With the identity of his attackers shrouded in mystery, many have begun questioning the authenticity of news around the attack of singer/actor Jussie Smollett.

Weeks after That Grape Juice exclusively broke the story, Smollett took to press to discuss the incident and his ongoing healing (as we reported here), but only further ignited criticism along the way.  As some outlets began reporting conclusively that his attack was a ‘hoax’ due to fear of ‘his character being written off the hit series ‘Empire,’ the Chicago Police took to Twitter to deny any such statement coming from their camp.

Their expression was followed by an official show of support from ‘Empire’s home network, FOX. Read both statements inside:

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Normani and Sam Smith are storming their way up the charts with seductive collaboration ‘Dancing With  A Stranger.’

Having climbed to #3 in the UK and #26 in the US, the song has been gifted a fresh boost by way of a newly released acoustic version.

Stripped back and slowed down, the latest incarnation of the love lorn jam puts the pair’s vocals to the forefront.

Take a listen below…

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

So, 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’re shining a light on Prince classic ‘Diamonds and Pearls.’  A fan favorite from the music legend’s storied catalog, ‘Pearls’ – the title track from the Prince & the New Power Generation LP –  was released in November 1991.  A borderline Rock power ballad for its masterful fusion of heavy drums and soaring guitar riffs, the song’s R&B undertone helped make it staple on both Pop and R&B formats for months after its debut.

Eventually peaking at #3 on the Hot 100 (where it was found this week 27 years ago), ‘Pearls’ may have not earned its own RIAA certification but it undoubtedly helped power its parent album to sales of over 2 million in the United States alone.

Curious to see who joined him in the top 25 this week in 1992?  Look below to see:

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R. Kelly is a bonafide pedophile...allegedly.

Full story below…

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PJ Morton and JoJo team up to unwrap a Valentine’s Day gift to fans in the form of new duet ‘Say So.’

The soulful duo’s voices melt over the stunning production, which has particular resonance given today’s occasion. For they sing…

“I can’t play these games with you no more. So, if you love me…just say so. I need to know from you before I go.”

Take a listen below…

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Police have identified two people they believe may be tied to the Jussie Smollett attack.

Full story below…

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Katy Perry is back and this time it’s in partnership with Zedd.

The duo join forces for the new collaboration ‘365,’ the video for which arrived moments ago.

Directed by Warren Fu and conceptualized by Katy, the clip poses the question: could an AI learn to love? The visual tells the poignant tale of an android Katy Perry, who longs to be human, as she attempts to make a genuine connection with Zedd.

Speaking on the collab, Perry said:

“I was really excited for Zedd to join my Witness Tour last year, and in our down time, we started vibing on music, which led to this special song. Happy to collaborate with such a talented and down-to-earth human being.”

Check out the visual below…

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Octavia Spencer has joined Kenya Barris and Anne Hathaway in the forthcoming ‘Witches’ remake.

Watch below…

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Tamar Braxton has won ‘Celebrity Big Brother.’

Fantastic news below…

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Welcome to The Sip episode 31 on That Grape Juice!

In our new podcast series, hosts PatricklySpeakn and StephYoungMC run down the latest entertainment news from TGJ and beyond.

This week Ciara is back, Lizzo has us amped for her album, Katy Perry is toying with her look, and Normani is creating all the right ‘Waves.’ 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!

Follow us on social:

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@PatricklySpeakn
@StephYoungMC

Your thoughts?

Bebe Rexha has been riding quite the wave of late.

Having anchored herself as a Pop force – both as a songwriter and an artist, the outspoken 29-year-old broke new ground with seismic smash ‘Meant To Be.’

Armed with that momentum, the multi-talented maven is gearing up to unleash new single ‘Last Hurrah.’

Produced by Andrew Wells, the song is lifted from Rexha’s hotly anticipated sophomore album ‘BR2’ – due later this year.

Ahead of the cut’s unwrapping tomorrow (Feb 15th), That Grape Juice were privy to an early listen.

Check out our thoughts below…

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“Booked” and “busy” are most definitely understatements when talking about reigning rapstress Cardi B.

Fresh from her historic, yet controversial ‘Best Rap Album’ Grammy win (click here to read), the 26-year-old made headlines for confirming the longstanding rumor that she and ‘Finesse’ co-star, Bruno Mars, have a follow-up collaboration coming (click here to read more on that).

As if that’s not enough, DJ Khaled took to Instagram recently to confirm he was hard at work with the ‘Trap Selena’ on a ‘top secret’ collaboration set to line his ‘Father of Asahd’ album (due later this year).

See all these happenings and more inside:

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