Just days after sister Solange paid homage to gospel legend Karen Clark Sheard‘s ‘Balm In Gilead’ on Instagram (click here if you missed that), Jay Z and Beyonce show off their Clark Sister knowledge by sampling the legendary group’s tune ‘Ha Ya (Eternal Life)’ for his 13th studio album, ‘4:44’ [available on Tidal now].

Tapping his wife for background vocals, Jay dishes on family life in the Carter home and even subtly addresses a few jabs thrown by his burgeoning pop icon wife in her 2016 hit ‘Sorry’ (found on her chart-topping ‘Lemonade’ album).

Hear it below:

 

 

Bey isn’t the only guest star lining Hov’s latest release as Frank Ocean and Damian Marley are among notable guests lending pen or production to ‘4:44.’

Hear their contributions by clicking here to stream the full album.

Your thoughts?

The moment the #TLCArmy has waited so long for has finally arrived.

It’s been two years in the making, but the veteran R&B group is finally ready to serve the buying public their fifth and final album.  Put in motion by a Kickstarter fundraiser campaign that raised over $430,000 by fans, the self-titled project – kicked off by critically acclaimed tunes ‘Way Back,’ ‘Haters,’ and ‘American Gold’ – is now lining digital shelves and available for a full listen.

Was it worth the wait?  Listen below and tell us:

(more…)

It’s been four years since Jay Z topped the charts with 2013’s ‘Magna Carta…Holy Grail,’ but now the rap royal is looking to see if he still has “it” with his highly anticipated 13th album ‘4:44.’

Boasting a guest list that features appearances from the likes of Beyonce, Kim Burrell, Frank Ocean and Damian Marley, the 10-song set came with little warning other than a few mysterious advertising preceding its release.

And, unless you are a Sprint or TIDAL customer, the album will remain a mystery to you as it is only available to customers who subscribe to services from the aforementioned.

Will Jay’s new album encourage you to finally board the TIDAL train? Listen to it below and tell us:

 

(Click pic below if stream above does not play)

Your thoughts?

‘Dance Again’ diva Jennifer Lopez is looking to do just that as reports are flooding in her reality dance competition, ‘World of Dance,’ has been renewed for a second season on NBC.

“I am so proud to not only star, but produce a show that is so close to my heart,'” Lopez said. “I am so happy that World of Dance has resonated with audiences and we are able to put dancers on the pedestal they deserve. I cannot wait to continue this journey and my partnership with NBC.”

The move comes as an unsurprising one from the network as, to date, the show has not aired an episode that’s drawn less than 7 million viewers – an impressive feat for a program that airs at 10p.

Congratz to Lopez and team!

Your thoughts?

First thing’s first; Iggy Azalea has proven time after time that she’s the realest (often to her detriment).  Never really one to mince words, the ‘Team’ rapstress to Twitter to console concerned fans who expected her long-awaited sophomore album, ‘Digital Distortion,’ to drop tomorrow (June 30).

As we reported here, Azalea prematurely announced the set’s official release date in late May before retracting the statement a week later. Now, just one day before its previously announced premiere, the ‘Bounce’ beauty dealt fans a crushing blow by not only informing them she’s unsure when (or if) the album will drop, but also revealed its third single – ‘Switch’ (featuring Anitta) – will not receive official video treatment.

This, after the song has been promoted on a number of television and radio outlets as well as its accompanying visual teased on social media.

(more…)

Katy Perry may have witnessed her fifth album, ‘Witness,’ debut at #1 on the Billboard 200 last week with 2017’s highest first week figures for a female (to date), but she probably didn’t anticipate seeing it enter record books for a historic tumble in sales just 7 days later.

That’s right, the album – which is her first major label release to hit shelves without a #1 single on the Hot 100 to precede it – was widely disregarded a week after fans got a full taste of what the ‘Bon Appetit’ beauty was serving this course. Despite an onslaught of promotional appearances in its support, refreshed reports have it Perry’s latest LP saw a whopping 89% sales drop its second week (despite enjoying the benefit of ticket bundling).  With this freefall down sales charts, Katy dethrones Queen of Pop Madonna as owner of “the largest second week percentage sales drop for a #1 debuting female album.”  Fans may remember her Madgesty once owned the title when her 2012 release, ‘MDNA,’ dropped a whopping 86.7% in sales its second week despite its numbers being padded with figures from ticket bundling (click here to read more on that).

Before Madge it was Lady Gaga‘s 2011 release ‘Born This Way’ that posted an 84% sales drop its second week.  Like ‘Witness’ and ‘MDNA’ before it, Gaga’s set had an “enhanced premiere week” due to taking an unconventional approach to album sales.  Read more about that by clicking here.

