Monica has continued reason to smile (all the way to the bank) after the net was swept by the #SoGoneChallenge – a viral challenge ignited by Chance the Rapper that saw hundreds of social media users spitting their best rhymes over the singer’s 2003 R&B hit ‘So Gone.’

The feat not only reignited interest in the tune, helping its recent sales increase over 400 percent, but also saw some of that interest spill over into increased sales of the tune’s parent album, ‘After the Storm.’  But, as many celebrated renewed interest in the Missy Elliott-produced, one – namely Mo’s longtime reported “frienemy”/‘Boy is Mine’ co-star Brandy – was allegedly not aboard the celebratory train.

Bran did little to cool the rumors when she quickly dismissed a fan’s invitation to record her own freestyle over the ‘So Gone’ beat.  When quizzed on her thought’s about Brandy’s seemingly salty response, Monica took to ‘The Real’ to say:

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At 74-years-old, music legend Barbra Streisand continues to prove herself a force to be reckoned within the music industry.

Thanks to some high profile promotional spots and ticket/album bundling, as we reported here, the powerhouse diva’s latest album, ‘Encore,’ was set to block Britney Spears’ highly anticipated comeback album, ‘Glory,’ from the top spot.  The prediction not only rang true, but also saw Babs collect a few other distinct honors along the way.

Billboard reports, with her latest #1 (the 11th chart-topper of her career), Streisand extends her reign of “most #1 albums of any female in Billboard history” (Madonna trails with 8).  In addition, ‘Encore’ cements her previously achieved honor of being the only act – male or female – to nab a #1 album in the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, ’90s, ’00s, and ’10s.  As if that’s not enough, the new project – which features appearances from Jamie Foxx, Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, and many more – has notched the highest first week sales tally of any album released this year (not to be mistaken with sales equivalence).

Tuck inside to see why that Barbra reign just won’t let up:

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Britney Spears’ 2016 MTV VMA performance may have been billed the night’s “must-see” performance leading up to the ceremony, but after the 1-2 punch of riveting Rihanna and Beyonce performances, the ‘Radar’ singer was hardly on anyone in the audience’s radar.

Yet, despite being greeted with mixed review and seeing the headlines that followed not exactly singing her praises, the refreshed Billboard Hot 100 is revealing her G-Eazy-assisted showing was not a complete miss.  Indeed, after introducing the tune – ‘Make Me’ (the lead single from her 9th album, ‘Glory’) – to its largest audience yet, Brit has jumped over 40 spots on this week’s single chart!

In addition to herself and Rih, see who else can thank the VMAs for a boost below:

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Celine Dion may be ‘Recovering,’ but her voice is in ever fine form.

The legendary songstress took to the stage on last night’s ‘Stand Up 2 Cancer’ special to perform the Pink penned track.

Dion’s appearance at the event comes on the heels of a testing year – following the back-to-back passings of her husband and brother due to cancer.

Before performing, the songbird told the audience…

“I miss René everyday, and the loss will now be a part of my life. I also lost my father and my brother Daniel to cancer.

A few months ago during my most difficult time of grieving, I received an unexpected gift from an amazing artist that I have always admired, Pink. She offered me a song that expresses power to stand up and stay strong.”

Watch her resonating rendition of the anthem below…

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Over the course of Usher‘s illustrious career, the crooner has proven himself to be the definition of versatile.

It’s a trait he showcased in earnest during his BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge set.

Because, while current single ‘No Limit‘ is renown for being a club banger, the 37-year-old flipped it into a big band jam during his performance.

How did it sound?

Watch Mr Raymond deliver a dynamite answer after the jump…

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The flames of shade continue to rage between Future and Ciara.

Once engaged to be married, the pair these days find themselves engaged in legal tussles and lyrical lashings.

The latest of the latter comes in the form of Future’s new song ‘How It Feel.’

Unleashed today, the fiery track features lines like:

“I made you, b***h. B***h you weren’t nothin’ before me. I gave you fame on the ‘Gram. I put you back on them charts. We gave you b*****s some hits.”

It’s a brazen move by the single rapper, given that his newly married ex has cited his defamatory lyrics in court proceedings.

In any case, take a listen to the song (which was moulded by ‘Body Party’ producer Mike WiLL Made It) below...

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Soulful songbird Emeli Sande is set to take flight with new single ‘Hurts’ next Friday.

It’s the first taste of the Scottish belter’s long-awaited sophomore album and it certainly has high expectations greeting it upon release.

Sande’s debut effort ‘Our Version Of Events’ spawned two UK #1 singles, went 7x Platinum in the region, and amassed worldwide sales of 4.3 million.

Now managed by Roc Nation, can the tower of talent repeat said success with the Jay Z imprint in her corner?

The answer arrives is less than a week.

Pending then, listen to a series of rousing previews after the jump…

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Could Beyonce be heading to the 2016 Emmy Awards?

If producers for the show get their way, the answer could be a favourable one for fans of the superstar singer.

Head below for details…

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Welcome to the latest TGJ Roundtable!

Over the years, That Grape Juice has established a distinguished voice that – whether loved or loathed – sparks discussion, debate, and on occasion drama!

Though comprised of seasoned writers who share a similar outlook on Urban Pop culture, the idiosyncrasies of the TGJ team members often lend for quite heated debates “behind the scenes” about the hottest topics.

Now, we give you a front row seat to the show. In a format similar to ‘The View’ or ‘The Real’, TGJ editors – Sam, David, Rashad, and Joe – get real in a very candid way.

Today’s roundtable topic sees us review…

Lady Gaga’s ‘Perfect Illusion’

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Without question Lady Gaga‘s comeback single, ‘Perfect Illusion,’ is a critical polarizer.

While some praise the 80’s inspired tune, the first from her yet-titled 5th album, for its simplicity and catchiness, others are slamming it for being “too repetitive,” amongst other complaints.  But, much like her tongue-wagging 2011 single, ‘Born This Way,’ ‘Illusion’ is birthing another controversy:  claims of copycatting.

For, just as she fielded attacks from Madonna fans (and the pop queen herself) for ‘BTW’s similarities to the 1989 hit ‘Express Yourself,’ now the Grammy-winning ‘Poker Face’ diva is being plagued with tongue lashings from Madge fans who think ‘Illusion,’ released today, sounds an awful lot like…

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‘The Way’ co-stars Mac Miller and Ariana Grande are looking to make their way back to the top of charts with their latest, ‘My Favorite Part.’

Found on Miller’s forthcoming LP, ‘The Divine Feminine’ (due September 16), the romantic new number will do little to fuel rumors the twosome are not an item.

Tuck in below to hear what we mean:

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While the world is keeping its eyes and ears open for news on rapper Lil Wayne‘s retirement, another rapper is making a similar move – M.I.A.

As reported here, the Brit-beauty’s fifth and final album – ‘AIM’ – hit shelves today and boasts a star-studded list of features.  With names like Zayn Malik and Diplo among the many lining its tracklisting, the 17-track project – the followup to 2013’s ‘Matangi’ – was preceded by releases ‘Freedun,’ ‘Go Off,’ and ‘Borders.’ 

Does M.I.A. go out with a bang?  Find out below:

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