Justin Timberlake fans, don’t hold your breath waiting for a new album. Timberlake, whose last disc, FutureSex/LoveSounds, came out in 2006, tells EW that he’s “not working” on new music right now. The singer — who’s executive producing a new MTV reality competition series called The Phone (premiering April 21) — has been hitting the studio lately, but only to produce tracks for other artists, like T.I. (“Dead and Gone”) and Ciara (“Love Sex Magic”). “Right now, I like the idea that things can just kind of pop up and if they feel right I can do them,” says Timberlake. “Committing to my own sort of project, that’s like, ‘Okay, let me block out two years of my life and do it.’ I was heavily fulfilled with the last one and I always have this thing with myself that if I can’t sleep because I need to do it, then I’m gonna do it. But if I’m not losing sleep over it then…” {Source}
Though reports that Justin Timberlake has been hard at work on his third studio album, the follow-up to 2006’s ‘FutureSexLoveSounds’, the singer has gone on record recently to confirm that he is in fact has no concrete plans for a new album anytime soon:
While I’m sure Justin’s fans won’t be too pleased, I can’t say I’m particularly fussed. I seem to have been among the few that wasn’t big on Justin’s last effort. It’s hard to deny his ‘hit-making’ ability on the collabo front…just ask Madonna, T.I and Ciara.
Your thoughts?
It’s been well-documented that Pop star Britney Spears is currently on what is being billed as her ‘comeback tour’. While her fans are no doubt pleased to have the singer back, critics haven’t been favourable with their words about ‘The Circus Tour’, with many taking displeasure in the fact that Spears lip-syncs all-but-one song during her set. Others claim Britney gets lost in the shuffle amidst the grandeur and spectacle of the production, while some note her dancing consists of not much more than strutting up and down the stage.
With the show set to roll into Europe in the coming months (with Ciara opening), we’re anxious to hear what those who have seen the show already thought? Watched the tour vids on Youtube? What’s your take on the show?
Your thoughts?
With the release of Keri Hilson’s ‘In A Perfect World’ LP drawing nearer, the singer-songwriter is currently doing the promotional rounds; yesterday, she stopped by Hot 93.7’s Jenny Boom Boom show. The shock jock didn’t spare Keri with her questions, putting a number of pressing topics to her including the much-talked about ‘diss record’ (argued to be about Ciara and Beyonce), the album’s several push-backs, as well as asking about a rumored relationship with Lil’ Wayne (???!!!). An interesting watch…(Part 1 above and part 2 below):
Your thoughts?
Following a four year hiatus from the limelight, Grammy Award winning R&B star Brandy made a return to the charts recently with the release of her 5th studio album ‘Human’.
In this candid interview, the 29 year old opens up to That Grape Juice about being underrated, album sales, her 6 year old daughter Sy’Rai, Beyonce being her inspiration, her love life and so much more. As ever, we don’t shy away from the questions you really want answers to. A lengthy, yet great read. Enjoy.
Brandy Shouts-Out That Grape Juice
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Sam: Hey Brandy, how are you?
Brandy: I’m good. How are you?
Brandy: I’m good. How are you?
Sam: I’m great, thank you.
Brandy: I love your accent, by the way.
Sam: (laughs) Thank you very much (laughs)
Let me just start off by saying it really is a pleasure speaking with you.
Brandy: I appreciate it.
Sam: There was an overwhelming response from both our readers and your fans alike when we announced we’d be interviewing you. With it now being almost 15 years since you first burst onto the scene with ‘I Wanna Be Down’, how does it feel to still be anticipated today?
Brandy: It feels amazing. You work so hard to touch people and to relate to people, so when they start with you and finish with you, it feels like there’s a sense of loyalty there. They (my fans) are always there and supporting me. I always say, I feel like my fans have always believed even me, even when I haven’t believed in myself. It just feels so good to have people support you throughout the years.
Sam: After a 4 year hiatus, this past December saw the release of your 5th studio album ‘Human’ – which I must say is truly phenomenal, I love the album…
Brandy: Thank you.
Sam …tell us a little about what inspired the album’s title and direction?
Brandy: Well, I will definitely say, whilst taking the time off and going through dif
ferent life challenges – through the ups and downs, as well as the things I’ve seen, I just wanted to sing again. I wanted to sing about what I’ve experienced. Share with people (what I feel have been) some of my challenges and obstacles. I wanted this album to reflect who I am as a person. Definitely, have songs on the album, which people can relate to and feel like they aren’t alone in their situations as well. I just realised, at the end of the day, we are all in the same boat. We are all trying to get to the same place. That place of love. That place of success. I wanted this album to take you on a journey through that. That is the main reason I decided to call the album ‘Human’, because at the end of the day that is what we all are. We’re just living our lives.
Sam: That’s great. As well as serving as your return to the limelight, ‘Human’ also saw the creative reuniting of yourself and hit-maker Rodney ‘Darkchild’ Jerkins (‘The Boy Is Mine’, ‘What About Us’ etc). Evidently important to you when listening to tracks such as ‘Piano Man’, how did your reuniting with Darkchild come about?
Brandy: We had been trying to work together again for years, but timing and scheduling made it hard to get into the studio with him. When he did eventually hear that I was doing a new project, he wanted to be involved. One of the first songs I heard – that he played to me – was ‘Right Here (Departed)’ and I just totally related to the song. It really spoke to me in a different way than any other song I have ever recorded, as it was what I was going through at the time. You know, just having friends and family by my side and people that I can depend on (during the difficult times). I feel like a lot of people need that and a lot of people have that too. So I thought it was a great song to sing and just express myself with. With Rodney being the person who produced it, I, of course, wanted to go from there because of our history and all the music we have made in the past. It felt like the right thing to do. It felt like home for me, because we work so well together and we have a great chemistry. So, I wanted to see where that chemistry would take us creatively this time round.
