Check out this preview of Beyonce’s much anticipated video for new single ‘Sweet Dreams’. While I’ll hold my judgement until the full video surfaces, I’ll say that Ms Knowles really needs to start delving into her purse if she’s adamant on releasing all these videos, because if this doesn’t look like a recession video, then I really don’t know what does.

Your thoughts?

The new Sugababes single ‘Get Sexy’, their first under their new deal with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, premiered yesterday. Produced by Red One, the vivacious uptempo sees the ‘Babes venture into new territory musical territory. Big, bold, and banging, the ladies have managed to serve up a fresh new sound, without deviating from their top 40 mainstay (evidenced by the many hooks which pervade this song). Listening to this definitely has me anticipating more new material from the ladies, who worked with Ne-Yo, Stargate, among others during their time in the US.

Hit or Miss?

The memorial service to celebrate the life of the King of Pop Michael Jackson finished just a few moments. While I’ll have That Grape Juice’s full take on the classy and well-organised event, check out highlights from the gathering below:

Your thoughts?

This past weekend saw two of music’s biggest acts pay tribute to the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson. During Madonna’s show at London’s 02 last night, the 50 year old and her dancers gave an uptempo nod to MJ (which you can watch above), while Beyonce gave a touching rendition of ‘Halo’ (which you can see below), changing the words in honour of Michael. Good stuff.

Randomness: I must have randomly been walking through London Bridge today, stumbling upon a dance showcase (presented by Scoop). After the performances the hosts gave a speech about Michael and went on to give a master class in the classic ‘Beat It’ routine. I was so surprised to see hundreds of people of all races, ages (young – elderly), genders etc join in honoring Michael. This really brought a smile to my face and put me in a celebratory mindset about Michael’s legacy for the first time since his untimely passing. Only he could bring together such a diverse mix of people, who united in their love for his music and dance. Definitely brightened up my day. The vid below doesn’t really do the event much justice, many folk were in the house, and everyone from toddlers to pensioners got in on the ‘Beat It’ routine:

What’s more, there’s not been a time that I’ve been out since ‘that’ sad day, that I’ve not heard someone blaring out MJ in their car. I literally mean everyday, multiple people. Anyone else noticed the same thing?

Long live the King!


Your thoughts?

The sudden passing of the King of Pop Michael Jackson last week sent shock waves through the world at large. Beginning to move away from the tragedy of Michael’s death, now more so than ever is the time to celebrate life of the greatest entertainer the world has ever known, and toast to the next phase in his story; a phase which will no doubt see new material and his legacy live on forever. With that, this week’s classic From The Vault video is Michael’s performance of ‘Billie Jean’ at his 30th Anniversary special in 2001 (be sure to watch it till the end, you’ll know why after doing so). Enjoy:

Awesome performance!
Your thoughts?
Sugababes - 'Get Sexy' (Snippet)Check out this lengthy snippet of the lead single ‘Get Sexy’ from the Sugababes’ forthcoming US debut on Jay-Z’s Roc Nation label. Though holding my judgement till hearing the track in its entirety, the ladies were not playing when they said the song’s sound would be like nothing we’ve heard from them yet. Hmm…
Hit or Miss?

The UK really does seem to be on the come up on the R&B front. Eurovision hopeful and Geffen Records artist Jade Ewen premiered the debut single ‘My Man’ from her forthcoming as-yet-titled album on Trevor Nelson’s BBC 1Xtra show. A very US-friendly club banger, I was pleasantly surprised hearing this, as I expected everything other than an uptempo cut in this vein as her lead single. While bordering on ‘heard it all before’ territory, the song definitely goes hard, with it’s thumping production, catchy hooks, and Jade’s powerful vocal delivery. With Ms. Ewen being quite the competent performer (as evidenced on the BBC’s Your Country Needs You” ), I’m anticipating the single’s video and live performance. Good stuff.

Hit or Miss?

