57th-grammy-awards-that-grape-juice-2014

The 57th annual Grammy Awards will air live from CBS on February 8th 2015, set to deliver performances from some of Pop’s brightest stars.

Today, excitement for the ceremony reaches new heights as its committee reveals which artists have been nominated in which categories.

Nominations below!

(more…)

8701-usher-thatgrapejuice

After a lengthy break on the bench, ‘TGJ Replay’ is back!

Designed much like our ‘Retro Rewind’ and ‘From the Vault’ features, ‘Replay’ is That Grape Juice‘s newest retrospective segment – a written quest, if you will, to re-spin the gems and jams of yesterday.

Unlike its ‘Rewind’ and ‘Vault’ predecessors, ‘Replay’ looks to dust off and showcase entire albums (and eras) from a library of pop and Urban pop music hits.  As this week brought with it the 36th birthday of R&B veteran Usher, our latest ‘Replay’ will “fast backward” to his tertiary hit album ‘8701.’

(more…)

chris-brown-610x330-thatgrapejuice

Before you know it awards season will be in full swing.

Probably our favorite time of year here at TGJ HQ, we were ever-excited to learn of the Soul Train Awards committee unveiling the nominations for their 2014 showing.

Featuring heavy competition from the year’s best and brightest in Hip Hop and R&B, TGJ favorites Chris Brown, Pharrell Williams, John Legend, and Beyonce are leading the pack of nominees for the ceremony.

Set to be hosted by ‘Queen of All Media’ Wendy Williams, the show will be taped at the Las Vegas Orleans Arena on November 7 then air on Centric and BET on November 30th (8p/7p CST).

Until then, familiarize yourself with the rest of the nominees below as revealed by Williams’ show:

(more…)

This week, From The Vault journeys back to 1998 when Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey joined forces on inspirational track ‘When You Believe’.

After the media had portrayed them as arch-enemies for the most part of the 90’s, it came as a monumental surprise when news arose of a possible collaboration between the two larger-than-life songstresses. Indeed, what many Pop-enthusiasts had wished for – and others secretly dreaded – was happening: the vocal wonders were putting their alleged rivalry aside for one special song.

Masterminded by Babyface and Stephen Schwartz, ‘Believe’ was included on the OST for Dreamworks animated movie ‘The Prince Of Egypt’. It was also the first single off Houston’s comeback album ‘My Love Is Your Love’ and was featured on Carey’s compilation album ‘#1’. It peaked at #15 in the US and was a Top 10 smash in numerous European countries such as France (#5), Germany (#8) and the UK (#4).

The video, lensed by Phil Joanou, presented the two stunners in leather black dresses singing the track on a stage to a roaring audience intercut with footage of the two ladies interacting on set as well as projections of powerful scenes of the movie such as Moses’ opening of the Red Sea.

Two of TGJ-favorites, Mimi and Nippy delivered with this offering a statement about the importance of spirituality; they also silenced the critics through a blossoming friendship.

Whether based on solid theories or not, it is a common trait of Pop-Culture pitting artists against each other, especially women. Though we understand the need for such scenarios, we’d be lying if we ever said we weren’t daydreaming of a few specific parings ourselves. Strong and successful females coming together remains a beautiful thing that isn’t as widespread as it should.

wenn6218

What is your ultimate diva pairing?

tlc_fanmail cov

After a lengthy break on the bench, ‘TGJ Replay’ is back!

Designed much like our ‘Retro Rewind’ and ‘From the Vault’ features, ‘Replay’ is That Grape Juice‘s newest retrospective segment – a written quest, if you will, to re-spin the gems and jams of yesterday.

Unlike its ‘Rewind’ and ‘Vault’ predecessors, ‘Replay’ looks to dust off and showcase entire albums (and eras) from a library of pop and Urban pop music hits.  As today marks the 44th birthday of TLC’s lead singer T-BOZ, our latest ‘Replay’ will revisits the group’s 1999 comeback ‘Fanmail.

(more…)

Looks like Ariana Grande is looking to heed pop rebel Miley Cyrus’ advice after all.

Cyrus once weighed in on Grande’s look and suggested she consider being a little less “sweet”, a sentiment reiterated throughout the industry as critics have weighed in and lent disparaging remarks on the ‘Baby I’ beauty’s fashion and hair.

With the most recent criticisms of her wardrobe at this year’s Grammys reportedly leaving the singer in tears, the pint-sized powerhouse recently shared with Boston’s ‘Mix 104.1′ she wish she had more of Cyrus’ ‘confidence’.

