Music

Ciara: "I Want To Collaborate With Janet"

29th Apr

During her recent UK promotional trip, Ciara revealed that she is actively seeking a duet with icon Janet Jackson:

R&B star Ciara has revealed that she is hoping to arrange a duet with Janet Jackson in the future.
The singer confirmed that a project with Jackson is at the top of her wishlist following the success of ‘Love Sex Magic’, her recent collaboration with Justin Timberlake.
“My dream is to collaborate with Janet Jackson. She was my big idol growing up,” Ciara told the Daily Star.
“JJ is amazing and, no matter what, you can’t forget what she has contributed to American music. Janet is truly an icon. She was the only person I listened to as a kid, along with her big bro Michael.” {Source}

This is one collaboration I’d definitely be checking for and one I’m sure many would want to see. I’m actually salivating at the prospect of what I’m pretty sure would be an uptempo duet (imagine the choreography!). Either way, it’s good to see Ciara giving props where props are due.

Your thoughts?

Kelly Rowland Talks New Show

28th Apr

Our girl Kelly Rowland stopped by Fox LA yesterday to promote her new fashion show, aptly titled ‘The Fashion Show’, which begins airing on Bravo (US) in May 7th. Kelly serves as both the host and one of judges on the show, which is billed as the successor to Project Runway. More power to her.

Your thoughts?

Sugababes Sign With Jay-Z’s Roc-A-Fella

28th Apr

Reports are circulating that the UK’s top girl group, the Sugababes have signed a US deal with Jay-Z’s Roc-A-Fella:

Sugababes have signed a contract with Jay-Z’s US label Roc-A-Fella, it has emerged.
The trio, who finalised the deal at London restaurant Nobu last month, will still be under contract with major label Island Records, as part of their UK deal, but will start working with a new team.
The group fly out to Los Angeles today to start work on their seventh album and will be recording with producers behind some of Rihanna and Beyoncé’s most successful singles. {Source}

Kudsos to them for landing a US deal! When honestly thinking of which mainstream UK acts could make an impact Stateside, I’ve always seen the ladies as capable. With their unique image, and obvious talent, I feel as though they will be able to stand-out in the crowded market that is the music industry. That said, it could end up like many UK acts that have tried their hand at US success – aka epic fail. However, let’s hope it’s otherwise.

Tidbit: Peep the ladies take on EnVogue’s ‘Don’t Let Go’ on tour last year by clicking here. Good stuff!

Do you think the Sugababes can make it in the US?

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More Pussycat Dolls Drama

26th Apr

Amid rumors that lead (and only) singer Nicole Scherzinger is set to leave the Pussycat Dolls soon, hence why the group’s latest singles are being officially billed as ‘Pussycat Dolls (ft. Nicole Scherzinger)’, tensions appeared to come to an all-time high during the group’s recent show in Phoenix, Arizona.

When it came to Melody’s turn to introduce herself to the audience (Melody being the darker skinned member, who can *sang*), the 24 year old proceeded to thank her fans for supporting her, even though she’s ‘never featured on any songs’ (her exact words, not mine) LMAO. Further adding, that she and Ashely Roberts (the long-haired blond, who can also hold a note) were examples of ‘never giving up on your dream’ and that ‘don’t let anyone put you down’. My girl sounded heated. This was then followed by Nicole screaming ‘say Nicole’ several times over. LOL.

Regardless of what they or their PR will say, there is clearly drama behind the scenes – and rightfully so. It’s beyond pathetic, IMO, that a voice such as Melody’s should sit wasted, regardless of whether Nicole was always meant to be the ‘star’ or not. After digging up this 2006 Blender magazine quote from Melody, I can’t help but think after 4 years she’s feeling the same thing:

How did you feel when they told you Nicole was going to be the lead singer?
How can I put it? I have an idea of what I want out of this, and I think that it’ll definitely come. I’m biding my time. Whether they want to admit it or not, we all see this as a springboard for something else. Some girls have said, “It’s my dream to be in a pop group,” and I’m like, “OK, because I want to be Mariah Carey.”

Gotta love the ‘realness’. It’s just a shame that the labels and teams which surround a lot of these groups fail to see the benefit of shining the light on more than one person. The music industry is a business, and as with any business it’s about making money. Surely, by promoting more than one talent in a group scenario, the group’s profile is made even bigger and more money is to be made via solo projects? Industry politics. Tut.

Your thoughts?

