In adopting a model tried, tested and mastered by ‘NSync ‘back in the day’, Beyonce‘s decision to launch a world tour before the release of a new album has seen her rewrite the rules set in place for promoting LPs.
For, in what’s likely to see her forthcoming effort stand as her highest selling release to date, the success of her ‘Mrs.Carter Show’ World Tour has seen her capture the attention of the general public- who purchased tickets for the show in their millions.
Millions, that now have caught the ‘Beyonce fever’ that gripped the world before the unveiling of 2006’s ‘B’Day.’
So, why we we’d put money on her album #5 outperforming her first four?
If the answer to the questions above are yes, you’ll be pleased to learn that the pair are currently readying the release of their brand new collaborative single ‘Wait For a Minute.‘
Only right then, that as anticipation for his forthcoming album ‘The Gold Album: 18th Dynasty’ builds, Tyga unlocks behind the scenes footage from the song’s supporting video this morning.
She may lack the acclaim afforded to the Pink‘s, GaGa‘s and Beyonce‘s of the world, but there’s no denying the power that lies in Pop sensation Rihanna and ever fruitful brand.
Indeed,while she’s yet to spawn a performance or cultural movement that earned Janet Jackson and Madonna their ‘icon’ badges, the power that lies in the singer’s name has seen her top Billboard’s ‘Hot Tours’ tally, after her ‘Diamonds World Tour’ reached heights that may give many of her rivals good reason to consider her a potent threat.
Indeed, it’s been two years since Queen of Pop Madonna took her first jab at pop princess Lady Gaga – labeling the young Grammy winner’s 2011 hit ‘Born This Way’ as “reductive” for its similarity to her 1989 hit ‘Express Yourself’.
What came after were months and months of Madonna doing just that – expressing herself via interviews and a highly publicized “Born This Way/Express Yourself” mashup performed live on her blockbuster ‘M.D.N.A.‘ world tour that courted much attention from her fans and Little Monsters alike.
Unlike Madge, Gaga has kept fairly mum on the topic since its beginnings, but now the ‘Poker Face’ performer is dealing a new hand to reheat a battle some thought had cooled. Her newest statements below:
Her singles may hit charts like wrecking balls, but her latest album can’t exactly claim the same. To change that, our favorite Disney damsel turned serial twerker Miley Cyrus is looking to roll her hits ‘Wrecking Ball’ and ‘We Can’t Stop’ to a town near you.
Unveiled just moments ago, the songstress announced a massive North American tour in support of her latest Gold effort ‘Bangerz’. Set to see her visit everywhere from Toronto and New York to her hometown of Nashville, the tour is set to kick off shortly after the 2013 Grammys on February 14.
Tuck in below to see if she’ll be bringing her party antics to your part of the USA…
‘Late Night with Jimmy Fallon‘ played host to a performance of the Urban smash ‘First Chain‘ last night, performed by none other than Big Sean and his one time label mate Kid Cudi.
Joined by ‘The Roots‘, the Hip Hop pair rocked the stage sans the cut’s other contributor Nas, delivered after its supporting album ‘Hall of Fame’ topped Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums upon its August 27th release!
The exciting new brand that is ‘Revolt’ shows a whole lot of love to Young Money’s Tyga today, releasing his brand new video for the single ‘Throw It Up‘.
Released to build momentum for his forthcoming LP, ‘The Gold Album: 18th Dynasty’ , the Halloween inspired visual comes as the Rapper gears up for the project’s release, set to do away with the radio ready sound of ‘Hotel California’ to adopt a far more hardcore sound.
Ever keen to broaden our musical scope, recent months have seen That Grape Juice venture into a number of new musical landscapes including, most recently, gospel.
Well, that is if you consider yourself a fan of Rap creative, Tyga. For this Spring, the lyricist will release a brand spanking new album named ‘The Gold Album: 18th Dynasty’, and as to kick off its campaign he releases its lead single…tonight!
Named ‘Wait for a Minute’, the jam features none other than ‘All That Matters’ heartthrob Justin Bieber!
Weeks after apologising for attacking a 15 year old girl and allegedly demanding that she ‘kiss her shoe’, X Factor UK contestant Tamera Foster finds herself in fresh trouble this morning, after she was reportedly caught shoplifting at a ‘Boots’ healthcare store.