Tuck in below for her thoughts on the ‘Wrecking Ball’ hitmaker, news that she is hard at work on her sophomore album with none other than pop superproducer Max Martin, and more updates on her highly anticipated ‘Yours Truly’ follow-up:

(more…)

toni-braxon-2014-memoir

Toni Braxton‘s career is as illustrious as illustrious gets.

From dizzy chart heights to notable public lows, the diva has been through it all – tackling everything life throws her way with an air of class and determination.

Now, after years of many telling her story for her, the legendary songbird is set to share her experiences in her own words with new book ‘Unbreak My Heart: A Memoir’.

Due May 20th via Harper Collins, the project follows Braxton’s duet album with Babyface ‘Love, Marriage, & Divorce’ – which arrives on February 4th.

A sure-fire page-turner, an official synopsis awaits after the jump…

(more…)

aretha-franklin-that-grape-juice-she-is-diva-1

‘While The Blood Runs Warm’ performer Aretha Franklin has announced her plans to record and release a brand new studio album this year, enlisting the help of ‘Take a Bow’ creator Babyface and Whitney Houston mentor Clive Davis to aid its creation!

Why the above comes as good news for fans of Urban Pop trio Destiny’s Child?

Find out below…

(more…)

As awards season is in full swing, you can expect to see the unveiling of many-a-nomation’s list as the weeks roll on.  Now, that the People’s Choice Awards have already warmed viewers, the 2014 NAACP Image Awards have shared their nomination’s list for peruse.

Set to air live on Saturday, February 22 at 9PM EST on TV One, check below to see if your favorite actor, actress, singer, author, or activist landed mention on this year’s nominations’ tally.

TELEVISION

Outstanding Comedy Series

  • “House of Lies” (Showtime)
  • “Modern Family” (ABC)
  • “Real Husbands of Hollywood” (BET)
  • “The Game” (BET)
  • “The Soul Man” (TV Land)

Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series

  • Andre Braugher – “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (FOX)
  • Cedric The Entertainer – “The Soul Man” (TV Land)
  • Don Cheadle – “House of Lies” (Showtime)
  • Dulé Hill – “Psych” (USA Network)
  • Kevin Hart – “Real Husbands of Hollywood” (BET)

 

Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series

  • Aisha Tyler – “Archer” (FX Networks)
  • Mindy Kaling – “The Mindy Project” (FOX)
  • Niecy Nash – “The Soul Man” (TV Land)
  • Tasha Smith – “Tyler Perry’s For Better or Worse” (OWN)
  • Wendy Raquel Robinson – “The Game” (BET)

 

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

  • Boris Kodjoe – “Real Husbands of Hollywood” (BET)
  • Jerry “J B Smoove” Brooks – “Real Husbands of Hollywood” (BET)
  • Morris Chestnut – “Nurse Jackie” (Showtime)
  • Nick Cannon – “Real Husbands of Hollywood” (BET)
  • Tracy Morgan – “30 Rock” (NBC)

 

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

  • Anna Deavere Smith – “Nurse Jackie” (Showtime)
  • Brandy Norwood – “The Game” (BET)
  • Nia Long – “House of Lies” (Showtime)
  • Rashida Jones – “Parks and Recreation” (NBC)
  • Sofia Vergara – “Modern Family” (ABC)

 

Outstanding Drama Series

  • “Boardwalk Empire” (HBO)
  • “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC)
  • “Scandal” (ABC)
  • “The Good Wife” (CBS)
  • “Treme” (HBO)

 

Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series

  • James Pickens, Jr. – “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC)
  • LL Cool J – “NCIS: Los Angeles” (CBS)
  • Michael Ealy – “Almost Human” (FOX)
  • Shemar Moore – “Criminal Minds” (CBS)
  • Wendell Pierce – “Treme” (HBO)

 

Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series

  • Chandra Wilson – “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC)
  • Kerry Washington – “Scandal” (ABC)
  • Khandi Alexander – “Treme” (HBO)
  • Nicole Beharie – “Sleepy Hollow” (FOX)
  • Regina King – “SouthLAnd” (TNT)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

  • Columbus Short – “Scandal” (ABC)
  • Guillermo Diaz – “Scandal” (ABC)
  • Jeffrey Wright – “Boardwalk Empire” (HBO)
  • Joe Morton – “Scandal” (ABC)
  • Michael Kenneth Williams – “Boardwalk Empire” (HBO)

 

