Things are not looking good for diva Mariah Carey. The 39 year old’s remixes for her ‘Angel’s Advocate’ LP have failed to excite fans,with the lead  singles ‘Up Out My Face’ and the Ne-Yo assisted ‘Angel’s Cry’ failing miserably on the charts.  While ‘Up Out My Face’ peaked disappointingly at #100 on Billboard Hot 100, ”Cry’ embarrassingly never garnered enough airplay or downloads to even debut on the chart. Ouch!

This era is quickly descending into a hot burning mess for our Mimi. It’s all rather sad. With the Oscar buzz around ‘Precious’, as well as her other projects, it’s a bit baffling as to why she’d opt not to just concentrate on those (forgetting and hoping we did too) the epic flop that was ‘Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel’). Instead she’s subjecting herself to more embarrassment by lazily releasing a half-baked remix record. I really do not know who or what is helping her make these ill-informed decisions, but…

Your thoughts?

Universal Motown‘s latest signee Kelly Rowland is currently wrapping up the recording process of her hotly anticipated 3rd solo album, and it appears the 29 year old has left the best till last. Following recent confirmation that she’s has been recording with hit-makers Ne-Yo and Danja, it has now been revealed that the Destiny’s Child star has also been working with Polow Da Don on the project in Los Angeles. {Source}

Rowland worked with Polow on her 2007 smash ‘Like This’; the then-little-known producer, real name Jamal Jones, went on to craft hits for the likes of Ciara (‘Promise’), Fergie (‘London Bridge’, ‘Glamorous’), Usher (‘Love In This Club’), Keri Hilson (‘Turnin’ Me On’), and Chris Brown (‘Forever’).

Kelly and her new team are NOT playing this go round. I love it! As we reported, the album’s first single is set to drop in April, with the album following in May/June.

Your thoughts?

Global star Kelly Rowland is currently wrapping up the recording process of her hotly anticipated third studio album; and That Grape Juice can EXCLUSIVELY confirm that the 28 year old singer has recently enlisted hit-maker Ne-Yo for the project. The ‘Miss Independent’ singer/songwriter joins the likes of Brian Kennedy, Jermaine Dupri, Bangladesh, Baby Face, Toby Gad, David Guetta, Rico Love, Jim Jonsin, Bryan-Michael Cox, Eric Hudson, and The Stereotypes, all of whom Rowland has worked with on the album.

As previously reported, the Destiny’s Child alumni is preparing to formally announce her new record deal with Universal Motown, home to the likes of Lil’ Wayne and Young Money, Akon, and Nelly.

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Granted the work of above-mentioned list of producers may not all make it onto the final tracklist, it certainly makes for  an exciting read as well as awesome prospects for the sound of Ms. Kelly’s record. Now that Ne-Yo is on board, things are looking even better. With Kelly looking to fuse Urban and Dance this go round, I’d certainly welcome Ne-Yo serving up something in the vein of ‘Closer’ and/or ‘Miss Independent’ for our girl. I guess time will tell. One thing is for sure….we can’t wait to hear it!

Your thoughts?

Yesterday, diva Mariah Carey’s ‘Angels Cry (Remix)’ surfaced on the web. Today, the ‘Up Out My Face (Remix)’ has emerged as well. The single, which will be released as part of a dual release with ‘Cry’, features rapper Nicki Minaj. Carey’s ‘Angels Advocate’ remix LP hits stores on February 23rd.

This track supports the old adage “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” The original version was solid and served as one of the standout songs from the ‘Memoirs of An Imperfect Angel’. However, the addition of Minaj’s almost confusing lyrics over a completely unaltered production seems almost completely pointless. The rapper did not improve the song in any way. The hype of both their names will certainly guarantee that the song will get airplay but without the support of a strong video, I sense that this single will be quickly ignored in favour of the ‘Cry’ collaboration with Ne-Yo.

Hit or Miss?

Mariah Carey and Ne-Yo have been busy on the set of their new video for their collaborative effort, the ‘Angels Cry (Remix)’. The clip is being directed by Carey’s husband, Nick Cannon, who also directed her ‘Up Out My Face (Remix)’ which features rapper Nicki Minaj. While these shots don’t look as intriguing as those of the other video, I am still eager to see what two of R&B’s major players can cook up. Peep more pics from the shoot below:

What do you think of the pics?

