After a lengthy break on the bench, ‘TGJ Replay’ is back!

Designed much like our ‘Retro Rewind’ and ‘From the Vault’ segments, ‘Replay’ is That Grape Juice‘s newest retrospective segment – a written quest to re-spin the gems and jams of yesterday.

Unlike its ‘Rewind’ and ‘Vault’ predecessors, ‘Replay’ looks to dust off and showcase entire albums (and eras) from a library of Pop and Urban Pop music hits.  Today, in honor of her birthday (January 11), we fast backward to the quintessential entry in Queen of Hip Hop Soul Mary J. Blige‘s prized discography – her sophomore album ‘My Life.’

Meet us on the other side:

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At a point in time, Christina Aguilera and Lady Gaga were pit against each other by many in the media.

However, recent years have seen the pair unite in sisterly solidarity – the latest expression of which came courtesy of Xtina.

As widely reported, Gaga retroactively came under fire her collaboration with embattled R&B singer R. Kelly – with much of the discourse centering on the lyrical content of their 2013 duet ‘Do What U Want.’

Much of debate stems back to the on-going furore towards Kelly following the shocking ‘Surviving R. Kelly’ docu-series, which saw several women allege sexual abuse at the hands of the star.

In response, Gaga issued a statement condemning the 52-year-old and announced the removal of ‘Do What U Want’ from all digital retail and streaming services.

Now, Aguilera – who famously performed and released a revised remix of the track with Mother Monster – has weighed-in.

Her words below…

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When the nominations for the 2019 Grammys were announced last month, rising star Ella Mai found herself named not once but twice.

Breakout smash ‘Boo’d Up,’ an ear worm like no other, is currently up for Song of the Year and Best R&B Song — and is hotly tipped as a favorite in both categories.

The impressive feat crowns a whirlwind journey for the songbird, who this month kicked off her first headline trek, aptly christened ‘The Debut Tour.’

Join us below where That Grape Juice‘s Chet Kincaid reflects of Mai’s ascend, with insights from the singer herself.

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Tinashe is heading to Texas!

Good news below…

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Jazmine Sullivan and her good friend Issa Rae teamed up to create magic for their respective fans this year when the former performed on the latter’s new live music platform…Issa Rae Presents.

The vocalist, who has sold millions worldwide, performed the track ‘Let it Burn’ on the platform four years after the release of her last album ‘Reality Show’.

Press play to enjoy below…

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Lady Gaga‘s attempt to apologise for working with R. Kelly has been met with skepticism and laughter by critics who say she is only apologising to save face.

One of those critics?

Kelly’s lawyer…

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Sam Smith and Normani have unlocked new single ‘Dancing With A Stranger.’

The hotly anticipated collaboration unites the pair on record following years of public declarations of mutual appreciation. Produced by Stargate and co-penned by Jimmy Napes, ‘Stranger’ is a delicious slice of funky flavored Pop.

With Sam armed with the chart-topping momentum of Calvin Harris collab ‘Promises’ and Normani still charting with top 10 ‘Love Lies,’ have the duo nabbed their respective next hit?

Listen below and let us know…

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Lauren Jauregui has shared the second chapter of her solo journey – ‘More Than That.’

The hypnotic song is the latest taste of singular material from the soulful Fifth Harmony star, who has fast emerged as one of 2019’s most exciting prospects.

Debut offering ‘Expectations’ saw Jauregui express her artistic positioning and its follow-up builds on that solid foundation.

Take a listen below…

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With ‘thank u, next’ finally loosening its grip on the Hot 100’s summit and its follow-up, ‘Imagine,’ failing to live up to the hype of its predecessor, Ariana Grande‘s already eyeing what’s next.

Enter:  ‘7 Rings.’

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While embattled R&B star R. Kelly has been bombarded with negative press in the days leading up to, during, and following the airing of the explosive Lifetime documentary, ‘Surviving R. Kelly,’ his dedicated fans have not only opened their mouths to voice their ongoing support but their wallets as well.

As we reported here, the 52-year-old celebrated a sales and streaming spike just one day after the show’s first two-part episode premiered.  By the time the docuseries aired its finale, Kellz enjoyed an even more impressive boost.

Report:

On Jan. 5, the third and final day of the airing of Surviving R. Kelly, on-demand streams of Kelly’s music rose by 116 percent in the U.S., according to Nielsen Music, as compared to his streams on Jan. 2, the day before the series began.

Kelly’s catalog of songs collected 4.3 million streams (audio and video combined) on Jan. 5, up from 1.9 million on Jan. 2.

Now, just hours after Lady Gaga went on record to announce her intent to remove her R.Kelly-featured hit, ‘Do What U Want,’ from digital services, fans have zoomed to iTunes in droves to purchase it.  Details inside:

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Britney Spears’ fans disheartened at news the Pop princess pressed pause on ‘Domination’ (her forthcoming Las Vegas residency at Park Theater) to tend to her father as he recovers from a recent life-threatening illness will also be disappointed to learn the indefinite “work hiatus” will impact the release of her yet-titled 10th album.

The show’s run, which saw its cancellation announced last week (as we reported here), was confirmed by her manager – Larry Rudolph – to be followed by the release of music found aboard her denary opus (the follow-up to 2016’s ‘Glory’).  Now, though reports are surfacing to indicate the set will definitely be delayed, its executive producer is assuring fans it will be worth the wait.

Details inside:

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If one fancies him or herself any level of “Pop culture fanatic” over the last 20 years, the name Touré Neblett is one that should ring a bell.

A respected author, music journalist, cultural critic, and more, Neblett – beyond his contributions as a television personality to MSNBC, BET, VH1, etc. –  has interviewed a number of music’s biggest acts in his tenure.  Included on his resume is a now infamous 2008 sitdown with R. Kelly where he quizzed the ‘Pied Piper of R&B’ on his alleged inappropriate relationship with underage girls.

Now, thanks to further commentary on the matter via a number of interviews and his inclusion on the explosive Lifetime docuseries, ‘Surviving R. Kelly,’ Touré may be set to answer a similar line of questioning…

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