Dawn Talks New Hair Cut, Being In A New Group, Diddy & More

24th Apr

Our friends over at SOHH caught up with former Danity Kane member Dawn Richard backstage at last night’s Making The Band 4 finale. The singer-songwriter spoke on her new short hair do and the inspiration behind it, working on Diddy’s new album ‘Last Train To Paris’ as part of a new group called Dirty Money, which consists of herself, Diddy and another singer-songwriter called Keleena.

The album is pretty much seeming like some kind of concept record, as Dawn maintains the group will be featured on all the tracks in some capacity – yet the album is still Diddy’s (???). Sounds interesting…

Your thoughts?

Follow That Grape Juice On Twitter

24th Apr

As some of you may know, we announced last month that you can now follow That Grape Juice on Twitter! Adding to the ever-expanding ways to be apart of the That Grape Juice community, our Twitter page allows you to receive up-to-the-minute updates about the latest posts on the site as well as what’s happening in the Urban Pop Culture world more generally.

What’s more, you’ll be able to keep up with me, ‘Sam’, while I’m on-the-go. I’ll be making use of Twitter’s cool SMS feature which allows me to let you guys know what I’m up to via my mobile/cell. That mean everything from checking in with you guys while on location at an artist interview to complete randomness from the wackiness that is ‘my world’. So what are you waiting for…

Click here to follow That Grape Juice on Twitter!

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Beyonce Performs ‘Halo’ On Today Show

24th Apr

Beyonce stopped by The Today Show earlier today to perform her current single ‘Halo’. Put simply, awesome performance – much better than her ‘Letterman’ showing earlier this week. Everything from her energy, to her adlibs and riffs, to her outstanding vocal delivery were on-point.

Tidbit: Beyonce’s new movie ‘Obsessed’ hits theatres in the US today. The movie also stars Idris Elba and Ali Larter. Will you be going to see it?

Your thoughts?

Ciara Launches ‘Fantasy Ride’ Webisodes

24th Apr

With the release of Ciara’s 3rd studio LP ‘Fantasy Ride’ drawing ever nearer (May 5th), the singer launched her video diary series ‘Fantasy Ride Webisodes’ today. In the first episode, we see Ciara rehearsing choreography for her promo tour, singing several new cuts acapella (including ‘Like A Surgeon’ and ‘Never Ever’) and much more. A very interesting watch I must say.

Tidbit: I guess this will silence those who question Ms. Harris’ vocal ability. That said, truth be told, she has come a long a** way vocally compared to when she first came out.

Your thoughts?

Making The Band 4: Danity Kane Reunite (Well Kinda)

24th Apr

The finale (and rumored last ever) episode of Making The Band 4 aired last night. Hosted by MTV’s Sway, the night saw the former members of Danity Kane (sans Aundrea) come back together to discuss the demise of the chart-topping group.

While I’m cautious about taking sides, I will say this made great television! You could cut the tension with a knife; the bitchiness levels were off the Richter. Besides the back and forths between Aubrey, Dawn, D. Woods (Shannon, as ever, seemed to take a backseat to it all), just watching their body language (and seating arrangement – notice how it changes after the commercial), made it all the more evident that there are still issues between the ladies. A shame, as they, IMO, were one of the most promising collectives to emerge on the music scene in a long while. It’ll be interesting to see how the future plays out for all five ladies…

Your thoughts?

Randomness: The ‘Other’ Pussycat Dolls Sing (Solo)

24th Apr

Regular readers of That Grape Juice will know that I’m none-too-fond of the current dynamic of The Pussycat Dolls; IMO the one-singer/nameless back-up dancers/’singers’ format is not the business. After all in you’re in a singing group, surely you should be able and given the platform to…erm…actually sing!

While PCD’s team etc seem to be slow to hipping to the fact that people aren’t feeling the ‘Nicole & Co’ set-up (See: ‘Doll Domination’ sales), they do seem to understand that we do want to hear what the other girls are working with. So, on the ladies recent European tour, each ‘other’ member (basically everyone but Nicole) got to perform a cut solo (their solo cuts from the ‘Doll Domination: Deluxe’ edition). Peep the professional clip from this January’s Glasgow, Scotland show to see all 4 of the other girls perform:

After watching this, it’s kinda easy to see why some of the other ladies aren’t singing lead (aside from Melody, as she actually nailed her performance. Did you check the whistle note?). However, the odd line to sing here and there for the other ladies would not go amiss. Hearing Ms. Scherzinger on every single track is beyond jarring IMO and is probably the reason her solo album is still sitting somewhere unreleased. Equality, people, equality.

Your thoughts?