R. Kelly faces more criticism from the Hip-Hop industry this week.

The latest rapper to bash the “Pied Piper’s” alleged crimes against women and children? Vince Staples.

Details below…

(more…)

Readers of That Grape Juice know what avid music lovers we are – especially of hits past.

So, just as our retrospective features ‘From the Vault’ and ‘TGJ Replay’ allow us the chance to re-spin the gems and jams of yesterday of one artist, our newest feature Chart Rewind – a variation of our current Retro Rewind assay – accedes salutes to an entire era of music history.

This week we’ll unlock ‘Unfaithful,’ the second single from Rihanna‘s second album, ‘A Girl Like Me’ (click here to read our ode to the project). Produced by Stargate,  the Ne-Yo-penned tune made its way onto charts the same week her song ‘SOS,’ the first of her 14 chart-toppers, hit #1 on the Hot 100.  At the rate ‘Unfaithful’ accelerated to the top 10, it almost seemed Rih was due for a repeat at the top (but this week in 2006 saw those dreams dashed when the song peaked and stalled at #6).

Her third of 31 top 10 singles, ‘Unfaithful’ eventually went on to triple platinum status and remains a fan favorite among her ballads.  Tuck in below to relive the tune and see who joined Rih in the top 25 this week 11 years ago:

(more…)

With each passing episode it seems TNT’s breakout new series, ‘Claws,’ is leaving more and more of a mark on its legion of growing fans.  For that reason and more, the network has renewed the Niecy Nash-led dramedy for a season 2, set to kick off in 2018.

Currently just midway through its inaugural season, the critically acclaimed series – also starring Karrueche Tran, Carrie Preston, and more – follows the lives of manicurists at a Floridian nail salon who have become wrapped up in some serious illegal activity.

And, if the way Twitter is set alight when the show airs is any indication, fans are wrapped up right along with them.

Deadline reports:

Five episodes in, Claws — from producers Rashida Jones and Will McCormack, creator Eliot Laurence and showrunner Janine Sherman Barrois — has become the highest-rated TNT series launched since the cable network’s programming shift last year under the new regime.

It also is the youngest-skewing TNT drama series. Ranking as cable’s No. 4 new drama with adults 18-49 for 2017-to-date and No. 4 cable drama in social engagement, Claws is reaching a multiplatform audience of 6.3 million viewers per episode across TNT’s linear, digital, mobile and on-demand platforms and averaging 1.1 million adults 18-49 in linear Live + 7.

‘Claws’ airs Sundays at 9 PM, with the season finale set for August 13th.

Your thoughts?

Nostalgia is proving a popular play in todays TV and film arenas. And Russell Simmons wants in.

The media mogul is reportedly readying a reboot of his ‘Def Poetry Jam’ series for HBO and has his sights set on Chance The Rapper to host.

If a go, the updated show would be titled ‘All Def Poetry.’

The original ‘Def Poetry Jam’ was a spoken word poetry series hosted by Mos Def on HBO; it ran  from 2002-2007.

As Deadline notes, it was an off-shoot of Simmons’ classic ‘Def Comedy Jam’ which aired 1992-97 – also on HBO. Recently rebooted (as ‘All Def Comedy’), the initial incarnation of the series launched the mainstream careers of talent such as Martin Lawrence, Chris Tucker, Bernie Mac, and Steve Harvey.

The first run of ‘Def Poetry’ earned a Tony, a Peabody, and an NAACP Image honor. So, any such revival has a firm foundation to build on.

A post shared by Russell Simmons (@unclerush) on Jul 14, 2017 at 7:47am PDT

Your thoughts?

Selena Gomez links with Gucci Mane for her next hopeful hit – ‘Fetish.’

Jointly produced by Jonas Jeberg and The Futuristics, the scintillating slow burner serves as the follow-up to ‘Bad Liar’ which peaked at #20 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Like its predecessor, the song sees Gomez embrace an altogether edgier sound.

Can it legitimize her elevation into more credible terrain? Listen below and let us know…

(more…)

DNCE danced their way to the upper echelon of the charts with hits such as ‘Cake By The Ocean’ last year and are now expanding their branding empire in partnership with K•SWISS.

The Pop quad, led by Joe Jonas, have teamed up with the popular sneaker line to front their latest campaign – which is being rolled out in print and digitally.

Speaking on the venture, Jonas said:

“We thought K•SWISS’ retro-like style matched our personal aesthetic perfectly. We can’t wait to show our fans what we have in store for this campaign and our upcoming collection.”

Patrick Buchanan, Global Marketing Director at K•SWISS Global Brands, added:

“We’re big fans of the band and excited for them to join the K•Swiss family. They have a very unique personal style and global recognition.”

The group have a quirky proposition and we’re loving their Nicki Minaj collabo, so kudos to them on the major partnership!

Your thoughts?

Blac Chyna has landed the upper hand in her game of one-upmanship with former boo Rob Kardashian.

As widely reported, the exes became embroiled in a shocking social media exchange last week which saw Rob expose intimate images of the socialite.

Allegedly fearing for her safety, Chyna lawyered up and went to court today to secure a restraining order against Rob as well as an injunction to prevent him releasing what team calls “revenge porn.”

Said requests were granted moments ago and the reality star took to the steps of the courthouse with her attorney to express her gratitude to the judge. Check it out:

The spectacle surrounding all of this defines disgusting. But it’s hardly surprising given the parties involved.

Our thoughts are with their daughter Dream, who is ultimately the only innocent party in the narrative.

Your thoughts?

JAY-Z is taking his Platinum coated ‘4:44’ album on the road.