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

  • Archie Panjabi – “The Good Wife” (CBS)
  • Debbie Allen – “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC)
  • Diahann Carroll – “White Collar” (USA)
  • Taraji P. Henson – “Person of Interest” (CBS)
  • Vanessa L. Williams – “666 Park Avenue” (ABC)

 

Outstanding Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special

  • “Being Mary Jane” (BET)
  • “Betty & Coretta” (Lifetime)
  • “CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story” (VH1)
  • “Luther” (BBC America)
  • “Muhammad Ali’s Greatest Fight” (HBO)

 

Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special

  • Chiwetel Ejiofor – “Dancing on the Edge” (Starz)
  • Danny Glover – “Muhammad Ali’s Greatest (HBO)
  • Idris Elba – “Luther” (BBC America)
  • Malik Yoba – “Betty & Coretta” (Lifetime)
  • Omari Hardwick – “Being Mary Jane” (BET)

 

Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special

  • Angela Bassett – “American Horror Story: Coven” (FX Networks)
  • Angela Bassett – “Betty & Coretta” (Lifetime)
  • Gabourey Sidibe – “American Horror Story: Coven” (FX Networks)
  • Gabrielle Union – “Being Mary Jane” (BET)
  • Keke Palmer – “CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story” (VH1)

 

Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series

  • Aaron D. Spears – “The Bold and the Beautiful” (CBS)
  • Kristoff St. John – “The Young and the Restless” (CBS)
  • Lawrence Saint Victor – “The Bold and the Beautiful” (CBS)
  • Redaric Williams – “The Young and the Restless” (CBS)
  • Tequan Richmond – “General Hospital” (ABC)

 

Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series

  • Angell Conwell – “The Young and the Restless” (CBS)
  • Christel Khalil – “The Young and the Restless” (CBS)
  • Karla Mosley – “The Bold and the Beautiful” (CBS)
  • Kristolyn Lloyd – “The Bold and the Beautiful” (CBS)
  • Tatyana Ali – “The Young and the Restless” (CBS)

 

Outstanding News/ Information – (Series or Special)

  • “Justice for Trayvon” (BET)
  • “Mandela: Freedom’s Father” (BET)
  • “Oprah: Where Are They Now?” (OWN)
  • “The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.” (PBS)
  • “Unsung” (TV One)

 

Outstanding Talk Series

  • “Oprah’s Lifeclass” (OWN)
  • “Oprah’s Next Chapter” (OWN)
  • “Steve Harvey” (Syndicated)
  • “The Arsenio Hall Show” (Syndicated)
  • “The Queen Latifah Show” (Syndicated)

 

Outstanding Reality Series

  • “Iyanla: Fix My Life” (OWN)
  • “Shark Tank” (ABC)
  • “Sunday Best” (BET)
  • “The Voice” (NBC)
  • “Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s” (OWN)

 

Outstanding Variety Series or Special

  • “12 Years A Slave: A TV One Special with Cathy Hughes” (TV One)
  • “Black Girls Rock!” (BET)
  • “Key & Peele” (Comedy Central)
  • “Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth” (HBO)
  • “Oprah’s Master Class” (OWN)

 

Outstanding Children’s Program

  • “2013 HALO Awards” (Nickelodeon/TeenNick)
  • “A.N.T. Farm” (Disney Channel)
  • “Dora the Explorer” (Nickelodeon)
  • “Postcards: Mandela” (The Africa Channel)
  • “Wynton Marsalis: A YoungArts MasterClass” (HBO)

 

Outstanding Performance in a Youth/ Children’s Program – (Series or Special)

  • China Anne McClain – “A.N.T. Farm” (Disney Channel)
  • Eric I. Keyes, III – “Live Life and Win!” (Syndicated)
  • Fatima Ptacek – “Dora the Explorer” (Nickelodeon)
  • Karan Brar – “Jessie” (Disney Channel)
  • Zendaya – “Shake It Up” (Disney Channel)

 

RECORDING

Outstanding New Artist

  • Ariana Grande (Republic Records)
  • Candice Glover (19 Recordings/Interscope Records)
  • K. Michelle (Atlantic Records)
  • RaVaughn Brown (Columbia Records)
  • Zendaya (Hollywood Records)

 

Outstanding Male Artist

  • Bruno Mars (Atlantic Records)
  • Charlie Wilson (RCA Records)
  • John Legend (Columbia Records)
  • Justin Timberlake (RCA Records)
  • Robin Thicke (Star Trak/Interscope)

 

