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

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

According to Essence, R&B songstress Toni Braxton and husband Keri Lewis are to divorce after 8 years of marriage. Braxton and Lewis, formerly of Mint Condition, have two children together – 7 year old Denim and 6 year old Diezel. {Source}

The news comes on the heels of Ms. Braxton kissing singer Trey Songz in the mouth on stage at the Soul Train Awards (click here to see the pic). Interesting, considering the above picture was taken AFTER the kiss. Though, I must say I didn’t ‘OMG’ at this kiss, as I smell publicity stunt; she and Trey will be starring in a video together soon. Hmm…

If true, it’s kinda sad to yet another Hollywood couple call it quits (can such couples ever stay together?). Here’s hoping they stay civil for the kids’ sake.

Your thoughts?

Filed Under: Toni Braxton

The Soul Train Awards were held at the World Congress Centre in Atlanta, Georgia. It’s great to see that this show is still going strong after all these years. Peep some of the excitement below:

Diva Toni Braxton and Trey Songz a performance of their new song, ‘Yesterday’. I hope Trey had 911 on speed dial just in case Toni’s husband came up on stage lol!

Actress Taraji P. Henson, who hosted the show with actor Terrence Howard, did an amazing Diana Ross impersonation.

Songstress Chrisette Michelle is working that hair style for all its worth.

Singers Keri Hilson and Monica share a moment backstage. They both look like they could be fashion models!

Fantasia looked stunning while walking the red carpet.

R&B singer Ray J decided to go old school with his outfit for the night.

Finally, we have the legendary Chaka Khan and singer Musiq Soulchild who both looked great.

What do you think of the looks?

Filed Under: Chrisette Michelle, Fantasia, Keri Hilson, Monica, Ray J, Toni Braxton, Trey Songz

Check out songstress Toni Braxton on the set of the video for brand new single ‘Yesterday’. At 43, she’s snatching wigs off many a chick with how great here. Stunning..

The Billy Woodruff directed clip is set to also feature R&B singer Trey Songz, who appears on the track’s remix.

What do you think of the pics?

Filed Under: Toni Braxton

Filed Under: Toni Braxton

Review up in a bit…

In the meanwhile…

What do you think of the video?

Filed Under: Toni Braxton

Hot on the promotional trail for her ‘I Am…Sasha Fierce’ LP (look out four our review shortly), Beyonce took over Saturday Night Live last night. As well as performing current smashes ‘Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)’ (above) and ‘If I Were A Boy’, she also did a must-see skit with Justin Timberlake (all I’ll say single Ladies. Leotards. Heels LOL).

Beyonce / Justin Timberlake Skit

If I Were A Boy

Filed Under: Ciara, Toni Braxton

Talented Knowles sisters Beyonce and Solange have embarked on a whirlwind promotional trip in Tokyo, Japan. The pair are plugging a number of projects, including their music releases. They are photographed above and below promoting their range of handbags for designer Samantha Thavasa at the upmarket Eight Million fashion store in Tokyo’s Ginza district.

Good on them…

What do you think of the pics?

Filed Under: Toni Braxton

Filed Under: Toni Braxton

It has been revealed that Beyonce will be taking to the stage at the 2008 MTV Europe Music Awards – which take place on November 6th in Liverpool’s Echo Arena. {Source}

Filed Under: Toni Braxton

While the Blog Performance Indicator (BPI) Team are currently prepping the next installment of the Top-40 Urban Blog list (click here to see this month’s), they have released a Top Ten Blog Heat Seekers list - which we charted on. Check it out:

So here are the BPI Urban Blog Heat Seekers…The Top 10 newest, hottest urban blogs who are less than a year old and are burning it up in terms of growth and momentum. This list does not measure overall traffic or inbound links like the BPI Top 40, but rather focuses on how fast a blog is growing month over month. For example, Highbrid Nation has less traffic and inbound links than A Hot Mess, but Highbrid Nation’s metrics are growing at a faster in the past four months than A Hot Mess. So The Heat Seekers are all about growth. Get it? Good. Take a look at the chart in detail after the jump…

1.Necole Bitchie – Urban blog networking guru. Hard work and hustle is paying off. Traffic and linking momentum off the charts

2.Highbrid Nation – Great layout, branding and dedicated fanbase is helping build traffic

3.Blogs Is Watching – Proving regionalized hip-hop blogs outside of NY, The ATL and LA can work. Fast growing Seattle hip-hop blog

4.Soul Bounce – An eye for unique news and well-written commentary. Already becoming an established urban blog in less than a year

5.Ill Seed – Capitolizing on his famed AllHipHop gossip column. Took a little to build up the buzz but now traffic is growing rapidly

6.Satchel of Gravel – The anti-street wear blog, takes a look at the anti-coporate/trend side of style and hip-hop; attracting broad audience

7.That Grape Juice – One of the U.K.’s fastest growing urban blogs; gaining heat in the U.S. in the past three months

8. A Hot Mess – Light hearted look at urban news with plenty of updates per day, slowly escalating to Top 5 Urban Blogs level

9. The Corporate Takeover – Unique take on business side of hip-hop. Dedicated core group of readers allows for high linking momentum

10. Ill Doctrine – Jay Smooth’s video blog gains popularity stemming from his original hiphopmusic.com blog

You will notice a common theme to The BPI Heat Seekers is the unique angle or twist each blog positions itself as. Some take advantage of their credibility from other sites, others find truly unique angles to share about hip-hop or urban news. But this list just proves being unique, having your own voice and getting your networking on are critical for early blogging success. Congrats to this month’s BPI Heat Seekers!

As I have, and will continue to stress, this wouldn’t be possible without you all. Thank you! Remember spread the word and keep it locked on That Grape Juice.

Any thoughts?

Filed Under: Toni Braxton

Check out this behind the scenes look at Mary J. Blige’s great new video ‘Just Fine’ :

I’m eagerly anticipating ‘Growing Pains’, here’s hoping she delivers the goods.

Filed Under: Toni Braxton

This track is a Darkchild produced left-over from the B’Day album. It’s a good song. The lyrics are a kinda wtf though. Not album material but still a decent track.

What do you think?

UPDATE: Link now updated with CDQ! (Credit: Marck)
DL: World Wide Woman (FULL)

Filed Under: Toni Braxton