That Grape Juice Update (Important)

welcome to new That Grape Juice

Since launching That Grape Juice 2.0 the site’s traffic has almost doubled! While this has been a blessing, it’s dually also been a bit of a nag, as the site’s server has been experiencing difficulties in trying to cope with the increased traffic.

As a result, we’ll be moving to a more advanced server later today, so as to keep things afloat here at your favourite site and mine. If everything goes to plan, you won’t experience any difficulty accessing the site at all. However, if you do, continue to refresh the page until it comes up.

Thanks for your patience!

Remember, keep it locked on That Grape Juice!

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Cheryl Cole Performs At Children In Need Concert

UK media darling Cheryl Cole performed at the Children In Need concert, which aired on BBC1 yesterday, offering a ‘live’ rendition of smash single ‘Fight For This Love’.

I oft find myself quite torn with how I feel about Ms. Cole. The critic side of me knows she couldn’t sing her ABC’s in tune if she tried (as evidenced by this performance), yet the consumer side sees the spectacle and media-flooding, which is hard not to fall victim to. Either way, I doubt she cares too much; her album ‘Three Words’, though critically panned, has been certified Platinum here in the UK and her profile seems to be expanding with each passing day (see: X-Factor, L’Oreal).

What do you think of the performance?

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New Song: Jennifer Lopez – ‘Louboutins’

jennifer lopez

After a lengthy hiatus Jennifer Lopez hoping make a dent on the music scene with new single ‘Louboutins’ (lifted from new album ‘Love?’) which premiered moments ago. Unfortunately for Ms. Jenny From The Block, this cut is…well…not cutting it. Repetitive lyrically and showing little in the way of vocal growth (something which IMO was necessary for Jennifer coming out this go round), the Tricky Stewart produced track’s only worthwhile offering is it’s stellar production which screams epic and ‘I’m back’. It such a shame that the rest of the track doesn’t.

Hearing this has me wondering what exactly is going on with her team, as the previously heard ‘Hooked On You’ was the epitome of fire on a track and a sure hit had it been released. In any case, whose to say this won’t be a grower (the ‘hook’, though redundant is quite catchy), particularly after her upcoming performance at the American Music Awards this Sunday.

Hit or Miss?

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That Grape Juice On Twitter // Facebook

tgj twitter

As many of you may know, we announced several  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 Blackberry feature, which allows me to let you guys know what I’m up while I’m out and about. That means everything from checking in with you all while on location at an artist interview to complete randomness from the wackiness that is ‘my world’. So what are you waiting for…

Click here to follow That Grape Juice on Twitter!



Click here to follow Trent’s Twitter too!

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cd8e673d0d6d1c0c846009367162b45f That Grape Juice On Twitter // FacebookThe That Grape Juice Facebook Group launched 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!


Click here to join That Grape Juice On Facebook

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Mariah Performs On Alan Carr

Diva Mariah Carey is currently over here in the UK promoting  her new album ‘Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel’, yesterday performing ‘I Want To Know What Love Is’ on the Alan Carr Chattyman show.

The few semi-off points really drive home the fact that this was, for the most part, live. So with that in mind, Mariah did a great job. She’s still look likes she’s about to burst a vein trying to hit certain notes, but the output were some really great vocals. Loved the whistle and the belting at the end. Great performance.

What do you think of the performance?

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Shakira Performs ‘Give It Up To Me’ On GMA

What do you think of the performance?

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Rihanna Talks Missing Chris, Tristan Wilds & More

rihanna 12

Hot on the promotional trail for her ‘Rated R’ LP, Rihanna called in to the The Bert Show on Q100 radio station in Atlanta to discuss many a topic. The interviewers asked whether she missed ex-Chris Brown, if  rumours of her dating actor Tristan Wilds of (from TV show ‘The Wire’) were true and more. Here’s what the Bajan beauty had to say:

Interviewers: Do you still miss Chris?

Rihanna: Um, sometimes. Actually yes. There are alot of reminders, alot of hotel rooms, alot of places that we’ve been to together, music, different things that come up that are reminders of your ex….I’ve gotten over it, but there’s definitely constant reminders. Alot of it is listening to the radio, songs that come on, that were our favorite songs or his songs.

Interviewers: Is there any truth to the stories that you’re dating Tristan Wilds [The Wire]?

Rihanna: I don’t even have his number…I had a house party, this is funny, you know how a bunch of people come over that you don’t even know. And he came by, which was fun for me, I appreciated the company and he brought a bunch of friends….but I dont even have his number, so I dont know how I can be dating him.

Interviewers: Are you even open to dating right now?

Rihanna: Um, no. I’m a very flirty girl though…

{Source}

Ms. Fenty sure ain’t shying away from talking about the Chris Brown scenario at any chance it’s presented to her, is she? Funny, for, when they were together, they both remained so tight-lipped about it all – despite the countless pictures and whatnot. Yes, ‘the incident’ happened, but considering  she said in her 20/20 interview that the main thing that annoyed her was that relationship shouldn’t be the public’s business, it’s somewhat confusing to see her so open about it. Artists such as ’she who shall not be named’, have effectively managed to keep her private life private, and, most importantly, keep the focus on her music, so there are workable ways for Ms. Fenty to do the same. That said, when your music lacks substance and leaves a lot to be desired, what other options other are there? I’m just saying…

Your thoughts?

