Chris Brown's video for new single 'Forever' premiered today. The track is lifted from the upcoming re-release of his sophomore LP 'Exclusive' (due June 3rd). About the clip; put simply, I think it's wack, as is the song. However I do commend Chris for experimenting with a 'different' sound and trying to appeal to a wider audience. It's just a shame the execution fell short of his (label's) intentions.
What do you think of the video?
Labels: Chris Brown
Perhaps it's because I see a lot of potential with the group that I'm still rooting for them, because that acapella was a mess...a hot mess, at that. It'll be interesting to see if they can deliver the goods with their future showings. Their self-titled debut is set to hit stores July 1st.
Any thoughts?
Labels: Girlicious
R&B star Usher recently spoke on the young talent in the today's industry - more specifically teen singer Chris Brown:Usher has hailed fellow singer Chris Brown as a younger version of himself - insisting the star will “follow the same path”. Usher, 29, was just 15 when he released his self-titled debut album in 1994 and has gone on to forge a highly successful music career. And Usher is convinced Brown, 19, is all set to follow in his footsteps and dominate the R&B scene.
He says, “All of this young energy is great for the industry. Chris is the guy who dances and sings, which is a lot like I do and did as a young artist as well. If time serves us correctly, and artists are continuing to better themselves, then hopefully he’ll follow the same path that I did.” {Source}
While it's good to see Usher giving props to the crop of younger stars on the come-up, I can't help but feel he's a tad on the self-indulgent side. I mean after all, he along with the Justin's and co are evidently still students at the 'Michael Jackson School of Performing'. To be honest, I can't pick any one male artist of today that has carved out a lasting trademark in the way the MJ's and Prince's did.
Your thoughts?
Labels: Chris Brown, Usher
Good stuff, Kelly did her thing. She's really becoming a lot more 'at home' on stage these days (solo), which is something I'm anticipating seeing more of in future performances too.
What do you think of the performance?
Labels: Kelly Rowland
I've really taken a liking to the song since the debut of the music video. Great performance.
What do you think of the performance?
Labels: Alicia Keys
This new promotional shot for Kelly Rowland's 'Ms. Kelly: Deluxe' album surfaced recently. She looks near-flawless. The European-only release will hit stores May 10th.Labels: Kelly Rowland
With rapper Busta Rhymes readying his latest LP 'Blessed' for a June 17th release, two new videos in support of the set have surfaced; official single 'We Made It' (ft. Linkin Park)' (above) and buzz cut 'Don't Touch Me (Throw The Water On 'Em)' (below). While I'm not really feeling the clip for 'Don't Touch Me', I'm really liking the 'We Made It' song and video - very different for Busta.
What do you think of the song(s) / video(s)
Labels: Busta Rhymes
The original line-up of EnVogue (including Dawn Robinson) performed at Tobago's Plymouth Jazz Festival this past Sunday. Granted their age is starting catch up with them, all-four are still very beautiful women.
What do you think of the pics? Labels: EnVogue
As earlier reported, That Grape Juice has teamed up with AEG Live, one of the world's leading providers of live entertainment, to give you the chance to win tickets to see Alicia Keys live in concert! The Grammy Award winning superstar is currently touring the US in support of her multi-Platinum album 'As I Am'. With special guests Ne-Yo and Jordin Sparks, the tour is unmissable! To be in with a chance of winning this week's instalment, answer the following question correctly:
What is Alicia's real name?
a) Alicia Augello-Cook
b) Alicia Moore
c) Alicia Keys
Email your answer as well as your full name, age, and address (as well as State - *very important*) to competitions@thatgrapejuice.net. Please be sure to put 'Alicia Comp - Week 2 + your desired date' as the subject. Winners will be selected randomly from all correct answers. Competition ends Sunday 4th May. Good luck!
-------------------------------------------
You can also purchase tickets to Alicia's tour by clicking here
Labels: Competition
Despite being ridiculed as a 'one hit wonder', teen star Soulja Boy is currently readying his sophomore LP as well as several other ventures. Check out the report via MTV.com: "My new album is called Back to School," he revealed last week in Atlanta. "Basically, it is really me taking it back to the basics. It's time to start studying again. Make it happen, man. ... The time I drop the album, everybody is gonna be going back to school. My fans are 21 and under. That's what I'm focusing on."Didn't his first album (which was garbage IMO) just come out?! I guess he knows his '15' could be up at anytime (they arguably they are already), so he's keeping it moving. I can't knock his hustle. Saying that, I find it a little hard to believe any of the artists he name-dropped would ever think of doing a collabo with him. Imagine 50 and Soulja Boy on the same track LMAO.