Sam: The album has a much more Pop/International sound in comparison to your past efforts. Was this a conscious choice?
Brandy: It was a conscious choice, as I wanted the music to be a lot more universal. Radio is playing anything now; it really doesn’t matter if it’s Urban, if it’s Pop, if it’s Country. Everyone is getting a shot at being on multiple radio stations. I wanted this album to be something everybody could enjoy. I wanted it to be a well-rounded, universal album.
Sam: Which is most definitely is.
Upon its release, the album debuted respectably at #15 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 73, 000 copies in its first week. With the industry being a very different place compared to prior years, what’s your take on the album’s performance? What are your hopes for the album in the long run?
Brandy: I really try not to focus on the sales or chart position anymore, because you never really know (what can happen). I just try to give my best work and make the best music that I can make. That’s why I tend to keep my focus, because if I get caught into all of that, I can get discouraged, I can get depressed, and whatever. You know, this business is so different nowadays. It’s really hard to sell records. Of course, you want to sell records and you want to do well and you want to be at the top of the charts. However, I don’t make that my primary focus. My focus is just to make good music that people can listen to, enjoy and really feel. That is my whole purpose as a musician – to share my gift with other people.
Sam: Most definitely. A lot of your fans are very eager to find out what the album’s next single is (to follow-up ‘Long Distance’). I know there have been some murmurings about ‘Piano Man’ and ‘True’. Could you shed any light on what the next single will be?
Brandy: I really like ‘First N Love’. I really like that song a lot. Of course, I love ‘Piano Man’ and I also love ‘True’. But I don’t know, I think the fans should decide what the next single should be. I think they are leaning towards ‘Piano Man’, more so than any other song. At first, it seemed as if there was push for ‘First N Love’, but it seems as if they are leaning towards ‘Piano Man’ and I want to give them what they want…
Sam: So potentially ‘Piano Man’?
Brandy: Yes!
Sam: Also, you have a collaboration with John Legend on his current album (‘Evolver’) called ‘Quickly’. There has been increasing talk about this possibly being a single. Is this a likelihood?
Brandy. I hope so. I keep hearing about it, just like you. I don’t know for sure, but I really hope so. I really love that song and love the message in the song. John Legend is such a great artist, so to sing on a record with him is such a blessing. I can’t wait to actually perform the song with him and do a video – that would be a lot of fun. So I have my fingers crossed on that.
Sam: There has been increasing talk that a re-release of ‘Human’ is in the pipeline. Is there any truth to this?
Brandy: Yes, we (myself and the label) have been talking about a re-release of the album. But I don’t know for sure yet…
Sam…I ask because, there tracks such as Freedom, Drumlife, After The Flood, One Thing etc which have people wondering what will become of them.
Brandy: I don’t really know. The ‘Freedom’ song was recorded a while back, as was ‘Drumlife’ and ‘After The Flood’. They were songs that didn’t make the album, which was kinda disappointing as you can’t put all the good songs on the album – even when you want to. I will say that I really love all of those songs, though.
Sam: You thanked producer Timbaland in the ‘Human’ album ‘Thank You’s’, yet none of his work made the album. Will he be working on your future projects? It’s rumoured he’ll be doing something on your next album.
Brandy: Yes, absolutely. I am going to work with Timbaland on my next album. He is one of my favourite producers; his talent so versatile. He can do anything. What’s more, he really loves me as an artist, which always feels good and makes me feel like I want to do my best and impress. It always makes you want to work harder when the producer you’re working with is a fan, as they always want to give you the best material possible. Timbaland has always had that attitude and I just can’t wait to get back into the studio with him. He’s amazing.
Sam: Awesome. A lot of your fans are keen to know what’s next for you promotion-wise. There was some talk of you going on Oprah, yet many aren’t sure what happened with that. Could you please clear the air on that one?
Brandy: Hmm. With the Oprah the situation, the show wasn’t going to be about the album. I didn’t want to put myself in a situation where it wouldn’t have been good for me in terms of my personal life. I mean I’ve touched on some things in my personal life, but to go into heavy detail (about certain things), I don’t think would have been the best thing for me. So that’s why the fans didn’t see me on Oprah. I would love to do Oprah in the future, though. I love her show; I’ve been on there a couple of times. I want to go on there and sing and share what music is to me as well as how much it means to me (and it wasn’t going to be a show about that this most recent time).
Sam: While ‘Human’ is your priority at the moment, have you started thinking about the direction of your next record? In terms of producers, sound etc, have you started thinking about album #6?
Brandy: Absolutely. I started thinking about album #6 while I was recording album #5 (laughs). 
I really can’t wait (to start working on it) because I want to work with a lot of different people; like of course Timbaland, Tricky Stewart and The Dream, Stargate and Ne-Yo. There’s so many people I want to work with and I feel like I’m going to have the opportunity to work with all the producers I’ve ever dreamt about collaborating with and I look forward to it. You just never know where creativity is going to take you. So I don’t have a direction yet, but I definitely know who I want to work with.
Sam: I know it’s, perhaps, too early to be speaking about it now, but, in terms of potential release dates / time-frames, is a new album something we can look forward to this year or perhaps later?
