Ever wonder why, for all her looks and Diddy’s plugging, Cassie can’t seem to catch a break?

Journey back with us to the Summer of 2005.

The model’s Electro-banging debut ‘Me & U’ was inescapable on radio stations across the globe. And with her label Bad Boy enjoying what would prove to be a short-lived resurgence (after years in the wilderness), many considered the starlet (along with the then-new Danity Kane) as the key game-changers.

And then she performed on 106 & Park.

It was the performance (not) heard around the world.

Whispered vocals and even an more muted stage presence, the showing was a mucky mess. One which has plagued Ms. Ventura’s musical efforts ever since.

At least the modelling is working out, aye?

Randomness: I literally “can’t” at there being 3 background singers.

Your thoughts?

Get very excited!

Tonight, a preview of Lil Kim‘s performance at BET’s ‘Rip The Runway 2012′ emerged online and as ever- That Grape Juice has you covered.

Without further delay,peep Divatox Kim in action below…

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In a middle finger to the fans who continue the search for her talent, Rihanna shared the insulting shot above this week.

Undeterred by the fact her vocals sound like an exorcism, the model nonchalantly puffs away on a cigarette while on the set of a Terry Richardson photoshoot.

See, it’s instances like this which render Rih even more of a punchline than she is. For, as with most things Fenty, this was likely thrown out there to push her “rock n roll” gimmick. And yet the joke is that none of these practices combined have managed to push her latest album ‘Talk That Talk’ past the 700k mark –  5 months after release.

It’s high time her team stopped believing in the smoke from her cigar and get this girl a vocal coach pronto. She’s coasted along this far, yet the fact remains – money can only buy wigs and gimmicks, not talent.

Your thoughts?

The countdown to Madonna’s ‘MDNA’ is underway.

Material Madge has linked up with Perez Hilton to premiere material from the hotly anticipated set each week in the run-up the album’s March 26th store date.

The next up?

‘Falling Free’. Take a listen after the jump!

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Light on drama these days, ‘American Idol’ shocked viewers this morning by announcing the sudden departure of contestant Jermaine Jones.

According to reports, producers decided to safe-guard the show’s “family friendly” image by axing the New Jersey vocal coach for not disclosing his criminal record. One which features arrests for violent conduct and giving police a false name, as well as alleged outstanding warrants.

Jones was confronted with the news by the show’s producers in tense scenes that are set to air during tonight’s episode on Fox.

Taking to Twitter today, the 25 year old (dubbed the the “gentle giant”) wrote:

‘Awww I will no longer b on the show.’

However, the tweet was swiftly removed, likely at the request of Idol so as to whip up buzz, speculation, and ultimately ratings going into tonight’s show.

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The quest for stardom sees some folk do anything to nab the spotlight (i.e. go on a such a show, hoping it’d cleanse a dodgy past). That said, we’d put good money on Jones knowing “this” was a likelihood and simply wanting to use it as a springboard. Needless to say, it’ll be interesting to see how this plays out.

Peep Jones in action below…

Your thoughts?

R&B songbirds Brandy and Monica stopped by Power 105‘s Breakfast Club to plug their latest hit ‘It All Belong To Me’.

And as anyone who knows how Charlemagne and co get down, the interview was never going to be standard-fare.

A must-watch in many a way, the candid chat saw the ladies really speak in-depth on some of the online abuse they’ve received; with Brandy lamenting on being branded a “murderer” on Twitter, while Monica relayed the strife caused by a life-threatening stalker.

Of course, the seriousness of the matters we’re levelled out by the ample dose of ‘crazy’ the hosts serve up. A combo which made for a hilarious, yet insightful watch.

Video awaits after the jump…

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Ashanti continued her comeback campaign yesterday, stopping by BET’s 106 & Park to premiere the video for ‘The Woman You Love’. 

Beyond showcasing the “interesting” visual, the former INC singer dished on the track’s housing album, ‘Braveheart’. And while she was keen to talk up the LP in the way of sound, experience and the like, she remained coy about its surprise guests.

However, ever keen to pour you that Lipton, we’ve got the names.

Interview and details after the jump…

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If her changing color and the fact that she was snapped leaving a  studio are anything to by, Rihanna’s project may be arriving sooner than initially thought.

For yesterday, before dining at New York’s ‘Emilio’s, she was snapped leaving a recording studio, fueling reports that her seventh studio LP is on its way, five months after releasing album #6, ‘Talk That Talk‘.

More snaps below…

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It’s been the longest of roads, yet April 10th sees R&B songbird Monica release her new album ‘New Life’.

And with the date for the RCA set rapidly approaching, the Grammy winner has unveiled the LP’s tracklisting.

So what are you waiting for? Find out what Mrs Shannon Brown will be serving up come next month…

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Fom  discovering she was to join Coldplay on their latest tour,  rocking  London’s  ‘Jazz Cafe‘, to kicking off the promo for her UK single ‘RIP‘, it’s been an intense week for Rita Ora.

Indeed, all in a bid to promote her forthcoming LP, the Brit belle has literally been everywhere, raising awareness for both she and the long awaited project.

Now, peep her dishing on ‘RIP‘s video with KOG TV, detailing its conception, Drake‘s influence and her past loves, below…

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Rapper Drake serves up all sorts of divo fierce in GQ’s new ‘Style Bible’ issue.

The Canadian MC (real name, Aubrey Drake Graham) talks to the publication about his astronomical rise, sexual escapades, not being a “hard” rapper, issues with his father, music, and more.

Peep more pics and soundbites below…

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In 20 days, Nicki Minaj is set to unleash her sophomore effort ‘Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded’.

And so as to give the set one last push ahead of its April 3rd arrival, the Young Money major jetted out to Hawaii to shoot the video for the LP’s current single ‘Starships’.

The Pop flavoured cut currently sits at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100; a number set to rise on the back strong radio play and its upcoming visual – which judging by the pics above and below is a major production.

We’re not entirely sold on the song (though we don’t deem it as criminal as some folk). However, credit where it’s due. Ms. Minaj is making it rain and pour. More power to her.

Peep more pics below, via Nicki Daily…

Your thoughts?