There’s no stopping Fantasia.

The Grammy winner and American Idol graduate has spent much of 2013 promoting her critically-acclaimed album ‘Side Effects Of You’ – which yielded singles ‘Lose To Win’ and ‘Without Me (ft. Kelly Rowland & Missy Elliott)’. Having embarked on a series of live dates in support of the LP, the 29-year-old has confirmed the project’s title track is its third single.

Set to impact Urban radio on October 28th, the track’s accompanying visual will begin production imminently according to the star’s manager. Once unwrapped, the clip will mark the first time a “third” video has been commissioned during any of Fantasia’s album campaigns. A feat which, in this trying time for R&B, should definitely be commended.

Interestingly, the songbird is releasing a stripped back version of the Emeli Sande penned / Naughty Boy produced cut to radio. Take a listen after the jump…

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After revealing that he had lost his virginity to a 14 year old girl aged eight, Chris Brown caught wind of remarks made on the matter by host Wendy Williams and entertainment writer Perez Hilton on the former’s hit talk show!

Peep Brown’s scathing estimation of the pair and the opinions below!

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This year, Hip Hop’s fastest rising star Elijah Blake will join Diplo and NO I.D. in releasing his sophomore EP ‘Bijoux 23’, the follow up to the record breaking ‘Bijoux 22’.

Set to hit digital outlets after the 23 year old watched the online streaming figure for his song ‘Vendetta’ surpass 10 million last week, this week has brought with it more good news from the Def Jam priority act…and the Pop riot that is Miley Cyrus!

Good news below…

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10.10.2013

Mark your calendars, Janelle Monae fans. Tomorrow brings with it the premiere of the singer’s ‘Primetime’ video with fellow R&B mover Miguel. And if this new cinematic teaser is anything to go by, ‘The Electric Lady’ is set to serve up quite the visual treat.

Peep the trailer after the jump…

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The Best You Never Heard is back! After a lengthy rest on the bench, each week will once again see That Grape Juice spotlight an array of little known gems. Featuring picks from the TGJ editorial team, we want to know…who chose the best song! Let us know below…

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Toni Braxton – ‘Hands Tied’

Toni Braxton may once again be riding high on the R&B charts with Babyface, yet the climate was altogether different for the veteran diva back in 2010.

For, despite serving up a solid LP in the form of ‘Pulse’, the songstress saw industry politics once again marr another of her post-90’s projects. A shame, as like ‘Libra’ before it, ‘Pulse’ re-affirmed that musically Ms. Braxton was very much alive – and if backed properly could still be quite the Urban chart force.

Still, one of the positive facets to emerge from the episode was the Oak-produced ‘Hands Tied’.

A titillating concoction of classy and sensual, the baby-making number placed Braxton’s creamy contralto centre-stage. The definition of “feel music”, the cut’s lyrics are sure to resonate with anyone who’s loved and loved hard.

Despite receiving the video treatment, the song – which was rolled out as the album’s third single – could only manage a #29 peak on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop chart.

Unfortunate, yet a fact that does not dilute the brilliance that is this song! {SAM}

LISTEN: [audiotube id=”FrzGNKGhipM”]

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Destiny’s Child – I Know

2003 proved to be the beginning of America’s decade long love affair with ‘Crazy In Love’ singer Beyonce. But, as the singer’s musical flight was just taking off, she still aimed to build her acting resume – a resume which already included the likes of ‘Carmen: A Hip Hopera’ and ‘Austin Powers 3’.

Then, taking her chops to gospel-inspired numbers, Bey took to the Cuba Gooding Jr.-led ‘Fighting Temptations’ to lend fan favorites ‘Time To Come Home’ and a scorching remake of classic hit ‘Fever’. Despite an album full of gems, it appeared to be the inspirational Destiny’s Child cut ‘I Know’ that is oft-overlooked. In line with the inspirational work of both Kelly’s (‘Stole’) and Michelle’s (‘Heart To Yours’), the song showcased each beauty’s talent while delivering a heartwarming message.

Get to know ‘I Know’ below:

Press play and fall in love {RASHAD}

LISTEN:  [audiotube id=”e6Rghyb4yfM”]

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SWV – Use Your Heart

 

Well before the new millennium saw him craft hits for Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, Britney Spears and Jay Z, Pharrell Williams wooed the ears of many an R&B loyalist…via the vocalists that are SWV.

Responsible for the group’s signature jam ‘Right Here’, my ‘Best You’ve Never Heard’ pick invites you to the year 1996 to meet ‘Use Your Heart’, the second single to be lifted from the trio’s ‘New Beginning’.

Peaking at #22 on the Billboard Hot 100, ‘Heart’ saw the ladies storm R&B shores with a peak position of #6 and push US sales of its supporting album to 1 million units, earning the LP a Platinum certification despite the song itself itself failing to reach the Gold milestone achieved by its preceding single ‘You’re The One’.