Brandy: I just know that it will be sooner rather than later. It’s not going to be (another) 4 years from now. It’s not going to be 2 years from now; it might not even be a year from now. I’m just going to keep going until I can’t go no more. I promise my fans that and I’m going to stick to my promise, because I know they’ve waited for years. They’ve stood by me for so long, so I can’t and won’t put them through that big of a wait again. And that’s a promise (laughs).
Sam (laughs). Despite selling over 25million records, some still consider Brandy to be underrated. What’s your take on this? Do you feel like you should be receiving more recognition than you do?
Brandy: I think it’s all up to me. It’s the quality of the work that I put out. I feel that in my future I’m going to create something where people are not going to be able to deny it, they are not going to be able to say “this is not her best”, or any of that. It’s up to me to work hard for that. I will get the credit that I deserve one day, if I continue to work hard and do what I’m supposed to do. But that’s another thing I try not to think so hard about, because I’m very appreciative of the people that do love me and do see what I have. But yeah, I’m going to keep working hard to win the Grammy’s and everything else that I am supposed to do in my destiny.
Sam: Your vocals, vocal arrangements, harmonies and runs have become somewhat ‘trademark Brandy’, with many of today’s R&B artists, including Keyshia Cole, Rihanna and Chris Brown listing you as being one of their inspirations…
Brandy…that is so sweet…
Sam: (laughs). With that said which R&B artists of today inspire you – both vocally and more generally?
Brandy: I would have to say Beyonce; I really like her style a lot. I think she is one of the greatest singers of our time, one of the greatest performers of our time. I really like her a lot. I really like Rihanna a lot; I think her voice is so unique. She sings songs that really put her vocals out there. Who else do I like? I like of lot of people. Of course, Mary J. Blige and Alicia Keys, they’re great as well – I would also say I’m inspired by them also. The new girl on the scene, Jazmine Sullivan! I think she is unbelievable. I’ve known about her for a very long time – before anyone else knew of her. She’s always been great and I’m so happy to see everything happening for her the way it is.
Sam: If there was anyone – active now or in the past – you could collaborate with, who would it be?
Brandy: My God (laughs). It would have to be Sade. I would love to do a duet with Sade.
Sam: Ok. You recently changed management over to Roc Nation – Jay-Z’s venture with Live Nation. Could you tell us a little about how this came about and what it means moving forward?
Brandy: I really like Roc Nation. Jay Brown (former Def Jam exec and now Roc Nation staple figure) is really a great manager, he’s a great guy, and he has so many dimensions to who he is – as an A&R, as an executive. I think it’s great for my music career, as he’s so musically inclined. He manages, probably, every producer in the game right now. I look forward to seeing what we can create together along with Knockout. I’m still attached to my mother and my brother (who run Knockout). We’re all going to put our heads together and see what can happen in the future.
Sam: For the record, what exactly transpired between yourself and Kelly Rowland? Rumours have been rampant for the longest while about what cooled your friendship. Could you please shed some light on this?
Brandy: Our friendship hasn’t ended. We just don’t hang out as much as we used to. It’s just one of those things where you grow apart and go down different paths, you know what I mean? That’s it. There’s no…
Sam: Drama? (Laughs)
Brandy: No drama (laughs). It’s interesting; no one has asked me that before. There’s no drama. I have so much love for Kelly. We we’re actually born on the same day. So (there’s) no drama. We’re just on different paths.
Sam: Your beautiful daughter Sy’Rai is now 6 years old. How do you juggle being a mother as well as an artist?
Brandy: It’s very hard. To be a mother it takes a lot of quality time. For me, right now – because I’m working so hard with the project, I have to create quality moments that we can both remember. So I have a lot of special moments with just the two of us. I just balance it out. I have a lot of help around me too; I have my mum, my cousin helps me with her too. We balance it out and it seems to work out great. I miss her a lot, that’s for sure, because I’m so used to being with
her all the time.
Sam: After an initially iffy break-up, you have gone on record to say all is well with you and Sy’Rai’s father Roy. How would you describe your relationship with Roy today?
Brandy: We’re friends. We are partners in raising our daughter. It’s great to have a relationship where there’s no drama. You hear all over the world about parents who are no longer together having drama; I’m just happy that we don’t have that issue. I encourage every parent out there to make amends with their ex-partners, because it’s really good for the child and, you never know, you could be missing out on a great friendship for you both. That’s how I look at it. It’s worked out with me and Roy to be a situation where we can be great friends and raise our daughter together, which is a beautiful thing. I’m really blessed to have that.
Sam: Very. Are marriage and more children something you envisage for yourself in the future?
Brandy: Absolutely! The clock is ticking (laughs)…
Sam: (laughs)…
Brandy…I tell myself everyday “It’s not too late, it’s ok, it’s not too late!” I definitely want the marriage and more children…of course! I love being a mum and I love being loved as well, so I look forward to that. I just work hard on bettering myself and continuing to be a better me, so I can be ready for that when it happens. Because I know it’s going to happen…I know it… it just has to! I can’t be single for the rest of my life. (laughs). That would not be a good look…that would be horrible (laughs).
Sam: Which brings me to my next question – are you currently dating anyone?
Brandy: No! That’s the problem (laughs)! I’m not, but trust me I really want to. I’m not going to settle (for anything substandard), I’m going to choose the right person for me and we’re going to go from there. It’s like “God, at least let me get some candidates up in here to choose from!” (laughs)…
Sam: (laughs!)
Brandy: But it happens to the best of us, doesn’t it?
Sam: It happens to the best if us.
Both: (Laughs!)
