As we reported here, ‘R&B Divas’ star/Destiny’s Child alum Latavia Roberson has ditched the Urban scene to try her luck on the dancefloor with ‘Best Time of Your Life’ – the first taste of her forthcoming solo debut.

An EDM-tinged affair, ‘Time’ is not an official release, but instead will act as a promotional single to introduce the songstress to clubs and dance music lovers around the world.  And, while we are unsure if her entire inaugural effort will be housed in dance, what we can say is that we wouldn’t be mad if it was.

Hear Latavia on her own inside and weigh in:

Your thoughts?

After delighting fans with visuals for ‘Haters’ and ‘Way Back,’ veteran R&B group TLC is back to serve up yet another sample from their forthcoming self-titled album.

Titled ‘American Gold,’ the timely release tackles tougher subject matter than its lighthearted predecessors.  An anthemic piano driven number, the patriotic tune sheds light on a number of social issues plaguing the country at the time.

‘Gold’ will be one of many gems found on the group’s final album, due in stores June 30th.  Hear it below:

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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’ll press play on Toni Braxton‘s ‘You Mean the World to Me,’ the fourth single from her multiplatinum self-titled debut album.  Launched after the critically acclaimed ‘Seven Whole Days,’ ‘World’ went on to peak at #7 (where it was found this week in 1994) and granted the album its third consecutive top 10 hit (among its releases eligible to chart) and Braxton’s third overall.

Spending most of 1994 in the Hot 100, the tune was eventually certified Gold.  And, thanks to Braxton’s enduring legacy in the R&B realm, the song remains a fan favorite and must hear at any of her concerts.

Tuck in below to see what other familiar faces joined the contralto diva in the top 25 this week in 1994:

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Word of Mariah Carey’s diva behavior has been as much of a mainstay over her illustrious career as her chart-topping hits and golden voice have been.

From rumors of outlandish demands to serial tardiness, the pop icon has rubbed many-a-co-worker the wrong way over the last 20 years+ thanks to her antics – a fact reaffirmed recently by ‘The House’ actors Will Ferrell and Cedric Yarbrough.

The duo, hot on the promo trail in support of the film due in theaters June 30, weren’t exactly shy when asked about Carey’s canned cameo in the film.  While Ferrell opted to take the less than obvious approach, Yarbrough let it all out the bag.

See what we mean inside:

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The 2018 class of the Hollywood Walk Of Fame has been announced and Black talent is present in a major way.

Mary J. Blige, the decorated Queen of Hip-Hop/Soul, will receive an honor for her contributions to the music field. Joining her in this category are Snoop Dogg and Ice T. 

For their efforts in the television field, Taraji P. Henson, RuPaul, Anthony Anderson, Shonda Rhimes, and Niecy Nash will all be immortalized on the iconic Walk.

‘Straight Outta Compton’s F. Gary Gray will be saluted for his film achievements, as will actress Zoe Saldana.

Meanwhile in the realm of theatre, Bernie Mac will be bestowed a posthumous honor.

Other deserving names in the fray include:

Kirsten Dunst, Jack Black, Jennifer Lawrence, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Minnie Mouse, Carrie Underwood, and Simon Cowell. 

Congratulations to all!

Your thoughts?

[Photo credit: Getty]

In the wake of London’s Grenfell Tower fire, the music community united and so too have the British public.

As reported, major names – including Rita Ora, Leona Lewis, Emeli Sande, Jessie J, and Liam Payne – assembled under the alias ‘Artists For Grenfell’ to record a spirited cover of  ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ by Simon & Garfunkel.

Spearheaded by Simon Cowell, the release sees all proceeds donated to charities supporting for those affected.

The proposition was taken to by the Brits, who have sent the track soaring to #1 on the Official UK Singles Chart. A feat achieved just 48 hours after its release.

According to the Official Charts Company, the cut has accumulated the largest opening day combined sales of any single this decade (120,000); effortlessly besting the 78,000 racked up by Adele’s ‘Hello.’

The fundraiser, which featured over 50 artists in total, also sits as the second fastest-selling single of the year.

Kudos to all involved for lending their talents to a worthwhile cause.

Our thoughts and prayers remain with all of those affected by the disaster.

Your thoughts?

This Sunday’s BET Awards are opening with a bang courtesy of Bruno Mars.

The chart titan will kick off Urban entertainment’s biggest night, it was confirmed moments ago.

Host Leslie Jones made the announcement on Twitter:

I told y’all we would start our wonderful life together, that’s why @BrunoMars and I are opening up the 2017 #BETAwards @BETAwards

— Leslie Jones (@Lesdoggg) June 23, 2017

It’ll be interesting to see what role the comedienne plays in what is sure to be an explosive performance from Mars, who – along with Beyonce – leads this year’s nominations.

Other performers set to hit the stage include Chris Brown, Mary J Blige, New Edition, Xscape, SZA, and Tamar Braxton. 

The 2017 BET Awards air live this Sunday (June 25th) from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

Your thoughts?

[Photo credit: Getty]

Cop a gander of Cardi B!

The reality staple turned reputable Rap star cuts a striking figure a-front of Fader Magazine. 

Cementing her transition from ratchet provocateur on ‘Love & Hip-Hop’ to credible artiste, the 24-year-old’s feature is in the Summer Music Issue.