Outstanding Female Artist

  • Beyoncé (Columbia Records)
  • India.Arie (Motown Records)
  • Janelle Monáe (Bad Boy/Atlantic)
  • Ledisi (Verve Records)
  • Mary J Blige (Verve Records/Interscope)

Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration

  • “#Beautiful” – Mariah Carey feat. Miguel (Island Def Jam)
  • “Blurred Lines” – Robin Thicke feat. T.I. & Pharrell (Star Trak/Interscope)
  • “Fire We Make” – Alicia Keys feat. Maxwell (RCA Records)
  • “Hurt You” – Toni Braxton feat. Babyface (Motown Records)
  • “Suit & Tie” – Justin Timberlake feat. Jay-Z (RCA Records)

 

Outstanding Jazz Album

  • “Summer Horns” – Dave Koz, Gerald Albright, Mindi Abair, Richard Elliot (Concord Records)
  • “The Beat” – Boney James (Concord Records)
  • “The Messenger” – Kevin Eubanks (Mack Avenue Records)
  • “The Morning After: A Musical Love Journey” – Najee (Shanachie)
  • “The Songs of Stevie Wonder” – SFJAZZ Collective (SFJAZZ Records)

 

Outstanding Gospel Album – (Traditional or Contemporary)

  • “20 Year Celebration Volume 1 – Best For Last” – Donald Lawrence (Quietwater Entertainment/eOne Music)
  • “Azusa: The Next Generation” – Hezekiah Walker (RCA Inspiration)
  • “Best Days Deluxe Edition” – Tamela Mann (Tillymann Music)
  • “Good God” – Shirley Caesar (eOne Music)
  • “Music From the Motion Picture Black Nativity” – Various (RCA Inspiration)

 

Outstanding World Music Album

  • “Coming from a Lady” – Lady Ele (13 Black Records)
  • “Live At The Royal Albert Hall” – Emeli Sande (Capitol)
  • “Natalie Cole en Español” – Natalie Cole (Verve Records)
  • “Sing To The Moon” – Laura Mvula (Columbia Records)
  • “The Standards” – Gloria Estefan (Masterworks)

 

Outstanding Music Video

  • “Cocoa Butter” – India.Arie (Motown Records)
  • “Fire We Make” – Alicia Keys feat. Maxwell (RCA Records)
  • “Made To Love” – John Legend (Columbia Records)
  • “Q.U.E.E.N.” – Janelle Monáe feat. Erykah Badu (Bad Boy/Atlantic)
  • “Treasure” – Bruno Mars (Atlantic Records)

 

Outstanding Song

  • “All Of Me” – John Legend (Columbia Records)
  • “Blurred Lines ” – Robin Thicke feat. T.I. & Pharrell (Star Trak/Interscope)
  • “Fire We Make” – Alicia Keys feat. Maxwell (RCA Records)
  • “Q.U.E.E.N.” – Janelle Monáe feat. Erykah Badu (Bad Boy/Atlantic)
  • “Treasure” – Bruno Mars (Atlantic Records)

Outstanding Album

  • “20/20 Experience – The Complete Experience” – Justin Timberlake (RCA Records)
  • “Blurred Lines” – Robin Thicke (Star Trak/Interscope)
  • “Love In The Future” – John Legend (Columbia Records)
  • “Love, Charlie” – Charlie Wilson (RCA Records)
  • “The Electric Lady” – Janelle Monáe (Bad Boy/Atlantic)

LITERATURE

Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction

  • “A Deeper Love Inside: The Porscha Santiaga Story” – Sister Souljah (Atria/Emily Bestler Books)
  • “Anybody’s Daughter” – Pamela Samuels Young (Goldman House Publishing)
  • “Little Green: An Easy Rawlins Mystery” – Walter Mosley (Doubleday)
  • “Never Say Never: A Novel” – Victoria Christopher Murray (Touchstone/Simon & Schuster)
  • “Who Asked You?” – Terry McMillan (Viking)

 

Outstanding Literary Work – Non-Fiction

  • “Bartlett’s Familiar Black Quotations: 5,000 Years of Literature, Lyrics, Poems, Passages, Phrases, and Proverbs from Voices Around the World” – Retha Powers (Little, Brown and Company)
  • “Envisioning Emancipation: Black Americans and the End of Slavery” – Deborah Willis, Barbara Krauthamer (Temple University Press)
  • “High Price: A Neuroscientist’s Journey of Self-Discovery That Challenges Everything You Know About Drugs and Society” – Carl Hart (HarperCollins, Harper)
  • “Letters to an Incarcerated Brother: Encouragement, Hope, and Healing for Inmates and Their Loved Ones” – Hill Harper (Gotham Books)
  • “The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross” – Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Donald Yacovone (SmileyBooks)