Sam: You recently performed your smash ‘The Boy Is Mine’ with Monica in Atlanta. How did that come about and can we expect more in the way of duets from you two in the future?
Brandy: I reached out to Monica while I was in Atlanta and I invited her to the show. I was telling her that I was basically going to promote on the radio that our duet was going to be a surprise, although everyone had pretty much figured out it was going to be Monica. But anyway, we talked and I asked whether she’d be down to sing ‘The Boy Is Mine’ and she was like “I don’t remember the words!” I’m also bad with remembering some of the older stuff; however I happened to remember ‘The Boy Is Mine’. So we were practising on the phone and going back and forth and I was telling her the words. We did that and (come show-time) she came on stage and did her thing and I did my thing. She actually performed one of her songs on my set and it was just a great night for me. Atlanta was just so much fun and there was so much love in the room. Just to have Monica there to surprise everybody with that was just…unforgettable. I think people really enjoyed seeing us together on stage.
I’ve talked to her plenty of times about doing another song together or maybe even doing an album together. She seems to be all for it. We both just want to make sure we have the right material. We’ll see what happens. But we’re definitely in conversation, we talk very often now and it’s great to have her in my life. I feel we’re going to move forward and do some great things together.
Sam: Kind of a random question here, but do you watch any of your performances on Youtube?
Brandy: Yes, sometimes I do. Especially when I know I’ve done a good job, then I’ll go watch it. But if I feel like I didn’t do a good job, then I won’t watch (laughs!)
Sam: (laughs!)
Brandy: I know I’m supposed to because it’ll help me not do it again, but it’s almost like I lived it and I know I should not do what I did on the last show again ever (laughs). So I don’t watch the bad stuff.
Sam: ‘Moesha’ was a big part of many of our childhoods – my own included. Will you be embarking on anymore TV projects in the future?
Brandy: Yes. I am actually taking meetings for TV projects now. It’s just about finding the right project, because ‘Moesha’ was very special and made a big impact. It also inspired a lot of people. So whatever I do, I want it to have the same foundation. I don’t want to do something just to be on television. I’m really trying to find the right project to do.
Sam: Do you keep in contact with any of the Moesha cast, such as Countess Vaughn (Kim Parker) or Shar Jackson (Niecee)?
Brandy: I haven’t spoken to them in a long while. I recently met with one of the creators of the show and he gave me an update in how everyone was doing, so hopefully I’ll talk to them in the next week or so.
Sam: Many of your fans would love for clarity on the track ‘Black Pepper’ (from the ‘Afrodisiac’ recording sessions. Will we ever hear it?
Brandy: I can try and see if we can hear the track. Absolutely. But I haven’t heard it since I done it, so I don’t know where it is. I’m sure Timbaland has it. I can check on it for you guys for sure.
Sam: That’d be great. We haven’t seen you here in the UK for a while now. Will we be seeing you soon?
Brandy: I’m on my way! Around March / April.
Sam: We definitely look forward to seeing you. Do you have any tour plans?
Brandy: Tour plans? Yes, I do. I want to go overseas first and say ‘Hi’ to everybody as I haven’t
said ‘Hi’ in a long, long time. I want to do some shows over there and maybe come back and plan a tour for everywhere, but right now I just want to get out there and see everybody before I do a tour.
Sam: We’re rounding up now, so we’re going to do a quick word association game. I’m going to throw out a few names and you tell me the first thing that comes to mind.
Brandy: Ok, sure.
Sam: Beyonce…
Brandy: Awesome
Sam: Barack Obama…
Brandy: A hero
Sam: Ciara (UK pronunciation – “Ci- Ah-Ra”)
Brandy: Who?
Sam: Ciara (US pronunciation – “Ci-Eh-Ra”)
Both: (laughs)
Brandy: Young Janet
Sam: and Brandy…
Brandy: A rainbow! (laughs)
Sam: When life sometimes gets a bit too much, and it takes to much effort to keep a smile on your face or keep your spirit up, what do you do to make yourself positive and smiling?
Brandy: I go play with my daughter, pray and write in my journal.
Sam: Also before we go, would it be possible to give us a quick acapella of your new single ‘Long Distance’?
Brandy: Sure…
Sam: Thank you very much, Brandy. It’s much appreciated. Do you have any message for your fans?
Brandy: Tell them that I love them so, so much and thank you for everything. Thank you for making me shine and I really appreciate them. Without them I am nothing. It’s really true.
Sam: Thank you very much!
Brandy: No worries. It was great speaking with you.
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Brandy’s brilliant new album ‘Human’ is in stores & iTunes now. Do be sure to pick up a copy.
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Your thoughts on the Brandy interview?
LeToya’s brand new Ne-Yo penned single ‘Not Anymore’ premiered literally moments ago over at LeToyaOnline.com (shout out to Ced!). Keeping it entirely real, I can’t say I’m particularly keen on this one, having given it a few listens. The mid-tempo cut does sound like it has grower potential, yet lacks the spark of first single material and lyrically is kinda ‘been there, done that’ territory for the former Destiny’s Child star. Vocally, she sounds great, I must say.
I still hail her 2006 debut as one of the most solid R&B efforts in recent years, so I’m remaining optimistic about what her sophomore set ‘Lady Love’ (due in April 7th – same day as Ciara’s new LP) will be serving up. For her sake (particularly after hearing this), it needs to be the hotness. Anyway, you can listen to ‘Not Anymore’ below
Hit or Miss?