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Janet Signs New Deal With A&M / Interscope

janet J Janet Signs New Deal With A&M / Interscope

As we’ve been reporting for the last few months, Janet Jackson has been on the brink of inking a new deal with A&M Records – the label she began her career on. Well, according to the New York Daily Post, the deal was finalised with the Interscope-housed label last month.

Interestingly, the label – on which Janet saw the release of 2 of the biggest albums of her career ‘Control’ and ‘Rhythm Nation’ – always had plans to release a Janet greatest hits LP – so say our sources, yet have gone all out in the way of promotion and having Janet herself board, since signing her.

According to the newspaper, A&M/Interscope wants ‘Number Ones’ to remind people how great Janet is. There’s the  hoping it’ll wet the public’s appetite for Janet and pave the way for her new music.

Particularly amped for Janet’s new album is A&M/Interscope executive Jimmy Iovine (who janet was snapped out with last month), who has has enlisted hitmaker Rodney ‘Darkchild’ Jerkins to oversee the album.

“Jimmy has given the mandate to make this Janet record a success,” reports the paper. “He believes that he has the right team in place to finally take Janet back to the top of the music charts. It’s a top priority for the label”

As at writing, the album as a pencilled-in release window of 2nd-quarter 2010.{Source}

To say the confirmation of the deal has me uber amped would be the biggest of understatements. Very much a rooter for the underdog, I’ve been waiting the longest for the all the pieces of the jigsaw to re-align for Ms. Jackson (if you’re nasty) and they seem to be doing just that. A team and label who are fully behind her, a super-producer overseeing the project, and all that jazz. Could 2010 be the year Janet re-asserts her place at the top? We sure hope so!

Tidbit: Upon hitting ‘post’, Sam goes into intense prayer and fasting in hope of another ‘Feedback’ from this Janet and Darkchild union!

Your thoughts?

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Alexandra Performs At Little Noise Sessions (Must See!)

That Grape Juice reader Chelsie sent along these videos of Alexandra Burke performing at the Little Noise Sessions (for chairty) in Islington, North London earlier this week. During her rousing set, Ms. Burke offered an acoustic rendition of first single ‘Hallelujah’ (which you can watch above), as well as ‘The Silence’, ‘Listen’ and Jackson 5 classic ‘I’ll Be There’, which you watch after the jump.  (She did perform ‘Bad Boys’, but the quality of vid isn’t hot LOL).

READ THE REST »

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Extended Preview: Janet Jackson – ‘Make Me’ Video

Full video premieres tomorrow.

Your thoughts?

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Video: Janet Jackson ABC Special

Pop Icon Janet Jackson’s eagerly anticipated ABC special aired in the US a few hours ago. In this revealing interview with Robin Roberts, the youngest of the Jackson dynasty spoke candidly about the passing of her brother Michael Jackson, no longer being with Jermaine Dupri, her career and so much more. A great interview, I must say.

Your thoughts?

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‘Before I Self Destruct’ Sales Set To Disappoint

50 cent bisd Before I Self Destruct Sales Set To Disappoint

According to Hits Daily Double, rapper 50 Cent’s album ‘Before I Self Destruct’ is on course to sell just 150, 000 copies first week, enough only to secure a #3 or #4 debut.

While decent numbers for some artists in this current climate, this has to come as a disappointment to ol’ Fiddy considering a) how much he trash talks other folks and b) how much he’s sold in the past. There’s no doubt in my mind that these sales will be blamed on the leaking of the album several weeks ahead of release; however the last time I checked, everyone and their mother’s record seems to hit the wonderful world of the Internet prior to hitting shops.

It seems as if Curtis is set to have his Ja Rule moment…ouch.

Your thoughts?

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Alicia Keys Premieres ‘Empire State Of Mind (Part 2)’

R&B songstress Alicia Keys premiered the sequel to Jay-Z collaboration ‘Empire State of Mind’, the aptly titled ‘Empire State of Mind (Part 2)’ during her set for iHeartRadio today. The song is set to feature on her forthcoming ‘Element of Freedom’ LP (due December 15th).

Some may jump on me for saying this, but I’m thinking I like this better than the original. (Sam runs out of post with the swiftness…LOL)

Hit or Miss?

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Preview: Beyonce ‘I Am…Yours’ Live LP

beyvegas1 Preview: Beyonce I Am...Yours Live LP

You can now preview Beyonce’s ‘I Am…Yours’ live tour album, due out November 23rd. The LP was recorded during Beyonce’s intimate show at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas earlier this year.

Click here to preview the album

Sounds awesome!

Tidbit: Click here to watch Beyonce sing to yours truly in London this past Sunday.

Randomness: Notice I didn’t post the album’s cover, not trying to get shut down again LOL…

Your thoughts?

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