That Grape Juice recently conducted an exclusive interview with super producer Rico Love. In our discussions with the hit-maker, who originally broke into the industry as a rapper signed to R&B phenom Usher, elaborated on some of his current projects. Included in his extensive list of works are records for Kelly Rowland, Nelly, Jamie Foxx, Pleasure P and Usher’s highly anticipated forthcoming album, ‘Raymond vs. Raymond’ which hits stores on March 1st, 2010. Peep an excerpt from the interview below:

Which abum have you worked on thus far that you feel has produced your best work (released or unreleased)?

I don’t know but I’m really confident about this Usher project. I did like 6 records on the ‘Raymond vs. Raymond’. This is 360; this is bringing it back to where I got my start. I put everything into every artist I work with – new or old, legend or newcomer – but I go above and beyond for Usher because I have so much to prove. This is the guy who gave me my start, so this album I gave some of my best work; I wrote some of my biggest records.

It goes without saying that Usher’s had a hard time recapturing the success of the ‘Confessions’ era for one reason or another. What can we expect from his upcoming record?

I just want people to know that he sings better than ever. His vocals are better than ever. He is doing innovative, new-sounding music; just a new vibe. Also, he’s not neglecting the classic ‘Usher’ sound. I feel like that’s what happened before. I wasn’t involved in the ‘Here I Stand’ album. I thought it was a great record. I feel like now he’s just capturing what made Usher so great; those classic melodies that we’re tackling; just having him sing like he’s never sung before.

Usher goes in hard; he does vocal training still! After all these years, he still gets his vocal coach and gets better; he works out his voice still. I just feel like he’s got his mind right; he’s ready for war; he feels like his back is against the wall and that’s sometimes the best feeling; the feeling that makes the best records.

This is certainly some welcome news. As an advocate of many of Usher’s earlier records, I am enthused to hear that he is pushing himself both musically and sonically to new heights. Given the current tumultuous nature of the industry, and the fact that his last LP was generally underwhelming, Usher is going to have to give everything that he’s got if he hopes to make a major impact on the charts. With many of his younger contemporaries including Chris Brown and Ne-Yo vying for his top spot, the crooner is truly going to have to prepare for “war”.

Thoughts?

R&B hit-maker Ne-Yo made an appearance on ‘Live with Regis & Kelly’ recently. The singer/songwriter performed ‘Never Knew I Needed’ from the soundtrack of Disney’s ‘The Princess and the Frog’. The LP was released in stores on November 23rd.

This is a very pleasant song. However, there is something about Ne-Yo’s voice that does’t deliver the material in the way that leaves an impact on the casual listener. Whether it is his lack of power or just a natural ‘grit’, I felt that the performance came up wanting. Either way, it’s hard to deny that Ne-Yo is an immensely talented writer and one of the best dressed men in the game right now. It’s certainly refreshing to see him on stage without his pants sagging down to his knees like many of his contemporaries.

Thoughts?

Former Sugababe Keisha Buchanan is keeping things moving since being controversially ousted from the group back in September. As well as working diligently on her solo album, she also features on fellow Brit Jay Sean‘s latest LP (‘All or Nothing’) on the track ‘Far Away’ (which surfaced today).

A laid-back cut, with a ‘knock’ and a great meshing together of Buchanan and Sean’s voices make this one a winner – something if I’m to be honest, I never thought I’d say about a Jay Sean track. Listening to this has definitely wet my appetite even more so  for more Keisha’s solo LP. Roll on 2010…

Hit or Miss?

The hotly anticipated video for 50 Cent’s ‘Baby By Me’, starring Kelly Rowland and Ne-Yo premièred literally minutes ago…literally. Directed by Chris Robinson, the clip sees the G-Unit general envision Ms. Kelly being ‘his’.

Our take on the video? It’s great! It features an engaging plot, looks like $$$ were spent on it (unlike some of today’s credit crunch clips) and Ms. Kelly looks stunning. What’s more, for as so-so as 50’s recent material has been, I’m really feeling this song, something its accompanying video will serve to intensify. Good stuff.

Tidbit: I can only imagine the rumours that will fly after this vid. Whether true or otherwise, as they say, any publicity is good publicity!