Many thanks to the thousands of you who voted in the 2nd Annual That Grape Juice: End of Year Awards. You can peep the list of winners below and see if your favourite scooped an award:
TGJ End Of Year Awards 2008 Winners
Album of the Year
‘I Am…Sasha Fierce’ – Beyonce (38.71%)
‘Human’ – Brandy (14.93%)
Single of the Year
‘Single Ladies’ – Beyonce (46.94%)
Runner Up: ‘A Milli’ – Lil’ Wayne (14.59%)
Best Video:
‘Single Ladies’ – Beyonce (46.94%)
Runner Up: ‘Go Girl’ – Ciara (18.02%)
Best Collaboration
‘Live Your Life’ – T.I. & Rihanna (24.83%)
Runner Up: Love In The Club (Remix) – Usher, Beyonce & Lil’ Wayne (21.93%)
Best New Artist
Jazmine Sullivan – (25.07%)
Runner Up: Leona Lewis (23.15%)
Best Female Artist
Beyonce – (43.8%)
Runner Up: Rihanna (14.83%)
Best Male Artist
T.I. – (22.77%)
Runner Up: Chris Brown (20.7%)
The Kelly Rowland Underrated Artist Of The Year Award
Solange – (22.62%)
Runner Up: Michelle Williams (21.67%)
The Please Go Sit Down Somewhere Award
Rihanna – (38.86%)
Runner Up: Soulja Boy (29.31%)
Worst Single Of The Year
‘Marco Polo’ – Bow Wow & Soulja Boy (35.01%)
Runner Up: Everything She Released – Mariah Carey (20.19%)
Worst Album Of The Year
‘Just A Rolling Stone’ – Donnie Klang (30.44%)
Runner Up: ‘Brass Knuckles’ – Nelly (19.59%)
(You) Slippin’ / Step Your Game Up Award
Usher (30.22%)
Runner Up: Mariah Carey (23.3%)
Best Reality TV Show
X Factor (23.08%)
Runner Up: Making The Band 4 (22.7%)
Most Shocking Event of 2008
Jennifer Hudson Family Tragedy (42.09%)
Runner Up: Barack Obama Becoming 1st Black US President
Your thoughts on the awards/winners?
Suggestions for next year?
You know the deal; That Grape Juice, once again, wants to see what you all are listening to. Which 5 tracks have you got on constant rotation at the moment? Remember, it doesn’t have to be limited to Urban music; could be something new, Throwback, religious, even something you made yourself LOL. Drop a comment in the comments section. Mine are – in no particular order:
1) Go Girl – Ciara
2) Music (ft. Lauryn Hill) – Joss Stone
3) Stroke You Up – Changing Faces
4) Believer – Mary Mary
2) Music (ft. Lauryn Hill) – Joss Stone
3) Stroke You Up – Changing Faces
4) Believer – Mary Mary
5) Halo – Beyonce
What are your ‘Top 5 Songs Of The Moment’?
According to our friends over at Rap-Up.com, Brandy’s ‘comeback’ LP ‘Human’ has been delayed. Instead of arriving in stores on November 11th, the album will now be released on December 9th. ‘Human’ will now being going up against releases from the likes of Ciara, Keri Hilson and 50 Cent.It’s a shame the album has been pushed back. Still, with ‘Right Here’ not performing as well as it should IMO, I’m all for dropping another single before the album’s release, which seems to be the plan at present.
Your thoughts?
Keyshia Cole announced earlier this year that she had pencilled in an end of year release for her third studio album, which comes just a year after the release of her last ‘Just Like You’. With the album, titled ‘A Different Me’, now slated for a December release, it comes as little surprise that we’re starting to hear what Keyshia will be serving up.This new track, ‘Playa Cardz Right’, was initially featured on 2Pac’s 2006 collabo LP, yet is being given the single treatment for Keyshia’s release. Though a decent cut, I’m hoping it turns out to be little more than a buzz track – for Keyshia’s sake. With the likes of Beyonce, Ciara and Kanye release their latest efforts in the same window as her, there’s a strong likelihood Keyshia’s record could go largely unnoticed – especially with a lead track like this.
Hit or Miss?
{Link removed as requested}
After a four year hiatus from the music scene, R&B star Ashanti made a return to the charts recently with the release of her 4th studio album ‘The Declaration’.
Speaking from her home in New York City, the 27 year old songstress opened up to That Grape Juice about her comeback, album sales, feeling like an underdog, collaborating with Beyonce and co for charity single ‘Just Stand Up’, her relationship with a certain St.Louis rapper – Nelly and a whole lot more. As ever, we don’t shy away from the questions you really want answers to. A lengthy, yet great read. Enjoy.
Ashanti Shouts-Out That Grape Juice
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Sam: Hey Ashanti, how are you?
Ashanti: I’m good, how you doing?
Sam: I’m fine, thank you. Where are you at now?
Ashanti: New York City!
Sam: At home?
Ashanti: Yep
Sam: Ok, we have a lot of ground to cover, as, once we put word out to your fans and our readers that we’d be interviewing you, there was a really big response. So with that said, I’ll fire away…
Ashanti: Ok
Sam: You’ve just released your new 4th studio album ‘The Declaration’, which I must add is absolutely fantastic – personally my favourite Ashanti album to date…
Ashanti: Thank you!
Sam…what exactly are you declaring with this project?
Ashanti: Basically I’m declaring a sense of growing up, a sense of freedom, a sense of taking control and being independent. I did the whole project on my own and I learned so much about myself, about the industry and the politics that goes along with it. So for the whole project, I feel the name is just perfect. It just matches everything.
