Yesterday saw the ‘Pied Piper of R&B’ R. Kelly ring in his 48th birthday.

In big balla fashion, the Grammy winner hosted a ‘who’s who’ affair of a birthday party in Atlanta, with some of the scene’s biggest socialites in attendance (see: T.I., Keri Hilson, Phaedra Parks, and more).  But, before the party got started, Kelly took to a Big Tigger-hosted V-103 Atlanta segment to share his thoughts on the now-infamous, Wendy Williams’ produced ‘Aaliyah: Princess of R&B’ biopic (aired on Lifetime).

Tuck in below to hear the R&B royal deliver less than a royal review of the critically panned flick and the actor who portrayed him:

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Well, that was quick!

Just a day after teasing fans with a new taste of what’s being offered via her official debut album, songstress Sevyn Streeter finds her new tune – ‘Don’t Kill the Fun’ – making its rounds on the net.

Backed by musical mentor Chris Brown, the outing may be set for an official release on January 13th, but now you can tuck in for a full preview.

Get into it below:

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10 years…

January 4th marks the 10th anniversary of a club-banger that a decade on still gets the dance-floor ablaze.

Today’s From The Vault pick is the colossal ‘Get Right’ by the ever-fierce Jennifer Lopez.

At a time when the world was growing tired of her media presence following the “Bennifer”episode , Ms. Lopez –  with this single – was hoping to right (pun intended) the wrongs caused to her image and reposition herself as an entertainer. Needless to say, it turned out to be just what the career doctor ordered.

Helmed by ‘1 Thing’ maestro Rich Harrison alongside Corey Rooney – with Usher also participating to the song’s development – it was based around an infectious horn riff from the collaboration between James Brown and Maceo and The Macks, ‘Soul Power’.
The diva’s first release in over 18 months, it was met with favorable reviews as well as generous chart positions. Reaching the 12th position of the Billboard Hot 100, it topped both the UK Singles Charts and the World Singles Official Top 100.

Opting to unleash the song and the video the same day (a rarity at the time), it made it near-impossible for folk to disassociate the funky track from its high-octane visual. Francis Lawrence allowed Jen to tap into her acting-skills by portraying a multitude of characters all present at a hyper hip club where ‘Right’ is playing.

Renown for its editorial-looking dance-break (which remains all sorts of epic), indeed it is the kind that makes one feel like the world has stopped and nothing else matters.

The 10 years that separate us from ‘Right”s release have seen Lopez experience career ups and downs; from successful stints on American Idol, to hit singles, to not so successful albums, and a dwindling radio potency.

Still, with a rumored Vegas run on the cards, it seems the ride is anything but over for the Latin beauty and from where we stand, she seems hungrier than she has ever been, which in turn has our appetite for new music from her even more

It will be interesting to see where J.Lo will go next. Wherever she navigates her career, we’re keen to bet that 10 years from now, her star will still be shining bright.

Your thoughts?

With Iggy Azalea and Nick Jonas gearing up to hit the road together on their joint tour, The Great Escape, their pair gave fans a preview of what to expect by taking to the stage last night on Ryan Seacrest’s ‘New Year’s Rockin’ Eve’.

Joined by Charli XCX, Azalea (who has been engulfed in flames of controversy of late) performed mega-hit ‘Fancy’, while Jonas served up a rousing rendition of his Urban-Pop jam ‘Jealous’.

Peep both performances below…

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Since blazing onto the scene with Summer scorcher ‘2 On’, R&B star Tinashe has proved that she knows how to work a stage.

And by the looks of it, she’s skilled at werk-ing a camera too.

The singer, whose debut album ‘Aquarius’ was released to rave reviews back in October, continues the promotional push for the project within the pages of Ladygunn Magazine.

Check out snaps from the edgy shoot above and below…

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For those of you who caught it, last week brought with it a wager between That Grape Juice editor & co-editor Sam and Rashad (me) that bet on Nicki Minaj‘s ‘The Pinkprint’ first week sales.

Sam was adamant that the Harajuku Barbie’s third album would see inaugural numbers of less than 200k, while I bet otherwise. Well, much to my chagrin (and Sam’s delight), we see how that ended (click here to see).

Though holding on to a strand of hope that the set’s revised numbers will see it at least tip toe over the 200k mark,  I’ll try not to be a sore loser, accept my defeat and, as promised, provide 1 lucky commenter a $15 Itunes gift card or a free copy of ‘The Pinkprint’ for Christmas.

Want to know who won?

It all awaits below:

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Hip Hop superstar Nicki Minaj is baring it all like never before.

After refusing to recognise the relationship publicly after rising to fame, Nicki Minaj has finally spilled details on her relationship with hype man/ A&R consultant Safaree ‘SB’ Samuels.

Doing so after news of their breakup surfaced online, Minaj confirmed the pair had been linked romantically during a conversation with Ryan Seacrest.

Her confession below…

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The social networking site ‘Facebook’ has announced which songs were “mentioned” most by their users this year, celebrating the bops that whipped up the most attention and discussion in 2014.

So, who made the list?

Find out below!

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Few projects can genuinely wear the title of “one of the most anticipated albums of the year”. Yet, for Nicki Minaj’s third studio LP ‘The Pinkprint’, it’s a status that is wholly befitting.

Due to descend into stores on December 15th, the record is preceded by singles ‘Pill N Potions’, ‘Anaconda’, ‘Only (ft. Drake, Lil Wayne and Chris Brown)’ and the recently unwrapped ‘Bed of Lies’.

Which other songs will join the quad of preview singles? Amazon France have drawn the curtain back on the set’s official tracklist – which can be found below…

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As the thirst for her new music continues among her fan base, Pop superstar Rihanna was seemingly hungry in NYC last night, when she stepped out to dine with pals.

After chowing down, the entertainer was caught by fans and members of the paparazzi with whom she stopped to pose for pictures with.

Check her out after the jump…

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Say hello to TGJ Replay!

Designed much like our ‘Retro Rewind’ and ‘From the Vault’ features, ‘Replay’ is That Grape Juice‘s newest retrospective segment – a written quest, if you will, to re-spin the gems and jams of yesterday.

Unlike its ‘Rewind’ and ‘Vault’ predecessors, ‘Replay’ looks to dust off and showcase entire albums (and eras) from a library of pop and Urban pop music hits.  Our latest reflective piece will ode birthday boy Trey Songz!

Today, as he hits the big 3-0, learn more about the album that made the Virginia-born beau a household name.  Are you ready?….

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With the future of ‘R&B Divas’ in limbo, cast-mate LaTavia Roberson is taking her destiny into her own hands.

The singer, who served as a founding member of Destiny’s Child, is gearing up to launch a new webisode series aptly titled ‘The Real LaTavia’, with a view of getting the masses to know the true her.

Peep a preview below…

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