The spread arrives on the eve of the 2017 BET Awards, where outspoken Cardi is nominated for Best New Artist and Best Female Hip-Hop Artist. In the latter category, she’s up against heavy-hitters such as Nicki Minaj and Remy Ma.

It goes without saying, but the come-up is real!

Peep a stunning shot from her feature below…

Your thoughts?

TLC are readying their final album for release next week.

Due on June 30th, the promo run for the fan-funded project has seen T-Boz and Chilli touch a number of platforms. Billboard is one of the most recent and the ladies certainly made it count.

When quizzed on the presence (or lack thereof) of the late Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopes, the trio’s surviving members reveal an issue with their bandmate’s estate.

Peep this excerpt:

Lopes’ absence is felt on TLC, although there is one brief interlude crafted using an audio clip of her ripped from the internet. Watkins and Thomas say that Lopes’ estate — which released a posthumous album, Eye Legacy, in 2009 — is to blame. “The family, they held onto the other stuff,” says Watkins, as Thomas rolls her eyes. “I guess maybe they wanted money or something. I don’t think she’d be happy that people are trying to hold her vocals hostage.”

Whoa.

Your thoughts?

Camaraderie is a hard find in female Rap these days – especially in the wake of Nicki Minaj and Remy Ma‘s on-going feud.

However, Onika is looking to sprinkle some solidarity on the scene by teaming up with…Trina.

The tease occurred Twitter when the ‘No Frauds’ rapper responded with the following to the Queen of Miami’s recent tweet…

Interesting in earnest.

On the one hand because the prospect of their pairing is exciting.

Yet, it’s also noteworthy due to the fact Remy said Trina was supposed to join her on-stage at Summer Jam (during her unifying moment with female Rap pioneers) but she was “stuck on a cruise.”

Hmm.

In any case, peep Trina performing ‘Moment For Life’ in tribute to Nicki and Cash Money…

Your thoughts?

Candidness is encouraged in today’s day and age. However, it can also cause chaos – just ask Halsey.

The newcomer rose to prominence on The Chainsmokers smash ‘Closer’ and hit #1 recently with her album ‘Hopeless Fountain Kingdom.’

During a promo interview with The Guardian (who also secured “that” controversial Tinashe feature), the singer made notable comments about Migos star Quavo (who features on her LP).

Having caught flack for his homophobic comments, Halsey (who is bisexual herself) took up for him and defended his intent. She said:

“I think he’s misunderstood. Just because I choose to be a socially conscious artist, and I’m pretty good at it, that doesn’t mean every artist is going to be equipped to be politically correct. I don’t think he’s inherently homophobic, I think he’s in a tough place of trying to explain what he means. I agree his apology was bullshit but I can’t police everybody.”

When the interviewer suggests that her album is one space she can police, the biracial 22-year-old  used her response to take an unexpected jab at Iggy Azalea:

 “Yes, I can. and there’s a lot of people I wouldn’t put on my record. Iggy Azalea: absolutely not. She had a complete disregard for black culture. Fucking moron. I watched her career dissolve and it fascinated me.”

As her words begun doing the rounds, it became clear that folk were not here for either of her comments. So much so that #HalseyIsCancelled begun to trend on Twitter.

Responding to the backlash, she took to Twitter to say…

Honestly? I didn’t know that Quavo had made homophobic comments when I collaborated him. We’ve never spoken a word to each other and +

— h (@halsey) June 23, 2017

+ I have no intention of pursuing a friendship there, unless he wants to make a legitimate apology.

— h (@halsey) June 23, 2017

I work tirelessly to represent & support marginalized communities I love & am a part of. I’m sorry if my actions have ever seemed otherwise.

— h (@halsey) June 23, 2017

I only meant to say that people can struggle being socially conscious if they don’t have the information/vocabulary. So we must educate them

— h (@halsey) June 23, 2017

And I’m proud to watch the young people around me work hard to educate themselves and others to stay woke every day.

— h (@halsey) June 23, 2017

I think thats an important point. I AM queer & I TRY to be understanding & want people to be educated. But im truly sorry for my misjudgment https://t.co/ESomRyiyBh

— h (@halsey) June 23, 2017

She was oddly unapologetic in regards to Iggy, tweeting and subsequently deleting the following…

“The quavo comments taken out of an off record convo about music industry homophobia. NOT a defense. Don’t regret the Iggy comments sorry.”

****************

Who put salt in her cereal?

Dragging Iggy is the definition of tired at this point and while she’s entitled to her views, they kinda feel catty for catty sake if she can’t be bothered to elaborate on why.

As for Migos, she’d have been better off manoeuvring away from the topic rather than that sloppy rationale.

Needless to say, someone clearly needs to sign up for Media Training 101.

Your thoughts?

Camila Cabello is leaving no stone unturned in the press run for debut solo single ‘Crying In The Club.’

The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon was the latest stage she graced and she made it count.

Doing away with the high-octane routines, the former Fifth Harmony singer instead teamed with a guitarist and jazzed up her vocal.

Check out the performance below…

Decent.

It’s cool to see her injecting some of her now-trademark vocal runs and isms into her delivery.

It’s a given that Camila will continue to push the song in earnest (as it gains traction slowly but surely); but having heard a preview of her album ‘The Hurting. The Healing. The Loving’ in London recently, we’re keen for her to show the masses more of what she’s working with.

Your thoughts?