Sam: The album experienced a few false starts – so I know there was the track
‘Switch’ that was thrown out there, as well as ‘Hey Baby’, ‘My Number Babe’ too. Why was this? Why was there so many false-starts with the record?
Ashanti: I think with me being gone for 4 years, everything changed so much from the last time. I put out my last album, ‘Concrete Rose’ back in ’04. So, I basically said, ‘let’s record a bunch of records and let’s see what happens’ (laughs). It was like “Oh I like this, lets try this, oh I like this too, lets try this instead, oh this is completely different for me, let’s see how this works’ (laughs). I had to kind of familiarise myself with everything again, see what the lane was looking like and just threw a bunch out. I think it’s so crazy because it’s like every single artist has done it. Nearly all the major releases that came out this year and last year experienced the same thing.
Sam: Very true. You worked with some of the industry’s biggest hit-makers on this record; from Darkchild, to Jermaine Dupri, to Akon to LT Hutton. Who did you enjoy working with most and why?
Ashanti: I would say every experience as different. All of them were great, though. When going into the studio, the vibe was completely different when working with JD in Atlanta, Atlantic City with Rodney (Darkchild). By far, though, me and LT Hutton clicked the most…
Sam:…yeah, he has the most tracks on the album, if I’m correct?
Ashanti: Yeah, he has a lot of tracks on the album. I actually recorded a bunch of records with him – like between 14-17 records as a whole. We just really clicked. I believe he was the second producer I worked with on the album. Straight from the beginning, he’s funny, he’s talented, and he’s very humble and down-to-earth. I still talk to LT now; he’s someone I absolutely consider a friend. He gets me; I can go into the studio and be like “make me a beat like this” (laughs) and he’ll do it and we’ll make it grow from there.
Sam: Fantastic. The album debuted respectably at #6 on the Billboard 200 upon its release selling through 86,000 copies. With the sales being less that what your 
past releases have enjoyed, do you feel any added pressure to match your past numbers?
Ashanti: Well obviously we all want to strive to do our very best and to top ourselves each and every time. So I think the pressure is a good pressure and a regular pressure – if that makes any sense (laughs). It’s like you’re under pressure and you feel like “Man, I want this happen, I want this to do the very best!” However, we are living in reality and the reality is that the economy sucks right now. Some people have to decide, ‘am I going to buy a CD or am I going to buy gas, because they’re about the same price right now!’ (Laughs) You know what I mean? There’s so much that comes with the territory; it’s being gone for so long, reacquainting myself with the scene musically, the economy being the way that it is, the politics in radio, switching over from labels. It’s just been so much. The best thing for me, I must say, is that this has absolutely been a critically acclaimed album. I am just so so happy that the response from the fans, from the critics has all been the same like ‘Oh my gosh, I love the album!’ With me doing the whole thing by myself, it really is a great feeling.
Sam: I can definitely vouch for that, in that, whether you’re speaking to your friends or reading reviews etc, the general response to the album has been really great. The majority seem to consider it, on a number of fronts, to be some of your strongest work to date. There is generally a really good feeling about the record. Congratulations on that.
Ashanti: Thank you.
Sam: You mentioned earlier that you’re having to reacquaint yourself with the industry and that it has changed. Do you feel like an underdog? Do you feel like you have more to prove this go round?
Ashanti: Oh, absolutely. Absolutely, I feel like the underdog! Obviously no one has exactly the same story, but I definitely feel like no one has MY story, you know what I mean? This has been an uphill battle in every way shape and form; with everything that happened with the indictment, Murder INC, to being gone for so long, with the politics in the switching of my labels, just a lot of stuff. My story is complicated to say the least (laughs). It’s good, though, because it keeps me motivated and it keeps me fighting hard and just learning. The best experience is the experience gained from life’s lessons, making mistakes, learning from them and getting better and becoming stronger.
Sam: You recorded over 52 tracks for this album, what will become of the unused tracks? Will we hear any of them?
Ashanti: Well, we definitely want to use all of the tracks. Being that I’ve been blessed to be able to try other things outside of music, it’s a broader spectrum for me now. I can now say “Oh, this track would go perfect with this movie”. So we’re definitely looking to get placements on some movie Soundtracks, television etc. Definitely utilise all of those records. Not forgetting…you get to sell them. It’s one of the best feelings as an artist and writer, when there are new artists on the come up, to be able to say “Oh this track would be perfect for such and such”.
Sam: A lot of people have their favourite tracks on the album, one of mine being ‘Struggles’.
In terms of future singles, is there anything we should be looking forward to? Obviously we had ‘The Way That I Love You’ as the first single; ‘Good Good’ as the follow-up, over here in the UK ‘Body on Me’ is CONSTANTLY on the radio…
Ashanti: Yeah I heard! It’s doing good over there. We may have to come over and see you guys soon (laughs)…
Sam: I’m sure many will be hoping for that. So, what in terms of new singles can we expect from the album?
Ashanti: You know what; it’s weird, a couple of people have mentioned ‘Struggles’ to me quite often. I did a show in LA about a week ago and it was amazing – like 10,000 people came out, it was hot, the vibe was great – and the whole left section of the audience kept screaming ‘Struggles! Struggles! Struggles!’ I was like “Oh my gosh”. I don’t know. It’s a toss-up. I love ‘Struggles’, I love ‘So Over You’, I love ‘You’re Gonna Miss’. So who knows…
Sam: A case of wait and see, I assume then?
Ashanti: Yeah. I’ll let them (the label) know that you like ‘Struggles’, though.
Sam: That’d be great. I’m not just speaking for myself when it comes to the track. As you said, the track is very popular, so hopefully it gets the single treatment…
Ashanti: Hopefully.
