RAY BLK has cracked the case and ends up cracking more than that in the video for new single ‘In My Bed.’

Newly unleashed, the fire-filled release is the latest taste of what the rising Londoner has on offer.

Armed with the momentum of an opener spot on Nicki Minaj’s ‘Nicki WRLD Tour,’ the Toddla T production also serves as the first of music from the BBC Sound Of winner since last year’s ‘Empress’ project.

Check out the Matt Walker directed visual after the jump..

(more…)

Ava DuVernay‘s ‘When They See Us’ took viewers on an emotional roller coaster upon its release back in May.

The four-part Netflix production told the true story of the Central Park Five, a group of young Black and Latino youth wrong accused, convicted, and imprisoned for a sexual assault crime they did not commit.

And while they were eventually vindicated, it’s been projects such as ‘When They See Us’ that is giving their innocence the volume it so very much deserves.

The Emmy committee clearly agree, for they rewarded the special with 11 nominations.

Ahead of the September 22nd ceremony, Jharrel Jerome (whose portrayal of Korey Wise earned him a nom for Outstanding Lead Actor), stopped by Hot 97 to discuss the impact of the series.

Check out his interview with Ebro, Peter Rosenberg, and Laura Stylez below…

(more…)

That Grape Juice had the pleasure and honor of being among attendees wowed by show-stopping performances as they were rendered live at this year’s BET ‘Black Girls Rock!’ event.

Taped on Sunday, August 25, the annual event – recorded at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) Prudential Hall in Newark, NJ – premiered on BET tonight (Sunday, September 8th) and continued its tradition of celebrating the remarkable achievements of Black women who have made outstanding contributions to their respective communities and disciplines.

When not honoring the likes of Academy Award nominee Angela Bassett, Grammy winners Ciara and H.E.R., and more, the Niecy Nash-hosted ceremony was seeing its stage blessed by the likes of Erykah Badu, Monica, India.Arie, and many more.  Watch them below if you missed the action:

(more…)

Melanin magic was celebrated in a major way at BET Black Girls Rock 2019!

This year’s ceremony took place at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark and saw the likes of Angela Bassett, Ciara, and Regina King honored for their incredible achievements.

That Grape Juice was in the house and caught up with Bassett ahead of her roof raising acceptance speech, as well as Brandy, Remy Ma, ‘Greenleaf‘s Merle Dandridge, and more.

Watch above as they open up about what being a Black girl who rocks means to them.

Your thoughts?

That Grape Juice was on-hand at the 2019 instalment of Black Girls Rock and so too was Brandy!

The Grammy-winning songstress is riding the wave of success with Daniel Caesar collaboration ‘Love Again,’ which has been making moves on the Billboard R&B tally.

We caught up with her and discussed the track and her hotly anticipated new album.

The set will serve as The Vocal Bible’s first LP in seven years and, according to the star herself, will be landing sooner than you might think.

Speaking to TGJ on the red carpet, the veteran  revealed “I have a date and it’s here in 2019. I am so excited.” She also teased special collaborations and explained why she’s adamant about continuing the legacy of her idol Whitney Houston. 

Watch above and let us know if you’re as buzzed as we are for new B-Rocka!

Your thoughts?

*Black Girls Rock 2019 airs tonight 8PM ET on BET*

Lana Del Rey left no stone unturned on the promo trail in support of her sixth studio album, ‘Norman F*cking Rockwell.’  

Taking to print, Web, television, radio, and the live performance circuit, Del Rey not only dished in great detail about the album itself but also sent fans into a frenzy with news she was already nearly finished with its follow-up, ‘White Hot Forever’ (click here to read more about that).

In the here and now, however, ‘Norman’ – released August 30 – not only earned mostly favorable reviews from the industry’s top critics, but was forecasted to see its first week sales figures be in line with the singer’s previous top-sellers.  Initial projections may have suggested its inaugural tracking week would see 75,000-85,000 units shifted, but today Billboard revealed Del Rey’s latest has exceeded that prediction handsomely.