Soulja may have rapped about getting F's in school, but since he's become a celeb, the young'un has obviously garnered knowledge in economics. He has a full blitz tied into the album. Besides the record, he's dropping the Soulja Boy sunglasses, his own signature shoes called Yums, as well as a cartoon titled "Bad Little Homies" about him and his friends. Not to be left out is the ever-essential clothing, S.O.D.s. It's named after his record label, Stacks on Deck. On deck are his protégés the All-Stars. Topping it all off will be the Soulja Boy and Friends Tour, featuring himself and other young acts.
Soulja said that since he's making all that money now, he'll be willing to open his album up for collaborations this time. He produced 90 percent of his debut and had no big-name features.
"I'm on Interscope [Records]. I could have went to 50 [Cent], Polow [Da Don], Timbaland," he said about his first effort. "I feel as though I had to prove myself. [This time,] I'mma look around [for tracks], whether it's a producer like Polow or a producer nobody ever heard of. For my fanbase, people who tune in to Soulja Boy, I think a good feature would be me and Chris Brown. Soulja Boy featuring Chris Brown — my audience would be like, 'Oh my God!' "
Labels: Soulja Boy
Hmm. Not as bad as I thought, yet still left a lot to be desired. On the one hand, it's great to see her sing with a clear, polished tone; however 'The Voice' was largely absent from this overly safe performance - showing itself sporadically between the 'talky' majority. Still, watching this offers hope that Whitney could very well crank out a successful well-sung 'Studio LP' (See: Mariah Carey). Whether her unmatched live vocal ability returns to past glories will be interesting to see. Whitney's much-anticipated new album is tentatively slated for a November release.
What do you think of the performance?
Labels: Whitney Houston
Today sees the release of Madonna's 11th studio album 'Hard Candy'. Boasting contributions from Urban heavyweights Timbaland, Pharrell Williams and Kanye West, the record is the superstar's first full-scale foray into the world of Urban music. Labels: Madonna
The video for The-Dream’s new single 'I Luv Your Girl', which features rapper Young Jeezy, made it's debut on BET's 106 & Park yesterday. Both the song and the accompanying clip are kinda 'blah' if I must say so myself. I'm still waiting on him to release 'She Needs My Love'; I've had that on constant rotation since his album 'Love/Hate' dropped back in December.
What do you think of the video?
Labels: The Dream
Thanks all those who entered the Week 1 of our 'Alicia Keys Tour Give-Away'.Labels: Competition
Amateur(ish), yet pretty decent. They have a long way to go. For those not in the know, Girlicious are the creation of Robin Antin, the brainchild behind the Pussycat Dolls. The aim when forming the band, as seen on the show, was to produce a more 'Urban' PCD-esque group.
What do you think of the performance?
Labels: Girlicious
According to our friends over at AOL Black Voices, Whitney Houston's recent concert at Tobago's Plymouth Jazz Festival yesterday (April 27th) was a shambles:The 'Greatest Love of All' singer performed on the last night of the festival, just before headliner Rod Stewart took the stage.With the continued reports of Whitney's diminished vocal state, I'm beginning to wonder whether making a 'comeback' is in her best interest (the album is slated for a November release). For, I'm more than sure she'll be torn to shreds by the media and public alike should she attempt to turn in such performances back home in the States. Here's hoping she gets herself together ASAP.
Houston opened her show with 'Its Not Right, But Its Okay' and by her third song, 'Saving All My Love,' the once soprano's newfound tenor tone was in full rasp.
Delivering only seven songs during her 30 minute set, Houston was reportedly paid a whopping $3 million for the show.
Though journalists were flown in from all over the world, Houston refused to allow media and photographers within 200 feet of the stage. She brought her own photographer to the venue and only he was allowed to shoot her performance.
Wearing a white gown with a single shoulder strap, Houston skipped around the stage and continuously shouted to the crowd: "I love you Trinidad !'
Unfortunately, the concert was in Tobago!
Locals shouted back each time: "This is Tobago!"
The 44-year-old music icon ambitiously attempted 'And I'll Always Love You,' however she struggled through the build up and knew better than attempt the high finish.
She bowed and then squatted after her pseudo-encore of Chaka Khan's 'I'm Every Woman,' which Houston also recorded for 'The Bodyguard' soundtrack.
