For the good, bad, ugly, or downright shocking, 2021 was full of memorable moments.

Now, as the year draws to a close, That Grape Juice is reflecting on the occasions that rocked – and to some degree maybe even reshaped – the Urban and Pop cultural landscape as we know it.

Next, we’re discussing two of the year’s most high profile legal dramas in entertainment – the respective trials of R. Kelly and Jussie Smollett.

As was noted in 2020’s Year in Review recap, Jussie Smollett – who had originally evaded criminal investigation after the initial 16 charges stemming from his reported ‘hoax hate attack’ were suddenly dropped – was back under the scrutiny of the legal system when he was hit with 6 new federal charges for the incident.

Despite requests to have the new charges dismissed, a federal judge denied the motions – which ultimately led to the trial which kicked off in late November and dominated headlines for the salacious revelations that came from the court stand including accusations of drug use, sexual encounters, and more.

By the trial’s frenzied end on December 9, Smollett had been found guilty on 5 of 6 counts of felony disorderly conduct.

Breaking: Jussie Smollett Found GUILTY In Hoax Hate Attack Trial

Because the conviction could carry a sentence of up to 3 years in prison, Jussie – who maintains his innocence – vowed to appeal.

Jussie Smollett to Appeal GUILTY Verdict in Hoax Hate Attack Trial

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Breaking: R. Kelly Found GUILTY in Sex Trafficking case

Much like Smollett, Kelly’s high profile trial dominated headlines as the revelation of downright shocking information emerged from the courtroom.  Unlike Smollett, the R&B legend’s six-week trial came after the culmination of decades of accusations.

Found guilty by a New York jury on all nine counts of charges against him (including sex-trafficking and racketeering), the singer faces life in prison.

Like Smollett, he maintains his innocence.

R. Kelly Reacts to GUILTY Verdict: “I Will Prove My Innocence”

In response to the verdict, Kelly’s music – which had already been “muted” on a number of major streaming and radio platforms in America – was also snatched from YouTube.

The absence of streaming, however, only made sales of his biggest hits increase.

R. Kelly’s YouTube Channels SHUT DOWN After Sex Trafficking Conviction

R. Kelly’s Sales Soar 500% AFTER Sex Trafficking Conviction

Kelly’s legal woes are far from over, however.

As he awaits sentencing from the state of New York (scheduled for May 4, 2022), he’s due in a Chicago court to stand trial on child pornography and obstruction of justice charges as well as child prostitution charges in Minnesota in 2022.

Report: R. Kelly Placed On Suicide Watch Following Guilty Verdict

[main photo sources:  Getty/AP Images]

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