If these recent Marie Claire snaps are anything to go by, it’s pretty safe to say Alicia Keys is still on fire.

Taking time from her hotly selling Set The World On Fire tour, the diva dons the elegant threads of Gucci, Diane von Furstenberg, Versace, Cavalli to name a few to serve as the mag’s July cover girl (already on newsstands everywhere).

Dishing on her relationship with hubby Swizz Beatz, artistic evolution, and so much more,  tuck in to see the behind the scenes action of the story’s accompanying photoshoot and finished products:

It all awaits below…

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After a lengthy spell out of the limelight, Busta Rhymes bounces back with new single ‘#TwerkIt’.

And while the Pharrell Williams produced cut has been garnering healthy buzz on its own accord, the net was set blaze moments ago when a new Nicki Minaj assisted remix was unwrapped. Interestingly, both tap into their respective West Indian tongues (Busta, Jamaican / Nicki – Trinidadian).

How do the Young Money / Cash Money comrades fare on the cut? You be the judge after the jump…

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With Fantasia‘s latest single ‘Without Me’ blowing all the way up on Urban radio, no time is better than the present to shoot its accompanying video. And shoot it the singer did this week in Los Angeles.

Together with Kelly Rowland (who guests on the song with Missy Elliott), the 28-year-old donned a number of fierce ensembles for the clip – which appears to boast multiple set-ups.

Easily one of our favourite pre-Summer cuts, the track’s video will no doubt help both the song and its parent album (‘Side Effects Of You’) keep blazing the charts through the months ahead.

Peep another snap after the jump…

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Jennifer Lopez has been blazing the clubs with Summer anthem ‘Live It Up’. The RedOne produced cut may not be setting the charts ablaze in the manner likely hoped, yet it’s doing a solid job of “setting up” the singer’s tenth studio album (reportedly due in November).

Still, we’re admittedly scratching our heads as to why the uptempo number has, thus far, only managed a #60 peak on the Hot 100. One of the main murmurs, though, is that the enlisting of Pitbull for a “three-peat” was overkill (see: ‘On The Floor’, ‘Dance Again’). And while we don’t see the “problem” (if it’s not broken, why fix it?), others clearly do. A fact which makes the surfacing of a solo version of the track über interesting.

Featuring new lyrics in the first verse and no rapper in sight, does the J.Lo only version (which was likely the demo) rock your boat? Let us know below!

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‘They whisper her success but scream at her losses’.

For Nicki Minaj, the above is unfortunately the case when it comes to her naysayer’s perception of her brand…ever eager to downplay what she has achieved since her arrival. Of course, Minaj does at times make it easy them.

From isolating her core female audience who once billed her their fashion icon with an ‘ethnically cleansed’/unattainable new look- and simply forgetting to promote all of the singles spawned by ‘Reloaded’, it’s not as though her detractors are always unfair towards her….or the sophomore album that was supposed to outsell its predecessor.

However, it seems her immaculate handling of her new single ‘High School’ has seen her fans speak far louder than critics where it matters…the charts.

Details below…

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Toni Braxton shocked the music world earlier this year after revealing her plans to retire.

At the time, it appeared the wear-and-tear of 20-year career had taken its toll on the Grammy-winning diva.

However, it seems the ‘Unbreak My Heart’ singer has had a change of mind – much to the delight of her legion of loyal fans. For, today saw the mother of two tease a new collaborative project with fellow R&B icon Babyface.

Taking to all of her social media accounts, the soulful contralto wrote:

Coming this September…
Find out more on tonight’s brand new episode of Braxton Family Values tonight at 9/8 C on WE tv!

Word has it the pair, whose hits include ‘Breathe Again’ and ‘You’re Making Me High’, have conjured up a Motown flavoured duet album – which is literally music to our ears.

Here’s hoping it serves as the springboard needed for Ms. Braxton to continue recording. She’s too legendary and her talent is too intact to let sales or politics stop her sharing her gift!

Keep it locked on That Grape Juice for the full tea once its poured.

Your thoughts?

Love is all ‘Put It In’ Prince Sammie had for Kelly Rowland and Frank Ocean this week, when TGJ caught up with the R&B wonder. Of course, while you may have seen the bulk of our conversation with him here, our time with performer did not end there- carrying on to see him share his thoughts on Rowland’s new single ‘Dirty Laundry‘ and the open letter than turned Frank Ocean into a cultural icon.

His words below…

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‘When legends unite…’ 

Check out this snap of Jay Z, Justin Timberlake, Nas and Timbaland enjoying a studio session earlier this week- unveiled to fans via Def Jam‘s Lenny Santiago on Burbn’s ‘Instagram’!

While there’s no word on the foursome were working on, their sighting comes before JT and Jay kick off their ‘Legends of Summer Tour’ on July 17th and after Timbaland’s set at Saturday’s ‘Sound of Change‘ was billed as one of the night’s most exciting segments, boasting a collection of some of his greatest work…. ‘Promiscuous Girl’ included.

More below…

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That Grape Juice LA had the pleasure of catching up with Roc Nation maestro Elijah Blake recently, meeting him on the set of his debut music for video…‘XOX’.

Featuring the lyricist that is Common, the cut is fast becoming one of the year’s most celebrated R&B hits- taken on by many a YouTube cover act and soaring to #12 on iTunes USA days after release.

So, if you’re interested in meeting the man behind Usher‘s ‘Climax’ and Rihanna‘s ‘No Love Allowed’, press play on the clip below…

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It’s onwards and upwards for Alexandra Burke.

Fresh from nabbing a major US management deal, the 24-year old is now a free agent (musically) after departing her record label.

Details after the jump…

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Guess which hit making couple were snapped spending their morning together yesterday morning.

Hint: One of them is cited as one of the men behind Rihanna‘s ever rising success.

Not sure who they are?

Their identity below…

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 Cop a gander at ‘Keep Me From You‘ MC Eve, storming London’s Graduate Fashion Week in a daring fit yesterday.

Gracing the city’s Earl’s Court in a gladiator inspired piece, the ‘Flashbacks of a Fool’ actress hit the couture driven event weeks after her latest LP ‘Lip Lock’ hit the Billboard 200, by way of the club smash ‘She Bad Bad‘ and the fan favorite, ‘EVE’.

More pics from the star below!

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