Moments ago, the rapper and his team announced the trek’s North American leg, which will be playing to arenas across the US October through December. Named sponsors include TIDAL, Sprint, Puma, and Live Nation  – the latter of whom have a 10-year $200 million touring partnership with the star.

The news comes less than two weeks after the Hip-Hop titan unleashed the LP; a set that is being hailed as his most lyrically rich.

Jay’s dates also arrive after a number of high-profile festival slots this summer – including Made In America and the UK’s V Festival.

Find out below when Jigga is heading to a stage near you!

Your thoughts?

When Leona Lewis debuted a decade ago, immediate comparisons were drawn between the songbird and legendary diva Mariah Carey.

Beyond their big voices, Lewis’ early material seemed to echo Carey’s earlier offerings.

In the years since, the Londoner’s narrative has taken on a different path and steered away from the big ballads that defined her astronomical ascend.

Now, it’s looking as though Lewis may be returning to said sound. Because she’s currently logging in studio time with the mighty Walter Afanasieff.

The composer is renown for his work with Mimi, crafting classics such ‘Hero’ and ‘Butterfly.’ He’s also proven so popular amongst’s Carey’s Lamb-base that they’ve been campaigning for a reunion between the two.

For now though, he’s working with Ms. Lewis, who confirmed the news recently on Twitter:

Singing with Walter A is like a dream come true, the most incredible pianist/composer/writer/ human ! ? pic.twitter.com/94trzo9v6Q

— Leona Lewis (@leonalewis) July 4, 2017

*******

It’s not the first time Lewis and Afanasieff have collaborated (see: ‘Here I Am’). However, the timing of this run is rather noteworthy.

Leona, having not fared as well with the underrated ‘I Am,’ is now tasked with staging a “comeback.” And teaming with a talent as respected as Afanasieff is a smart place to start.

Do you see it for Leona? Let us know below…

Your thoughts?

Social media is becoming like the WWE Royal Rumble these days. Case in point the ‘Love & Hip-Hop: Instagram’ exchange between Joseline Hernandez and K. Michelle.

As reported, the reality stars and former friends have been trading insults over an issue that ironically wasn’t with one another. [Hernandez has beef with TV exec Mona Scott Young.]

However, that hasn’t stopped the pair from going “there” and beyond. From children to drug use, the draggings have left no stone unturned. And it’s still going on.

Picking up where K left off, Hernandez hit back with…

You do the math hoe!!!! Tour now!! Cause your future ain’t promise ????????????? #boribori #joselinehernandez #griseldablanco #spanishrocksta #puertoricanprincess IM GOING TO MAKE YOU HOES EAT AND CHOKE IN YOUR OWN WORDS

A post shared by Management:JoselineHernandez (@joseline) on Jul 8, 2017 at 3:39pm PDT

As well as…

????

A post shared by Management:JoselineHernandez (@joseline) on Jul 8, 2017 at 8:30am PDT

K responded with…

A post shared by ??MyRealTalkRadio (@myrealtalkradio) on Jul 9, 2017 at 1:05am PDT

A post shared by ??MyRealTalkRadio (@myrealtalkradio) on Jul 9, 2017 at 1:10am PDT

Sigh.

Your thoughts?

These days beef is cooked and served on social media.

Such was the case for the sudden feud between former ‘Love & Hip-Hop Atlanta’ cast-mates K. Michelle and Joseline Hernandez.

Despite being pally on the hit VH1 show, the pair have fallen out – over producer Mona Scott-Young.

This week on IG, K shared a lengthy message of appreciation for the TV maestra – who was with her at the time – for helping turn her life around.

The camaraderie spilled over to IG Live, where K and reality star Shekinah playfully confirmed that Mona does indeed pay up. A jab Joseline interpreted as being about her issue with the exec over money.

Say what you want I love @monascottyoung and @kmichellemusic ?????? come support @kmichellemusic @puffandpetalslounge she has the best food ever!!!!!!!!!

A post shared by Shekinah Anderson (@thatshekinah) on Jul 6, 2017 at 5:58pm PDT

A jarred Joseline responded with the following…

Never one to hold back, K hit back with:

The self professed “Baddest Puta” clapped back moments, referring to K’s family dynamic:

A post shared by CoreVizionTv (@coreviziontv) on Jul 8, 2017 at 6:36am PDT

Juicy as that was, we have no idea why the ladies are duelling on social media.

They’d be better off doing it on TV. Like, if you’re gonna beef – at least beef for coin. Then again, isn’t that Joseline’s whole gripe to begin with?

Sigh.

Your thoughts?

[Photo credit: Prince Williams / ATLPics.net]

Rob Kardashian was on a rampage…until shortly ago when his Instagram handle was disabled.

Setting the Internet alight this morning with some damning posts against his baby mama/model Blac Chyna (as we reported here), the youngest of the Kardashian clan also made headlines for taking aim at T.I. after the rapper offered his two cents on the situation (as we also reported here).

Now, with Rob’s page down, all eyes are on Chyna.  Fans and detractors of the model/actress have taken to her Instagram handle to instigate a response to all the hoopla by lining all of her posts with “Ls.”

Despite the ongoing online assault against Chyna, Rob hasn’t exactly left the situation unscathed.  Some commenters are calling the model’s alleged betrayal of the youngest Kardashian “karma” for his mistreatment of former girlfriend Adrienne Bailon.

Remember that infamous slap?

Yooooooooooo RT @kiyaaking Why Rob slap Adrienne like that lmfaooooooooo omg ??????????????????????? pic.twitter.com/ef1STzEQFj

— Your Yoruba Husband (@O_Tunj) July 5, 2017

Update: Rob exposes more nudes of Chyna on Twitter…

Click here to see nudes we can’t show you on the wholesome, family site that is  ThatGrapeJuice.

Your thoughts?