When the likes of Usher, Justin Bieber, Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj seek you out for songs, one can expect to see and hear your sound imitated by those hoping to get in on the action.

Unfortunately for Eric Bellinger, Tory Lanez‘ supposed imitation of his art is anything but flattering.

Though revered in the industry for his contributions to his genre, Bellinger’s decision to go the independent route has seen him forced to watch several major label acts bite and borrow from his discography with ease as many music lovers are unaware where said acts source their sounds from.

Now, he has stepped up and out to reveal that he believes Lanez is one of these acts.

Watch below…

Sample my music, mimic my sound, copy my style… But when it comes to my brand, find your own. @torylanez pic.twitter.com/07xN4IuXcq

— Eric Bellinger (@EricBellinger) June 24, 2017

Lanez is yet to respond.

Your thoughts?

By way of her pen game, Bebe Rexha stands as one of the most sought-after lyricists in the game.

One of her biggest hits? ‘The Monster‘, performed by Eminem and Rihanna.

Alas, the song’s success now finds itself steering to dramatic ground after the talented Rexha revealed that some of the notes we all thought were delivered by Rihanna were actually performed by her.

Peep the big reveal below…

Bebe Rexha said she did the “oooh ohhh” parts in Monster (Em/Rih). “She can’t sing those high notes” pic.twitter.com/k6EIpzT5Up

— #JusticeForSexWithMe (@hollylikeablvd) June 24, 2017

Rihanna, who is currently basking in the glory of her latest song ‘Wild Thoughts‘, is yet to respond to Bebe’s claim that she doesn’t hit her own notes.

What do you think of Bebe’s remark?

Lil Kim is renown for making folk stop and stare, so it’s little surprise that that’s exactly what the rapper did last night in Los Angeles.

The Queen Bee was snapped pouting it up at the Angel Brinks Fashion Show in a skin-hugging catsuit.

It marks rare sighting of the rapstress, who told fans at the top of the year that she has commenced work on her long-awaited new album.

Though little is known about the set, the project (if it’ll ever materialize) will serve as her first studio LP in 12 years. Her last, the critically acclaimed ‘Naked Truth,’ was released in 2005.

For now though, peep more pics of Kimberly Jones below…

Your thoughts?

[Photo credit: Getty]

As we reported here, ‘R&B Divas’ star/Destiny’s Child alum Latavia Roberson has ditched the Urban scene to try her luck on the dancefloor with ‘Best Time of Your Life’ – the first taste of her forthcoming solo debut.

An EDM-tinged affair, ‘Time’ is not an official release, but instead will act as a promotional single to introduce the songstress to clubs and dance music lovers around the world.  And, while we are unsure if her entire inaugural effort will be housed in dance, what we can say is that we wouldn’t be mad if it was.

Hear Latavia on her own inside and weigh in:

Your thoughts?

After delighting fans with visuals for ‘Haters’ and ‘Way Back,’ veteran R&B group TLC is back to serve up yet another sample from their forthcoming self-titled album.

Titled ‘American Gold,’ the timely release tackles tougher subject matter than its lighthearted predecessors.  An anthemic piano driven number, the patriotic tune sheds light on a number of social issues plaguing the country at the time.

‘Gold’ will be one of many gems found on the group’s final album, due in stores June 30th.  Hear it below:

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Readers of That Grape Juice know what avid music lovers we are – especially of hits past.

So, just as our retrospective features ‘From the Vault’ and ‘TGJ Replay’ allow us the chance to re-spin the gems and jams of yesterday of one artist, our newest feature Chart Rewind – a variation of our current Retro Rewind assay – accedes salutes to an entire era of music history.

This week we’ll press play on Toni Braxton‘s ‘You Mean the World to Me,’ the fourth single from her multiplatinum self-titled debut album.  Launched after the critically acclaimed ‘Seven Whole Days,’ ‘World’ went on to peak at #7 (where it was found this week in 1994) and granted the album its third consecutive top 10 hit (among its releases eligible to chart) and Braxton’s third overall.

Spending most of 1994 in the Hot 100, the tune was eventually certified Gold.  And, thanks to Braxton’s enduring legacy in the R&B realm, the song remains a fan favorite and must hear at any of her concerts.

Tuck in below to see what other familiar faces joined the contralto diva in the top 25 this week in 1994:

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Word of Mariah Carey’s diva behavior has been as much of a mainstay over her illustrious career as her chart-topping hits and golden voice have been.

