As one of the most active online destinations for Urban Pop, things move at a rapid pace here at That Grape Juice. However, each week, there’s always select stories that resonate most amongst our millions of monthly readers. Happen to miss one of them? Fret not, you now have…The Refill!
No frills or trills, The Refill simply recaps the hottest topics on the lips of the TGJ faithful over the last seven days. The metrics used to compile the list weekly are comments, social media shares, and page views. So without further adieu:
Over the course of John Legend’s illustrious career, the soulful chanteur has amassed 10 Grammy Awards. And, having listened to his new album ‘Darkness & Light,’ he may have to make room for more.
Ahead of his performance on The X Factor UK, the 37-year-old star assembled select members of the press – who he played a generous portion of the project to.
That Grape Juice was in attendance and bring you an EXCLUSIVE preview of the LP, which is led by single ‘Love Me Now’ and is due in stores this December.
Join us below for an insight into new John Legend…
‘Fresh Az I’m Iz’ rapper Bow Wow is fresh out of his three month retirement and is hoping you missed him.
Not even 90 days from taking to Instagram to unveil news his “final” album would be executive produced by rap legend Snoop Dogg (read more on that here), the emcee/actor has teamed up with fellows 2000s hitmaker Soulja Boy to announce a new joint album and subsequent tour.
The news, a complete shock to fans and followers of the duo, was sent into overdrive when they revealed the set, titled ‘Ignorant Sh*t,’ would be dropping soon…very soon:
A day before he hits the big 3-0, it appears Grammy winning rapper Drake is the one handing out gifts. That’s right, as if laying claim to 2016’s best-selling album, ‘Views,’ wasn’t enough to make his year, it appears the 6 God is looking for a bit of a redo as he announced a new project.
Officially described as a “playlist, not a mixtape,” the set – which will be comprised of all original music – will be titled ‘More Life’ and is going to give his fans its namesake just in time for the holidays…
Almost a decade ago, a young lady from the UK was taking the world by storm with her first original single.
This week’s From The Vault salutes said starlet; Leona Lewis and her 2008 smash ‘Bleeding Love’ is our pick.
Helmed by hit-making extraordinaire Ryan Tedder, ‘Love’ was service as the lead single from Lewis’ debut album ‘Spirit.’
Singlehanded, the song silenced the then-mounting critique levelled against The X Factor, which claimed nothing tangible could come out of such talent shows. Indeed, with its universal acclaim and colossal chart trajectory, the cut gave the Simon Cowell-machine and Lewis a buoyant boost in credibility.
Released exactly 9 years ago in the UK, the song was a record-breaking chart-topper on home-soil. For, it actually charted in three different years – from 2007 to 2009 – and sold over one million copies in Great Britain. It went on to top the tally in over 30 countries in 2008, including the US, Australia, Canada and France.
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Melina Matsoukas directed the first version of the video which showcases the highs and lows of several relationships. It has been viewed over 140 Million times on YouTube.
A second version was released, directed by Jessy Terrero, and is known as the US incarnation. Currently at 114 Million views, it was nominated for a VMA in 2008.
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It’s unfortunate that Leona’s reign atop of the charts ended so abruptly – thanks to politics, poor decisions, and sub-par material.
Because, from our vantage point, she is among the best vocal talents the industry has to offer. Still.
With Lewis’ reportedly a free agent after parting ways Island Records, hopefully the right choices will be made to bring her back where she belongs… on top.