 

Outstanding Literary Work – Debut Author

  • “Better Than Good Hair – The Curly Girl Guide to Healthy Gorgeous Natural Hair!” – Nikki Walton with Ernessa T. Carter (Harper Collins- Amistad)
  • “Ghana Must Go” – Taiye Selasi (The Penguin Press)
  • “Nine Years Under” – Sheri Booker (Gotham Books)
  • “On The Come Up” – Hannah Weyer (Nan A. Talese/Doubleday)
  • “The Returned” – Jason Mott (Harlequin MIRA)

 

Outstanding Literary Work – Biography/ Auto-Biography

  • “Buck: A Memoir” – MK Asante (Spiegel & Grau)
  • “Duke: A Life of Duke Ellington” – Terry Teachout (Gotham Books)
  • “Kansas City Lightning: The Rise and Times of Charlie Parker” – Stanley Crouch (HarperCollins, Harper)
  • “Mom & Me & Mom” – Maya Angelou (Random House)
  • “The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks” – Jeanne Theoharis (Beacon Press)

 

Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional

  • “Do I Look Like An ATM? A Parent’s Guide to Raising Financially Responsible African American Children” – Sabrina Lamb (Chicago Review Press)
  • “Plan D: How to Lose Weight and Beat Diabetes (Even If You Don’t Have It)” – Sherri Shepherd with Billie Fitzpatrick (HarperCollins, It Books)
  • “Recruiting and Retaining Culturally Different Students in Gifted Education” – Donna Y. Ford, Ph.D. (Prufrock Press Inc.)
  • “The Entrepreneur Mind: 100 Essential Beliefs, Characteristics, and Habits of Elite Entrepreneurs” – Kevin D. Johnson (Johnson Media Inc.)
  • “The Vegucation of Robin: How Real Food Saved My Life” – Robin Quivers (Avery)

 

Outstanding Literary Work – Poetry

  • “Chasing Utopia: A Hybrid” – Nikki Giovanni (HarperCollins, William Morrow)
  • “Hum” – Jamaal May (Alice James Books)
  • “The Cineaste: Poems” – A. Van Jordan (W.W. Norton & Company, Inc.)
  • “The Collected Poems of Ai” – Ai (W.W. Norton & Company, Inc.)
  • “Turn Me Loose: The Unghosting of Medgar Evers” – Frank X Walker (University of Georgia Press)

 

Outstanding Literary Work – Children

  • “I’m A Pretty Little Black Girl!” – Betty K. Bynum (Author), Claire Armstrong-Parod (Illustrator) (Dream Title Publishing)
  • “Knock Knock: My Dad’s Dream for Me” – Daniel Beaty (Author), Bryan Collier (Illustrator) (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers)
  • “Martin & Mahalia: His Words, Her Song” – Andrea Davis Pinkney (Author), Brian Pinkney (Illustrator) (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers)
  • “Nelson Mandela” – Kadir Nelson (HarperCollins Children’s Books/Katherine Tegen Books)
  • “You Never Heard of Willie Mays?!” – Jonah Winter (Author), Terry Widener (Illustrator) (RH Childrens Books; Schwartz & Wade)

 

Outstanding Literary Work – Youth/Teens

  • “Courage Has No Color, The True Story of the Triple Nickles: America’s First Black Paratroopers” – Tanya Lee

Stone (Candlewick Press)

  • “God’s Graffiti: Inspiring Stories for Teens” – Romal Tune (Judson Press)
  • “Invasion” – Walter Dean Myers (Scholastic Press/Scholastic)
  • “Raising the Bar” – Gabrielle Douglas (Zondervan)
  • “Serafina’s Promise: A Novel In Verse” – Ann E. Burg (Scholastic Press/Scholastic)

 

MOTION PICTURE

 

Outstanding Motion Picture

  • “12 Years A Slave” (River Road/Plan B/New Regency/Fox Searchlight Pictures)
  • “Fruitvale Station” (The Weinstein Company/Forest Whitaker’s Significant Productions, OG Project)
  • “Lee Daniels’ The Butler” (The Weinstein Company/Lee Daniels Entertainment, Laura Ziskin Productions, Windy Hill Pictures, Follow Through Productions, Salamander Pictures, Pam Williams Productions)
  • “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” (The Weinstein Company/Distant Horizon, Origin Pictures, Pathé, Videovision Entertainment)
  • “The Best Man Holiday” (Universal Pictures)

