It’s that time again! That Grape Juice wants to see what you all are listening to. Which 5 tracks have you got on constant rotation at the moment?
Remember, it doesn’t have to be limited to Urban music; could be something new, Throwback, religious, even something you made yourself! Drop a comment in the comments section. Ours are below – in no particular order:
‘Made in America’ welcomed Rihanna to its stage hours ago to offer its attendees the performance waiting for your first spin below.
Following her spectacle at last week’s MTV Video Music Awards last night’s performance at the Budweiser-backed event took place in Pennsylvania and was founded by her Roc Nation boss Jay-Z.
Beyonce sprung surprise on fans moments ago with the VEVO release of ‘Lemonade’ favourite ‘Hold Up.’
In recent times, the superstar singer (who celebrates her 35th birthday today) has been adamant about about her albums being consumed bodies of work. A decision that has seen her projects kept off streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music for long windows of time.
However, with ‘Hold Up’ sent for adds at radio this week, no time seems better than the present to play ball.
This week’s From The Vault celebrates not one but, two milestones. For, the date marks the birthday of one of Pop culture’s brightest stars as well as the 10th anniversary of her sophomore effort.
Suffice to say, today’s pick comes courtesy of Beyonce and her infectious single ‘Upgrade U’ from her funkified ‘B’Day’ LP.
The hard-hitting cut saw Bey partner up with producer Swizz Beatz, songwriter Sean Garrett, and bae-turned-husbandJay Z.
Though the power couple had professed their infatuation with each other on prior releases, this instance centered on one-up-man-ship. Indeed, Bey and Jay traded vivacious verses about how necessary they were to the other. Both personally and professionally.
In being shamelessly materialistic, the track still managed to maintain the singer’s fervent feminist stance. Because at every utterance, she made it known that she had her own, was her own, and is such a catch that Jay could no longer be alone.
Commercially, the song was only released in the US as a promotional single. As such, it was a minor hit on the Billboard Hot 100 – peaking at #59. It was, however, a Top 20 smash on the Hot Hip-Hop/R&B chart where it reached the 11th position.
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‘Formation’ director and good friend Melina Mastoukas took the helm of the jam’s shinny video alongside Queen Bey.
In order to accentuate the luxurious lure of the song’s lyrics, Ms Carter is seen cavorting amidst expensive goods such as jewelry, diamonds and gold watches. All the while remaining the hottest commodity herself.
Never one to disappoint as a performer, the diva delivered with choreography and slickly hit her steps like a seasoned pro. As with the track, the visual and the movement therein have become iconic.
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If the 10 years leading up to ‘B’Day’ were used to establish Beyonce as “the hottest chick in the game,” the decade that followed saw her become an icon, a Pop culture force, and a undeniable legend in the making. An enviable status achieved through sheer showmanship, philanthropy, and – above all – a dutiful dedication to her craft.
In recent times, “unpredictable” has become a Beyonce trademark. As such we’re buckled up for what the decade ahead holds for music’s reigning royal. We imagine, there’ll be more surprise and excitement on the horizon.
So with that…
Happy anniversary to this R&B classic and the album it sits on. And the Happiest Birthday to Beyonce!
Is there a stage Rita Ora isn’t booking these days?
The British chart-topper has already rocked many high-profile events including the Oscars; and today she added another major performance to her portfolio.
With the Pope of the Catholic church watching on, the 25-year-old soared with ‘What Child Is This?’ at the Canonization of Mother Teresa. For those not in the know, the vigil was held in celebration of the late philanthropist’s ordination as a saint.
Watch below as Ora, backed by the Kosovo Philharmonic Orchestra, showcases her vocal prowess…
This week we shine the spotlight on Brazilian belter Vini Del Rio, who soars with Mariah Carey‘s modern classic ‘We Belong Together.’
A vocal benchmark for the most gifted of singers, how did Vivi fare? Find out below…
Vini did that!
In taking down the key of the track, he effortlessly made it his own. No small feat for a song so synonymous with one of the great female voices of all time.
The acoustic arrangement was a great touch too; so much so that we’d love to hear Mimi tackle the track in the same stripped-down capacity.
All in all, an awesome offering.
For more on Vini, check out his YouTube channel here.
Welcome to Retro Rewind, the TGJ original feature built to celebrate TV and Film’s glorious past.
Always keen to dig deeper than the rest to seek out and celebrate the very best, we honour the life and lessons of Phyllis Hyman by way of interviews and performances she delivered before her untimely death in 1995.
Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the vocalist was discovered by Epic Records promoter Fred Frank following a successful run in the group ‘Phyllis Hyman and the P/H Factor.’
In 1977, she released her first self-titled studio album via Buddha Records and found herself joining the Arista Records family when the company purchased the label.
Her time with them saw her secure three Billboard 200 entries with the albums ‘Somewhere in my Lifetime’, ‘You Know How To Love Me’ and ‘Can’t We Fall Again?’.
