off recordings. As with BET’s ‘Top 25 Dancers of All Time’ list, this is sure to raise a eyebrows. Check out the list:

1. Lil’ Wayne
2. T.I.
3. The Game
4. André 3000
5. Kanye West
6. Young Jeezy
7. Jay-Z
8. 50 Cent
9. Common
10. Jim Jones

For the most part, I’m ok with the list. Yet, where were Nas and Fabolous? Also, 50 Cent has no place on there - aside from reason of his business success.

Do you agree with the list
 
Sunday, July 29, 2007
posted by Sam at 2:43 PM
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According to E! Online, Eddie Murphy and Tracy Edmonds are engaged. Check out the report:
ET has learned that EDDIE MURPHY and his girlfriend of 10 months, TRACEY EDMONDS, are engaged! According to OK! magazine, the 46-year-old ‘Dreamgirls’ and ‘Shrek the Third’ star proposed on July 25 with a “massive,” roughly 8-carat CARTIER yellow diamond engagement ring.

A friend of the couple says, “They’re very adorable together, very happy,” adding that they plan to tie the knot before the end of the year with a private wedding: “something low-key and romantic.”
Not sure why Tracy's in such a rush to marry a guy who still hasn't taken responsibility for his child with Mel B. On a lighter note, I wonder what Johnny Gill thinks about this lol?

Your thoughts?

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Saturday, July 28, 2007
posted by Sam at 12:51 PM
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In a statement to the Associated Press today (July 28th), Usher's publicist announced the singer's marriage to fiance Tameka Foster has been cancelled. No reason was cited for the cancellation of the ceremony -which was set to take place today - however the statement plead for the privacy of the pair during this time. The couple's first child is due in the fall.

Though the circumstances surrounding the cancellation are unknown, one has to wonder if Usher succumbed to the pressure and pulled the plug. With the way Usher's been on a war path to defend Tameka, I'm kinda surprised by this all. This whole situation gets weirder by the minute...

Why do you think the wedding was called off?

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posted by Sam at 6:34 AM
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{Click pic to enlarge}

It was announced a few months ago that Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson had signed a deal with Avon to become the face of their best-selling fragrance 'Imari'. The above pics are the first shots of Hudson's campaign for the new Imari Seduction' line (on sale in August). In other news, shooting for Jennifer's new movie 'Winged Creatures' which also stars fellow Oscar winner Forest Whittaker has wrapped and the film is set to hit the big screen next year.

What do you think of the pics?

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posted by Sam at 6:16 AM
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The full/high-quality version of Jennifer Lopez's new single 'Hold It, Don't Drop' it has finally surfaced; I previewed a clip of the track a few weeks back. After hearing the Midi Mafia produced song in it's entirety, I still feel it's sub-par and definitely not the sort of material J.Lo should be putting out if she's hoping for a successful comeback. At best, it's listenable, yet it highlights most of what has stunted her recording career in the last couple of years - little substance and poor vocal delivery.

Hit or Miss?

LISTEN: Hold It, Don't Drop It (FULL)

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posted by Sam at 4:48 AM
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Hip Hop Police

Rapper Chamillionaire is set to release his sophomore effort 'Ultimate Victory' on September 18th. Following the controversy surrounding the use of the 'N' word in Hip Hop, Chamillionaire decided to no longer feature profanities in his songs; a concept featured in both of these new vids. The first, 'Hip Hop Police' sees the rapper take on the role of an 'offender' on the run. In 'Evening News', fun is poked at America's idea of newsworthy news. As well as being pretty funny, I'm liking these because he's stepped out of the box and gone left-field - something Urban acts don't do enough.

Evening News

What do you think of the vids?

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Thursday, July 26, 2007
posted by Sam at 2:53 PM
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Lil' Kim attended the star-studded Beckham 'Welcome' party earlier this week in Los Angeles. It's well known that Kimmie's been under the knife a few times, but this just drove it home...she looks a mess. Why she decided to tamper with her previously pretty face I'll never know, but this is just sad. On a side note, I'm still waiting on that post-prison album, as -looks aside-Kim is still one of the best female MC's.

Any thoughts?

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posted by Sam at 8:54 AM
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Rapper Trina is sporting a new look in preparation for the release her new album 'Da Baddest B*tch 2' (due August). It seems she's been paying close attention to Rihanna's recent image overhaul, as the self-proclaimed 'Baddest B*tch' looks eerily like the 'Umbrella' singer. Still, it suits her well - it's a major improvement over the blonde Tranny look she was rocking the last time she was out.

{Click pics to enlarge}



What do you think of Trina's new look?

