As reported last week, Kanye West was interviewed in the current issue of Complex magazine. The ‘Stronger’ rapper also did a photo-shoot for his feature; I don’t know what to think about these pics – they’re ‘different’ for sure lol.

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What do you think of the pics?

With their collabo album ‘Face Off’ due for a December 4th release, this new track from Bow Wow and Omarion is set to feature on the CD. Upon hearing ‘Designated Driver’, I was kinda surprised. Though it doesn’t offer anything new lyrically, the production is really on-point. I’m not sold on the concept of their joint album just yet, but this track indicates that it may be promising.

 

Hit or Miss?

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In what appears to be a sudden twist, Kelly Rowland will now release ‘Ghetto’ (ft. Snoop Dogg) as the next single from her ‘Ms. Kelly’ album; the singer confirmed the news when interviewed on Atlanta’s V103 radio station. What’s more is that a video for the song has already been shot by director Andrew Gura. Prior to now, the Scott Storch produced ‘Comeback’ was set to be the next US single and a video was shot – alongside a video for the European single “Work’ – back in July. ‘Ghetto’ has also been sent for ads at radio and is receiving healthy spins on the Urban format.
I don’t know what exactly is going on; however, with it now being almost 6 months since ‘Like This’ premiered, Kelly needs to release a new single – any single – now.

What do you think of the single choice?
A long clip of the lead single from Jennifer Lopez’s upcoming new album has surfaced. Produced by Midi Mafia, ‘Hold It, Push It’ is the first English -language solo single from Lopez in over three years. Unfortunately, the track falls short of the hype which preceded it; the song is wack- plain and simple. Production-wise it’s just ‘ok’, yet J.Lo’s lacking vocal delivery is what really lets the track down. Having said that, maybe I expected too much from her – for what reason I do not know. I’m guessing I anticipated something with more ‘umph’ to it than this, after all she needs a hit as her music career has been in the pits for sometime now. For her sake, the album has to have better cuts than this.

Hit or Miss?
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Though there is a widespread assumption that ‘Comeback’ will be the 2nd single to be lifted from Kelly Rowland’s sophomore CD ‘Ms. Kelly’ (confirmed in-part by the singer herself ), reliable sources are stating otherwise. According to an insider, the singer’s UK label -Sony BMG/RCA- are set to release the critically acclaimed/fan favourite ‘Work (Put It In)’ as the follow-up to ‘Like This’. This would, however, contradict the singer’s supposed claim that the song couldn’t be released a single due to ‘legal reasons’. Which single will be released? Will Europe recieve a different 2nd single? Only time will tell…
In the meanwhile, click here to listen to the promotional edit of ‘Work’ (ft. Fat Joe) – not the mixtape version from a few months back.
Kelly is set to shoot a video for her 2nd single (whatever it may be) on July 19th and 20th in Los Angeles.
An AOL Sessions with Kelly is set to hit the net on July 20th. Be sure to tune in.
A new Kelly track (from the scrapped ‘My Story’ album) ‘Tell Me’ has surfaced. The song is pretty good, although doesn’t compare to any of the ‘Ms. Kelly’ tracks. LISTEN: Tell Me
Continuing her promo campaign, Kelly made two TV appearances this week. Click here to see her performance on The View and here for The Morning Show.

Any thoughts?
The 2nd single to be lifted from Eve’s upcoming album ‘Here I Am’ (due August 7th), has surfaced. Produced by Swizz Beats, ‘Give It To You’, featuring Sean Paul, is a Caribbean tinged uptempo track – perfect for the summer. E-V-E’s first single ‘Tambourine’ has grown on me considerably and with the debut of this great new track, I’m anticipating her album all the more. Be on the lookout for the video in the coming weeks.

Hit or Miss?


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R&B star, Kelly Rowland stopped by MTV studios in New York yesterday to co-host TRL. She was looking on-point. As expected, she also plugged her new solo album ‘Ms. Kelly’ which hit stores in the US yesterday too.

What do you think of the pics?

Thanks all those who entered the Kelly Rowland ‘Ms. Kelly’ competition. The correct answer to the question:

What Was Destiny’s Child’s First #1 Single?
a) No, No, No
The single was the group’s first #1 on any chart – hitting the top spot on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip Hop chart in 1998.

Competition Winners (chosen at random):
1) Nicholas Gallo – Chicago, Illinois
2) Alexander Kelly – Norfolk, England
3) Sherrin Perkins – Los Angeles, California
4) Anita Owusu Dors – London, England
5) Dwayne Mactavious – British Virgin Islands
Congratulations to all the winners (you have also been notified via email).

Keep it locked on That Grape Juice for upcoming competitions…

*CLOSED*

{Design Credit: GoPlatinum}
To celebrate the release of R&B star Kelly Rowland’s sophomore album ‘Ms Kelly’, That Grape Juice is giving away 5 copies of the CD – courtesy of Sony BMG (UK). The album, which will be released in the UK on June 25th (July 3rd in the US) is the long-awaited follow-up to Rowland’s 2002 effort ‘Simply Deep’ and has been described as ‘more sexy, honest, playful and passionate’. Producers featured on the album include hit-makers Scott Storch, Rockwilder and Polow Da Don. Guest features include Snoop Dogg, Eve and Tank.
For the chance to win a copy of ‘Ms Kelly’, answer the following question:
What Was Destiny’s Child’s First #1 Single?
a) No, No, No
b) Say My Name
c) Lose My Breath
Email your answer as well as your full name, age, and address to competitions@thatgrapejuice.net. Please be sure to put ‘Ms Kelly’ as the subject. Winners will be selected randomly from all correct answers. Competition ends Sunday June 24th. Good luck!
R&B/Soul singer Joss Stone has finally responded to producer Dallas Austin’s much publicised claims that she ‘F*cked For Tracks’. Speaking to Metro New York, Stone had the following to say:
“I’m gonna let you decide. I never met him. I don’t know what he looks like. What can I say about that except for, ‘What an interesting high little man!’ I guess he was being a young boy and a little childish. What can I do? I don’t want to date any of them. I don’t want a boyfriend. Rather than be mad for that, I probably should pray for him because he’s got to have some issues. I think he needs to get a little help. He’s not well.”
….Ok then. I’m not convinced by her denial; she sure did take a long time to respond.
This remix to Rihanna’s mega-hit ‘Umbrella’ sees teen R&B star Chris Brown put his own spin on the track. Tweaking the lyrics, Brown replaces ‘Umbrella’ with ‘Cinderella’ and gives the song a cool new perspective. Having said that, the production is exactly the same and Chris’ vocals are badly edited into the track. Still alright though…

What do you think?

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Mariah Carey took a break from recording her new album to make an appearance at the Fresh Air Fund’s Salute to American Heroes last night in New York City. She looks great; it’s the best I’ve seen her look in a long while. The downtime she’s had since her tour wrapped, in October last year, has done her some good.
In other Mariah news, Timbaland collaborator Nate ‘Danja’ Hills – who co-produced Nelly Furtado’s smash ‘Promiscuous’ – has stated that he is currently recording tracks with the ‘We Belong Together’ singer. Danja joins a host of hit-makers lined up to produce for the project including Jermaine Dupri, Swizz Beats and Scott Storch.
I’m anxious to hear Mariah’s new material; after the success of ‘The Emancipation of Mimi’ it’ll be interesting to see whether she can deliver once again.

Can Mariah top ‘The Emancipation of Mimi’ album?
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