Wednesday, June 4th 2008

Pics: Ashanti Promo Blitz

The Ashanti promotional blitz hit New York yesterday. As well as putting in an appearance on MTV’s TRL earlier in the day (click here to watch), the singer dropped by Virgin Megastores, Times Square to perform and sign copies of her brand new LP ‘The Declaration’.

The 27 year old also put in an appearance at Planet Hollywood, New York for a special hand-print ceremony:

a4 Pics: Ashanti Promo Blitz

What do you think of the pics?

Posted By: Sam

13 Comments

Tuesday, June 3rd 2008

Randomess (A Must See)

No, this isn’t anything ‘Urban’ related, but I couldn’t resist. Peep this clip from Dr. Phil’s show that’s making the rounds on the net:

I actually squirmed a lil bit watching that. What my mother would have done to me if…SMH…

Your thoughts?

*Back to your regularly scheduled programming lol*

Posted By: Sam

21 Comments

Tuesday, June 3rd 2008

More Ashanti Tidbits

Ashanti will be everywhere this week promoting her latest offering ‘The Declaration’. Check out her promo schedule as per Ashanti Daily:

* Today – MTV TRL – 3.00pm: Interview

* Today – Virgin Megastore in Times Square – 6.00 PM: Live performance and CD signing.

*Today -Planet Hollywood, New York: -Hand-Printing Ceremony.

* Friday (June 6th) – Good Morning America Summer Concert Series – Performing a set; will be joined on stage by special guest Ja Rule to perform a medley of their hits.

With a slew of more promotional spots lined up in the coming weeks, including Jay Leno and a performance on TRL next Monday, it’s evident that her promo team are not playing.

I must say, though, that I’m kinda surprised by the Ja Rule guest spot for Good Morning America. It’s good to see that they’ve settled their differences now; should be an interesting watch.

Your thoughts?

Posted By: Sam

5 Comments

Tuesday, June 3rd 2008

Ashanti Appears On 106 & Park

Removed as requested

With Ashanti’s latest studio effort ‘The Declaration’ in US stores today, the singer stopped by BET’s 106 & Park to promote the project yesterday. A real interesting interview, I must say. She comes across very well. Ashanti really brought her ‘A Game’ this go round, so I’m hoping she does well with this record.

Your thoughts?

Posted By: Sam

14 Comments

Sunday, June 1st 2008

Ashanti Performs On Soundcheck

Ashanti recently performed a selection of new cuts from her new LP ‘The Declaration’, as well as a few hits from her back catalogue, for Walmart’s online concert series SoundCheck in New York. The setlist included:

* You’re Gonna Miss

* In These Streets

* The Way That I Love You

* Girlfriend

*Foolish

*Only U

Click here to watch the set

Great performances! From the material to the vocals, to the performances etc, I’m sure even Ashanti’s biggest detractors have to admit she’s definitely upped her game this go-round. My only gripe is that they still haven’t changed that horrid choreography for ‘Only U’…urgh. That aside, she definitely did her thing. ‘The Declaration’ hits stores June 3rd in the US and June 9th here in the UK.

What do you think of the performances?

Posted By: Sam

14 Comments

Friday, May 30th 2008

Ashanti & JoJo Appear At Inspiration Awards

Ashanti seems to be everywhere these days. The 27 year old singer attended the Step Up Women’s Network’s 10th Anniversary Inspiration Awards Gala in New York last night .She is really some of these other R&B chicks a run for their money in the looks department. Not sure about the frock though.

Teen star JoJo, 17, performed at the event too:

jojo+2 Ashanti & JoJo Appear At Inspiration Awards

jojo+1 Ashanti & JoJo Appear At Inspiration Awards

What do you think of the pics?

Posted By: Sam

14 Comments

Friday, May 30th 2008

Tracee Ellis-Ross Looking…

Former ‘Girlfriends’ star Tracee Ellis-Ross was snapped wearing this ‘interesting’ dress last night at the Chanel Celebrates New Concept Boutique event. Hmmm…

What do you think of the pic?

Posted By: Sam

6 Comments

Friday, May 30th 2008

Ashanti Covers JET

R&B songstress Ashanti features on the latest cover of JET Magazine. She looks great.

Having heard her new LP ‘The Declaration’ (due June 3rd) in its entirety, I must say that I’m pretty impressed. Look out for a review mid-next week.

What do you think of the cover?

Posted By: Sam

6 Comments

Wednesday, May 28th 2008

The Best You Never Heard: Ashanti, Monica, Mis-Teeq & LL Cool J

Having been rested on the bench for a few weeks, The Best You Never Heard returns this week with little known cuts by Ashanti, Monica, UK trio Misteeq as well as LL Cool J. Do you have any suggestions for future instalments? Drop me an email at sam@thatgrapejuice.net

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Ashanti – Freedom

Despite the fact that Ashanti’s third studio album 2004′s ‘Concrete Rose’ achieved Platinum status, the record was largely dubbed a commercial failure for the once Princess of Murder INC. That said, I felt as though the LP was Ashanti’s most solid to date and served up what IMO is one of her strongest offerings in the form of ‘Freedom’. Raw, vocally lucid and a welcome change from her expected norm, the song is an awesomely constructed response to her critics.

Listen: Freedom

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Monica – Getaway

Though the ridiculous decision to release ‘Everytime The Beat Drops’ effectively rendered Monica’s 2006 album ‘The Makings of Me’ dead on arrival, it doesn’t take away from the fact that the LP was far from poor; the record stands as one of my more recent favourites. Album closer ‘Getaway’ sees the songstress show her vulnerable side in a ballad that reminds us of the rarity of this voice we have grown alongside with since her mid 90′s debut. Great track.

Listen: Getaway

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Mis-Teeq – Scandalous

Some of our UK readers will remember Misteeq; the trio, consistent of Sabrina, Alesha and Su Elise, for a brief moment in time dominated what is now the non-existent homegrown R&B market here in the UK. Though the ladies split in 2004, they left behind a selection of chart hits, including their most successful single ‘Scandalous’. Produced by Stargate, this banger, one of the girl’s last releases, ensured the ladies went out on a high. Random tidbit: the song was the theme to Halle Berry’s ill-fated ‘Catwoman’ movie.

Listen: Scandalous

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LL Cool J – Down The Aisle (ft. 112)

LL Cool J’s 2006 LP ‘Todd Smith’ oddly wasn’t billed as a collabo record, despite only one track featuring solely the rapper himself. Despite the album boasting joint efforts with the likes of Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Lopez and Ginuwine, it was the 112 assisted ‘Down The Aisle’ that was the standout IMO. Having left the bravado on the back-burner, the song’s concept – growing and tying the knot with that special someone – is real refreshing. Good stuff.

Listen: Down The Aisle (ft. 112)

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Your thoughts: Hit(s) or Miss(es)?