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posted by Sam at 6:32 AM
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In an interview with Ozone magazine, UGK's Pimp C let rip on a number of issues - namely Ne-Yo, Russell Simmons and Atlanta. Check out extracts from the heated interview:

On Ne-Yo:

"I ain’t out here dressing up trying to be sexy licking my lips like old gay a** Ne-Yo. Licking lips and shit, n***a. Pussy d**k in the booty a** n***a wearing all that gotdamn lipgloss at their video shoots and letting n***as put makeup on their face. Yeah, I said Ne-Yo, you heard what the f**k I said. N***as putting all that lip gloss on they f**kin’ lips looking like they’ve just been eating a pork chop sandwich with no hands.”

On Russell Simmons:

“I just made peace with the lil n***a Short Dawg cause on the cool, it really wasn’t his fault. It was ol’ d**k-in-the-booty-Russell Simmons fault for not taking the message back to him and telling him to change his name. Yeah, I said ‘d**k-in-the-booty.’ I know what I’m talking about. B***h, I’ll air you out too.”

On Atlanta & The South:

“Atlanta is not the South. Atlanta is not the South, gotdamn it, when you go to Atlanta what does your clock say? When you get off the plane from Los Angeles or Texas, what time do it be over there? Atlanta is East Coast time. You n***as ain’t in the South.”

I'm in hysterics right now lol. C didn't hold back. I don't know what either Ne-Yo or Russell must have done to him, but he went at them hard. He's crazy for getting mad over time zones lol. Having said that, Ne-Yo's 'Because of You' vid did remind me of a MAC cosmetics ad though...

Ignorant or telling it like it is?

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posted by Sam at 6:09 AM
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After the mass confusion surrounding Danity Kane's future - caused mainly by the different accounts given by its members, the group have released a statement to clear the air. Check it out below:

"This is the official statement regarding all the rumors and misinformation floating on the web. Danity Kane is still together and all of us -- Aubrey O'Day, Shannon Bex, Aundrea Fimbres, Dawn Richard and D Woods -- are looking toward to our future together, to taking the industry by storm yet again, and to giving our fans an incredible sophomore album. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank each of you who has continued to support us through the ups and downs of this business. We have every intention of writing, singing, and dancing our way to the top. See you all there!"

Much love,

Danity Kane
For their sake, I'm hoping they've sorted themselves out. They evidently had miscommunication issues. Diddy needs to realize Danity Kane are the best thing Bad Boy have going for it right now and stop holding them down in favour of his own project.

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Wednesday, July 25, 2007
posted by Sam at 4:33 PM
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Def Jam stars Fabolous and Ne-Yo stopped by the new look BET 106 & Park earlier this week to perform their hit collabo 'Make Me Better'. Though the performance didn't 'wow' me (which was expected) I thought they did pretty good; the track has grown on me a lot since first hearing it a few months back.

What do you think of their performance?

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posted by Sam at 3:42 PM
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Black Eyed Peas front man Will.i.am is prepping the launch of his solo project. After the 'Peas successful commercial run, it was inevitable that both he and Fergie would release solo material. This new track - ‘I Got It From My Mama (Genetics)’ - is slated to be the lead single from Will's forthcoming CD ' Songs About Girls' (which hits stores September 25th). I'm liking this track; it's evidently an extension of the sound the Black Eyed Peas channelled on their last couple of albums - hence it should be a firm fixture on the radio.

Hit or Miss?

LISTEN: I Got It From My Mama (Genetics)

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posted by Sam at 3:05 PM
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As many of you may have heard, Beyonce took a painful-looking fall during her concert, 'The Beyonce Experience' in Orlando, Florida yesterday (July 24th). Props when props are due; she's a true performer to have recovered like that -as if nothing happened. First Michelle, then Kelly and now Beyonce - it was always gonna happen lol. LMAO at 'that hurt so bad' and 'don't put this on Youtube'.

What do you think of the fall?

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posted by Sam at 2:27 PM
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As first reported here at That Grape Juice, 'Work' has been confirmed as one the next singles from Kelly Rowland's 'Ms. Kelly' CD. The video for the Scott Storch produced track was shot in LA this past week and will serve as Kelly's next European single. Not sure about the outfit, but I'm pleased to see a proper routine this time around. Be on the lookout for this video and the clip for 'Comeback' - the forthcoming US single.

What do you think of the pics?

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Tuesday, July 24, 2007
posted by Sam at 3:10 PM
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Continuing her promo trip through the UK, Amerie performed her latest single 'Gotta Work' on daytime show GMTV. Though better than the 'T4 On the Beach' performance from a few days back, something was still not there in the performance. Still it's good to see the severely underrated Amerie get her props over here - the song is slated to debut in the top 10 when released next week. Interestingly, the single will go head to head with Beyonce's 'Green Light' which also sees it's official release next week. {Thanks Adrian}

What did you think of the performance?

