Pop heart-throb Justin Bieber features on the cover of Vanity Fair‘s February issue.
Speaking to the magazine about his hyperactivity, the 16 year old purveyor of Bieber-Fever said:
“Just the way my brain works. I’m not normal. I think differently—my mind is always racing. I’m just … nuts. But I think the best [musicians] probably are. “
Adding about his acute insomnia, he said:
“(I sit up at night thinking) about all the things I didn’t have time to think about during the day — like family and God …”
Ok then…
In other Bieber news, actress Selena Gomez has reportedly been receiving death threats after being snapped kissing the singer.
After reviewing hundreds of your applications, the top 15 candidates for the That Grape Juice 6-month internship have been selected! Check your email to see whether you have been chosen to advance to the 2nd phase of the selection process and to collect the instructions you will need for the next set of outlined tasks.
We thank all of our readers who submitted their work for consideration. Many of you possess remarkable talent and we hope to hear from you again in the future when other opportunities arise!
This week’s Best You Never Heard features little known gems by Kelly Rowland, Jazmine Sullivan, Oliva and Kelis.
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Kelly Rowland – ‘The Show (ft. Tank)’
As many will recall, Kelly Rowland’s 2007 effort ‘Ms. Kelly’ was marred by shocking management, bad single choices, and poor promotion. Still, the Gold certified LP delivered many a gem – including the Tank-assisted ‘The Show’.
Perhaps the raciest of Rowland’s oft underrated efforts, ‘The Show’ features the Destiny’s Child star and the R&B crooner trading verses about the much treaded on ‘deed’. However, unlike countless other sensual cuts, the song employs clever metaphors and similes in staging the ‘act’ – instilling an aura of ‘tact’ and ‘class’ in an otherwise risqué subject matter. Vocally, Tank’s butter-smooth baritone and Rowland’s soprano are a matched made in R&B heaven. {SAM}
LISTEN:
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Jazmine Sullivan – ‘Excuse Me’
In a time when R&B has been sidelined by consumers in favour of generic Pop hits, Jazmine Sullivan continues to satisfy the supporters of true artistry. ‘Excuse Me’ was included on the singer/songwriter’s critically acclaimed ‘Love Me Back’ LP, and serves as one of the record’s most compelling tracks.
Co-written and produced by Missy Elliott and Cainon Lamb, the song not only displays Sullivan’s technical skill but her ability to interpret the meaning of the lyrics, creating a truly believable performance.
‘Excuse Me’ demonstrates the exact reason why Sullivan’s talent is desperately needed in today’s music industry. Most acts are unable to carry a tune without the assistance of heavy production and auto-tune; hence a vocalist of her stature deserves our appreciation. {TRENT}
LISTEN:
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Olivia – ‘Cherry Pop’
A victim of constant push-backs and label-politics, R&B songstress Olivia’s career has been quite the non-starter. Formerly a member of G-Unit, the singer’s sophomore effort ‘Behind Closed Doors’ (2005) indeed never saw the light of day. However morsels of material from the LP have since found their way onto the internet; with one of the most solid being the Missy Elliott produced ‘Cherry Pop’.
Boasting much in the way of Retro appeal, Elliott’s production on the racy cut gives a contemporary nod to 70’s Funk; with Oliva’s Old Skool vocal rasp further lacing it with both modern and Throwback sensibilities. Great track! {SAM}
LISTEN:
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Kelis – ’22nd Century’
Regardless of its poor commercial performance, Kelis’‘Flesh Tone’ included a collection of brilliant Dance recordings. Of course, the standout song of the 9-track lineup was definitely ‘22nd Century’.
Laced with incredible the production provided by Boys Noize, the record truly has a unqiue futuristic appeal, allowing the distinct tone of Kelis’ voice to shine.
‘Flesh Tone’ is undoubtedly one of the most underrated albums released in the last year. However, judging by the current trend in music which is leaning toward more Dance-oriented material, Kelis may have simply been one step ahead of her peers – in the 22ndcentury to be precise.{TRENT}
Another day, another Beyonce commercial. The superstar features in L’Oreal‘s latest television spot for their ‘L’Oreal Feria’ hair dye line – which was cultivated specifically to be fronted by the ‘Single Ladies’ singer.
Here is a special behind the scenes look at the making of Alicia Keys’ ‘Speechless (Ft. Eve)’. The video shows how the songstress composed the track which is dedicated to her son. Peep the footage below:
With the epic failure that was Soulja Boy‘s ‘DeAndre’s Way’ album, one could be forgiven for assuming 2010 to have been a disappointing year for the ‘Crank That’ rapper.
However, if there lay any truth in the 20 year old’s latest comments, last year may have been one of his most successful – due to a certain Willow Smith.
Fact: Nelly‘s latest LP ‘5.0’ has been as successful as the war in Iraq. However, in what appears to be the smartest move yet in the handling of the project, the Kelly Rowland-assisted ‘Gone’ has been confirmed as the album’s next official single.
With a new DVD out and an album on the way, R&B singer Christina Milian continues to do the media rounds. The latest stop sees the 29 year old appear on the February issue of Latina magazine.
The Cuban-descendant opened up to the publication about her failed marriage to The Dream, her budding movie career, and her musical comeback this year. Click here to read the insightful feature.
Pop diva Kelly Rowland slid into this sizzling number for her headlining set at the Jet Nightclub in Las Vegas last night (January 2nd). The 29 year old’s appearance saw her belt out hits such ‘Commander’, ‘When Love Takes Over’ and ‘Survivor’.
In what seems to be a rare moment of wisdom and clarity, Lil Kim has decided against working with Mary J. Blige on a diss track targeting Nicki Minaj and Keyshia Cole. Despite announcing the possibility of the project on New Year’s Eve, the former Queen of Hip-Hop has issued a press release denying that she will be making such a record.
It’s that time again! That Grape Juice wants to know which songs are your top 5 songs of the moment?
Remember, it doesn’t have to be limited to Urban music; it could be something new, a throwback, religious or even something you made yourself! Both of ours are below (in no particular order):
Sam
1. Lose Control (Ft. Nelly) – Keri Hilson
2. So Excited – Janet Jackson
3. Smooth Criminal (Live, History Tour) – Michael Jackson
4. I Believe In You & Me – Whitney Houston
5. Blackout – Mashonda
Trent
1. Roman’s Revenge (Ft. Eminem) – Nicki Minaj
2. Look At Me Now (Ft. Busta Rhymes & Lil Wayne) – Chris Brown
Pint-sized rapper Lil’ Kim continues to seize any opportunity available to slam rival Nicki Minaj – this despite the Young Money star still not offering any response to the veteran’s diss record ‘Black Friday’.
The latest episode in Kim’s trajectory of anti-Minaj slurs came on New Years Eve, when she performed in Boston, Massachusetts. While on stage, the 35 year old once again hit out at Minaj, yet on this occasion also alluded to both her and Mary J Blige having issues with Keyshia Cole too.
