In an interview with The Fader, Andre 3000 discussed a wide variety of hot topics ranging from the prospects of a new OutKast album, his thoughts on Chris Brown‘s plight, and feeling inspired by Drake. The ‘Stankonia’ rapper had some very interesting words to say about the Canadian born actor-turned-rapper and his placement in hip-hop’s hierarchy.
Also, what was the real reason behind novice rapper J. Cole taking his place in the music video for Bouncy‘s ‘Party’?
Find out below in excerpts from his tea spilling interview after the jump and sound-off below.
From The Vault this week journey’s back to the mid 1990’s, a time where urban super-groups such as Boyz II Men, Blackstreet and Xscape were setting the charts alight.
Today’s pick comes courtesy of R&B legends Jodeci‘s ‘Love U 4 Life’.
The mellow serenade was released as the second offering of the boys’ third and last album, ‘The Show, The After Party, The Hotel’ back in 1995. It charted at #31 on the Billboard Hot 100 while faring much better on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles tally at #8.
‘Love’ is considered an all-time classic by many a music lover which is partly due to its epic accompanying video. The big-budget affair sees Run DMC’s very own Rev Run officiating a lavish wedding ceremony between group member Dalvin DeGrate and then girlfriend Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins from the mighty TLC. (side note: there is also a brief cameo by Timbaland and pals Ginuwine, Magoo and Playa).
With only three album released during their 5 year tenure, the quartet has established itself as a landmark in R&B music and has inspired a new breed of singers. Still, although the 00’s saw the rise of bands such as 112 and Jagged Edge – who we must say took many pages from the Jodeci book, and rightfully so – nothing ever came close to the real thing.
Yesterday afternoon, an email sent by Lil Kim‘s publicist to a number of publications claimed the Rapper was readying a statement which would “destroy Nicki Minaj’s career and credibility forever”.
Today, following the backlash that email received here, her assistant has denied Kim is readying such a statement, citing Minaj’s label as the real masterminds behind its existence.
Jennifer Hudson has been booking appearances all across the States in support of her first book ‘I Got This’. Debuting this week (January 10), the soon-to-be Mrs. Otunga has been on the run all week long for book signings, interviews, and the like. The past week alone has seen her lend her looks to multiple magazine covers and dropping by ‘Dateline’, ‘Dr. Oz’, 106 & Park, ‘The Today Show’, and more.
And, as if she hasn’t racked up enough promo points for the memoir, Hudson can now be seen visiting Access Hollywood. Despite covering her regular range of topics, the hitmaker also spoke candidly about her desire to have a little girl and her surprising decline of the lead role for the Academy Award nominated ‘Precious’. Though reports originally claimed the singer turned down the role due to its ‘weight requirement’, Jennifer offers the real reason why she didn’t tackle the portrayal.
Check out this very interesting video sent to TGJ HQ minutes ago of Chris Brown’s new girlfriend Karrueche reportedly uploaded on YouTube back in October 2011.
In the provocative clip, the model can be seen with a group of friends listening to Rihanna‘s music and mimicking what many would agree to be the vocalist’s Bajan accent, saying “I love him but he don’t love me‘.
This, believed to be in reference to the ‘We Found Love‘s singer’s alleged attempts to reconcile with Brown after splitting in 2009.
Peep the video for yourself and let us know what you think…
After hundreds of comments and thousands votes, the time has finally come for the winners of the 2011 That Grape Juice End of Year Awards to be announced!
A certain Queen B dominated, while Adele also performed well.
However, the most surprising result of all emerged from the most popular poll, ‘Most Anticipated Comeback for 2012’. So who do most people want to see return to the charts next year? Check out the full list of winners below (in bold):
As one of Hip Hop’s more ground breaking acts to date, Young Money Prince Drake can often be found at the center of heated Rap centric debate.
Loved by some while loathed by others, his arrival and subsequent success on and in the scene has made him the undisputed figurehead of Contemporary Rap/Hop Hip Hop.
Of course, with such attention comes just as much criticism.
With Lil Kim stating that ‘he just wasn’t built for this hood sh*t’ and Common revealing his upcoming release ‘Sweet‘ was written all about him, the suggestion that Drake’s singing has made him ‘less of an MC ‘ is one estimation that doesn’t seem to be going anywhere soon.
So, ever eager to bring attention to the topics you are most passionate about, That Grape Juice asks the question:
Is Mr ‘Marvin’s Room‘ ‘too soft’ for Contemporary Hip Hop?
Make that two happy Sunday’s for X Factor stars Little Mix. For, exactly a week after winning the UK version of the show, Jade, Perrie, Jesy, and Leigh-Anne have more cause to celebrate – their debut single ‘Cannonball’ has rocketed to #1 on the Official UK Singles Chart.
In case you didn’t know, December 5th saw Urban Pop Prima Keri Hilson celebrate her 29th birthday.
So, in celebration of the event, the performer took to West Hollywood with a group of friends, which included Ne-Yo, to have a good old time courtesy of Boa.
Now peep what happened when one Paparazzo asks Hilson about her alleged feud with fellow belter Beyonce below…
Undoubtedly in a bid to drive up sales of her 10th studio album ‘My Life II: The Journey Continues (Act I)’, Mary J. Blige took ‘Mr. Wrong’ right to The Today Show’s Toyota Concert Series. While Drake, the track’s guest feature, was elsewhere lending ‘iconic status’ to undeserving divas, the real icon was performing by her lonesome (and reiterating while she is ever-so deserving of such title).
Delivering her second single live, see how MJB fared today on Today:
With the annual holiday season upon us, it’s only natural that labels have targeted this window for their biggest releases this year; few of such records are bigger than Rihanna and Mary J. Blige‘s latest efforts –‘Talk That Talk’ and ‘My Life II: The Journey Continues’.
Beacons of different generations, Rihanna is currently breathing out #1 singles, while Blige has seen the latter part of her career bring with it unsurmountable album sales.
And, as they prepare to duke it out on the Billboard 200 this week, we can’t but note how significant this “duel” of sorts is.
For, beyond it being the first “proper” Urban chart spar this year, it comes at a time when Ms. Fenty desperately needs to prove she can hold her own as an album seller (if the smoke she calls a career is to ever truly be legitimised). It comes at a time when Mary’s singles are struggling to do much on the Hot 100. And, above all, it comes at a time when the public are becoming more savvy and selective with who they spend their $$££ on.
So, in of course knowing that the real winner will always be Universal Music (who serve as the recording home for both ladies), we’re still keen to know…
Who will you be buying?
Disclaimer: Yes, we know Michael Jackson‘s ‘Immortal’ also hits stores today. However, as the biggest of MJ supporters, we’ll only pay attention when the estate give fans what they really want – new material. Not “re-imagined” versions of past hits. Please and thank you.
From releasing the smash hit album ‘Teenage Dream‘ to marrying British comedian Russell Brand, it has been eventful to say the least.
So, in news that will shock some while pleasing others, she is reportedly planning to retire from music once her ‘California Dreams Tour‘ comes to an end.