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posted by Sam at 12:49 PM
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'The Beyonce Experience' tour recently hit the Bank Atlantic Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida (July 22nd). Check out this performance of fan-favourite 'Get Me Bodied'; this version favours the BET Awards performance - with the Beyonce re-enacting her 'spacesuit entrance' this time dressed as a Bee lol. She did great. Having attended the London show in June (click here to check my review), I would definitely recommend the tour to those who still have a chance to go.

What do you think of the performance?

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Monday, July 23, 2007
posted by Sam at 11:16 PM
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The timing of the debut of the 'Uh Oh' video is kinda suspect. With Ja Rule and Lil' Wayne hitting headlines for their recent arrests, I'm thinking it may all be a publicity stunt to generate a buzz around the song. Whatever the case, such tactics may actually be needed as the video is sub-par at best. Though I'm feeling the song, the video just looks flat out cheap and by no means indicates it's Ja's comeback video. I seem to be one of the few holding out for a Ja resurgence, but he's gonna have to come better than this.

What do you think of the video?

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posted by Sam at 2:06 PM
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Rappers Ja Rule and Lil' Wayne were arrested and charged with criminal possession of a deadly weapon yesterday in separate incidents which both took place in New York yesterday (July 22nd).

Ja Rule, real name Jeff Atkins, initially drew the attention of police officers when his luxury vehicle was stopped for speeding around 10.30pm. When the car was searched, a .40-caliber firearm was found. The 'Mesmerise' rapper as well as two other occupants of the vehicle were consequently arrested and charged.

Later in the evening, Miami-bred rapper Lil' Wayne was arrested after police spotted him and another man smoking marijuana on a tour bus following a concert. When taken into custody and searched, a .40 pistol was found. Both were charged with criminal possession of a weapon and marijuana.

When will some of these rappers learn? It's no wonder Hip Hop can't catch a break these days.

Your thoughts?

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posted by Sam at 1:16 PM
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{Scan credit: Usherforever.com}
According to In Touch magazine, Usher's ex, Chilli, and fiance Tameka Foster had a run-in at the singer's mom's house. Chilli (36), who remains good friends with Usher's mother Jonetta Patton, is said to have infuriated Foster with her presence:

Tameka walked in and hit the roof. She screamed at Chilli, “Doesn’t your boyfriend have a mom you can visit?” Chilli just told her to grow up and walked out laughing.

Unlike most, I don't despise Tameka - I have no real reason to - but she needs to go sit down somewhere if this is true. There ain't nothing wrong with Chilli visiting Jonetta. With all the drama surrounding Usher and Tameka, I'm wondering how long their relationship will last...

Was Tameka right to be mad?

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posted by Sam at 12:19 PM
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After spending it's 10th week at #1 on the Official UK Singles chart, Rihanna's 'Umbrella' has made UK chart history. The massive hit is the longest-running #1 single on the chart in over decade - with its nearest comparator being Wet, Wet, Wet's 1994 smash 'Love Is All Around' which spent 14 weeks in the top spot.

Before I'm labelled a 'hater', I think its a major achievement for Rihanna - one both she and her fans should be proud of. However, it just goes to show how far little talent, good looks and media saturation will take you. Is that what the industry has come to?

Any thoughts?

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posted by Sam at 11:44 AM
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R&B star Amerie hit the UK this past week to start promo for her latest European single 'Gotta Work'. This performance took place during the 'T4 on the Beach' festival in Weston-Super Mare yesterday (July 22nd). I liked the performance; her vocals were really good and the crowd were hyped throughout. Having said that, I felt something was kinda lacking. Unlike most her other performances, Amerie didn't really 'work' the stage and was confined to more or less one spot. In other Amerie news, her third album 'Because I Love It' - out now in Europe - will see its Stateside release on August 21st.

What do you think of the performance?

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Sunday, July 22, 2007
posted by Sam at 11:11 PM
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Just a quick reminder about That Grape Juice's 'EA Games Give-Away'. This week's edition of the competition ends on Wednesday July 25th. Click here to enter!

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posted by Sam at 2:27 PM
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As Fantasia's 'When I See U' continues to dominate the Billboard R&B chart, a (proper) remix of the song has surfaced. Featuring producer Polow Da Don and Young Jeezy, this version of the track differs quite a bit to the original. Don't be fooled by the faux-original start; when the remix beat kicks in it sounds like a totally different song - despite the same vocals being used. After a couple of listens, I'm liking this one.

What do you think of this remix?

LISTEN: When I See U (Remix) (ft. Polow Da Don & Young Jeezy)

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posted by Sam at 11:48 AM
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