New Track / Promise

She nailed it! What’s more the new track actually sounds pretty good. Watching this definitely has me anticipating her ‘Fantasy Ride’ album all the more.

Speaking of ‘Fantasy Ride’, Ciara recently confirmed that she is still recording – revealing that she will be going into the studio with Justin Timberlake. Exciting stuff. {Source}

Your thoughts?

Filed Under: Chilli

The That Grape Juice Facebook Group launched a few months ago, as 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 many hundreds who have already joined (thanks guys), 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

Filed Under: Chilli

According to the NY Daily News, Beyonce may be retiring (you read right) following the release of her upcoming LP:

The diva is currently working on a new album, but her cousin Angelica Knowles tells our source that it will be her last. Instead, Beyonce plans to spend her days scouting talent for new hubby Jay-Z’s upcoming label, The Carter Music Group.

Beyonce’s first protege is rumored to be an R&B artist named Chelsea Thomas. Her reps couldn’t be reached for comment.

I have a hard time believing this; as we all know, it’ll be a cold day in hell before Papa Knowles ever allows such a thing to happen. The way I see it, if there’s an ounce of truth to this, then be prepared for ‘Jay-Z / Blackout’ round 2. Anyway, hate it or love it, the industry needs Beyonce IMO. Granted I’m still waiting on her to come with her ‘A-Game’ musically, her performing skills (in comparison to her peers) are second to none.

Your thoughts?

Filed Under: Chilli

On Her Relationship With Her Father:

“I am actually embarrassed by that. I don’t like speaking about it because I am not proud of it. But it is something that helped make me who I am today. Now people know that I am not perfect and that I had real conflicts. My dad is not pleased, because he is embarrassed. We still have not sat and had a conversation about it.”

On Her Past Image

“I felt like my girlie image was boring and contrived and generic. I was so restricted. I could not wear red lipstick. If I did I would get cursed out by my marketing person. I did a big performance on an awards show and I won some awards and [was happy] , but as soon as I got off the plane, I got the nastiest email from her about [my looks]. I then realized she was not treating me like a human being so I cut her off.

On Blowing Up After Playing Second Fiddle To Teairra Marie

That [was] a funny situation, but I always remained humble. I was just the little Caribbean girl. You have to be good to people. I could very easily say it’s all karma…God has favor on me and has blessed me, and I cannot even thank Him enough.

Hmm…seems like there must have been more to Teairra being dropped from Def Jam / Roc A’ Fella. She was more talented than Rihanna, in my opinion, and both of their first albums tanked – so something must have made the label choose to pull out all the stops for Rihanna’s success instead of Teairra.

What do you think of Rihanna’s comments?

Filed Under: Chilli, Soulja Boy

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?

Filed Under: Chilli, Usher

The video for 50 Cent’s new single ‘Amusement Park’ debuted yesterday. I’m liking the track more than I originally did when I first heard it. However the video -as expected- isn’t anything special; it simply serves its purpose. Also, I must say that I think 50 is kinda slacking by releasing this as the first single from his new ‘Curtis’ album (due June 26th). He usually delivers with his first singles e.g. ‘In Da Club’ and ‘Candy Shop’ but this just ain’t doing it for me.

What do you think?

Filed Under: Chilli

Flamingo Las Vegas headliner Toni Braxton helped make this an extra special Valentine’s Day for one local Las Vegas couple. During her famous love song “Unbreak My Heart,” Toni welcomed Jeff Merkle on stage where he surprised his girlfriend Monica Dyer by dropping to one knee and proposing to her in front of the sold-out crowd. She happily accepted and the couple received a standing ovation from the audience and slow danced on stage as Toni continued the ballad. Toni will be performing during the NBA All-Star game tomorrow on TNT.

Credit: The Rap-Up

Nice story. I hear about stuff like this all the time and the woman always says ‘Yes’. Imagine if the answer was a ‘No’; now that would have been awkward.

Filed Under: Chilli