Readers of That Grape Juice know how passionate we are about music – whether that be past or present.

However, unlike our other segments – Retro Rewind, TGJ Replay, and From The Vault – The Pop Stop is the most in-depth look at Pop songs that may have flown under the radar over the last week that you should know, rather they be from music’s biggest stars or those on the rise.

This week, we want to highlight cuts from Luke Hemmings, Yola, Maisie Peters, and Gretta Ray.

Join us inside…

(more…)

Though legions of viewers took to social media to express their concern over the content of Lil Nas X‘s ‘Call Me By Your Name’ performance at the 2021 BET Awards (which made headlines for featuring a same-sex smooch), Rap media mogul-turned-reality TV star Benzino set the Internet ablaze when he not only suggested the showing wasn’t safe for kids to watch but even went as far as to brand it as ‘satanic’ and ‘irresponsible.’

“That sh*t BET pulled was lame as fuck. It was too uncomfortable, too irresponsible, too forced and too irrelevant to the awards,” he said. “Homie ain’t even hot like that for music anymore anyway. It’s a shame what all this is coming too. I wish I has the backing to bring the Source Awards back.” 

Earning an unceremonious slamming for his now-deleted comments (deemed homophobic by many), word got back to LNX who re-tweeted a story about the 55-year-old’s criticism and said:

“I’m sorry but the thought of n*ggas sitting their kids down in the living room and telling them gay people exist is so hilarious to me,” Lil Nas X wrote in the tweet.

As the backlash against Benzino continued days after the BET Awards, he took to ‘Black News Tonight’ to elaborate with resident anchor Marc Lamont Hill about his true feelings on the controversy.

Look inside to see what he said.

(more…)

Damson Idris is officially adding producer to his list of talents.

Full story below…

(more…)

Camila Cabello‘s big screen debut is just around the corner.

To mark the occasion, the first trailer has been shared for her role in ‘Cinderella.’ 

In the clip, Cinderella is shown going from the basement to the ball. Billy Porter‘s Fairy Godmother character is also introduced and he can be seen wearing a bedazzled, high-collared gown with a clavicle-covering brooch. During his appearance, he asks Cinderella if she would like to go to the ball.

‘Cinderella’ was written and directed by ‘Pitch Perfect’ screenwriter Kay Cannon. The film will debut on Amazon Prime on September 3.

See all the action from the trailer below…

(more…)

For many, Tamar Braxton is a polarizing figure in the LGBTQ+ community.

While some praise the GRAMMY-nominated songstress as an ally given her legion of gay fans as well as her adjacency to the culture evidenced by her mannerisms and vernacular, others have alleged her allyship is performative – citing her repeated history of using language that’s been deemed ‘insensitive’ and ‘homophobic.’

The latter was a term pelted the way of the R&B diva just this week as social media users clocked her response to anti-Lil Nas X commentary regarding his controversial BET Awards performance.

Did you miss the action when it first happened? See how it unfolded inside:

(more…)

In celebration of the release of his latest single, ‘Bad Habits,’ global superstar Ed Sheeran pulled in to and parked his promo train at ‘The Late Late Show with James Corden’ for a nearly weeklong residency that kicked off Monday (June 28).

As reported, the British hitmaker launched the 4-day affair with the first televised performance of ‘Habits’ and – in between skits showing off his comedy skills – carried out the rest of the week by revisiting his catalog of megahits with live performances of ‘A-Team’ and more.

To bring things home, the 30-year-old rocked the late night talk show with stirring renditions of fan favorites ‘Shape of You’ and ‘Thinking Out Loud.’

Look inside to see how he wrapped up his ‘Corden’ takeover.

(more…)

It’s barely been two weeks since SZA dropped jaws with her stunning American Express ‘Unstaged’ concert (click here to watch), but the GRAMMY nominee has already lifted the lid on yet another immersive performance experience.

This time teaming with luxury liquor brand Grey Goose in celebration of the unveiling of their new line of low calorie vodkas, Essences, the 30-year-old delivered a high octane round of live showings of some of her greatest and latest hits (including ‘Love Galore’, ‘All The Stars,’ ‘Kiss Me More,’ ‘ The Weekend,’ and many more).

Did you miss the ‘In Bloom’ concert when it streamed live Thursday (July 1)? No worries; we’ve got you covered inside.

(more…)

Ahead of the July 5 premiere of its 10th season, look inside to see the super trailer for the highly anticipated return of VH1 flagship reality series ‘Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta.’

Beyond bringing the drama fans have grown to know and love over the years, the veteran cast – comprised of Rasheeda, Kirk Frost, Karlie Redd, Lamar Odom, Scrappy, Bambi, Momma Dee, Yung Joc, Spice, Erica Mena, Safaree, Yandy Smith, and Mendecees – are also tackling social issues, including their respective political activism and Black Lives matter protests.

What’s more, they’re welcoming newcomers to the show (Yung Baby Tate, Renni Rucci & Omeretta The Great, and more).

Look inside to see what lies ahead:

(more…)

Since the June 25 unveiling of her tertiary album, ‘Planet Her,’ rapper-singer Doja Cat has been the talk of the music world.

Spun to a history-making debut on Spotify, the set’s also fared well on digital sales platforms thanks to the out-of-this-world response to its singles ‘Kiss Me More’ (featuring SZA), ‘You Right’ (featuring The Weeknd), and ‘Need to Know’ as well as a surprise-dropped deluxe edition.

Reportedly on track to boast her highest first-week album sales figures to date, Cat’s looking to see that sales tally climb just a bit higher by unveiling a sizzling performance of housed track, ‘Ain’t Sh*t.’

Recorded live from ‘Planet Her’ (actually a Californian canyon), look inside to see Doja do what she does best – this time under the direction of famed music video director Kyle Goldberg.

(more…)

In a shock move, HBO has announced that the critically acclaimed ‘Lovecraft Country’ will not be returning for a second season.

Full story below…

(more…)

Saweetie may have been a hot topic at the BET Awards 2021, but the femcee’s focus was on none other than Beyonce. 

That Grape Juice was on-hand at the show’s backstage Winner’s Circle where the rapper opened up about her love for Queen Bey’s game-changing 2003 performance.

She also spilled on her hotly anticipated debut album ‘Pretty B*tch Music.’

Home to hits such as ‘Tap In’ and ‘Best Friend,’ the set is due this summer and she’s aiming to blaze.

Check out the interview above and be sure to let us know…

Your thoughts?

Global sprinting sensation Sha’Carri Richardson raced atop headlines after reports she accepted a one-month suspension from the forthcoming Tokyo Olympics after testing positive for marijuana use (as we reported here).

Embroiled in controversy, the incident’s caused quite the debate on social media with many users calling the reprimand an exaggerated punishment as the drug has been decriminalized in many parts of the United States.  Nevertheless, the 21-year-old took to NBC’s ‘Today Show’ Friday (July 2) to discuss the matter.

“I just want to take responsibility for my actions, I know what I did,” she said during the virtual interview. “I know what I’m supposed to do and what I’m allowed not to do, and I still made that decision. But I’m not making an excuse or looking for any empathy in my case.”

Despite the polarization on the topic, Richardson’s supporters have minced no words about their support of the embattled track star.  Among those standing by her side?  Sportswear giant Nike.

(more…)