Always looking for ways to better your experience here at That Grape Juice, we are asking for your suggestions as to how to take That Grape Juice to the next level.

Therefore, we’d be grateful if you could share what you feel you’d like to see more (or less) of on the site, new features, interview requests etc. Basically, anything and everything! Please drop them in the comments section.

Your input has, is and will continue to be of paramount importance.

Thanks guys

Filed Under: Nelly

I’m guessing it’s not just the music that differs so much from Big Sis; Solange came across very animated, direct and generally all-round entertaining in the interview. I’m liking her more and more with each appearance/performance.

Any thoughts?

Filed Under: Nelly

After a near 4 year absence from the music scene, R&B star Usher is back with his much anticipated new album ‘Here I Stand’ – which hits stores worldwide today.

The massive success of the set’s first single ‘Love In This Club’ shows that there is evidently a thirst for the 29 year old Grammy winner’s latest material. That Grape Juice wants to know, though, whether you will be picking up ‘Here I Stand’? If so, why? If not, why? Heard the album already (lol lol)? What do yo think of it? What are your favourites etc? Feel free to drop your views in the ‘comments’ section…

Your thoughts?

Filed Under: Ciara, Jermaine Dupri, Nelly

The video for Michelle Williams’ new single ‘We Break The Dawn’ was supposed to premiere yesterday but has since been delayed. In her latest MySpace blog, the singer spoke on, among other things, the video’s debut as well as strategy for the single:

I don’t think the video will be ready to premiere as posted!!! I thought that I should let you know!! Trust me….I am so ready for it to be out, but at the same time I want it to be perfect for you guys!!!! I know that I’m disappointing many of you out there who have been ANXIOUSLY waiting!!! That’s kinda why I hate when dates are set and made public and then the artist or label decides to change it!!! It’s been a lot of that lately in the industry!!! Hopefully by Monday…..the world will see it!!!

Once again “momma” is sooooooo sorry about this!!!!!

Y’all like that new picture huh?? It shows my mature, “sophisterated” side!! (yeah yeah…before it hits national press….I know the word is SOPHISTICATED!!!) I was the winner of many spelling bee’s back in my day!!! LOL

I want to also address to many people who have concerns about WBTD getting radio airplay……there is a plan for impact at radio….BUT you guys can still request it!!! The politics of the business is what it is!!! I can’t stress it enough but show business is 90% business and 10% show!!!! That’s why you gotta love it to wanna stay and deal with the craziness!!! To whom much is given, much is required!!!

I’m definitely rambling all over the place!! I just wanna make sure that I cover everything!!!

I love, love, love each and every person reading this!!! Thanks for the love and ENCOURAGEMENT!!! I haven’t felt so much love in a lonnnnnnnnnng time and I appreciate ALL of you!!!! Thanks to everyone who purchased my single!!! If I could I’d personally kiss ya!!!! (on the cheek that is!!!!!) I feel that this year is a BIG one!! The number 8 means new beginning….2008 I’m definitely chartering on new territory…..but I need you guys to help me win!!!!

Ummmmmmm what else??? I think I’ll save the rest for my video blog…. but I have yet to figure out how to articulate what I feel!!! I’ll sign off by saying…. ladies ALWAYYYYYYYYYYYS trust your gut!!!!! Do what’s right for the long run!!!!! I still have love for the fellas….I won’t leave you guys out!! Anyhoo……..God Bless You!!!!

Michelle

It’s a shame about the video. Monday is just around the corner, so here’s hoping it debuts then. Random tidbit: you’ve just got to love Michelle’s personality.

Any thoughts?

Filed Under: Nelly

Billboard.com have revealed some very interesting details about Ciara forthcoming studio album ‘Fantasy Ride’:

R&B singer Ciara has slated her third album, “Fantasy Ride,” for a September release via Jive. Rather than one standard CD, the music will be spread across three separately packaged discs, bundled together, each with five to six songs catering to a different theme.

The first disc is called “Groove City” and will contain sensual songs like “Promise,” while the second disc is called “Crunktown” and includes tracks akin to Ciara’s 2004 introductory single, “Goodies.” Finally, the up-tempo “Kingdom of Dance” will showcase Ciara’s house-leaning, freestyle-tinged cuts.