Alas, Katy’s fall didn’t hurt her too much on the chart placement front.  Check below to see where she landed and who joins her in the top 25 of this week’s refreshed Billboard 200:

 

Billboard 200 This Week

Your thoughts?

#Barbz in need of a Nicki fix have gotten more than their fill in 2017.

The rapstress, who not only set but also extended a historic lead among women on the Hot 100 earlier this year, is looking to ensure none of her closest competitors come anywhere near threatening the record.  And, after one listen of ‘Skrt On Me,’ her brand new collabo with Calvin Harris, her mission will most likely be accomplished.

Found on the famed DJ/producer’s star-studded ‘Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1’ (in stores June 30), the sexy Summertime single sees the Trinidadian beauty tap into her island roots over a soca/dancehall-inspired instrumental.

Hear it below:

 

(more…)

K. Michelle has been cooking up her fourth studio album and, as its release nears, she’s pairing it with a brand new look.

Moments ago on Instagram, the R&B singer revealed that she’s ditched the weave and showcased a shaved hair do.

Ever unapologetic, the Southern songbird captioned the pic above: #whatevermakesyoufreakinhappy.

Granted we’re all about the music here at That Grape Juice, we must say that her new cut suits her. She looks stunning!

Peep another snap below…

Your thoughts?

Reality stars Kendall and Kylie Jenner felt the furore of…well everyone when their latest line of t-shirts were revealed.

The socialites bizaarely unveiled designs that featured their faces and logos placed over icons such as Tupac and Biggie.

Peep the abominations below…

Naturally, the internet lit up Kim Kardashian‘s younger sisters, as did Biggie’s mother Voletta Wallace. Expressing her shock at their move (permission for which was never given), she wrote on Instagram:

Sharon Osbourne also chimed in after the sisters did the same to her husband Ozzy:

Unable to take the heat, Kendall – speaking of behalf of her sister and herself – issued the following apology:

Trash.

The fact the concept was even considered is almost more disturbing than anything else.

It’s so ludicrous that one has to wonder whether it was done to deliberately court controversy.

After all, very little surprises about this shameless set.

Eww.

Your thoughts?

JAY-Z is pulling out all the stops to ensure the release of his new album ‘4:44’ is an event.

At the strike of midnight, the mogul’s latest offering will be made available on his streaming service TIDAL and for all Sprint customers after the phone giant bought into the platform.

However, it’s been revealed that the Rap titan also has an unprecedented radio strategy.

According to Hits Daily Double, all iHeart Pop, Urban and Rhythm radip stations will be playing ‘4:44’ album in its entirety at midnight. And again at numerous points over the weekend. Word on the curb is that, despite the amount of stations involved, secrecy surrounding project means programme directors have yet to hear what they’ll be playing.

As for digital strategy, sources close to the roll-out claim the TIDAL exclusive is slated to last one week and thereafter the LP will be made available on all platforms.

Exciting times.

Your thoughts?

 

Kanye West is back and feeling better than ever.

After taking time away to raise his sons and regain his peace, the visionary is currently planning to put comeback plans in epic motion.

How?

By teaming up with ‘Live Nation‘ to put a new live show together!

 

TMZ reports: 

Various sources tell us Kanye is physically and mentally back … in fact, better than they’ve ever seen him. They say he’s focused, engaged, and has overcome the issues that landed him in the hospital last year. We’re told when Kanye decides to go back on stage, it will not be a replica of last year’s ‘Saint Pablo’ tour. Although the floating stage was pretty awesome, we’re told Kanye will almost certainly improve on it or replace it, as well as other various effects.

We’re also told he will update the set list.

Exciting times!

Your thoughts?

Anyone that remembers Wendy Williams‘ days as a radio shock jock will recall her feud with Diddy.

The talk show queen never held back when it come to the Bad Boy mogul and sent the rumor mill into overdrive when she made suggestions about his sexuality.

Those were wilder days and, despite a very public fall out, it appears it’s all water under the bridge. Something the pair made clear during Diddy’s visit to Williams’ show today.

The Hip-Hop maestro sat down with his former foe to plug his new Apple Music documentary ‘Can’t Stop Won’t Stop’ – which chronicles the rise of his Bad Boy empire.

Naturally, the conversation was not limited that.

Williams quizzed Diddy, real name Sean Combs, about his family, girlfriend Cassie, his recent tour, and much more.

Check out the interview…

Diddy was definitely operating with much trepidation initially, but relaxed as it went on.

Growth is great, so it’s cool to see that fences have been mended. Right?

Your thoughts?

**