Singer-songwriter Ashanti (born Ashanti Douglas) reminds fans her talents are certainly not limited to the pen and microphone, a feat evidenced by the trailer for the forthcoming musical-drama, ‘Stuck.’
Executive produced by and starring Douglas, the film showcases what happens when “six unlucky strangers (Amy Madigan, Giancarlo Esposito, and others) [are] thrust together when their Manhattan-bound train unexpectedly grinds to a halt deep beneath the skyscrapers of the Big Apple. Their solution? Sing about their problems until salvation arrives.”
As reported, rapper Nipsey Hussle tragically died today after being shot multiple times outside of his clothing store in Los Angeles.
The father of two was pronounced dead less than an hour ago, however the outpouring of emotion has been immense from his peers – many of whom are struggling to make sense of the news.
Word from Drake, Rihanna, Pharrell Williams and more below…
After reportedly pulling out as a headliner, Kanye West has announced that he is indeed set to storm Coachella this year. And in a unique manner at that.
From The Vault is back and this week journeys to a jam poured out in 1995.
Brandy‘s Billboard blazer ‘Sittin’ Up In My Room’ is our pick.
Lifted from the ‘Waiting To Exhale’ movie soundtrack, the single was written and produced by Babyface and was one of five issued from the project alongside the likes of Mary J. Blige’s ‘Not Gon’ Cry’ and Whitney Houston’s ‘Shoop.’ All of which dominated the charts.
Unlike the aforementioned, who were well established at the time, B-Rocka’s success with her song (which included a #2 peak on the Hot 100) was especially notable given that she was still in her debut cycle.
Aged just 16 at the time, she had garnered gargantuan momentum from top 10 singles such as ‘Baby,’ ‘I Wanna Be Down,’ and ‘Brokenhearted’ – with all having arrived just months before.
A testament to the eventual icon’s almost immediate popularity, she was not only recruited to appear alongside music’s biggest hitters – but more than held her own with a cut that’s gone on to become a bonafide R&B classic.
One of the most resonating components of ‘Sittin” was its vibrant video.
Despite ‘Waiting’s markedly adult themes, the Hype Williams clip didn’t shy away from Brandy’s youth.
Instead, it took a semi-literal approach to the song’s title, depicting the songbird nested in her room longing for her love, while also learning from the antics of the film’s protagonists who she watched on a screen.
And though she’s most renown for her vocals, the visual showcased B’s gravitas as a performer too – with its slickly executed choreography and sass aplenty. Ahh the 90s, a time when artists – almost by default – actually went above and beyond to do it all.
The demands of newcomers today may have sadly pivoted in the direction of “less is more,” but we’ll forever give a nostalgic nod to the likes of Brandy. For, even at a young age, she showed and proved that true and enduring magic comes from meeting the moment (see: the opportunity and the song) and going that extra mile with it (see: confidence, conviction, and performance).
Acts like Brandy are a rare breed; as such almost 24 years on from the release of ‘Sittin”, we remain amped for every new song, album, and era.
Here’s hoping that, after a lengthy spell away from the musical spotlight, her next chapter arrives imminently.
It looks like ‘Make Room’ gospel star Jonathan McReynolds will have to make room on his mantle for a slew of awards thanks to a jaw-dropping sweep at the 34th annual Stellar Awards on Friday night (March 29).
Hip-Hop’s “it chick” Cardi B has revealed that she intends to address her drugging scandal in the new music she has been recording and doesn’t care what her detractors have to say about it.
The demand for Khalid has led to the 21-year-old to announce he’s set to embark on his first-ever headlining North American arena tour.
Tapping special guest Clairo to assist, the trek (dubbed the ‘Free Spirit World Tour’) is designed to support ‘Free Spirit’ – his forthcoming sophomore album (due in stores April 5 via RCA Records). Kicking off June 20 at Gila River Arena in Phoenix, the R&B beau will take a bow in major cities like Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Detroit, New York, Boston and Atlanta before wrapping up August 17 at American Airlines Arena in Miami.
Will the ‘Location’ star be bringing his brigade of hits anywhere near your location? Look inside to see:
As reported earlier this week, all signs point to Usher piecing together ‘Confessions 2’ – the sequel to his diamond-selling 2004 opus.
Hotly anticipated, the project is shaping up see to the singer sound off on a number of pressing topics; several of which have kept him a fixture in the headlines.
An official announcement about the LP is still pending, but that hasn’t stopped the tease-fest.
Welcome to The Sip episode 36 on That Grape Juice!
In our new podcast series, hosts PatricklySpeakn and StephYoungMC run down the latest entertainment news from TGJ and beyond.
Special guest Capri Curves (Of #BootyCamp) joins us this week as we sip on the hottest stories.
Ciara is back with new single ‘Thinkin Bout You’ and has formally announced her 7th album ‘Beauty Marks,’ while Big Sean opened up about his personal battles. Elsewhere, Porsha Williams has landed a Real Housewives spin-off show. All this and much more.
Drink up!
Be sure to let us know what YOU think! What are you liking? What do you want to hear more of? Let us know below!
4 months shy of her 50th birthday, Jennifer Lopez continues to give us ample reasons to step away from the burgers and fries and head to the gym ASAP!
Taking to Instagram over the weekend, the ‘Dinero’ diva looked like a million bucks as she struck a pose from the set of her upcoming movie, ‘Hustlers.’
