Former ‘it’ rapper 50 Cent has been on the interview trail over the last few weeks attempting to promote his new album, ‘Before I Self Destruct’. In two of those conversations, the mogul elaborated on why he thinks his new LP is set to debut with numbers far below his usual standard. Here are excerpts from the discussions with Hot 97 and Jenny Boom Boom TV respectively:

“With the actual outcome of the project, once the record leaks from the international plant, what more can I do,” 50 explained in an interview [with Hot 97]. “I can’t, I held the record long enough to get it to them, to mix and master it and for them to ship it and then it leaks from the plant internationally, I’m like come on, then that’s it. They lost the ball. You know what I mean, if the numbers look funny to me, it’s they fault.”

“All you gotta do is get the response,” Fif explained to radio personality Jenny Boom Boom. “The response is so well, so good, that I know the record is a hit. So whether they consumed it from actually purchasing it or they got it off the web or wherever they got it from, when they hear it and enjoy it, they end up at the show. How can I focus on album sales now when it’s to the point where my record is released four weeks before schedule. The marketing, everything that’s planned to sell the actual record, is happening four weeks late, now that the record is out a month early. You know, those things are happening after they had an opportunity to hear it and it’s confirmation to the doubters that the record wouldn’t be good.” {Source}

As usual 50 serves up a long list of excuses to compensate for his short-comings. People have not been anxious for his material since his marketing scheme feud with Kanye West in 2007, and even then their were whispers that his days as Hip-Hop’s biggest star were numbered. Maybe if he spent more time perfecting his craft rather than instigating conflict with other artists, he might be able to produce a quality LP like ‘Get Rich Or Die Trying’ instead of the filth that we have been subjected to for the last 5 years. Get it together 50.

Thoughts?

Filed Under: 50 Cent

Singer/actress Jennifer Lopez has been hard at work preparing for her upcoming performance on the American Music Awards this Sunday, where she will be performing her new song ‘Louboutins’. In the mean time, however, the singer has decided to release the video her her ‘buzz’ single ‘Fresh Out The Oven’. The clip was directed by Jonas Åkerlund and features Pitbull. Lopez’s new album, ‘Love?’, hits stores on January 26th 2010.

As the video was made to support a promotional single, I can understand why the budget was not very expansive. However, given the fact that Lady Lo has not been present on the broadcast airwaves for such a long time, I assumed that she would have tried a bit harder to ensure that she made a bigger splash. Certainly the the lackluster response of radio to the track should have compelled her to produce something of greater substance. Either way, I eagerly await her performance this weekend; that is if Janet doesn’t give me a heart attack first.

Sidebar: Is anyone seeing all the similarities between Jennifer and Beyonce lately? The alter ego was one thing but that leopard print cat suit and heavy eye makeup looks awfully familiar…

Thoughts?

Filed Under: Jennifer Lopez

Chocolate contralto Toni Braxton released the music video for the remix of the first single off her upcoming album, ‘Yesterday‘. The clip was directed by Billie Woodruff and features Braxton’s collaborator on the track, Trey Songz. To date, ‘Yesterday’ has climbed to #49 on the Hip-Hop/R&B charts. Braxton’s new album, ‘Pulse’, hits stores in February 2010.

This video is the typical ‘recession special’ that has come to define the caliber of music videos given the current economy. Either way, there is no denying that Toni is possibly the beautiful woman in the music industry today – beautiful face, body, skin and voice. I am surprised that there wasn’t any more chemistry between her and Trey in the video though, especially given their recent passionate performance at the Soul Train Music Awards. I was really hoping to see more intimacy between the two, rather than having them in completely different shots without any interaction what so ever.

Sidebar: Toni’s wig collection sure got some air time in this video huh?

Thoughts?

Filed Under: Toni Braxton, Trey Songz

Pop singer Leona Lewis made a special appearance on ‘The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brian’ recently. The singer promoted her new album ‘Echo’ and performed the first single from the record, ‘Happy’. The song has thus far peaked at #50 on the Billboard Hot 100.

It’s good to see that she is still trying to promote the album because as with the projected figures, it’s going to need all the help it can help. However, with a rather boring and generic single like ‘Happy’, I can’t see the LP getting the push that it so desperately needs. Add that to her emotionally vacant performances and generally poor reviews from the critics, I sense that this album has little hope of matching the success of it’s predecessor.

Thoughts?

Filed Under: Leona Lewis

The 2009 ‘Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show’ took place at The Armory in New York City last evening. The lingerie extravaganza attracted a long list of celebrities including Fergie (seen above) who looked far from fugly while she rocked the stage.

Two of Hip-Hop’s most powerful players, Jay-Z and Dr. Dre, were also at the event.

Keri Hilson made a stop at the show as well. She could easily fit in with the models on the runway if she wanted.

Keri and Jay bumped in to each other at the after-party. What an interesting conversation that must have been.

Finally, we have Fergie once again who this time posed with her illustrious band-mates, the Black Eyed Peas, on the red carpet.

What do you think of their looks?

Filed Under: Black Eyed Peas, Dr Dre, Fergie, Jay Z, Keri Hilson

Do you know which song spent the most weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100? Do you know which song was the first to debut at the top spot? That Grape Juice has you covered! ‘Back In The Beat’ is our brand new feature, which each Friday takes a look back at the songs that topped the Billboard Hot 100 at this exact point in time in years of past.