Boasting a finesse and crossover appeal many of today’s R&B hopefuls could pull from, I hope you love ‘Use Your Heart’ as much as I do, and make it the ‘Best You Never Heard’ too! {DAVID}

LISTEN: [audiotube id=”CDfgawEll1Y”]
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Michael Jackson – Someone Put Your Hand Out

 

From the Jackson 5 days to ‘This Is It’, the King Of Pop had been able to show the universe the full extent of his genius. Yes, Michael Jackson blessed us with many a “classic” moment, but today let’s focus on a track only die-hard fans are aware of.

Courtesy of the 1991 ‘Dangerous’ sessions and included on a Pepsi promotional boxset , ‘Someone Put Your Hand Out’ is yet another gem created by the fantastic team of Jackson and Teddy Riley. A melancholic, surrendering love song, it’s safe to say it is ranked quite high on the extensive list of “could-have-been-hits” from the Pop visionary. Armed with a crystal clear falsetto, a Latin flavored groove,  lush vocal arrangements and simple – in the best way possible – melodies, Mike demonstrates here that – with the right dosage – less is definitely more. Indeed, what makes this song such a winner is its subtlety.

Jackson’s ability to seamlessly switch his sound from high-energy, industrial and aggressive to ethereal and vulnerable remains one of his biggest qualities and this very song sums up amazingly what the softer side of his music is all about: love, passion, emotion and honesty

Long Live the King! {JOE}

LISTEN: [audiotube id=”A915V7KjKRM”]
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Whose Pick Was Best This Week?!


With her new album ‘Bangerz’ out in stores now, Miley Cyrus made her way to ‘Jimmy Fallon’ last night- rocking the show with a performance of of her new single ‘Wrecking Ball‘ and fun filled scripted hilarity.

What she got up to?

Check her out below!

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She’s the pint sized songstress hailed on course to join Emeli Sande atop the UK’s Adult Contemporary throne.

Her name? Louise Golbey, responsible for the infectious new single ‘Something’s Got To Give‘!

Now, as she continues to dominate the UK festival circuit, she releases the song’s official music video which comes arm in arm with an iTunes release.

Why you can expect to see a whole lot more of Louise on TGJ?

Press play below!

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Nicki Minaj ups her modelling game for a fruitful cause this month, unleashing behind the scenes footage from her ‘Kmart’ collection promotional shoot!

Unveiled before the line’s October 15th release date, the shoot sees the Rapper model just a few of what the line has to offer fans, showcasing the fits she hopes will force many a consumer to support it upon its release!

Watch below…

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‘We Can’t Stop’ would be an appropriate description of the ongoing “feud” between Irish rocker Sinead O’Connor and twerking pop temptress Miley Cyrus.

For, after riding international headlines for slamming the 20 year old songstress last week, O’Connor returns with an apology of sorts – penning an 1800 word letter (her fourth) to Cyrus and mental health sufferers around the world.

Also bringing to light the several death threats she’s allegedly received courtesy for Cyrus fans, the 90s singer even went so far as to offer her personal email address to connect with the pop princess personally.

This, of course, after Miley took to ‘The Today Show’ and labelled her ‘crazy’.  Hmm…we wonder why.  See the highlights from the latest dramatics below and weigh in:

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As reported here, ‘Confessions’ crooner Usher confirmed rumors that he was set to portray boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard in a forthcoming biopic due early 2014.

Tentatively titled ‘Hands of Stone’, the singer has been making headlines for the physical transformation he’s made in preparation for the role – shedding over 25 lbs to beef up to play the boxing champ.

The result of that hard work can be seen displayed afront the latest issue of ‘Men’s Health’.

Inside, Ush details his grueling workout schedule to prep for the role while juggling recording and ‘The Voice’ judge duties.  Read about it in its entirety here.

 

Your thoughts?

With a run that’s seen her establish herself as a potent album and singles seller, there’s no doubt the pressure’s on Camp Beyonce to craft a campaign that will see her enjoy her strongest era to date upon the release of her fifth studio album.

Sure to rival or surpass sales pulled in by the likes of Justin Timberlake and Drake, the project already finds itself with the budding hit that is ‘Standing on the Sun’, the sun kissed jam begging to become the icon’s latest #1 single.

Now peep Mr.Vegas– who contributed to its remix- dish on the cut’s conception during an interview with ‘This Is 50‘, going a long way to explain how the number came to be.

Watch below!

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 After debuting the release back in August, Eminem treats fans to the ‘Survival’s supporting video today, launched to support the release of ‘Call of Duty: Ghosts’.

Moving to say the very least, the video sees the Rapper breathe visual life into the DJ Khalil produced effort, and whip up a sweet buzz for his forthcoming LP, whose artwork can be seen seen and enjoyed here!

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