Monday, March 24th 2008

Making The Band Finale: The Performances

Yesterday night saw the airing of the Making The Band 4 season 2 finale. The two hour telecast boasted performances from the shows star’s Danity Kane, Day 26 and Donnie. As well as performing Diddy made a ‘special announcement’ confirming that a new season of the show will be shot and will follow both the groups and Donnie on their North American tour. Check out the performances below:

Danity Kane – Damaged

Day26 – Got Me Going

Donny (ft. Diddy) – Take You There

I really enjoyed both Day26 and Danity Kane’s performances, although the latter were kinda shaky vocally at times. Donnie, on the other hand, what was that? I’m starting to question Diddy’s mindset when choosing him as a solo act, because the performance was wack – to put it simply. According to our friends over at Think2wice.org, who were in attendance at the taping, Donnie’s performance was done not once, not twice, but three times over. Yet still the televised version was the pits. Anyway, usual…

What do you think of the performances ?

Will you be checking for the Making The Band tour?

Posted By: Sam

4 Comments

Sunday, March 23rd 2008

New Song: Donnie – ‘Take You There’

As Making The Band 4 wraps up yet another season, many are probably wondering about the status of Donnie’s project. After all, both of the groups – Danity Kane and Day26 – have released their albums this month. Word has it, Donnie’s album will drop in August and will be lead by this new track titled ‘Take You There’.

The song, which features Diddy, has a distinct funk feel to it. I’m really liking the production, the arrangements etc. A solid track, for sure. However, there is a problem; I don’t ‘believe’ Donnie. Something about all of the material I’ve heard thus far sounds kinda forced/contrived. Whilst his Making The Band co-stars seem to have a stamp on their respective sounds, I get a ‘sing whatever is given to me’ vibe from Donnie. Perhaps, its due to the way he’s been portrayed on the show so far, I don’t know. Whatever the case, at this point, I’m thinking Diddy should have given one of the other group rejects a solo deal instead of Donnie. Time will tell if he proves the naysayers wrong…

Hit or Miss?

LISTEN: Take You There

Posted By: Sam

6 Comments

Sunday, March 23rd 2008

Estelle’s ‘American Boy’ Hits #1!

Estelle’s international smash ‘American Boy’ has raced to the top of the Official UK Singles Chart – earning the Londoner her first #1. The single, which features rapper Kanye West, dethroned Duffy’s ‘Mercy’ – which had been a fixture at the top of the chart for the past four weeks. Madonna’s ’4 Minutes To Save The World’ was the highest new entry at #7.

I’m ecstatic that Estelle finally ‘got hers’…it’s been a long time in the making. I’ve been following her since her debut ’1980′ and it’s real rewarding – even as a supporter – to see her getting the recognition she deserves. Onwards and upwards from here…

Any thoughts?

Posted By: Sam

6 Comments

Sunday, March 23rd 2008

Corrine Bailey Rae’s Husband Found Dead

In what comes as unfortunate news, the husband of UK singer Corrine Bailey has been found dead in Leeds, England. See the report, via The Telegraph below:

The body of Jason Rae was discovered in a Leeds flat on Saturday.

The 32-year-old musician was a saxophonist with the Haggis Horns.

The band describe themselves on their Myspace page as “an eight-piece live funk extravaganza” who combine funk, soul, hip-hop and afrobeat with jazz virtuosity.

The group had performed with Corinne Bailey Rae, as well as other artists including Amy Winehouse, Mark Ronson and Nightmares On Wax.

They released their debut album, Hot Damn!, last September.

A post mortem examination carried out last night proved inconclusive.

Police said they were currently awaiting the results of toxicology reports.

Officers investigating his death have arrested a 32-year-old man on suspicion of supplying controlled drugs.

He has been released on bail pending further inquiries, West Yorkshire Police have said.

Condolences to Corrine and her husband’s family.

Your thoughts?

Posted By: Sam

3 Comments

Sunday, March 23rd 2008

Jay-Z & Mary J. Blige Kick Off Tour

Urban music heavy-weights Jay-Z and Mary J. Blige kicked off their joint ‘Heart of the City’ tour in Miami’s American Airlines Arena last night (March 22nd). As well as opener The Dream, many other big names were in attendance including Kanye West and Timbaland.

For those wondering what the hell is going on with Mary’s project – after all, things seem to have gone extra quiet after ‘Just Fine’ – she will be releasing the Bryan Michael Cox produced ‘Stay Down’ as her next single.

{Click pics to enlarge}

jay432 Jay Z & Mary J. Blige Kick Off Tour

mary+j456 Jay Z & Mary J. Blige Kick Off Tour

mary+j+n+jay+n+kanye Jay Z & Mary J. Blige Kick Off Tour

What do you think of the pics?

Posted By: Sam

1 Comments

Sunday, March 23rd 2008

Pics: Making The Band 4 Finale

The finale for the current season of Making The Band 4 took place yesterday in New York. Hosted by veteran MTV VJ Sway, the night saw performances by the show’s stars Danity Kane, Day26 etc, as well as an appearance by Diddy’s twins D’Lila Star and Jessie James. US visitors can catch the finale on MTV tonight at 9:00PM ET/PT.

{Click pics to enlarge}

dawn+and+q Pics: Making The Band 4 Finale

bitchassness Pics: Making The Band 4 Finale

diddy+n+the+twins Pics: Making The Band 4 Finale

What do you think of the pics?

Posted By: Sam

6 Comments

Sunday, March 23rd 2008

Happy Easter From That Grape Juice

That Grape Juice wishes you all a very Happy Easter. I hope you’re enjoying the day with your mostest and closest lol…I know I will be. Thanks for you’re continued support and remember to keep it locked on That Grape Juice!

Posted By: Sam

1 Comments

Saturday, March 22nd 2008

The Game Covers Mass Appeal

Rapper The Game features on the cover of the latest issue of Mass Appeal magazine. As reported recently, the Compton bred star was recently released from jail after serving just 8 days of his 60 day sentence.

What do you think of the cover?

Posted By: Sam

2 Comments

Friday, March 21st 2008

Danity Kane Perform ‘Damaged’ Acapella On 106 & Park

The ladies of Danity Kane continued along the promo trail for their new album ‘Welcome To The Dollhouse’ by stopping at BET’s 106 & Park yesterday. Upon being prompted to give an acapella rendition of their hit ‘Damaged’, the girls proceeded to absolutely nail it. As a group, IMO they are vocally (and in every other way) really head and shoulders above their competition (i.e. Pussycat Dolls…remember them?).

Your thoughts?