Welcome to Retro Rewind, the TGJ original feature whipped up to celebrate TV and Film’s glorious past.

Today, we honour the epic series that was ‘Xena: Warrior Princess.’

Pictured above with her lover Marcus, the character made her first appearance in 1995 to lead the Hercules spin-off to ratings glory.

She succeeded.

For, compelled by Lucy Lawless‘ portrayal of the former villain’s quest for redemption, TV lovers turned the series into ratings magnet much to the delight of producers Robert Tapert and Sam Raimi.

Hailed, alongside ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ and Jessica Alba‘s ‘Dark Angel‘, for leading the way for the fearless group of female action heroes who followed her, Xena’s impact on Pop culture is often credited for reshaping the way in which male audiences consumed TV shows fronted by women.

Alas, the last decade has seen TV fail to deliver female leads as bold and brave as the corset-rocking warrior.

Step back in time with us and weigh in on why you think this may be below….

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Usher is back. At least it seems as so.

The R&B crooner appears to have taken a soft launch approach to the release of two new singles ‘No Limit’ and ‘Crash.’

For, his promotion of both songs has been noticeably scant and the video for one (Limit) has yet to launch.

Nonetheless, the 37-year-old took to the stage on ‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’ this week to perform.

‘Crash’ was his pick on this occasion. Watch Mr Raymond in action below…

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Demo alert!

Following its commendable chart run globally Adam Lambert‘s ‘The Original High‘ has been welcomed by a surprise this week.

What it is?

Its original demo.

The release, which packs a melody some fans say reminds them of the one featured in Lana Del Rey‘s ‘Queen of Disaster‘, leaked three days ago forcing the gifted Lambert to share it with his supporters on social media!

Hit the play button below to give it a spin!

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As reported here, July 29th brought with it the release of ‘Platinum Hits’ – a greatest hits package compiled to highlight the hits of Miami dance machine Jason Derulo.

Featuring hits like ‘Don’t Wanna Go Home,’ ‘It Girl,’ ‘Wiggle,’ and more, fans who already own Derulo’s hits were given an incentive to purchase the collection thanks to ‘Kiss the Sky’ – the only new song among his previously released numbers.

Produced by Danish hit-makers Thomas Troelsen and Thomas Eriksen, the funky track is sure to draw comparisons to Bruno Mars’ ‘Uptown Funk’ for its retro-inspiration.

Is Jason on his way to yet another hit?  Tuck in below and tell us:

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At last night’s Democratic National Convention there were times Katy Perry‘s ‘Roar’ sounded more like a howl or a neigh, but that didn’t stop the party’s supporters from partying right along with the hitmaking diva.

Wielding an empowering speech about her longtime support of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton before launching into the first televised performance of her latest hit, ‘Rise,’ Perry took the crowd to task (in more ways than one) with the Olympics-sponsored tune.

Later keeping the party going by revisiting her 2013 #1 hit ‘Roar,’ the singer/songwriter was certainly one to watch during night 4 of the DNC.  Did you miss any of the action?

Catch it below:

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Despite boasting a highly anticipated release post his release from prison, lip balm boycotter Gucci Mane‘s new album – ‘Everybody Looking’ – is looking like it will not wield enough sales + streaming power to unseat his longtime bud Drake from the top spot.

As we reported, Drizzy’s latest set, ‘Views,’ has been enjoying the views from the top of the Billboard 200 for 11 nonconsecutive weeks – only interrupted once by Blink-182.  Quickly recapturing the spot after the brief dethronement, the Canadian rapper’s streaming figures appear to still be going strong and, alongside his traditional sales numbers, are affording him yet another week on top.

Get the details below:

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Look out Beyonce and Rihanna! There is a new diva on the scene and her name is Momma Dee.

The ‘Love & Hip-Hop Atlanta’ star is making a bold bid for chart stardom with the release of her new single ‘In That Order.’

Cast mate Young Joc joins the reality star on the jam, which borrows from one of her signature catchphrases.

And if there was any doubt about just how willing the mother of rapper Scappy is to get down, it’s dispelled in the cut’s accompanying video. She is seen hitting the dab, tootsie rolling, and whining down to the ground. Essentially getting her entire life.

Watch the hilarity after the jump…

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With fans patiently waiting on Fantasia since 2013, today marks the arrival of her much anticipated fifth studio album ‘The Definition Of…’.

The 32-year’s latest offering comes after the release of singles ‘No Time For It’ and ‘Sleeping With The One I Love’ and features colorful contributions from the likes of R. Kelly, Aloe Blacc, and Ty Tribbet. Renown industry icon Ron Fair serves as executive producer.

Contemporary yet classic, the aforementioned cuts solidified anticipation for the freshly surfaced set. With the record now available to purchase, it’s also been made available to stream in its entirety.

and stream in its entirety, long time followers of the RCA signee can expect the release to range in influences.

That Grape Juice’s Top Tracks:

1) Sleeping With The One I Love
2) Roller Coasters
3) Stay Up
4) I Made It

Take a listen below and let us know what your favorite tracks are! We’ve already got our copy; will you be buying too?

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There’s good news in store for TV-loving fans of the late Biggie Smalls.

Details below…

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August 5th will bring with it ‘Suicide Squad‘, the DC Comics movie starring Will Smith, Viola Davis and Jared Leto.

Leading its promotional run is Smith, who made his way to ‘The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon’ to discuss his role in the movie and what it means for his filmography.

Ready to the Deadshot-playing performer in action?

Watch below…

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It’s been a long while since Mary J. Blige was in the headlines for her personal life. However, yesterday brought with the sad news that the singer is divorcing her husband of 12 years Kendu Issacs.

Fiercely private, the Queen of Hip-Hop/Soul is renown for keeping the focus on her promotional endeavours. A practice she continued when breaking her silence on the split.

See what we mean below…

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‘Basketball Wives LA‘ star Brandi Maxiell has rescued the series from a worrying ratings slump it faced last week.

Good news below…

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