Covered by me, Trent, it provides the opportunity to not only take a ‘trip down memory lane’, but remember some of the monumental songs that molded the present day sound of the music industry. So get out your pen and paper because class is officially in session!

Thoughts?

Filed Under: Mariah Carey

Iconic diva Mariah Carey launched this year’s Christmas season by turning on the Christmas lights at the Westfield Shopping Centre in London early today. The singer used the occasion to help promote her new fragrance, ‘Forever’, as well as her ‘Memoirs of An Imperfect Angel’ album which will be released on November 23rd in the UK. Mariah will perform her cover of ‘I Want To Know What Love Is’ on this Sunday’s ‘The X Factor’. Keep an eye on ThatGrapeJuice for all the octave-warbling footage!

Filed Under: Mariah Carey

R&B youngster Chris Brown took the stage last night in Los Angeles during his sold-out ‘Fan Appreciation Tour’ and performed a tribute to the King of Pop Michael Jackson. Still think that Omarion did the moon-walk correctly in his ‘Get It In’ video? Show them how it’s done Chris!

Filed Under: Chris Brown

The legendary Whitney Houston and her daughter Bobbi Kristina were spotted in LAX Airport in Los Angeles recently. Whitney is scheduled to make an appearance at the American Music Awards this Sunday where she will be performing. Keep it locked on ThatGrapeJuice for all the action!

What do you think of their looks?

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Vocal vixen Shakira performed a rendition of the Christmas classic ‘Santa Baby’ at last evening’s at NBC’s 12th Annual ‘Christmas in Rockefeller Center’. The event was held at the Rockefeller Plaza in New York City and also featured Aretha Franklin, Alicia Keys and The Roots. The special will air on NBC on December 2nd.

A lot of people criticise Shakira’s singing because they don’t understand her unconventional technique. However, there is no denying that she sounded amazing in this performance. Just imagine if certain other singers tried their hands at that song; it definitely won’t be a very merry Christmas.

Thoughts?

Filed Under: Shakira

Controversial rapper Eminem has just announced that he will be re-releasing his hit album ‘Relapse’, which has sold over 1.5 million units to date. Mariah Carey’s biggest fan collaborated with partner 50 Cent and producer Just Blaze on the double-disc ‘Relapse: Refill’ project which will feature seven new songs. The LP will serve as a replacement to the previously announced ‘Relapse 2′ LP that the rapper promised to hit stores by the end of the year. ‘Relapse: Refill’ drops on December 22nd.

Eminem has managed to remain a major sales force on the charts since his debut almost a decade ago. However, with his new material becoming less inspired with each release, I find it incredible that he managed to sell as many records as he did this year. Maybe he ought to share his secrets with 50 because it is evident that he is in desperate need of a hit.

Thoughts?

Filed Under: Eminem

According to popular chart analyst site HitsDailyDouble, UK singer Leona Lewis‘ second studio album is set bomb on next’s weeks US chart tally. The record, ‘Echo’,  is projected to sell a dismal 60, 000 units, completely missing the top spot. In stark contrast, Leona’s first LP, ‘Spirit’, debuted on the Billboard 200 with over 205, 000 units; more than triple the numbers that ‘Echo’ is expected to ship in it’s first week.

I am in no way shocked by this news. There has been almost zero public interest in the album, with the first single, ‘Happy’, failing to even get pass #50 on the Billboard Hot 100. Leona did experiment with a few new sounds with this project but with the lack of passion in her music and being frankly devoid of an actual personality, I found myself bored with almost the entire record. ‘Brave’ is the only interesting track on the entire album. I sense that it’s high time that her label stops trying to recapture the magic of ‘Bleeding Love’ and trying to create the next Mariah Carey. Rather, they should focus on allowing her to find her own voice in the industry.

Thoughts?

Filed Under: Leona Lewis

Toni Braxton has finally opened up about her recent split with her husband Keri Lewis. The sultry singer spoke with popular UK newspaper ‘The Voice Online’, an excerpt from which can be seen below:

The Unbreak My Heart hitmaker has two sons with her spouse, and she revealed in an exclusive interview with The Voice that she’s not entirely sure why the marriage broke down.

“I’m newly separated – no-one really knows what went wrong,” Braxton said. “My husband and I are still cool – we get along great. But that could become challenging. If things go further, you may read about some things… things will have to be split and all of that.”

However, the US songstress is hopeful that the split won’t become a messy battle that’s played out in the public eye.

“Oh, it’ll nothing like that,” she said. “We were friends for years before we started dating and we’ve been married for almost nine years. I’m a little sad about it and I can’t see anything down the line because it’s all so new. We’re sorting different things right now.”

Good for her. It’s great to see that she is remaining focused and not allowing this situation to consume her. I hope that she keeps this same attitude when it’s time to promote her new album, ‘Pulse’, when it hit stores in February 2010.

Thoughts?

Filed Under: Toni Braxton

Leona Lewis held a release party for her new album ‘Echo’ in Hollywood, Los Angeles recently. Yes I know this is post is supposed to be a Leona post but Ciara looked so FIERCE that she needed to get the top spot!

O yeah, Justin Timberlake made a stop at the party too!

Thoughts?

Filed Under: Ciara, Justin Timberlake, Leona Lewis