Curious to see how it stacked up against top sellers Taylor Swift and Tool?  Find out inside:

(more…)

Just days before the kick off of her highly anticipated ‘Madame X’ tour, Queen of Pop Madonna saw her fans royally disappointed by a mailing they received from Ticketmaster which expressly forbids the use of cell phones during her concerts.

Although the move is one being embraced by a number of artists who feel concertgoers on phones during shows disconnects them from currency, the increased popularity of fan captured footage has also served to the detriment of performers in ways that include decreased demand for tour DVDs or related videoed merchandise, decreased demand for concert ticket purchase, and increased likelihood of mishaps being captured and going viral (i.e. audio fails, slip and fall on stage, etc.).

Madge fans are particularly pissed because a number of them could not attend the concert in person due to its limited locations and/or cost.  As such, unlike with her previous outings, their absence means they won’t even get to enjoy footage on Youtube or social media.  Ouch!  Needless to say, they aren’t happy about it:

(more…)

50 Cent has urged Nicki Minaj to think twice before she throws in the towel.

The femcee, whose pure sales feats make her the highest selling female rapper of all time, announced that she is to retire so that can she build a family with lover Kenneth Petty after she braved two years of negative press, fake news stories and a stream of spats with some of her peers.

And it appears 50 was upset by the news.

See his message below…

(more…)

With B2K back on the scene, so too are the dramas that have long followed the group.

And while other members have spoken up and out, whether it be to the press or on reality TV, the group’s lead Omarion has been pretty much mute. Notably showing up, turning up, then tuning out.

Now, O is sharing his take on the ‘Millennium Tour,‘ the possibility of new music from the group, and much more.

During the visit to ‘Sway In The Morning,’ the 34-year-old also spoke on issues with his former label, his upcoming solo music, and starting his own label – Omarion World Wide.

Check out the interview below:

(more…)

Malik Yoba has been the center of many-a-hot-debate over the week since speaking out about his attraction to all women, including transgendered women (click here to read).

While fielding some criticism and homophobic jokes, the overwhelming commentary around Yoba’s admission has been positive as he was applauded for his bravery – especially as a man of color – for making such an announcement.  However, just days after the ‘New York Undercover’ star’s confession, a Facebook post made by a transgender woman named Mariah Lopez Ebony went viral after she alleged the now-51-year-old actor paid to have sex with her 20 years ago.

The issue?  She was only 13-years-old at the time. Details below:

(more…)

With little warning, Hip Hop veteran Missy Elliott sent fans into a frenzy when she announced the release of her long-awaited project, ‘ICONOLOGY.’ 

Hitting digital shelves on August 23, the 5-song EP – her first body of work since 2005’s ‘The Cookbook’ LP – came as a celebrated reunion with longtime collaborator Timbaland and was also accompanied by a Dave Meyers-directed music video for its first single, ‘Throw It Back.’  Later promoted as part of a medley during her MTV VMA Video Vanguard performance (click here to watch), ‘Back’s first televised showing helped kick off a week of promo for the femcee which also featured radio and Web interviews.

Now, with its first official tracking week of sales in its rearview, Elliott – despite stiff competition from the likes of Taylor Swift and more – can see the fruit of her labor.  Look inside to find out where she landed on this week’s Billboard 200:

(more…)

While celebrated in some corners, journalist and civil rights activist Shaun King – despite having made a career of championing efforts on behalf of disenfranchised members of communities of color – has often found himself embroiled in controversy.  Most of the heat from spectators centers on what they say are questionable funding sources and the allocation of said funds upon receipt by King and his team.

Murmurs of his alleged unethical practices went into overdrive when it was reported the 39-year-old was set to  be among the year’s honorees at the Rihanna‘s annual Diamond Ball (as we reported here).  In response to the backlash and calls for cancellation, King – in an effort to clear his name – opted to publish a whopping 72-page report to detail where “every single penny [he’s] ever raised” went on behalf of a number of civil rights causes (namely Black Lives Matter).

Following the publication with an interview at “The Clay Cane Show” on SiriusXM Urban View earlier this week, Shaun also addressed any lingering issues the report may have caused or failed to address.  Hear it inside:

(more…)