Thursday, October 25th 2007

Mary J. Blige – ‘Just Fine’ Video

Though the video for Mary J. Blige’s new single ‘Just Fine’ was set to premiere tomorrow on VH1, it has hit the net a day earlier. I’m really liking what both Mary and director Chris Applebaum came up with; from the concept to Mary’s look to the effects – everything was on-point! The little Michael Jackson homage at the end was a nice touch. With the, somewhat, different sound Mary went for with this song, it’ll be interesting to hear what her forthcoming album ‘Growing Pains’ sounds like.

What do you think of the video?

Filed Under: Common

Posted By: Sam

4 Comments

Tuesday, August 28th 2007

Akon Apology Exposed As A Fraud

It turns out Akon’s ‘apology’ in his current single ‘Sorry, Blame It Me’ isn’t as personal as he would have us believe. Check out the report via TMZ:

Akon, hip-hop singer and amateur concertgoer tosser, is singing a new tune — “Sorry, Blame It On Me” — where he offers apologies for his recent troublesome events — including lewd dancing at a club in Trinidad with a 14-year-old pastor’s daughter, and causing Verizon to dump their sponsorship of Gwen Stefani’s tour, reportedly because of Akon’s shenanigans. Someone’s had a busy summer!

TMZ inside sources reveal that Akon did not pen the song. Say what?! It seems DJ and producer Clinton Sparks actually wrote the entire ballad — even though his credit is listed as co-writer and producer. Sparks will fly!

This leaves many wondering if Akon’s apology is more of a publicity stunt to capitalize on his bad decisions. An insincere apology? From a man who allegedly practices polygamy? Say it ain’t so!

I can’t say I’m surprised by this…

Your thoughts?

*I’ll be leaving later LA today so updates may be a bit slower than usual. Be sure to keep it locked on That Grape Juice though, as there are some great things in the works upon my return to the UK. The interviews with Jagged Edge and Johnta Austin will DEFINITELY be up before the week is out*

Filed Under: Common

Posted By: Sam

5 Comments

Thursday, July 19th 2007

Kanye West ‘Graduation’ Cover Art

This is apparently the cover art for Kanye West’s upcoming album ‘Graduation’. In line with most things ‘Kanye’, the cover is kinda quirky and left-field. Still, I think it looks pretty good. ‘Graduation’ – West’s third LP – was scheduled to hit stores in August, however it has been pushed back to September 11th – the same release date as 50 Cent’s ‘Curtis’ album. With the two Hip Hop heavyweights going head-to-head, it’ll be interesting to see who comes out on top. I’m thinking Kanye has this won.

What do you think of the cover / Who will come out on top: Kanye or 50?

Filed Under: Common

Posted By: Sam

10 Comments

Saturday, June 23rd 2007

Tiffany Evans (ft. Ciara) ‘Promise Ring’ Video

Some of you may remember Tiffany Evans from her roles in Tyler Perry movies ‘Madea’s Family Reunion’ and ‘Diary of a Mad Black Woman’. The 15 year old is set to release her debut album this year and ‘Promise Ring’ is the the lead single from the set. Interestingly, R&B star Ciara features on the track, singing backing vocals. I’m really liking the song and video; Tiffany has got a great voice and the choreography is on-point. It’s not often artists nowadays can both sing and dance, but Tiffany has both on lock. It’s great to see Ciara supporting an up-and-coming artist too.

What do you think of the song/video?

Filed Under: Common

Posted By: Sam

10 Comments

Sunday, June 17th 2007

Beyonce Joins BET Awards Performer Line-Up

R&B superstar Beyonce has officially been added to list of performers at the 2007 BET Awards. Also confirmed to perform at the event is Beyonce’s fellow Destiny’s Child band-mate Kelly Rowland. The pair join an already star-studded line-up of performers including 50 Cent, T.I. Ciara and Ne-Yo. Comedienne Mo’Nique hosts the awards which will air live on June 26th.

With both Beyonce and Kelly performing, the comparisons will be inevitable. Throw Ciara into the mix and tongues will definitely be wagging. I see Kelly as having the most to prove; hopefully she comes hard with her performance. Generally, I’m really anticipating the show; the line-up is the most impressive it’s been in the last few years.

Whose performance are you most wanting to see?

Filed Under: Common

Posted By: Sam

16 Comments

Wednesday, May 30th 2007

Teairra Marí Update

Ever since hearing about the ‘amicable’ split between Teairra Mari and Roc-A-Fella Records, I have been wondering where the Detroit singer has been. After having some success with hits ‘Make A Girl Feel’ and ‘No Daddy’ back in 2005, Mari kinda disappeared. When she debuted, Def Jam president Jay-Z touted her as the ‘Princess of The Roc’; so many were surprised when the label quietly released her in October 2006 – especially since her sophomore album ‘Second Round’ was already completed. Since then, Mari has signed a deal with Interscope Records and is set to release her 2nd album in the summer. The first single from the set is scheduled to drop anytime from now.

Though many criticised Teairra’s first album for being too sexually suggestive i.e. ‘Make A Girl Feel’ (she was 17 when it was released), I enjoyed the CD. Aside from the singles, tracks like the Darkchild produced ‘Stay in Ya Lane’ were hot. I’m hoping she does well this time around as there are less-talented artists out now who are selling.

Will you be checking for Teairra?

Filed Under: Common

Posted By: Sam

11 Comments