Sam: Moving on; having been in the industry for so long, you’re no stranger to
people’s negativity. How do deal with it?
Ashanti: You have to deal with it as it comes; you just have to deal with it accordingly. At the end of the day, you know that coming into this industry there are going to be a lot of amazing things and a lot of horrible things. You just have to be a strong enough person to be able to deal with that balance. I’m fortunate enough to have a lot of people around me to support me, like my family. You have to start, obviously though, with being strong in yourself and loving yourself. Reminding yourself of the industry you’re in and that it’s going to be hard, and why it’s different from being in your regular 9-5. There are going to be horrible things (said about you) and you are, at times, going to feel really bad, but you also got to snap out of it and keep it moving (laughs).
Sam: We’ve seen the pictures and heard the rumours; for the record what is your relationship status with Nelly?
Ashanti: (Chuckles)
Sam: (Laughs!)
Ashanti: Me and Nelly, we’re really really really good friends. We do a lot of hanging out, a lot of working together. He’s a really good person. We’re really good friends.
Sam: Just good friends?
Ashanti: Yeah. Really really really good friends (laughs)…
Sam: Mhmm…really really really good friends (laughs)
Both: (Laugh!!)
Sam: I’m not going to ask too much more about Nelly, but you thanked him for teaching you so much in the album credits for ‘The Declaration’; what exactly has he taught you?
Ashanti: You know, he taught me to always try and push further. (He taught me) to think outside of the box, to not be scared to try something different. So, for example, going into the studio, working with different people and try to break from the norm, without feeling scared or (feeling) a certain way. It’s like sometimes if you go to a pool and the water is cold, what’s the best way to do it: do you stick your one toe in and gradually go in or do you jump into a cannon-ball? Either way, you’re going to have to jump in sooner or later (laughs).
Sam: That’s great. The internet is abuzz about how much you’ve stepped your game up this go round vocally, stage presence-wise. In your time away, has there been anything in particular that you’ve been doing to hone your craft?
Ashanti: Well, I definitely surrounded myself with so many different people – so Nelly and other people outside of my expected norm. You just learn a lot; going into the studio with so many different producers, going to different shows, and just becoming more confident and growing. That time off was almost like a double-edged sword; it was great because I learned so much, I had the opportunity to film 2 more movies and to do other things outside of music, and then obviously I have this uphill battle coming back, after being out of the music for so long. That said, you learn from these situations. The best thing is, whatever happens – good or bad – you take that knowledge and that way you’re a better person at the end of the day.
So as far as me becoming better, yeah you become more confident – you experience yourself a little more and that all stems from coming out of the box and thinking out of the box and trying thing different, because you never know unless you try.
Sam: True, indeed. Speaking of the internet, do you check out what the blogs are saying about Ashanti and your industry contemporaries?
Ashanti: Uhm, I’m not an Internet junkie; I log on every so often. Usually for me, if I’m not in New York or if I’m overseas or something – where the time zones are completely different and I’m just up at night for no real reason – I’ll log on. But, my little sister (Shia), she definitely keeps me posted. She, on the other hand, she knows the Internet in and out (laughs). She carries her laptop with her, her Blackberry, everything, everywhere! She definitely knows what’s going on.
Sam: You recently took part in the ‘Stand Up 2 Cancer’ campaign song ‘Just Stand Up’ alongside Mary J, Beyonce, Ciara and many other female artists as well. How did the whole project come about and your involvement with it as well?
Ashanti: Well, basically, LA Reid reached out to all of us to come together for this amazing cause. I think every person has been touched by someone – friend, family member – being lost to cancer; so everyone was just over-the-top willing to come together and do something for this really great cause.
Also, Babyface (who produced the song) was the first producer I worked with on my record. So me and him established a really great relationship. With me being with Universal, which LA is a part of (Def Jam head), it was nothing; he reached out. He was like ‘listen, I want you to be a part of this, it’s going to be great!’ That’s kinda how we all unfolded.
Sam: How did it feel performing the track live? I saw you and the ladies
performing the song recently at Fashion Rocks.
Ashanti: It was amazing. I can’t even front; going into it – with all the girls names that were going to be apart of it, I was like ‘Oh man’ (laughs). Going to the rehearsal, I didn’t know if there was going to be some cattiness or whatever. You know when a bunch of females get together, you never know what could pop off (laughs). You know what, though, it was so cool. Everybody was talking, having conversations, rehearsing around one piano. All twelve/thirteen of us were crowding around this one little tiny piano with Babyface, everyone was singing and laughing. Genuinely, it was a really good thing. To be on stage for such an amazing cause – so many amazing people coming together – it was great. It felt good.
Sam: It was a great performance, I must say.
Music aside, what other projects can we look forward to from you? I hear that you’re starting a new label, Written Entertainment?
Ashanti: Yeah!!! You’ve been doing your homework (laughs).
Sam: (Laughs!)
Ashanti: Written Entertainment is something I want to get started really soon. Basically, with me being a writer, I want to form my own company to get records out there (via other artists too). There are a bunch of other projects that we’re going to do underneath that umbrella. Like, I’ve been doing a lot of stuff in Hollywood; there are two projects that I’m working on right now – keep your fingers crossed for me – that will involve me being a little more involved behind the scenes as opposed to in front of it. You definitely have to think outside of music. I mean, music is my passion and I love it and it’s the best thing for me to be able to go into a studio and create. Yet, at the same time, you don’t want to limit yourself. You can’t keep all your eggs in one basket.