From rumors of outlandish demands to serial tardiness, the pop icon has rubbed many-a-co-worker the wrong way over the last 20 years+ thanks to her antics – a fact reaffirmed recently by ‘The House’ actors Will Ferrell and Cedric Yarbrough.

The duo, hot on the promo trail in support of the film due in theaters June 30, weren’t exactly shy when asked about Carey’s canned cameo in the film.  While Ferrell opted to take the less than obvious approach, Yarbrough let it all out the bag.

See what we mean inside:

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In the wake of London’s Grenfell Tower fire, the music community united and so too have the British public.

As reported, major names – including Rita Ora, Leona Lewis, Emeli Sande, Jessie J, and Liam Payne – assembled under the alias ‘Artists For Grenfell’ to record a spirited cover of  ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ by Simon & Garfunkel.

Spearheaded by Simon Cowell, the release sees all proceeds donated to charities supporting for those affected.

The proposition was taken to by the Brits, who have sent the track soaring to #1 on the Official UK Singles Chart. A feat achieved just 48 hours after its release.

According to the Official Charts Company, the cut has accumulated the largest opening day combined sales of any single this decade (120,000); effortlessly besting the 78,000 racked up by Adele’s ‘Hello.’

The fundraiser, which featured over 50 artists in total, also sits as the second fastest-selling single of the year.

Kudos to all involved for lending their talents to a worthwhile cause.

Our thoughts and prayers remain with all of those affected by the disaster.

Your thoughts?

This Sunday’s BET Awards are opening with a bang courtesy of Bruno Mars.

The chart titan will kick off Urban entertainment’s biggest night, it was confirmed moments ago.

Host Leslie Jones made the announcement on Twitter:

I told y’all we would start our wonderful life together, that’s why @BrunoMars and I are opening up the 2017 #BETAwards @BETAwards

— Leslie Jones (@Lesdoggg) June 23, 2017

It’ll be interesting to see what role the comedienne plays in what is sure to be an explosive performance from Mars, who – along with Beyonce – leads this year’s nominations.

Other performers set to hit the stage include Chris Brown, Mary J Blige, New Edition, Xscape, SZA, and Tamar Braxton. 

The 2017 BET Awards air live this Sunday (June 25th) from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

Your thoughts?

[Photo credit: Getty]

Cop a gander of Cardi B!

The reality staple turned reputable Rap star cuts a striking figure a-front of Fader Magazine. 

Cementing her transition from ratchet provocateur on ‘Love & Hip-Hop’ to credible artiste, the 24-year-old’s feature is in the Summer Music Issue.

The spread arrives on the eve of the 2017 BET Awards, where outspoken Cardi is nominated for Best New Artist and Best Female Hip-Hop Artist. In the latter category, she’s up against heavy-hitters such as Nicki Minaj and Remy Ma.

It goes without saying, but the come-up is real!

Peep a stunning shot from her feature below…

Your thoughts?

TLC are readying their final album for release next week.

Due on June 30th, the promo run for the fan-funded project has seen T-Boz and Chilli touch a number of platforms. Billboard is one of the most recent and the ladies certainly made it count.

When quizzed on the presence (or lack thereof) of the late Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopes, the trio’s surviving members reveal an issue with their bandmate’s estate.

Peep this excerpt:

Lopes’ absence is felt on TLC, although there is one brief interlude crafted using an audio clip of her ripped from the internet. Watkins and Thomas say that Lopes’ estate — which released a posthumous album, Eye Legacy, in 2009 — is to blame. “The family, they held onto the other stuff,” says Watkins, as Thomas rolls her eyes. “I guess maybe they wanted money or something. I don’t think she’d be happy that people are trying to hold her vocals hostage.”

Whoa.

Your thoughts?

Camaraderie is a hard find in female Rap these days – especially in the wake of Nicki Minaj and Remy Ma‘s on-going feud.

However, Onika is looking to sprinkle some solidarity on the scene by teaming up with…Trina.

The tease occurred Twitter when the ‘No Frauds’ rapper responded with the following to the Queen of Miami’s recent tweet…

Interesting in earnest.

On the one hand because the prospect of their pairing is exciting.

Yet, it’s also noteworthy due to the fact Remy said Trina was supposed to join her on-stage at Summer Jam (during her unifying moment with female Rap pioneers) but she was “stuck on a cruise.”

Hmm.

In any case, peep Trina performing ‘Moment For Life’ in tribute to Nicki and Cash Money…

Your thoughts?