The Best You Never Heard is back! Each week will once again see That Grape Juice spotlight an array of little known gems. Featuring picks from the TGJ editorial team, we want to know…who chose the best song! Let us know below…
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TLC – ‘If They Knew’
Back in the 90’s, one could always count on TLC to deliver the politically-incorrect goods. From not being “too proud to beg” to giving one the “red light special”, nothing was off-limits for the iconic trio.
After sharing their stories of “creeping” in 1994, they returned 5 years later with ‘If They Knew’, an album highlight about infidelity and being enamored with two different people.
Included in the ’99 blockbuster ‘FanMail’, the track sonically keeps up with the futuristic theme of the project, but this time adding an understated Island-vibe to the mix.
The girls stay faithful to their Crazy, Sexy and Cool personas on the Dallas Austin helmed-record, as T-Boz smoothly and calmly delivers her lines, while the seductive Chilli sprinkles sensuality over the song, and Left-Eye and her unapologetic Rap verse almost makes straying sound cool. Almost.
With ‘FanMail’ selling over 10 millions copies worldwide despite only having three official singles (2 international and 1 European), would you imagine just how much more it would have sold if ‘Knew’ benefited from the single treatment?
Anyway, enough with our shoulda-woulda-coulda’s, here is ‘If They Knew’ {JOE}
LISTEN: [audiotube id=”bzCknvWNYcE”]
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Leona Lewis – Burn
As missed opportunities go, vocal powerhouse Leona Lewis hasn’t had the best of luck in recent years.
For, despite ample success, the songbird has developed somewhat of a penchant for passing on material that would not just go on to be hits, but mega hits…for other artists. Case, point, recent revelation that Rihanna’s ‘We Found Love’ was originally recorded by the X Factor winner, only to be left on the cutting-room floor.
A shocking loss, no doubt; however, it’s the forgoing of the flavoursome ball of fire that is ‘Burn’ that baffles us most.
The Ryan Tedder cut was recorded by Lewis in 2011 during the sessions for her ill-fated ‘Glassheart’ project, yet – once again – was omitted from the final tracklist. Word is that it was the legendary Clive Davis who called for its axing upon taking a more hands-on approach with the A&R’ing of the album – which, at that point, had already been subject to a series damaging delays.
Yet, for all his genius, Davis’ decision would turn out to be the wrong one. For, not only did the LP’s dreary ballads and criminal flirtation with fist-pumping EDM fall flat, ‘Burn’ would go on to become a #1 chart smash for British singer Ellie Goulding…two years later in the Summer of 2013.
A shame, as the track boasts all that Lewis’ career needs musically. Indeed, while baring sprinkles of Pop, Dance, and Reggae, the song never veers too far one way. Resulting in a colourful genre-clash that is befitting on an artist such as Leona; a talented artist who is clearly eager to evolve musically, yet doesn’t seem to know how.
Here’s hoping future projects tap into the brilliance that is the sound, look, and taste of ‘Burn’. {SAM}
LISTEN: [audiotube id=”d2Nl45PeZYg”]
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Ke$ha – Backstabber
Initially planned to serve as the second single from Ke$ha‘s ‘Animal’ debut, ‘Backstabber’ stands one of the Pop star’s lesser known/generally overlooked fan favourites. Penned by the performer herself and Chaka Khan collaborator David H. Gamson, the fiery cut sees a pre-autotune Kesha roar through a track that speaks of friendship and betrayal, dealing with a theme far removed from the “generic jams” she’s gone on to craft since then.
Love ‘Backstabber’ as much as I do? Cast your vote below! {DAVID}
LISTEN: [audiotube id=”YBbrqgiTuuo”]
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Kameron Corvet – Kiss And Makeup
Criminally underrated Soul singer Kameron Corvet has certainly built his fair share of buzz in underground R&B over the past few years. Ennobled for his falsetto driven, guitar accompanied numbers, the singer’s retro twist on modern R&B quickly earned him sharp comparison’s to some of the genre’s most prized crooners (see: Eric Benet, Maxwell, and the like).
The foundation of that buzz was undoubtedly 2008’s ‘Korporate Rockstar’. Featuring the modest R&B hit ‘Kiss & Make-Up’, get acquainted with the Louisiana native’s smooth plea for romantic reconciliation. Premium R&B lies ahead. {RASHAD}