Labels: Whitney Houston
I'll reserve my judgement until I see the vid in its entirety.
Your thoughts?
Labels: Mariah Carey
This week's edition of 'The Best You Never Heard' serves up songs by teen star JoJo, Teedra Moses, Tamia and the King of Pop Michael Jackson. Drop me your suggestions for future installments at sam@thatgrapejuice.net
JoJo - The Way You Do Me
JoJo's 2006 effort 'The High Road' saw the teen star embrace a more Urban-inspired sound; one of the standout examples of this was the Swizz Beats (yes, Swizz Beats) produced 'The Way You Do Me'. Now, depending on how you wish to interpret the song's lyrical content, it can be considered somewhat risque - especially taking into account her age. Saying that, there's no denying this one's a banger
-----------------------------------------------
Teedra Moses - You Better Tell Her
Taken from Michael's 2004 greatest hits set ' The Ultimate Collection', the previously unreleased 'We've Had Enough' shows that the King of Pop is still at the top of his game. This rousing track is very much in the vein of Michael's worldwide hit 'Earth Song'. Laced with enough 'Michaelisms' to echo the 'glory days', this one is a winner.
-----------------------------------------------
Your thoughts: Hit(s) or Miss(es)?
Labels: The Best You Never Heard
Actress Halle Berry made her first post-pregnancy appearance yesterday the Silver Rose Gala in Beverly Hills. The 41 year old looks better than ever; indeed, everything is sitting right lol.
Any thoughts?
Labels: Halle Berry
Pop superstar Janet Jackson was honored at the 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards which took place at Hollywood's Kodak Theatre this past Saturday. Jackson, seen below sharing a kiss with Ellen Degeneres, was honored with the Vanguard Award.
Labels: Janet Jackson
Great performance. It certainly wouldn't be a bad thing if Janet were to put the headset down every now and then, to show the naysayers what she can really do.
Your thoughts?
Labels: From The Vault
I'm really anticipating the video as well as Michelle's album. This is definitely shaping up to be a project that will surprise many.
Your thoughts?
Labels: Michelle Williams
Watching this really has me amped for the video. Solange's label (Geffen/Music World) as well as her management seem to be pulling out all the stops; the Melina directed clip really looks to be something. Though I wasn't entirely sold on the song initially, with the summer fast approaching, the likelihood of it catching on is a strong possibility. Random tidbit: It's real good seeing 'Big Sis' taking on a mentor-like role with Solange.
Your thoughts?
Labels: Solange
Labels: Estelle
As announced earlier this week, That Grape Juice has teamed up with AEG Live to give you the chance to win tickets to select dates of Alicia Keys' US tour. Click here to for more information / to enter.
Rihanna's video for new single 'Take A Bow' premiered just a few hours ago on the Def Jam website. The song is lifted from the 'Good Girl Gone Bad' re-release, which will be hitting stores June 17th. About the video, though it was kinda run-of-the-mill, it serves its purpose. The Bajan beauty looked near-flawless, I must say though.Labels: Rihanna
According to the New York Post, the King of Pop Michael Jackson is making serious moves to ensure his 'comeback' LP is a winner: The 'no women' thing made for a good laugh; it's Michael, come on now. In any case, I'm really amped for MJ's new record. The concept of Michael selling the album to a major label who will then distribute and market it is the most logical option for the LP's chances of success IMO. Can't wait.He's [Jackson] hired music producers RedOne and Akon to mastermind his new album, and the trio began working together at the Palms recording studio in Las Vegas Wednesday. "Michael is producing the album himself and then will sell it to a record company when he's finished," our spy said. To maintain the utmost concentration, "Michael has banned his kids from the recording studio. He realizes this is very important and doesn't want any distractions." Jacko has also sworn off women for the time being, despite never seeming to care much for them anyway. Jackson - who supposedly had been seeing his children's nanny, Grace Rwaramba - told pals, "He's not going to be involved in any personal relationships with women until he gets this record done. He's dumped the nanny - she's not around any more."
Labels: Michael Jackson
With R&B star Ne-Yo's 'Closer' burning up the airwaves in the US, it's apt that the song's video made its debut today. Evidently, someone's been watching more than a few Michael Jackson videos, but it's all good. I'm really liking the song and feel the video compliments it well. 'Closer' is featured on Ne-Yo's third studio album 'Year of The Gentleman', which will
