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

So, just 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 gonna give ya ‘Gimme More’ – the lead single from Britney Spears fifth studio album, ‘Blackout’ [click here to read our ode to the album].  Unveiled via an awesomely bad MTV VMA performance, the tune – produced by Timbaland protege Danja and written by Keri Hilson – was officially released in late September 2007.  Just a few weeks later, the song zoomed to #3 on the Hot 100 (where it was found this week that year).  Going on to nearly double platinum status thanks to its stripper-inspired video (a break from her normally highly choreographed numbers), ‘Gimme’ – which remains a fan favorite over 10 years later – officially kicked off the era known by many of her staunchest supporters as her ‘magnum opus.’

See who joined Spears’ ‘Gimme More’ in the top 25 this week 10 years ago:

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John Legend continues to showcase the different shades of album ‘Darkness & Light’ with the release of new single ‘Penthouse Floor.’
Chance The Rapper joins JL on the jam, the video for which arrived moments ago.
Narrative driven, the visual  sees the singer take on the role of a hotel’s ’employee of the month.’ Working a shift during a Black Lives Matter protest, he tries to  bring about unity in a divided United States.
Speaking on the clip, Legend said:
“With the chorus of going to the penthouse floor, we were thinking about upward mobility, and thinking about escape. The more I sat with the song as I was making the record, I wanted to have more attention in the song where I was thinking about not just upward mobility and escaping, but also thinking about what it means to come from humble beginnings like I come from, a blue collar family, where people that are often ignored and forgotten about, and to elevate to more rarified air like I am now but to not forget about where you come from. And to use your power and status to uplift people and shine a light on places where we come from. That is what the song lyrically evolved to and that is what the video represents.”
Check it out below…

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This December Azealia Banks will make her way to the big screen via the movie ‘Love Beats Rhymes.’

Originally named ‘Coco’, the movie faced the threat of destruction when Banks clashed director RZA over his unwillingness to defend her when his friend Russell Crowe spat at her during a private party all three had attended earlier last year.

This week, RZA has shared some thoughts on the drama, his admiration of Banks’ skills as a thespian and his hopes for the Jill Scott-backed project.

Hit the 29 minute mark below…

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It’s that time of year again!

November 19th brings with it the 2017 American Music Awards.

As ever, all eyes are on the nominees for the latest instalment of the annual extravaganza, which this year airs from LA’s Microsoft Theater.

And folk need not wonder anymore, because the full list has just been unveiled by R&B siren Ciara.

Find out who else scooped nods below…

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Nicki Minaj is determined to remind the world that she is to thank for its renewed interest in Hip-Hop’s ladies.

Ten years after she became an Urban household name, the now world-renowned rapper reflects on the period with XXL in an interview which offers exciting insight into her mind as she readies the release of her next musical era.

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Kelly Rowland is heading Down Under once again.

For, the R&B chanteuse has been tapped to return to ‘The Voice Australia.’

Details below…

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Miguel has spent much of this week giving the UK a taste of new album ‘War & Leisure.’

Indeed, the soulful singer hosted an exclusive playback of the project (which That Grape Juice attended) and also headlined a much praised gig at the Islington Assembly Hall.

He also stopped by the BBC 1Xtra Live Lounge to perform the LP’s lead single ‘Sky Walker.’

Released last month, the track has been gaining steady traction on the streaming front and has been showered with praise from critics.

Watch below as Miguel puts a unique twist on the song…

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Harvey Weinstein is finished.

Unable to combat and kill claims he raped, bullied and ruined many of Hollywood’s leading ladies, the producer now finds himself flung from favour and forced to watch stars he is said to have silenced speak up and out against him.

Now, a new report claims that Jay-Z has his sights set on replacing him.

Details below…

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Whitney Houston‘s legend is one is that is ever-enduring. And said status is set to be honored on a brand “new” album.

Dive below for details…

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NeNe Leakes seems to have lost her role as the host of the forthcoming Xscape reunion tour.

Bad news below…

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After the success of streamable, on-demand documentaries from the likes of Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, and more, expect to see more and more of the day’s top pop stars take to Netflix, Hulu, Youtube, and like services to use them as promotional platforms for their musical ventures.

Exactly a week after Perry unveiled a full length look at her Youtube Red (the paid version of the streaming giant) documentary, ‘Will You Be My Witness?’ (click here to read more), another of pop’s leading ladies – Demi Lovato – is following suit.  With her latest album, ‘Tell Me You Love Me,’ getting all flavors of love from music lovers (#2 on this week’s Billboard 200), Lovato is employing means to ensure the project enjoys a lengthy run on the tally.

To assist, she’s lifted the lid on ‘Simply Complicated’ – an in-depth documentary set to look at her battles with weight gain, sobriety, love, and so much more.  Tuck in to watch:

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Fifth Harmony are continuing to find their footing as a four-piece.

Sure, their new self-titled album hasn’t been flying off shelves as perhaps hoped (where is the promo?), but the era has holistically served up many a memorable moment.

The latest comes in the form of a plaque from the RIAA.

Full story below…

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