Peep the official album cover for The Saturdays’ sophomore LP ‘Wordshaker’, which hits shops in the UK on October 12th via Geffen. Can you say ‘work’!

Also, check out a snippet of the album’s title track, which judging by this clip needs to be a single ASAP!

Your thoughts?

The folks over at Amazon are previewing the whole of R&B crooner Mario’s latest LP ‘D.N.A’.

Click here to listen

As one of those of felt his last album ‘Go!’ was a criminally underrated gem, these snippets aren’t grabbing me as instantaneously as I would have hoped; I’m not a fan of the first single ‘Break Up’ either. That said, I’ll hold my full judgement until hearing the record in entirety.

Hit(s) or Miss(es)?

Amidst all the drama surrounding the Sugababes, the group visited BBC Radio 1 yesterday to premiere the new version of their latest single, the Red One produced ‘About A Girl’, with new vocals by their latest addition Jade Ewen.

Without slinging mud Jade’s way, I must say, I prefer Keisha’s version by a mile. Something about this re-recorded version conveys a generic and rushed aura. Take a listen to each version, and let us know which you prefer:

Keisha’s version:



Jade’s version:

Hit or Miss?

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In other Sugababes news, check out their interview with Radio 1’s Scott Mills yesterday, in which they discuss Keisha’s departure and more.

Part 1



Part 2



While Jade came across well, I can’t say the same about Amelle and Heidi. If either were as media-trained as they should be at this time, they would have ascertained that it is not in their best interest to come across defiant or nonchalant about the past week’s events (especially Amelle); as, regardless of what was popping off behind-the-scenes, Keisha essentially was the Sugababes and should never have been booted.To think two people who weren’t even there at the group’s conception are the one’s lobbying for her ejection is disgusting. We don’t know what went on behind the scenes, yet if it was that volatile, surely the group could have just disbanded with their credibility in-tact – after this album. Instead, they are largely considered a joke by most now, and will have the utmost of up-hill struggles trying to claw back any notion of respect they once had. IMO, Heidi and Amelle seem so comfortable in the group, so much so that forcibly ousting the founding (and let’s be realistic, most talented) member was the only way forward. Heidi mentioned that she had to make the right decision, yet anyone with half-a-braincell (which makes me wonder about their management too) would have foreseen the backlash they’d receive after all this and let that factor into making such a decision. It’s actually all quite a shame, as – take away the group’s history etc – the current line-up do look great and, if  they were a new group, would actually stand quite a chance (particularly as we don’t have anything like them in the UK). However, the reality is that poor Jade has been thrust into a pretty sh*tty situation and it feels as if the group’s days are numbered.SMH….

Your thoughts?

R&B star Ashanti stopped by the Early Show on CBS earlier this week to promote her stint as Dorothy on the Broadway adaptation of The Wiz, performing ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’.

Like I’m sure Ms. Douglas is herself, I’m pretty fed up with her improved vocal delivery going so unnoticed. IMO, Ashanti really is underrated.

Any way, as one of those quite looking forward to her next studio effort, I’m still quite perplexed as to what the hell is going on with her label-wise. That moose, Irv Gotti, a few months back, insisted on telling the world Ashanti had been dropped from The INC / Universal Motown; yet reports later indicated she is still signed with them?

What do you think of the performance?

After a somewhat tumultuous few months, a period which saw him sign and severe ties with Timabland and Lil’ Wayne’s labels, Omarion today announced that he has signed a new deal with EMI. Check out the report below via MTV:

The former B2K frontman announced Thursday (September 24) that he signed a new deal with EMI to create his own imprint StarWorld Entertainment. Through the pact, the Los Angeles native will release his next project, Ollusion, due November 24. Just last month, Omarion united forces with Lil Wayne and joined the rapper’s Young Money roster. However, shortly after the news broke, the singer mysteriously parted ways with the camp.

“I have a lot of respect and admiration for the genius of Lil Wayne and the entire Young Money family,” he said in a statement. “I asked to be released from the label to pursue other opportunities that were recently presented to me. Because of our relationship, Lil Wayne had no issue with us ending our business relationship and released me from the label.”

Prior to linking with Lil Wayne, O partnered with Timbaland in 2008, but the union didn’t result in any material being released through the producer’s Mosley Music Group.

Omarion will now ready his third solo album, which will feature collaborations from Tank, Fabolous and Gucci Mane on the first single, “I Get It In,” set to debut October 5.

“My style has evolved so much on this album,” Omarion said in a statement. “I was able to express truly who I am from a creative and artistic standpoint, which allowed me to share a personal side of myself with my fans through my music. This is my masterpiece, and I can’t wait for the world to hear my new album.”

More power to him; it seems ol’ Omari has more lives than Super Mario. Here’s hoping all this label bouncing will result in a worthwhile album. The void Chris Brown has left in the young male R&B/Pop market has been left open for seemingly so long, so this really could be Omarion’s time to shine – providing he ditches the uber nasal singing and the material is half-way decent.

Your thoughts?

In the meanwhile, you know where to keep it locked – your favourite site and mine – That Grape Juice!

Sugababes Statement
Monday 21st September

The current line-up of the Sugababes has disbanded.

Heidi Range and Amelle Berrabah will continue as the Sugababes and will be joined by new member Jade Ewen. They release their album ‘Sweet 7’ on November 23rd through Island Records.

Keisha Buchanan will continue to record for Island Records as a solo artist. {Source}