Producer Tricky Stewart, who crafted Rihanna’s “Umbrella,” is co-executive-producing the project along with Ciara. Danja is helming both “Crunktown” and “Kingdom of Dance,” while “Groove City” is led by Tricky and Jasper.

An official single will drop in June, according to the label.

Now that’s what I’m talking about! Despite Ciara being immensely talented, I oft wonder how she’d be able to take it to the next level artistically and leave a lasting impression Ala the Beyonce’s and co etc. This, her latest venture, really seems to be her real ‘evolution’.

Filed Under: Akon, Ashanti, Nelly

Teen R&B star has joined forces with Keri Hilson for this brand new cut titled ‘Superhuman’. Set to feature on the re-release of Chris’ sophomore effort ‘Exclusive’, the track is much better than I had anticipated. The oddly matched pair trade verses over the R&B/Pop inspired mid-tempo production, meshing surprisingly well. Perhaps the re-release will be worth it after all. ‘Exclusive: the Forever Edition’ hits stores June 3rd.

LISTEN: Superhuman (ft. Keri Hilson)

Filed Under: Kelly Rowland, Nelly

As the release of Usher’s much anticipated LP ‘Here I Stand’ draws ever-nearer, new material seems to be ’surfacing left, right and center – one the more recent being ‘Trading Places’. After being, somewhat, underwhelmed with the cuts that I’ve heard thus far (aside from ‘Love In The Club – Pt. II), I’m really liking this. Though lyrically the song is kinda lacking (it’s an engaging concept though), Usher’s flow and the production (which ironically sounds a lit like Chris Brown’s ‘You’) make for a really great track. ‘Here I Stand’ hits stores May 27th.

LISTEN: Trading Places

Filed Under: Ciara, Nelly

Love Story / Shake It Off

We Belong Together

Wow! She sounded great. Watching this kinda has me thinking she either had a few extra days “vocal rest” or that she’s only capable of delivering live vocals like that in front of her fans. Whatever the case, the performances were on-point. More of this, please.

What do you think of the performances?

Filed Under: Nelly

Rapper The Game features on the cover of the June issue of XXL. The former G-Unit star is currently prepping the release of his third studio album ‘LAX’ for a June release.

Filed Under: Fergie, Nelly

The video definitely turned out to be one of the year’s best and a career best for Ashanti too IMO.

Your thoughts?

Filed Under: Fergie, Nelly

In what seems like an on-going trend in the R&B world this year, yet another album has seen it’s release date pushed back. Ashanti appeared on the Doug Banks radio show today, announcing that her forthcoming album ‘The Declaration’ has been delayed until early next year. What’s more she confirmed that the video for the CD’s lead single ‘Hey Baby’ (After The Club) has NOT yet been shot (contrary to reports) and instead will be filmed shortly.

Filed Under: Hurricane Chris, Kanye West, Lil' Wayne, Nelly

Filed Under: Nelly

Filed Under: Alicia Keys, Ashanti, Janet Jackson, Jermaine Dupri, Nelly, T.I

With the release date of Mario’s serially delayed album ‘Go!’ now set for October 9th, ‘Crying Out For Me’ has been confirmed as the CD’s next single. The song is going for ads on Urban radio at the top of next week. Some of you may have already heard the Polow Da Don produced track, as it’s been floating around for a sometime now. I’ve had the song in constant rotation for months and have been rooting for it to be released as a single – so this is definitely welcome news. ‘How Do I Breathe’ – the album’s lead single – pretty much tanked (peaking at #46 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart); however if pushed right, ‘Crying Out For Me’ has the potential to be a smash for Mario. Check out the final (mastered) mix of the song below…

Filed Under: Nelly

Lil Fizz is the latest ex-boyband member to make a bid for solo stardom. ‘Beds’ is the lead single from the former B2K star’s new album ‘Payday’. Both the video and the song are so-so, however all the other members of B2K came out to support Fizz – with all three making cameo appearances in the vid. No words for Ray J..

What do think of the video?

Filed Under: Ashanti, Nelly