Our friend Nigel D over at Real Talk NY caught up with Keri Hilson yesterday in New York. In this really interesting interview, the singer sounds off at the haters who turned up to her album release party, the shadiness of the music industry as well as ‘that’ remix to ‘Turnin’ Me On (Off)’.

Say what you want about her, but she was making a lot of sense IMO. More power to her.

Tidbit: Keri’s album ‘In A Perfect World…’ is looking set to debut at #3 with sales between 80,000- 90,000 sold first week. Not bad at all…all things considered.

After for more than 4 years of dating, reports are suggesting Ashanti and Nelly are finally set to tie the knot this year:

As Beyonce gets ready to kick off her much anticipated ‘I Am…Tour’ in Canada tonight (coverage of which you’ll be able to find at TGJ), pics of the outfits she’ll be wearing have surfaced. The Thierry Mugler designs are certainly ‘out there’. It’ll be interesting to see Bouncy in them later tonight.

 

It’s been well-documented that Pop star Britney Spears is currently on what is being billed as her ‘comeback tour’. While her fans are no doubt pleased to have the singer back, critics haven’t been favourable with their words about ‘The Circus Tour’, with many taking displeasure in the fact that Spears lip-syncs all-but-one song during her set. Others claim Britney gets lost in the shuffle amidst the grandeur and spectacle of the production, while some note her dancing consists of not much more than strutting up and down the stage.

With the show set to roll into Europe in the coming months (with Ciara opening), we’re anxious to hear what those who have seen the show already thought? Watched the tour vids on Youtube? What’s your take on the show?

Peep Beyonce and nephew Julez behind the scenes of their new Nintendo DS commercial for the game Rhythm Heaven. Lil’ man has grown up quite a bit. Good stuff.

For those wondering about the whereabouts of his mother Solange, she is currently on tour with Estelle in the US.

On a promotional stop for her current stint on Dancing With The Stars, Lil’ Kim stopped by the Big Boy’s Neighborhood radio show this week. During the show, Kim addressed her displeasure with the recent B.I.G biopic ‘Notorious’. While Kim’s disapproval of her portrayal in the movie has been well-documented, this is the first time she spoke on camera about the issue. Let’s just say, she didn’t hold back. An interesting interview, I must say.

R&B crooner Mario has been hard at work on 4th studio album for a while now, and the fruit of his efforts have begun to surface – most recently in the form of ‘Afraid 2 Cry (Hardest Moment)’. The word which resoundingly comes to mind upon listening to the song is ‘refreshing’. Refreshing lyrically, refreshing in terms of vocal delivery (on-point!), refreshing when compared to a lot of the bubble-gum nonsense Mario’s contemporaries have been serving up. Simply, refreshing.  

With each of his albums, it’s evident Mario’s growing artistically – something I’m feeling to be the case with his forthcoming release – judging by this taster. Roll on the album’s release. 

R&B star LeToya features on the cover of the April / May issue of Sister 2 Sister magazine. The former Destiny’s Child singer, who I must say looks great here, is currently promoting her new album ‘Lady Love’ (due May 19th) as well as new single ‘Not Anymore’ (available on iTunes).

According to Billboard, R&B royalty Mary J. Blige is set to make her foray into the acting world later this year, after being cast in Tyler Perry’s latest movie ‘I Can Do Bad All By Myself’:

Mary J. Blige is set to star in Tyler Perry’s forthcoming Lionsgate film, “I Can Do Bad All By Myself.” Scheduled for nationwide release September 11, 2009, the film also stars Academy Award nominee Taraji P. Henson.

Based on Perry¹s stage play of the same name, the film centers around Blige’s character Tanya, a nightclub manager, and her good friend April, played by Henson. Also part of the cast is Perry’s comedic alter ego, Madea. Principal photography is already under way at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta.

Blige is also set to guest in a popular primetime television series, which will be announced at a later date. She previously appeared on HBO’s “Entourage” in 2007. The singer/songwriter is recording songs as well for the follow-up to her 2007 Matriarch/Geffen album, “Growing Pains.” The new album slated for release later this year.

More power to Mary; I’m big on Mr Perry’s film’s, so I’m really gonna be on the look out for this one. I’m definitely looking forward to the new album as well.

Lil’Kim is really showing herself to be a lil’ ball of fierceness on Dancing With The Stars. The rapper continued to impress this week, with her performance of the Samba with partner Derek Hough. Great performance.

A stunning looking Michelle Williams performed at the 23rd Annual Night of A Thousand’ gowns this past weekend in New York City. Peep the pics above and below:

Tidbit: According to sources close to That Grape Juice, Michelle is currently in the studio working on a number of projects, which you will learn of very soon.

Keri Hilson’s serially delayed, yet worth-the-wait, debut ‘In A Perfect World…’ finally hit stores in the US today.

We’re here at That Grape Juice are most definitely feeling the album, yet we’re eager to hear whether you guys will be picking up Keri’s LP. For those who have heard it / have it already, what do you think of the album? Drop your comments in the comments section…