UK singing sensation Pixie Lott has been riding high on the charts as of late with her single ‘Mama Do’. As the 18 year old signee preps her debut album ‘Turn It Up’, which features production from Red One (‘Just Dance’, ‘Pokerface’), Toby Gad (‘If I Were A Boy’), for a September release, That Grape Juice wants to introduce her to our audience, as you’ll be hearing a lot more from her around these sides!
Signed to Island Def Jam by none other than L.A Reid at just 15 years old, Lott (now signed to Mercury in the UK and Interscope in the US – all under the Universal umbrella) is tipped to be the next major International star.
Amidst the great material which has surfaced from her album thus far, ‘Band Aid’ serves as an outstanding example of what talented Ms. Lott is working with. In possession of a soulful, raspy tone, her voice and delivery really put her head and shoulders above many her age and older. Great track.

Hit or Miss?

Your Top 5 Michael Jackson Songs of The Moment?It’s that time of the month again, That Grape Juice wants to know: Which 5 tracks have you got on constant rotation at the moment? This time, however, in light of the passing of the King of Pop Michael Jackson, we want to know which MJ tracks you’ve been playing non-stop. Michael and his musical genius gave to the world music we will never forget. Music that, like himself, will live forever. With that said, here are mine – in no particular order:
1) Speechless
2) P.Y.T
3) Remember The Time
4) You Rock My World
5) Thriller

What are your ‘Top 5 MJ Songs Of The Moment’?

Whitney Houston’s much-hyped comeback single ‘I Didn’t Know My Own Strength’ premiered within the last hour. Lord knows we’ve been waiting on the Dianne Warren penned cut for the longest…

So, does it live up to the hype? Well, yes and no. I’m really liking that this is a vintage Whitney ballad. Yet how this will fare in the contemporary chart climate will be interesting to see. Whitney’s ‘new voice’, also, is unavoidable to scrutinize. Gone, apparently, is the glorious belting and power which put Whitney head and shoulders above the rest vocally (something I’m sure age and her much publicized problems are attributable to), in it’s place a competent, deeper, gritty, yet still-rich tone from the legendary diva. Nothing to be ashamed of; if anything it gives the song a heightened level of realism. I fully expect Whitney to do this song justice live, as it appears to fit the profile of where her voice is today. It’d be far more detrimental to Nippy IMO to have her voice ProTool’ed to the high heavens, only for her to not be able to deliver live like a certain other woman once famed for her voice (I won’t say no names). As I type, I have my reservations about this as a single and whether it will work (word has it the label are trying to gauge a response, but confirming a single solidly); that aside, welcome back Whitney!

Hit or Miss?

Exactly one week ago, the world lost the undisputed King of Pop. Today, AEG – the company behind his much anticipated, yet ill-fated, comeback set of shows ‘This Is It’ – released some footage of one of Mike’s last rehearsals. 48 hours later, he died.

Judging from this clip, MJ seemed to be in great form performance-wise. Long live the King!

Your thoughts?

That Grape Juice Interviews Amerie
That Grape Juice were fortunate enough to speak with R&B star Amerie a few weeks ago. Currently readying her first domestic release in 4 years ‘In Love & War’ on new label Island Def Jam, the ‘1 Thing’ singer chats with us about the album, why she left Columbia Records, whether or not she feels underrated, album sales, reports about her almost being dropped by Def Jam and so much more. As ever, we don’t shy away from the questions you really want answers to. Enjoy.

Interview by: Sam // Transcribed by: Zay (of EarStyle.net)
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Sam: Hey Amerie, how are you?

Amerie: I’m good. How are you Sam?

Sam: I’m great, thank you.

Let me start off by saying ‘Welcome back!’ It’s been a minute since you were on the music scene. How does it feel to be back?
Amerie: It feels good, but it doesn’t feel like that long to me. I guess it’s because when I released ‘Because I Love It’ overseas it was back in 2007. Time goes by so fast.

Sam: Indeed it does. Your new album, ‘In Love & War’ is set for release in August. What inspired the album’s title?
Amerie: Now it’s in September (8th). Well the album is all about the turbulent times in a relationship. The ups & downs and all of that. It’s pretty much about the different facets of a relationship that enables it to grow or kind of cause it to die out. It’s also how the things that happen in war can be very similar to what happens with love as well.