 

Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture

  • Chadwick Boseman – “42″ (Warner Bros. Pictures/Legendary Pictures)
  • Chiwetel Ejiofor – “12 Years A Slave” (River Road/Plan B/New Regency/Fox Searchlight Pictures)
  • Forest Whitaker – “Lee Daniels’ The Butler” (The Weinstein Company/Lee Daniels Entertainment, Laura Ziskin Productions, Windy Hill Pictures, Follow Through Productions, Salamander Pictures, Pam Williams Productions)
  • Idris Elba – “Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom” (The Weinstein Company/Distant Horizon, Origin Pictures, Pathé, Videovision Entertainment)
  • Michael B. Jordan – “Fruitvale Station” (The Weinstein Company/Forest Whitaker’s Significant Productions, OG Project)

 

Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture

  • Angela Bassett – “Black Nativity” (Fox Searchlight Pictures/Mavin Pictures/Wonderful Films)
  • Halle Berry – “The Call” (TriStar Pictures)
  • Jennifer Hudson – “Winnie Mandela” (Ma-Afrika Films (PTY) LTD and Equinoxe Films Inc.)
  • Kerry Washington – “Tyler Perry Presents Peeples” (Lionsgate)
  • Nicole Beharie – “42″ (Warner Bros. Pictures/Legendary Pictures)

 

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture

  • Cuba Gooding Jr. – “Lee Daniels’ The Butler” (The Weinstein Company/Lee Daniels Entertainment, Laura Ziskin Productions, Windy Hill Pictures, Follow Through Productions, Salamander Pictures, Pam Williams Productions)
  • David Oyelowo – “Lee Daniels’ The Butler” (The Weinstein Company/Lee Daniels Entertainment, Laura Ziskin Productions, Windy Hill Pictures, Follow Through Productions, Salamander Pictures, Pam Williams Productions)
  • Morris Chestnut – “The Best Man Holiday” (Universal Pictures)
  • Terrence Howard – “Lee Daniels’ The Butler” (The Weinstein Company/Lee Daniels Entertainment, Laura Ziskin Productions, Windy Hill Pictures, Follow Through Productions, Salamander Pictures, Pam Williams Productions)
  • Terrence Howard – “The Best Man Holiday” (Universal Pictures)

 

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture

  • Alfre Woodard – “12 Years A Slave” (River Road/Plan B/New Regency/Fox Searchlight Pictures)
  • Lupita Nyong’o – “12 Years A Slave ” (River Road/Plan B/New Regency/Fox Searchlight Pictures)
  • Naomie Harris – “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” (The Weinstein Company/Distant Horizon, Origin Pictures, Pathé, Videovision Entertainment)
  • Octavia Spencer – “Fruitvale Station” (The Weinstein Company/Forest Whitaker’s Significant Productions, OG Project)
  • Oprah Winfrey – “Lee Daniels’ The Butler” (The Weinstein Company/Lee Daniels Entertainment, Laura Ziskin Productions, Windy Hill Pictures, Follow Through Productions, Salamander Pictures, Pam Williams Productions)

 

Outstanding Independent Motion Picture

  • “Blue Caprice” (Sundance Selects)
  • “Dallas Buyers Club” (Focus Features)
  • “Fruitvale Station” (The Weinstein Company/Forest Whitaker’s Significant Productions, OG Project)
  • “The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete” (Codeblack Films/Lionsgate/iDeal Partners/State Street)
  • “The Trials of Muhammad Ali” (Kartemquin Films)

 

Outstanding International Motion Picture

  • “Call Me Kuchu” (Lindy Hop Pictures LLC)
  • “High Tech, Low Life” (Argot Pictures)
  • “La Playa D.C.” (Burning Blue)
  • “Lion Ark” (ADI Films)
  • “War Witch” (Item 7)

 

 

DOCUMENTARY

 

Outstanding Documentary – (Theatrical)

  • “20 Feet from Stardom” (Tremolo & Gil Friesen Productions)
  • “Call Me Kuchu” (Lindy Hop Pictures LLC)
  • “Free Angela and All Political Prisoners” (Codeblack Films/Lionsgate)
  • “Girl Rising” (The Documentary Group)
  • “The New Black” (Promised Land Film)

 

Outstanding Documentary – (Television)

  • “Beyoncé: Life Is But a Dream” (HBO)
  • “Dark Girls” (OWN)
  • “Richard Pryor: Omit the Logic ” (Showtime)
  • “Venus Vs.” (ESPN)
  • “Whoopi Goldberg Presents Moms Mabley” (HBO)

