While Europe and Asia have taken her sound to impressive commercial heights, Lana Del Rey‘s US run has been modest to say the least.
Currently hovering around the 600,000 units figure- her debut major album ‘Born To Die‘ and its supporting ‘Paradise’ were the basis of her recent discussion with ‘Fashion‘ magazine- which saw her pose for a beach based spread and speak openly on her struggle to secure critical acclaim in the US.
More interestingly though, how this has affected her ongoing battle with alcoholism.
Check out these shots of serial chart topper Rita Ora, striking a pose for a Buckingham Palace set photo shoot yesterday.
Snapped channeling her inner Royal Guard, the Platinum belle caught the attention of many a tourist as she put her best foot forward for her photographer, later heading to the city’s Embankment in an entirely new get-up.
Our From The Vault pick this week comes courtesy of SWV and their 90’s classic ‘Right Here (Human Nature Mix)’.
Originally a single from the ladies 1992 debut ‘It’s About Time’, a remixed version sampling Michael Jackson‘s ‘Human Nature’ from the iconic ‘Thriller‘ LP was released a year later. Helmed by the great Teddy Riley (with additional production by Pharrell Williams), the reworking remains one of the trio’s most successful singles and undeniably their signature song. (Side note: did you recognize Mr Williams during the infamous “S, the double, the U, the V…” hook?)
The song was also used as a promotional track for the movie ‘Free Willy’
As far as charts are concerned, the track was a home run for the Sisters With Voices, spending 7 weeks at the top of the Billboard R&B Singles Chart and peaking at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
A true worldwide hit, it reached the third position of the UK Official Charts and the Top 10 of many other European countries.
Directed by Lionel C. Martin, the beach-set visual sees the ladies horse-riding, fishing and chilling in front of bonfires alongside their musicians. The overall romantic and carefree vibe of the video is a perfect fit for the New Jack Swing laid back groove. A version of the clip features footage from the King Of Pop performing the original on tour.
Without a doubt the main inspiration for groups like Destiny’s Child and Danity Kane, groups like SWV, Xscape, TLC and En Vogue factuallydon’t get the recognition they should. Weirdly enough it is the UK that keeps referencing them with acts such as Little Mix, Sugababes/MKS and Stooshe. To be fair, it is not like the US is overflowing with Urban bands, male or female.
While we wait for the next generation of talented groups to impact the charts, we invite you to join us celebrating this timeless gem.
As one of the most active online destinations for Urban Pop, things move at a rapid pace here at That Grape Juice. However, each week, there’s always select stories that resonate most amongst our millions of monthly readers. Happen to miss one of them? Fret not, you now have…The Refill!
No frills or trills, The Refill simply recaps the hottest topics on the lips of the TGJ faithful over the last seven days. The metrics used to compile the list weekly are comments, social media shares, and page views. So without further adieu…
With today being Mother’s Day, ‘Surrender’ stunner Lyrica Anderson adds a little sonic pleasure to the day with a brand new cut named ‘Appreciate‘.
Arriving months after the release of her ‘King Me‘ EP, the piano steered jam sees the singer/songwriter thank and praise mother’s across the world over a track that comes courtesy of herself and budding hit maker Arturo.
As reported here, NBC listed comedy ‘The New Normal’ amongst its list of newly cancelled shows. As reports of the cancellation swarmed the net, fans were keen to get the response of the show’s star Nene Leakes.
Taking to Twitter and Facebook, check below for Leakes’ response when she got the news:
BET’s ‘Real Husbands of Hollywood’ quickly found a faithful audience upon its early 2013 debut. The scripted “reality” series, based on the popular BET Awards skit of the same name, brought fans a weekly dose of comedy via its stars Kevin Hart, Duane Martin, Nick Cannon, Boris Kodjoe, Nelly, & J.B. Smoove.
Now, in reality show fashion, the stars of the show prepare a reunion episode to reflect on season 1 of the hit series before its season 2 premiere early next year. Hosted by Lala Anthony, the reality show is due for premiere on May 28th at 10pm on BET.
Looks like those who can’t get enough of ‘Crazy’ crooner Cee Lo Green will have to make more room in their schedule for the eclectic singer.
For reports have surfaced indicating that the plus sized star, already readying a new album and formerly occupying a seat on NBC‘s hit reality talent series‘The Voice’, is now teaming with TBS for a new unscripted series. Titled ‘The Ceelo Life’, word has it the channel has already ordered six episodes of the series (due for premiere in 2014).
Set to primarily document his family life, the show will also lend behind the scenes looks at the making of his forthcoming reunion album with Goodie Mob. Due in stores August 27th, the album (their fifth) is reportedly titled ‘Age Against the Machine’
Looks like those who can’t get enough of ‘Crazy’ crooner Cee Lo Green will have to make more room in their schedule for the eclectic singer.
For reports have surfaced indicating that the plus sized star, already readying a new album and formerly occupying a seat on NBC‘s hit reality talent series‘The Voice’, is now teaming with TBS for a new unscripted series. Titled ‘The Ceelo Life’, word has it the channel has already ordered six episodes of the series (due for premiere in 2014).
Set to primarily document his family life, the show will also lend behind the scenes looks at the making of his forthcoming reunion album with Goodie Mob. Due in stores August 27th, the album (their fifth) is reportedly titled ‘Age Against the Machine’
Already a smash in the US (and its original home of Holland), the show has arrived on British shores by way of the BBC last year and takes its place prime-time for another year running. Coaches this side of the pond are Jessie J, will.i.am, Danny O’ Donoghue, and the legendary Tom Jones.
Billed as the definitive talent-search, many are predicting it to serve as a true contender to The X Factor‘s strong hold.
Judge for yourself below with highlights from episode 6 / series 2 (the first of the battle rounds) below…
While fans of ‘New Life’ maestra Monicaanxiously await its follow-up (featuring the likes of Miguel, Missy Elliott, Rico Love, and more), looks like the songstress is anxiously expecting a new life of her own.
Indeed, the R&B veteran sent fans into a frenzy after uploading the snap seen above to her Instagram – ending longtime speculation that she is pregnant with her third child.
Ever keen on keeping the masses abreast of fresh and/or often underrated talent, That Grape Juice presents ‘The Spill’ – a renewed look at not-so-new, yet active, acts.
Much like its ‘Freshly Squeezed’sister segment, this revived assay aims to put the magnifying glass on talents who may not appeal to the buying public on a broad scale yet are still serving material that could easily spin side-by-side with some of today’s top hits.
Covering a kaleidoscope of genres, ‘The Spill’ is set to feature some names you probably know and love as well as some you’ll (soon) be glad to know. Click below to find out the spill on crooners Lyfe Jennings, Glenn Lewis, B5, and veteran R&B duo Changing Faces…