Sam: That’s cool. The record was initially called “Make Ups to Break Ups”? Why the change?
Amerie: Well it was ‘Breakups To Makeups’ (Laughs). I was doing one record called ‘Love & War’, and in the song I was saying that how “In Love & War does not matter who’s wrong or right, in Love &
That Grape Juice Interviews Amerie
War you can lose everything you had in one night”. I was like this actually sums up the concept of the album as well. There was something strong about it that felt like that was the right title of the album.

Sam: As evidenced by the first single ‘Why R U’, it’s evident you’ve taken it back to ‘old school Amerie’ from your first album “All I Have”. Was this a conscious decision?
Amerie: In creating everything, some of it was conscious in knowing what sound I wanted. I wanted a fusion of Hip-Hop, Soul, and Rock. I will say this album is a direct extension of my first album. A lot of people who heard it said it does remind them of the first album. Not that it sounds like the first album, but this is the album that would directly follow that album. So it’s definitely an extension of the first album and even with “1 Thing”, not the Go-Go, but the Rock /Soul and elements of the 70s. The record really is a fusion of Hip-Hop, Rock, and Soul. Though, I usually have that on every album in some capacity

Sam: While many of your fans love the old sound, I am among those who latched onto Amerie from the ‘Because I Love’ It album and it’s retro feel with tracks like ‘Crush’ and ‘Crazy Wonderful’. Is there something for us on there as well?
Amerie: As far as those who really like ‘Crush’ and ‘Crazy Wonderful’? Well those songs had an uplifting sound to them. There’s definitely that. With ‘Because I Love It’, I wanted to incorporate the Hip-Hop & Soul, but also 80’s New Wave. There’s none of that on this album, because I feel as though I already got that out my system. If anything the Hip-Hop samples are there from the 80s, but it’s not the New Wave.

Sam: Who can we expect in the way of collaborations and Producers? Your own input?

Amerie: Well, I wrote the entire album, but a couple others helped co-write as well. I worked with Teddy Riley. He’s incredible, he’s amazing. I worked with Warryn Campbell, I worked with Eric Hudson. I worked with Trey Songz, he’s featured. The Buchanans and Fabolous. There might be a couple of other features for the project, but they may not be on the album or not. I had a really good time. I worked with really talented people and I was able to accomplish the sound that I really wanted for this album.

Sam: A lot of fans wanted to know if you worked with Salaam Remi as well as Rich Harrison?
Amerie: Well Salaam and I met and went over some stuff, but we never got to finish what we were going to do. Maybe next time around we will work together. Rich and I didn’t get to get in the studio this time around. He’s focusing on his projects, his group (Rich Girl) and a male singer. I’m actually not signed to him I am signed to myself. Feenix Rise entertainment. He’s kind of focusing on his in-house stuff.

Sam: Ok. What’s one of your favourite tracks on the album and why?
Amerie: One of my favourite tracks is “Why R U”. To me it just captures a moment in a relationship where you are really exasperating the fact that you are really into the person that you are with. It’s not necessarily a good relationship, but it’s just a magical record. It’s the same way I felt about ‘Why Don’t We Fall In Love’. After I heard it when it was done and it was playing in my car for the first time, I just felt like wow if I can pick a record that I wanted people to hear from me first it would be this. This is really emotionally and sonically so much of who I am. Whether it was a single or not I felt like this is what people needed to hear from me first. There’s a record called ‘Higher’ that I really feel is very important. It’s basically a Rock-Soul record. Another one is ‘Tell Me U Love Me’ that I Did with Teddy Riley.

Sam: Ok so, your move from Columbia Records to Def Jam has been much documented, with many of your fans citing the handling of your last record ‘Because I Love It’ as the main reason for that. For the record, what was the reason for the move?
Amerie: It wasn’t really the handling of my last record, because it was much more than that. It was just the overall…a lot. You just need to mature. First of all, I really enjoyed working with the Columbia. Even now I am still cool with some of the people that I became friends with, but on a business level I felt like it wasn’t the best match. Then when I released ‘Because I Love It’ overseas it was supposed to have a slightly different tracklist for the States, but I could just feel all the changes going on and creatively with the label it was really hard to have something creative and have it be done right as far as marketing etc. It didn’t go the best way. I hesitated releasing the album State Side, because I was thinking about leaving for two years actually. Then I decided that I really wanted to make a change and it was a matter of negotiating out of that into Island Def Jam. LA and I have been talking back and forth for years about doing stuff so I was most interested in making the switch to Def Jam. That’s when I said “Ok, I’m definitely going to let the label know that I want to leave”. I didn’t say anything. I didn’t make an announcement or anything that I switched labels, because I just wanted to work on my project and then it would be time to let it know then. It wasn’t a bad thing at all, it was really good. I think everyone’s happy.

