It’s the day Rihanna fans have waited so patiently for.  Following a four year wait, four “first” singles, a confusing campaign, temporary free access, and millions of streams, Ri’s faithful #Navy (and curious music lovers) can finally have their hands on the official ‘Anti’ release.

As a reward for their patience, the version lifted to iTunes just moments ago also features 3 new songs.  While this doesn’t seem to be enough to satiate critics, many of whom have panned the project as a “confused body of work,” “inconsistent,” “lacking clear direction,” and more, fans – on the other hand – seem to be more forgiving…and more generous with their coins.

Indeed, after racking up over 13 million free spins and 1 million free downloads, itunes Charts indicate the songstress may be well on her way to earning some (extra) bucks for her hard work.  Details below:

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Well, isn’t this a ‘Got 2 B Real’ skit in the making?

‘Queen of Soul’ Aretha Franklin is looking to become the ‘Queen of Soul Food,’ recent reports indicate, as – like rumored rival Patti Labelle – the legendary R&B diva is flexing her talents on the stage and in the kitchen with a line of food products.  Unlike Labelle, Rere is looking to step out of the dessert aisle to see her line feature gumbo, chili, chicken and dressing, and more.

Talking with news reporters from her hometown of Detroit, Franklin details her newest business venture and, as always, reminds fans that her reign also extends to realms of shade.  Get into it below:

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Apple‘s ‘Beats 1′ radio platform welcomed the Asian British performer Zayn Malik to discuss his solo endeavours yesterday.

There, quizzed by host Zane Lowe, the entertainer announced the name of his debut solo album,that he had collaborated with Tinashe‘s rival Kehlani on it…and that it features production from Frank Ocean producer Malay.

Not enough to pique your interest?

Fair enough. However, those who do give the conversation a spin can expect to hear him bare all on how and why he left the Pop band he rose to fame in, One Direction.

Listen below…

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Rihanna‘s 8th album is living up to its title in so many ways.

In addition to being anti-traditional campaign, anti-critical acclaim, and anti-charting, the set – in its own way – is proving itself to be anti-failure.  That’s right, in the messiness of the “campaign” that is accompanying her latest project, Ri is still finding creative ways to “win.”

After a “surprise” unveiling Wednesday night on Tidal, the album was available for full streaming and eventually gifted to fans for free.  In less than 24 hours, not only has its lead single, ‘Work,’ worked its way to the top of iTunes charts, but its parent album has amassed an impressive number of downloads and streams.

See the figures 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 press “play” one more time on ‘Baby One More Time’ – the inaugural #1 hit of pop megaforce Britney Spears.  The lead single from her debut album of the same name, the song – originally written for (but later passed on by) TLC – launched the then-unknown teen into the pop stratosphere upon its late 1998 release.  Accompanied by a heavily choreographed and (later) iconized schoolgirl outfit and sassy shimmy to match, the Max Martin-mixed cut shot to #1 on the Hot 100 this week in 1999.  Bumping Brandy‘s ‘Have You Ever’ from the top spot, the tune would enjoy a short, but impressive run atop the chart and even more impressive run in the history books.  As of 2016, with over 10 million copies sold, the song remains one of the best selling ever!

Now, get into this week’s ‘Chart Rewind’ below and see what other familiar faces you see in the top 25:

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Rihanna‘s unique rollout for her new album ‘ANTI‘ may have impressed her fan base, but it now seems that the same cannot be said for the powers that be over at the British Phonographic Industry.

Bad news below…

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Epic’s Fifth Harmony are white hot on the March edition of ‘Seventeen‘ magazine!

The Urban Pop group have been hard at work with their favourite creatives eager to replicate the success of their smash hit single ‘Worth It’ and reach higher ground on an album and ticket sales front.

Add to this the rising threat of competition from ‘Black Magic‘ sisters Little Mix the ladies’ decision to team up with ‘Seventeen’ for a spot of album  promo will undoubtedly make complete sense to their fanbase, aptly named the Harmonizers.

More below…

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Musiq Soulchild is back with new material!

April 8th will deliver his latest LP ‘Life on Earth’ so today welcomes the release of its lead single ‘I Do’ which is now available to spin right here on TGJ!

The cut finds a place in the musician’s discography which stands tall with two platinum albums to its na,e

Will ‘I’ push ‘Life’ to comparable levels?

Listen below…

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The internet is proving to be R. Kelly‘s worst nightmare.

Arguably the reason he is no longer able to remain undisturbed by legal woes once shrouded in mystery, the resource has given music lovers access to information that paints a very disturbing picture of the R&B singer.

Click here to find out how.

So, after he was confronted by claims of his alleged predatory behaviour towards underaged girls, the entertainer attempted to give fans deeper insight into his own life by opening up on his difficult childhood.

Alas, this did little to move fans of the late R&B singer Aaliyah who was 15 when he allegedly coerced her into a romantic relationship behind her parents’ back.

This week things got worse for the star.

Why?

A disturbing admission below…

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As TGJ readers can tell, it’s apparently Rihanna day.

The diva, who set the net alight this morning with ‘Work’ – the Drake-assisted (official) new single from her long-awaited 8th album ‘Anti’ – has been on a consistent roll since the tune’s unveiling.  For, shortly after the song zoomed to the top spot of digital charts, Ri followed up with a full stream of its parent project via Tidal.

Now, with fans’ appetites in overdrive for what the era has to offer, she’s finally unlocked the 8th and final door of her Samsung sponsored ‘Anti’-diary.  See it below:

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Justin Bieber cemented his monopoly on the Hot 100’s upper dectet this week with hits ‘Love Yourself’ and ‘Sorry.’

After dethroning longtime chart champion Adele just two weeks ago with the latter, the former has now pushed her from the #2 spot and entered him in history books as the youngest act to simultaneously occupy the #1 and #2 spots on the Hot 100.

Joining his previous Hot 100 accomplishments as “youngest act to debut at number 1”  and “youngest act to log 3 songs in the top 10 simultaneously,” it’s pretty safe to say Bieber is hotter than ever!  As if that’s not enough, industry analysts predict the Grammy-nominated beau will replace himself on the chart’s summit next week.

Until we find out if such is true, tuck in below to see this week’s chart check:

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Rapper J. Cole may have just turned 30, but it looks like he’s the one handing out gifts.

Indeed, in celebration of his birthday, the ‘Lights Please’ performer has shed light on a new live project.  Recorded from a show at the Crown Coliseum in Fayetteville, N.C., the 13-track set is mostly comprised of live renditions of tunes found aboard his 2014 Grammy-nominated album ‘Forest Hills Drive.’

Before we find out if he’ll be walking away with any of the coveted trophies at this year’s ceremony, tuck in below to get a peek at his new live offering:

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