Housing two of R&B’s most celebrated songbirds and ‘King of Sorrows‘ belle Sade, Epic Records now enlists the aid of former Def Jam staple Shalik Berry- handing him a role set to see him steer the label to a bigger and brighter Urban future.

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Great music may be the bread and the butter of their careers, but this week sees Beyonce & Jay Z celebrated not for the dedication to their crafts…but the cash that craft brings in.

Full story below…

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This week’s That Grape Juice Cover Star is singer/songwriter Derran Day. Watch as the Youtube crooner hits a homerun on Drake‘s latest top 10 hit ‘Hold On, We’re Going Home’:

Is it us or does he sound like Craig David in parts?

Anywho, as much as we go for the “big voice” divas here at TGJ, we often tip our hats to simplicity.  Granted, we know ‘Home’ isn’t exactly the most challenging song to sing, so we’re sure that even Cassie the least experienced singers could handle it.

But, that doesn’t take away from Derran’s performance.  Clear, simple, and devoid of embellishment, Derran managed to capture the song’s emotion while still injecting a bit of himself in the tune.  Such ability is certainly what separates “covers” from “bad karaoke”.  To that, we say bravo Mr. Day!

For more on Derran, check out his Youtube page.

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Want to be featured on That Grape Juice’s ‘Cover Star’? Drop an email to rashad@thatgrapejuice.net

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Your thoughts?

The 3rd annual iHeart Radio Music Festival kicked off in Vegas hours ago, unlocking the sonic flood gates set to storm the city in the coming day.

Last night, Katy Perry rode ‘Roar’s wave to the to the show to perform new music pulled from her forthcoming album ‘Prism‘, joined by her ‘Dark Horse’ collaborator Juicy J.

Watch below!

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While his relationship with Beyonce has gone a long way to elevate his refined persona, it appears there are some unable to overlook Jay Z“s alleged criminal past. One of these, being “Love More” performer Chris Brown.

What he had to say on Hov”s former life?

His words below…

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Camp Britney may be forced to rethink their creative direction before the release of her new LP, but it seems Katy Perry has gotten it right on all fronts..yet again.

The kind of fronts, that have seen her Urban single ‘Dark Horse’ gallop its way to British chart hills, set to secure a Top Twenty debut in tomorrow’s Official Singles Chart!

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This week saw pop princess Britney Spears send fans into a frenzy after she shared ‘Work B*tch’ – the first single from her yet titled eighth album.

Immediately drawing comparisons to the season’s other active divas (see: Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry), fans of the respective camps placed their bids to see who would impact charts most with her album’s lead single.

With ‘Dark Horse’ hitmaker Katy Perry leading the race with ‘Roar’s near 600k in first week sales, we turned to you – That Grape Juice faithful – to ask for your predictions on how Spears would fare with the competition.

Well, today brought with it projection reports that indicate the ‘Hold It Against Me’ maestra will be holding down “last place” in the race.  This, just hours after she took to Ryan Seacrest‘s radio show to continue extensive promo of her forthcoming Vegas stint and more…

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All roads lead to September 24th for Torontoian emcee Drake.

For, as faithful fans know, the day will mark the release of the emo-hitmaker”s 3rd LP “Nothing Was the Same” – led by top 10 singles “Started From the Bottom” and “Hold On, We”re Going Home”.

Giving fans a taste of the offerings from the project, Drake dropped by “The Ellen Degeneres Show” today to promote the new LP and perform a tune or two…that is, after being barreled with a barrage of questions about his love life – namely with the likes of Rihanna and Nicki Minaj.

What did he share?  How did he fare? Find out below:

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Fans went berserk today when Grammy winning rapper Eminem unveiled the cover art for his forthcoming album ‘The Marshall Mathers LP 2’.

Due in stores November 5th – featuring production from longtime collaborator Dr. Dre and Rick Rubin, the newly unveiled album cover shows the same Detroit home Em grew up in featured on ‘The Marshall Mathers LP’.

Led by the top 10 single ‘Berzerk’, music fans are certainly interested in seeing if its parent album will follow suit.  Until we find out in November, tell us:

Are you checking for MMLP2?

Your thoughts? 

She’s the ‘Very Special’ songstress who defied all odds when she revived her once stalling career through VH1’s ‘Love & Hip Hop Atlanta’.

K.Michelle… one of R&B’s few leading ladies.

However, in an interview recently given to Page 31, she spoke honestly on a potential Grammy snub when quizzed on the forthcoming award show- agreeing that while she believes she should be recognised, it wouldn’t surprise her if she wasn’t.

Interview down yonder….

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Rihanna joins her fans in telling their story this year, teaming up with members of her Navy to create the ‘Half of Me‘ documentary, a piece that digs a little deeper into their well publicised relationships to find those who truly believe her to be an inspiration.

Peep all of ‘Half’ below!

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‘TKO’ just may be the most apt title for the latest Justin Timberlake/Timbaland combo to surface on the web.

Acting as the latest gem to be lifted from his September 30th due album ’20/20 Experience Pt 2.’, the 7 minute long new track makes its debut after hours of teasers lifted to Timberlake’s Instagram building buzz for its arrival.

Reminiscent of everything they’ve ever done the duo’s 2006 hit ‘My Love’ meets ‘Chop Me Up’, the up-tempo Urban groove certainly packs a punch but does it stand a fighting chance for Billboard glory (unlike its ‘Take Back the Night’ predecessor)?

You tell us:
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