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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…

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{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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I managed to meet R&B star Kelly Rowland today in London. This took place at the taping of Loose Women which she was performing on (airs tomorrow). I didn’t attend the show, but caught up with Kelly afterwards.

I’ve seen ‘Ms Kelly’ in concert etc before, but she is STUNNING in person – a real beauty. She was so gracious and down-to earth. Smiling and being very friendly with everyone. Her minder allowed the waiting crowd full access to Kelly, so along with an autograph, hug and many pictures, I was able to speak with Kelly in some detail.

Many were acting star-struck, which to some extent I was too, but I said to myself ‘you don’t see Kelly everyday…you better ask her something!’ I proceeded to wish her luck with the project and asked her what the 2nd single will be – to which I got a ‘hmmm’ as a response. I informed her that alot of people are feeling ‘Work’ (someone else screamed out ‘Still In Love With My Ex’) and then lol…*crickets* she (and her entourage) stared at me right in my face for like 5 seconds straight. I had to ask her ‘why is everyone looking at me? lol’ She was shocked and said that she didn’t know people knew of ‘Work’ etc like that. She was really flattered, so much so that when she was about to leave she called me out personally – by name – and thanked me for the info and said ‘it’s really useful’. I’m guessing their still mulling over which single to pick and it was good for her to get an idea of what people are liking.

All in all, a great day…

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This new Twista track is slated to be the first single from the Chicago rapper’s upcoming album ‘Adrenaline Rush’ (due this summer). ‘Give It Up’ was produced by the Neptunes and features Pharrell Williams from group. The song is HOT; the beat is on-point and Twista delivers with his trademark rapid-fire pace on his verses. I’m really feeling the hook as well, it’s catchy. I can see this one doing big things. The Hype Williams directed video should be debuting soon. Check out the track…
Hit or Miss?

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After the news of Kelly Rowland’s album being pushed back again, many were disappointed – myself included. However, this new Scott Storch-produced album track has amped me up for the release again. ‘Comeback’ is unlike any Kelly track I’ve heard before. The beat is on-point and the song is a definite club-banger. I’m feeling the lyrical content too; Kelly is singing about how she’s got that ‘Comeback… guarantee you’ll never leave’. The song really picks up after the first verse and Kelly delivers vocally throughout..she’s not holding back. ‘Ms Kelly’ now drops July 3rd. {Thanks ‘D’ for this one }

Hit or Miss?

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Billboard is reporting that Mariah Carey is currently hard at work on her as-yet-untitled new album. The R&B diva is in the British Virgin Islands writing and recording for the follow-up to her 2005 comeback smash ‘The Emancipation of Mimi’- which has sold 10 million copies worldwide. Producers confirmed for the project include Bryan-Michael Cox and Jermaine Dupri – who were both instrumental in creating some of the big hits from the ‘Mimi’ album. The CD is expected to drop toward the end of the year.

I’m anxious to hear her new material. Although, I’m doubtful as to whether she can top her fantastic last album.
Our friends over at Rap-Up.com have posted what has been confirmed as the Official album cover for Kelly Rowland’s sophomore CD ‘Ms Kelly’. I’m liking it alot; from the pose to the overall look…it’s on-point. The album, which features production from the likes of Polow Da Don, Rockwilder and Scott Storch, drops June 26th.

What do you think?
As you may have noticed, new tracks from Ne-Yo’s sophomore CD ‘Because of You’ have been leaking pretty quickly. Having now listened to the album in full, I can say that he has definitely managed to avoid the ‘sophomore slump’ by delivering a pretty solid album. After listening to the earlier leaked tracks and snippets, I felt that Ne-Yo hadn’t really pushed himself creatively and was just dishing out more of the same. However, the album has proven me wrong as there are quite a few great songs that aren’t typically his style. Though I’m unsure whether this tops his fantasitc debut, ‘Because of You’ (due May 1st) is definitely worth a buy. Check out some of my highlights from the album (which I haven’t posted already)…

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