 

WRITING

 

Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series

  • Erica Montolfo-Bura – “The Game” – In Treatment (BET)
  • Karin Gist – “House of Lies” – Sincerity is an Easy Disguise in This Business (Showtime)
  • Mara Brock Akil – “The Game” – The Blueprint I & II (BET)
  • Ralph Farquhar, Chris Spencer – “Real Husbands of Hollywood” – Rock, Paper, Stealers (BET)
  • Vincent Brown – “A.N.T. Farm” – influANTces (Disney Channel)

 

Outstanding Writing in a Dramatic Series

  • Aaron Rahsaan Thomas – “SouthLAnd” – Babel (TNT)
  • Chitra Elizabeth Sampath, Damian Kindler – “Sleepy Hollow” – Sanctuary (FOX)
  • Janine Sherman Barrois – “Criminal Minds” – Strange Fruit (CBS)
  • Karin Gist – “Revenge” – Mercy (ABC)
  • Sara Hess – “Orange is the New Black” – Blood Donut (Netflix)

Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture – (Theatrical or Television)

  • Alfonso Cuarón, Jonás Cuarón – “Gravity” (Warner Bros. Pictures)
  • Brian Helgeland – “42″ (Warner Bros. Pictures/Legendary Pictures)
  • Danny Strong – “Lee Daniels’ The Butler” (The Weinstein Company/Lee Daniels Entertainment, Laura Ziskin Productions, Windy Hill Pictures, Follow Through Productions, Salamander Pictures, Pam Williams Productions)
  • John Ridley – “12 Years A Slave” (River Road/Plan B/New Regency/Fox Searchlight Pictures)
  • Ryan Coogler – “Fruitvale Station” (The Weinstein Company/Forest Whitaker’s Significant Productions, OG Project)

 

DIRECTING

Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series

  • Anton Cropper – “House of Lies” – Sincerity Is an Easy Disguise in This Business (Showtime)
  • Eric Dean Seaton – “Mighty Med” – Saving The People Who Save People (Disney XD)
  • Millicent Shelton – “The Hustle” – Rule 4080 (FUSE)
  • Paris Barclay – “Glee” – Diva (FOX)
  • Stan Lathan – “Real Husbands of Hollywood” – Rock, Paper, Stealers (BET)

 

Outstanding Directing in a Dramatic Series

  • Carl Franklin – “House of Cards” – Chapter 11 (Netflix)
  • Ernest Dickerson – “Treme” – Dippermouth Blues (HBO)
  • Millicent Shelton – “The Fosters” – Clean (ABC Family)
  • Regina King – “SouthLAnd” – Off Duty (TNT)
  • Rob Hardy – “Criminal Minds” – Carbon Copy (CBS)

 

Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture – (Theatrical or Television)

  • Jono Oliver – “Home” (The Home Film Group)
  • Justin Chadwick – “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” (The Weinstein Company/Distant Horizon, Origin Pictures, Pathé, Videovision Entertainment)
  • Lee Daniels – “Lee Daniels’ The Butler” (The Weinstein Company/Lee Daniels Entertainment, Laura Ziskin Productions, Windy Hill Pictures, Follow Through Productions, Salamander Pictures, Pam Williams Productions)
  • Malcolm D. Lee – “The Best Man Holiday” (Universal Pictures)
  • Steve McQueen – “12 Years A Slave” (River Road/Plan B/New Regency/Fox Searchlight Pictures)

Your thoughts?

Award season is indeed in full swing!

Not even a day after celebs in film, television, and music walked away with People’s Choice Awards does the nominations for the 2014 NAACP Image Awards get revealed.

Honoring actors, actresses, singers, authors, and activists of color in and out of the entertainment industry, the revered award show celebrates its 45th annual presentation this year via a live TV One broadcast on Saturday, February 22nd at 9pm EST.

But, before you can tune in to see who will walk away with the coveted trophies, tuck in below to find out which of 2013’s leading music acts nabbed the most nominations.

(more…)

Iconic diva Toni Braxton took front, stage, centre at the Breeders Cup 2013 recently, performing America’s most iconic song – ‘The Star Spangled Banner’.

The high-profile spot is the latest of many lined up in support of the soulful contralto’s new duet album with Babyface ‘Love, Marriage & Divorce’ – which hits stores on February 4th 2014.