Sam: How are you settling in to Def Jam & how are you taking to the new surroundings?

Amerie: I think it’s great. The people are really great and I am a people person and I go on vibes a lot. It’s really important for me to gel with the people around me and they are really awesome. Not only are they really great personally, but they are also great at what they do. I feel very confident and comfortable with creating and then feeling like once I create and hand the bundle over it will be in good hands. I’m signed to Def Jam through a company that I co-founded which
That Grape Juice Interviews Amerie
is called Feenix Rising. That’s really wonderful to have my company be through a situation as well. It feels really good. I can say I am really excited. Everyone is really passionate.

Sam: We can’t shy away from the reports which surfaced on Billboard a few weeks back which insinuated there were creative differences between yourself and LA Reid prior to the finalisation of this new project, which had your place at the label in question. Would it be possible to shed some light on this?
Amerie: There was a Billboard report? What was it? (Laughs)
Sam: The report claims LA Reid said your place at the label was in question even before “Why R U” was released. Is there any truth to that?
Amerie: I didn’t even hear about that. Not to my knowledge. (Laughs). I don’t even know where that came from.
Sam: We’re in a very different climate in the industry. How important would you say sales are to you, bearing in mind both creative and the business side of it?
Amerie: Well you really want to do “Well”. With me I just want people to hear my music and really get it. I’m always saying if it were up to me I would just like pass it out to everybody for free. Just enjoy it, because I really enjoy making it. Of course, the label does not want to do that (laughs). That wouldn’t be cool, because it does take money to create the music. For me though, I just want people to enjoy the music. It’s always the music first. That’s why it’s important to have people around that are great at what they do with promotions and marketing. I get in to that. I am definitely aware of what’s going on. We have artists that are signed to us that I have to think about how we are going to market and promote them. When it comes to myself I like to stay in creative mode as much as I can.

Sam: For all your success, some of your fans feel that you don’t get the respect you deserve, do you feel underrated?
Amerie: I don’t know. When I meet different people, like when I meet different producers…like I met Teddy Riley…he totally understands my style and said all these things about what I created and my contributions to music and I was kind of floored. I feel like when you have someone like Teddy Riley who is a freaking legend and genius and they recognize what you do…and I was talking to Questlove and he was breaking down what I do. I was like wow, ‘cause he got what I was trying to do. It was so cool, because he understood where I was going with certain things. I didn’t know that people understood some things. I’m floored when I get that, so in that respect I feel like I do get my respect. When it comes to masses it’s a little different, but I feel happy with where I am.

Sam: Ok so director Mark Cross let it slip on twitter that u would be appearing in his new film titled “We Are The Champions” alongside Forest Whittaker. Can u please give us more insight on this?

Amerie: (Laughs) Well Mark is represented by Feenix Rising. We represent him as his management. Mark was totally excited and I never like to speak on things too soon. I will say that it’s early right now. That’s what I will say about his comments (laughs).

Sam: Jay-Z has recently caused quite a stir with his latest offering “Death of Auto Tune”. What’s your take on the use of autotune in the industry today?
Amerie: I think it’s really cool when a few people do it, but I’ve been saying that for the last year or two years now. First of all, I can’t say that it’s not good and this and that. Honestly, who am I to tell anyone what to do? Everyone can do what they want to do. That’s the purpose of living, to make your own choices. My personal preference is that I like when people who do use, use it well. It’s like a party and someone else should bring some other dishes and someone else should bring some other dishes…etc. I just don’t think that everyone should do the same thing, but it’s a
great example of how the music business is. Everyone wants to do the same thing for selling a “product”. They feel as though, “this is the way to do it”. “Hey did you get the memo? AutoTune is the way to do it now!” That’s not really true, but that’s how people feel. I just never understood the idea of people following someone. Even when I was little I never liked to follow the crowd. I did what I wanted to do when I wanted to, so I never felt any peer pressure. However, I think it’s a really cool thing. When T-Pain does it it’s cool and when Wayne did it, it was cool, but hey everyone does not have to do it. I think it’s good when people figure out different ways to express themselves.