What do you think of the video?

While his collaborative effort with Keri Hilson, ‘Number One’, failed to escalate pass #68 on the Billboard Hot 100, another song from R&B crooner R. Kelly has surfaced. The track, ‘Echo’, will feature on his upcoming album ‘Untitled’ which hits stores on December 1st.

This song is the business! As an advocate of ‘grown and sexy’ R&B, I have been wondering when Robert was going to drop a track like this to make me feel that familiar tingle in my spine. Vocally, lyrically and melodically sound from start to finish, this song has the potential to be a major hit across all formats. Artists like The-Dream and Ne-Yo have captured a lot of Kelly’s fanbase over the last couple of years, but, judging by this, the captain has finally come back to reclaim his ship. *Round of applause*

Hit or Miss?

‘The wait is finally over’, according to Rihanna’s PR folk (although I’m a little confused though, as no one told me I was waiting on anything). In any case, Rihanna’s brand new single ‘Russian Roulette’, the first from new LP ‘Rated R’ (due November 23rd) made it’s worldwide premiere moments ago. As a sceptic of Rihanna’s artistry and longevity, I’d be lying if I said I went into listening to this expecting it to be any good.

Unfortunately, true-to-form, Ms. Fenty did not live up to her hype (which is surprisingly off-the-charts this time, for what reason I don’t know). The Ne-Yo penned track sounds as if it’s trying to sound ‘epic’, but falls kinda short. Ballads really aren’t her forte, so it baffles me why they didn’t go with something more her (i.e. uptempo, sing-songy).

In the interest of fairness, Ms. Fenty’s vocals, in parts, do sound better. Mind you, I’m not convinced we’ve heard the last of her sheep-bleating (I’ve still got many a prayer meeting to attend before that ever happens). That said, off the hype alone, I imagine this will do pretty well. Hell, I’ll probably be humming this one once the Def Jam promo machine is done (ever heard of the phrase: “eat sh*t enough times and you’ll begin to like the taste!”). Errr…welcome back Ms. Fenty…

Hit or Miss?

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Full album press release after the jump! (more…)

With the UK music industry still in shock over the departure of Keisha Buchanan from country’s biggest girl group, the Sugababes, new reports are suggesting the industry’s top hitmakers are lining up to work with the talented vocalist, particularly Ne-Yo:

Having been humiliated after she was forced out of the Sugababes, Keisha Buchanan may soon have the last laugh — R&B star Ne-Yo is desperate to work with her.

We can reveal that the US singer, 29, who has written hits for Beyoncé, Rihanna and Leona Lewis, contacted Keisha about working on material for her solo career.

Earlier this week, the 24-year-old singer, the last original member of the group, announced she had been forced to leave. Keisha has now been replaced by Eurovision runner-up Jade Ewen.A source told us: “Keisha has known Ne-Yo for a few years. They are close friends and have worked together on Sugababes material. So when he heard she had left the group he contacted her and told her he wants to work with her. Keisha is also good friends with Jermaine Riley from FDM, who is signed to Ne-Yo’s label. When he heard of the split he told her to call him as he had some big news.”

Mutya Buena, 24, an original Sugababe who left in 2005, has hinted she would like the founding line-up — which included Siobhan Donaghy — to reform. The source added: “Mutya is keen on the old line-up getting back together, but Keisha wants to try to make it solo and she thinks Ne-Yo is the perfect guy for the job.”

Speculation over the Sugababe split led to rumours that Keisha was bullying the other members, a claim she fiercely denies. Today Sugababe Amelle Berrabah, 25, said: “Problems started in the last few months, but it was a long time coming.”  {Source}

I’m definitely hoping this is true; ever since news broke that Keisha had been ousted, yet has a solo deal, I’ve been sizing up the prospects of her solo LP. While some may be sceptical of her chances as a solo artist, I must say I’m very optimistic. As well as her undeniable talent, Keisha has also done a great job over the years of networking with her industry peers, hence if handled correctly and given the opportunity to work with the best (which I’m sure her label Island wouldn’t say no to, particularly in the case of Ne-Yo), she could really be a force and, as the article suggests, have the last laugh. Definitely looking forward to this project…

Your thoughts?