How did she fare? Find out after the jump…

(more…)

The Best You Never Heard is back! After a lengthy rest on the bench, each week will once again see That Grape Juice spotlight an array of little known gems. Featuring picks from the TGJ editorial team, we want to know…who chose the best song! Let us know below…

********************

Toni Braxton – ‘Hands Tied’

Toni Braxton may once again be riding high on the R&B charts with Babyface, yet the climate was altogether different for the veteran diva back in 2010.

For, despite serving up a solid LP in the form of ‘Pulse’, the songstress saw industry politics once again marr another of her post-90’s projects. A shame, as like ‘Libra’ before it, ‘Pulse’ re-affirmed that musically Ms. Braxton was very much alive – and if backed properly could still be quite the Urban chart force.

Still, one of the positive facets to emerge from the episode was the Oak-produced ‘Hands Tied’.

A titillating concoction of classy and sensual, the baby-making number placed Braxton’s creamy contralto centre-stage. The definition of “feel music”, the cut’s lyrics are sure to resonate with anyone who’s loved and loved hard.

Despite receiving the video treatment, the song – which was rolled out as the album’s third single – could only manage a #29 peak on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop chart.

Unfortunate, yet a fact that does not dilute the brilliance that is this song! {SAM}

LISTEN: [audiotube id=”FrzGNKGhipM”]

********************

Destiny’s Child – I Know

2003 proved to be the beginning of America’s decade long love affair with ‘Crazy In Love’ singer Beyonce. But, as the singer’s musical flight was just taking off, she still aimed to build her acting resume – a resume which already included the likes of ‘Carmen: A Hip Hopera’ and ‘Austin Powers 3’.

Then, taking her chops to gospel-inspired numbers, Bey took to the Cuba Gooding Jr.-led ‘Fighting Temptations’ to lend fan favorites ‘Time To Come Home’ and a scorching remake of classic hit ‘Fever’. Despite an album full of gems, it appeared to be the inspirational Destiny’s Child cut ‘I Know’ that is oft-overlooked. In line with the inspirational work of both Kelly’s (‘Stole’) and Michelle’s (‘Heart To Yours’), the song showcased each beauty’s talent while delivering a heartwarming message.

Get to know ‘I Know’ below:

Press play and fall in love {RASHAD}

LISTEN:  [audiotube id=”e6Rghyb4yfM”]

********************

SWV – Use Your Heart

 

Well before the new millennium saw him craft hits for Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, Britney Spears and Jay Z, Pharrell Williams wooed the ears of many an R&B loyalist…via the vocalists that are SWV.

Responsible for the group’s signature jam ‘Right Here’, my ‘Best You’ve Never Heard’ pick invites you to the year 1996 to meet ‘Use Your Heart’, the second single to be lifted from the trio’s ‘New Beginning’.

Peaking at #22 on the Billboard Hot 100, ‘Heart’ saw the ladies storm R&B shores with a peak position of #6 and push US sales of its supporting album to 1 million units, earning the LP a Platinum certification despite the song itself itself failing to reach the Gold milestone achieved by its preceding single ‘You’re The One’.

Boasting a finesse and crossover appeal many of today’s R&B hopefuls could pull from, I hope you love ‘Use Your Heart’ as much as I do, and make it the ‘Best You Never Heard’ too! {DAVID}

LISTEN: [audiotube id=”CDfgawEll1Y”]
********************

Michael Jackson – Someone Put Your Hand Out

 

From the Jackson 5 days to ‘This Is It’, the King Of Pop had been able to show the universe the full extent of his genius. Yes, Michael Jackson blessed us with many a “classic” moment, but today let’s focus on a track only die-hard fans are aware of.

Courtesy of the 1991 ‘Dangerous’ sessions and included on a Pepsi promotional boxset , ‘Someone Put Your Hand Out’ is yet another gem created by the fantastic team of Jackson and Teddy Riley. A melancholic, surrendering love song, it’s safe to say it is ranked quite high on the extensive list of “could-have-been-hits” from the Pop visionary. Armed with a crystal clear falsetto, a Latin flavored groove,  lush vocal arrangements and simple – in the best way possible – melodies, Mike demonstrates here that – with the right dosage – less is definitely more. Indeed, what makes this song such a winner is its subtlety.

Jackson’s ability to seamlessly switch his sound from high-energy, industrial and aggressive to ethereal and vulnerable remains one of his biggest qualities and this very song sums up amazingly what the softer side of his music is all about: love, passion, emotion and honesty

Long Live the King! {JOE}

LISTEN: [audiotube id=”A915V7KjKRM”]
********************

Whose Pick Was Best This Week?!


**