Sam: If you could collaborate with one of the following: Beyonce, Rihanna, or Ciara…who would it be and why?

Amerie: I’ve been saying for a while I think it would be cool for girls to come together on the same record. I think it would be really cool to kind of mix it all up. Even with me, Beyonce, Rihanna, and Ciara, we all have very distinct and different sounds so it would be really interesting.

Sam: it really would be. What do you want your legacy to be as a recording artist?
Amerie: You know that has never crossed my mind. I have never answered that for myself. When one starts to think of legacy and stuff like that, you start to put too much weight into how other people perceive you. Even the people who leave the greatest legacy as far as in contributing something huge as far as music, television, or film the honest thing is when generations pass people forget. I think there’s a story in the Bible…what you do for here to create a certain reputation on Earth, it’s a futile thing, because in a hundred years people will forget you. Even if they do remember what you have done it will be a passing comment so the important thing is what you can do for other people that will really make a difference in their life. Things like spreading love and spreading joy, but as far as leaving a legacy as far as music I don’t really think about it like that. It’s putting too much emphasis on something that will pass away.

Sam: You are amazingly talented, educated, and a beautiful young woman…
Amerie: Thanks!

Sam:…are you dating anyone at the moment?
Amerie: I am usually very private about that. I never talk about it actually. If people really want to find out it’s not hard for them to find that kind of thing out, but I don’t like talking about it, because I want to keep something kind of normal in my life.

Sam: Who is the rudest celebrity that you have encountered?
Amerie: Thankfully I haven’t met any rude celebrities. I always feel like if you want to ask someone that, the best person to ask is someone who is not a celebrity. Celebrities tend to be on their best behaviour when you meet them, but you don’t really know.

Sam: Many of your UK fans want to know: Will we be seeing you over here anytime soon?
Amerie: Yes! I am so excited, because I just met with the International department (at the label) and we were just discussing a European run maybe two weeks ago. I think that’s actually being planned out now. They are looking at the calendar and everything, but I can not wait to go. Everyone knows that I love the UK and I love London. The International department at Def Jam knows that too so they are just trying to plan the best time, so I am really looking forward to it. I already know my favourite places to stay and where I want to go eat.

Sam: What about tour plans domestically in the US?
Amerie: That’s being planned out too. Usually I let my management and my touring agent do all that stuff and then we talk about. I don’t know, but they plan it out and map it out and then I’m like “I’ll be there”. (Laughs).

Sam: Mariah’s new single “Obsessed” premiered this week? Have you heard it what do you think of it?
Amerie: I have not heard it yet, but I knew it was coming out.

Sam: Ok. Give us 3 reasons why in this recession we should buy “In Love & War”?
Amerie: Well honestly I feel like I would love for everyone to pick up my album, because I just feel like it’s something I want to share with everyone. I think everyone will love it, but with times like this I feel like music is a great way to escape your personal issues. It’s a great form of entertainment. No, we (entertainers) are not curing Cancer or anything, this I know. However, if there was no form of entertainment on this planet, why would you even want to live? The purpose is joy and I feel like music is a great way to bring joy to people. When you are going through problems in a relationship I don’t know about everyone else, but I like to wallow in it and I want to hear a song about being depressed in a relationship. Music is universal thing energy wise. It takes you on a cruise. I just think it’s healthy to listen to great music.

Sam: Do you have a message for your fans?

Amerie: I want to say thanks for their support. My fans are really awesome. Sometimes they can be so energized I am like wow. It amazes me that my music can affect someone that way. It makes me feel great. They are so gracious and so sweet. I can never say no to an autograph unless someone is pulling me away. I answer their questions on Twitter probably in a private way like Direct Messaging. I just love my fans they are awesome.

Sam: Amerie, thank you very much for your time. It’s very much appreciated.
Amerie: No problem. Thank you.
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What do you think of our interview with Amerie?
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