2020 has been a year like no other for any of us during our lifetime. The global health crisis has certainly altered our way of living – at least for the foreseeable future. For many, it has been an opportunity to reset and plan accordingly, for an ever-changing future, which has become even less predictable.

Rising Soul star Alex Parvenu has written the most fitting Christmas record ‘My Christmas Tree’ – which he has accompanied with musical short film to capture the mood many in the world are feeling right now.

Mega hit producer and songwriter, Dallas Austin (Michael Jackson, Madonna, TLC, Brandy, Monica) has christened it it a “classic.”

Check it out below and let us know if you agree!

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As time winds down to the release of Ella Mai’s yet-titled sophomore album (the follow-up to her Platinum self-titled debut), the ‘Shot Clock’ singer is making time to promote the forthcoming set’s lead single, ‘Not Another Love Song.’

Released October 2, the Boi-1da-produced bop is getting much love from Urban music lovers as evidenced by its top 10 placement on R&B radio charts.

To push it to higher heights on the Hot 100, Mai’s hitting the promo trail in the song’s support.  A month after giving the tune its live television premiere on ‘The Late Late Show with James Corden’ (click here to watch), she followed with a visit to Google for their newly-launched ‘Nest Sessions’ series.

Assisted by Omar Edwards on piano, look inside to see her rock the platform with a stunning rendition of ‘Love Song.’

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H.E.R. may be hard-at-work on her highly anticipated debut studio album, but the GRAMMY winner has made time throughout the year to lend her praised vocal stylings to a number of specialty projects and causes.

As the year winds to a close, she’s now using her voice to help put music lovers in a festive mood – this time putting a special spin on the holiday favorite, ‘Christmas Time Is Here.’

Penned by Lee Mendelson and Vince Guaraldi, the tune was first featured on the 1965 television special ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas.’

After the likes of Toni Braxton, Anita Baker, John Legend, and many more have given the tune a facelift over the years, look inside to hear H.E.R.’s updated take on the Christmas classic courtesy of Amazon Music.

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Barring that whole GRAMMY snub fiasco, The Weeknd easily had his best year ever thanks to the enduring success of his fourth studio album, ‘After Hours.’

But, instead of resting on his laurels, the 30-year-old is already looking to the future and plotting the blockbuster project’s successor.

Acting as TMRW magazine’s latest cover star, the publication dedicated a whopping 100 pages to the Canadian superstar – a feature that sees him not only dish on his meteoric rise to fame but also his plans for the future.

See highlights inside:

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Taraji P. Henson is getting candid.

The ‘Empire’ actress opened up about her past thoughts about suicide during her Facebook Watch series, ‘Peace Of Mind With Taraji.’ 

More details below…

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2020’s Virgo season has come and gone, but for KeKe Palmer it’s a year-round affair.

After winning over music lovers with her ‘Virgo Tendencies Part I’ EP in August (click here to stream), the actor-singer returned in December with the set’s second installment – ‘Virgo Tendencies Part II.’

Like its predecessor, ‘Part II’ was produced by Grammy-winning songwriter and producer Tasha Catour and stands as a largely feature-less affair (save for an appearance from GRAMMY nominated rapper Rick Ross). Unlike its forerunner, ‘Part II’ packs its punch in nearly half the tracklist (boasting only 7 songs versus the 12 on ‘Part I’).

Look inside to stream the project via Apple Music and Spotify.

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With just one more sleep until Christmas Day, we here at That Grape Juice are feeling all sorts of festive.

So, what better way to spread holiday cheer than with ‘The Ultimate Christmas Sleigh List’ playlist! 2020 Edition.

Curated by Chet and the TGJ team, this collection of Xmas gems fuses a variety of familiar tunes with some that may have flown under your radar.

So Happy Holidays to you and yours. Enjoy AND let us know what you think of our picks!

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It’s hard to think of a time where music was made before the pandemic. While not every album released this year was made during the global health crisis, it couldn’t help but shape the listening experience.

There’s a common phrase in the music world: “Life sucked, but great records got us through.” While this could easily apply to individual years of our lives, it inevitably became the most true this year.

And though 2020 could easily be argued as the worst year in history, it brought out some of the best albums in recent times.

Joins us below to find out which albums are That Grape Juice‘s best of 2020…

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Cardi B has teamed up with Facebook for a new show named ‘Cardi Tries _____.’

The series (which is executive produced by the star alongside Jesse Collins) sees her trying her hand at new skills outside of her Hip-Hop rooting. From lacing up to become a ballerina, firefighter, car racer, teacher, and more.

She won’t be alone, as notable names and faces pop up to help her achieve her goals.

Episode 2 is here and sees Cardi learn stunt driving with a little help from ‘Fast & Furious’ star Michelle Rodriguez.

Watch below….

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Nicki Minaj has debuted a new look and it has many buzzing!

Full story below…

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Christmas Day brings with it the hotly anticipated unwrapping of ‘Soul’ on Disney+.

Pixar’s latest production is anchored by Jamie Foxx and tells the tale of Joe Gardner, a middle school music teacher who has long dreamed of performing jazz music on the main stage.

Finally getting the chance to actualise his dream, an accident sees him separated from his soul. From there, a heart-filled tale plays out; one which will no doubt resonate with all.

The legendary Phylicia Rashad appears in the star-studded film as Joe’s mom Libba.

Adding to her iconic resume, which includes a number of notable matriarchal roles, the award-winning actress opened up to That Grape Juice about starring in the flick, her illustrious career, future plans, and much more.

Watch above and be sure to check out ‘Soul’ – which also stars Angela Bassett and Tina Fey – from December 25.

Your thoughts?

Interview Credit: Sam / Lettija Lee

Tidal could soon find itself under new ownership.

Square, an American financial services company that operates Cash App, is reportedly interested in purchasing Tidal from Jay-Z.

Full story below…

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