It’s almost time for the 52nd Annual NAACP Image Awards.

Unveiling its full list of nominations today, the prestigious awards honors actors, actresses, singers, authors, and activists of color, in and out of the entertainment industry.

Beyonce leads  with six nods in the recording categories. 

Queen Bey is joined by the likes of  H.E.R, Ledisi, Alicia Keys, and Chloe X Halle on the list of acts with multiple  noms in the music bracket.

Elsewhere Netflix leads in the TV and motion picture categories, with major looks for ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ (including individual nods for leads Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman) and Shonda Rhimes’ ‘Bridgerton.’ 

Ahead of finding out who will walk away with the coveted trophies when the March 27 show airs live BET, head below to see the full nominations list:

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Ashanti is wasting no time building on the buzz of her #VERZUZ battle with Keyshia Cole.

For, today the R&B belle unzipped the video for new single ‘2:35 (I Want You)’.

The track arrived moments after the much-talked about spar and proves that the veteran still has what it takes to capitalize on such a major moment.

JaQuel Knight helmed the visual, which sees ‘Shanti turn the all the way sensual up.

Watch below…

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A new Missy Elliott collaboration could be on the horizon.

For, the femcee has revealed that she would want to work with 21 Savage after hearing his voice during the recent  Keyshia Cole and Ashanti #Verzuz battle.

More details below…

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After thrilling viewers with her long-awaited #Verzuz showdown with Keyshia Cole Thursday (January 21), GRAMMY-winning R&B diva Ashanti has returned with a new single, ‘2:35 (I Want You).’

A bedroom-ready bop, the tune was premiered during the live battle and comes as the first taste of new solo music fans have gotten since August 2019‘s ‘Pretty Little Thing.’ 

“‘Cause ooh, my body beggin’ for you / Ain’t no mistake, you the truth / And I can’t wait till we ooh, we ooh,” she coos on the seductive track.

Is ‘2:35’ just what it will take to get the Princess of Hip-Hop/R&B reigning over charts again?

Hear it inside and let us know:

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The Game isn’t going anywhere.

Despite releasing his supposed final album, ‘Born 2 Rap,’ in 2019, he is not retiring anytime soon. For, his manager, Wack 100, has revealed that he is in the studio working on a new project.

More details below…

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Ashanti gave fans cause for concern last month when she revealed that has had tested positive for coronavirus.

And the timing added to the blow, as it forced a postponement of a planned #Verzuz battle with Keyshia Cole.

In the days following, the ‘Only U’ singer confirmed that both of her parents had contracted COVID-19 too.

Though a worrying development, folk needn’t fret anymore. Because she has kicked off the New Year with good news.

Full story below…

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Whether penciled in history books for reasons good, bad, ugly, and/or everything in between, 2020 brought with it some of entertainment’s most memorable moments.

Now, as the year draws to a close, That Grape Juice is reflecting on our favorite moments that rocked – and to some degree maybe even reshaped – the Urban and Pop cultural landscape as we know it.

Next, we’ll review how coronavirus – the year’s biggest story – specifically impacted the entertainment industry.

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With over 200,000 votes cast, the time has finally arrived for the winners of the That Grape Juice End of Year Awards 2020 to be announced!

While some acts maintained a major lead, upon the penultimate cut-off point, the final list brought with it many last minute surprises.

Check out the full list of winners below. Prepare yourselves for what awaits…and sound off!

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Today, From The Vault salutes a classic from a premium R&B diva. Ashanti’s ‘Happy’ is this week’s pick.

Issued as the second single from her 2002 eponymous debut, ‘Happy’ was produced by Irv Gotti and Chink Santana, and written by the artist herself.

It was built around a sample of ‘Outstanding’ by The Gap Band.

After the 10-week stay at #1 of debut single ‘Foolish,’ the pressure was high for the then-newcomer to deliver a successful follow-up. And ‘Happy’ didn’t disappoint.

Peaking at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #6 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop in the US, it was also a Top 20 in Great Britain, reaching the 13th position on the Official UK Singles Charts.

The tune’s visual was also directed by Irv Gotti.

The belle can be seen jamming with her friend around the city, as they get ready for a block party honoring her and her recent success. Partner in crime Ja Rule also makes a cameo.

With ‘Shanti and Keyshia Cole ready to battle it out on #Verzuz, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on the ladies’ back catalogue.

One look is enough to see just how much Ms. Douglas ruled the early 00´s, with tracks that remain omnipresent. A testament to how pivotal Ashanti’s presence has been for the culture.

Your thoughts?

Drake has just received a huge compliment from fellow rapper The Game.

During an interview with Power 106, The Game took the time to compliment his friend from the north, comparing him to the King of Pop.

His words below…

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Expect to see more of the ladies of Xscape in the coming months as they prepare for the release of their yet-titled, 2021-due last album.

As if sending fans into a frenzy last week with footage of them working in the studio (and teasing a #VERZUZ battle against SWV) wasn’t enough, the Atlantan quartet took to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium to support hometown football heroes Atlanta Falcons as they took on the New Orleans Saints Sunday (December 6).

Delivering a jaw-dropping arrangement of the U.S. National Anthem, look inside to hear the ladies send a reminder of just how much they still have “it” and in abundance:

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Despite not delivering her long-awaited new album, ‘Trenches,’ on its original November 20-due date (as we reported here), Monica has still been hitting the promo trail in support its title track.

Launched in August (on the same day as her history-making #VERZUZ battle with Brandy), the single shot straight to the top of real-time sales tallies thanks to the exposure it received on the platform – a response that increased calls for its official music video (which didn’t arrive until November 25).

Better late than never, the cinematic clip has already received critical acclaim for Mo showing off her acting chops and reintroducing fans to her alter ego #Goonica.

Curious to see the behind the scenes magic that went into the Lil Baby-assisted visual’s creation? Look inside:

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