Sam: You’re oft described as being one of the most down to earth artists out. After all of your success, how do you continue to remain so level headed?
Ashanti: I surround myself with family. With me, it’s like, you know, the money and being recognised (for what I do) is cool, but at the end of the day, I’m still the same person. It’s really not so different. I have the opportunity to do something that I love and they happen to give you some good money (laughs), but at the end of it all, I’m still the same person. It didn’t change who I am.
Sam: You mentioned your family, as to why you remain so level headed. Could you share a time with That Grape Juice when your family had to put you in check?
Ashanti: Let me see. Sometimes, like when we’re going shopping or something. I’m a very very very indecisive person – I’m a Libra. So it could be like the smallest thing: “Should I wear the Nike socks or the Adidas socks…This one has a little check, this one has a red check…this one fits different” It’s ridiculous. So, if I’m going shopping or something – and my mom and sister are with me – we’ll go to like 11 stores and I’ll buy 2 or 3 of the same thing, they’ll be like “You know what? You are playing yourself right now”. That’s my sister, she’s like “You’re ODing, you’re doing too much…cut it out.” Sometimes they have to reel me back in when it comes to being indecisive and doing too much.
Sam: Ok, a lot of new music has been released this year and we still have a lot to look forward to on the horizon. What are your top 5 songs at the moment?
Ashanti: Top 5 songs at the moment? Hmm. I love The Dream’s song ‘I Love Your Girl’. Did you guys get that out there?
Sam: I’ve heard it personally, but they haven’t really launched him over here as such – yet.
Ashanti: Ok. I like Lil Wayne’s ‘Mrs Officer’ (sings “wee oh wee wee oh wee”). I love that song. Oh and I love my song with Robin Thicke ‘Things You Me Me Do’ (laughs) – I be bumping that in my truck (laughs).
Sam: My friend stays playing that song!
Ashanti: Aww. Tell ‘em I said ‘Thank You’ (laughs).
I’m also really liking Jazmine Sullivan’s ‘I Need You Bad’. Lastly, number 5; well I actually got to hear Nelly’s new album ‘Brass Knuckles’ and he has a track with T.I. that I think is pretty hot (‘Hold Up’).
Sam: A lot of your UK fans wanted to know whether you’ll be officially launching the project over here and whether you’ll be coming over here anytime soon.
Ashanti: Well I definitely plan to. I haven’t been over there in so so long. I miss you guys. I definitely want to get out there and do some big shows. I hope and pray that we get to do it before the year is out. I know I’m going to Japan in October and December, so hopefully we can get over to the UK during that period. If not, then possibly top of ’09.
Sam: Ok. What are your tour plans in general?
Ashanti: Yeah, I wanted to do something kinda intimate, which I haven’t really had the chance to do before. We’re working towards me doing a House of Blues run; small intimate settings, which are really cool as they give the audience a chance to get up close and personal. I can go out and perform records from my first album, to right now. So a small House of Blues run and then hopefully turn that into something in ’09.
Sam: The hotly anticipated MOBO (Music of Black) Awards are coming up here in London on October 15th – you performed at the show a few years back.
Ashanti: I remember MOBO. When I was there last, someone broke my award in the limo – must have put their bag or something on it (laughs). They sent me another one, but I had to wait for a while for the replacement (laughs).
Sam: What does Music of Black Origin mean to you? What does MOBO Music mean to Ashanti?
Ashanti: I would say, the fact that we create the best music in the world. It’s a phenomenon, it’s amazing to be a part of that and it’s a passion. It comes from the soul, it comes from the heart. It can heal your heart, it can break your heart, but it’s all about that emotion. To have so many talented black artists doing what they love and being respected for it is definitely amazing.
Sam: Well, Miss Ashanti, it really has been an honour speaking with you.
Ashanti: Thank you so much.
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Ashanti’s fantastic new album ‘The Declaration’ is in stores & iTunes now. Do be sure to pick up a copy.
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Your thoughts on the Ashanti interview?
After much speculation, Sony have confirmed that Britney Spears will indeed release new album this year. In the press release sent to media outlets this morning, including That Grape Juice, Sony confirmed the album will be called ‘Circus’ and will be preceded by first single ‘Womanizer’:
Jive/Zomba recording artist Britney Spears announces her sixth studio album, ‘Circus’, set for release December 1st. The first single from the album is titled “Womanizer” and was produced by the up-and-coming Atlanta production team The Outsyders. The album release date coincides with Spears’ birthday.
On the heels of an MTV VMA awards sweep, where Britney walked away with three Moonmen awards for “Video of the Year,” “Best Female” and “Best Pop Video” for “Piece of Me,” Jive Records is preparing her latest album, ‘Circus’, a follow-up to her critically well received album, ‘Blackout’. For her latest effort, Britney has enlisted a stellar group of established producers/writers that include Dr. Luke (who wrote and produced the album’s title track, “Circus”), Danja, Max Martin, Bloodshy & Avant and Guy Sigsworth (Madonna, Alanis Morissette, Bjork).
Britney Spears is one of the top-selling artists of the last decade,and to date, she has sold in excess of 62 million albums worldwide that include ‘Baby One More Time’ (1999), ‘Oops!…I Did It Again’ (2000), ‘Britney’ (2001), ‘In The Zone’ (2003), and ‘Blackout’ (2007), eight #1 worldwide singles and four consecutive #1 albums.
Wow. The latter part of this year is set to deliver some major releases; Beyonce, Ciara, Kanye, and now Britney. Exciting stuff.
Your thoughts?
*Continually Updated*
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