For after settling her feud with Tamar Braxton at the 2015 BET Awards, the soulful songbird revealed EXCLUSIVELY to That Grape Juice that she’s found a new beau in London.
The candid comment came during our chat with the ‘Can’t Raise A Man’ singer at the Atlantic Records / TIDAL BET Awards Afterparty.
Though coy, the star bluntly bared the fact that her British based boyfriend is one of reasons she’s set to relocate to the UK capital for a lengthy spell.
Beyond love, Michelle confirmed to us that the other reason is work. Recording has indeed commenced on her third studio album, which is presently set for a February 2016 release.
Check out the interview above and, as ever, let us know…
Robin Thicke seems to have developed quite a ‘thing’ for R&B’s leading ladies.
Enlisting K.Michelle to join him the ‘Blurred Lines Tour’ this month, the chart scorching sensation calls on her ‘sonic sister’ Tamar Braxton to remix his single ‘For The Rest of My Life.’
Launched before the tour’s February 21st kickoff, the reworked version of ‘Life’ gushes from R&B springs as Braxton reportedly begins work on the follow-up to her critically appeasing ‘Love & War‘, which hit stores on September 3rd 2013!
Is the above an apt moniker for ‘Love & Hip Hop’ creator Mona Scott-Young? We’d say so, especially now that her ever-rising empire has revived the career of another Urban belle this year.
For, after serving as the vehicle used by K.Michelle to reach the top of her game, the New York version of Mona’s hit franchise has handed cast mate Amina Buddafly a second chance at superstardom!
No, not about herself, but about the industry she is currently thriving in, and the supposed ‘trickery’ pulled by her sister in soul, Tamar Braxton.
Indeed, in adding steam to baseless claims of ‘album-buying’ aimed at the ‘Love & War’ belle, Michelle’s brand new number ‘I Don’t Believe’ unveils the inner-workings of her mind, and see her address a number of hot topics currently surrounding her bourgeoning career.
Her work may have been overlooked by the 2014 Grammy committee, but that hasn’t stopped the general public’s support of R&B heartbeat K.Michelle this year.
Rebuilding her career with the bricks and mortar that are ‘Love & Hip Hop‘ and undeniably strong material, the ‘For Coloured Girls’ performer is now the star of her self-penned success story, joining Tamar Braxton and Fantasia to become one of the genre’s more lucrative ladies.
So, why we’d say a number of her sonic siblings have a thing or two to learn from her today?
For Sony staple Monica, crafting R&B gems with potent crossover appeal has always been an effortless task, enjoying global sales of over 7 million units thanks to the popularity this skill has generated for her.
So, as she continues work on her long awaited new album, the ‘Street Symphony’ siren has enlisted the highly sought-after TC to help create the release.
‘Rebellious’ soulstress K. Michelle is certainly getting into the Christmas spirit…well, sort of.
The ‘V.S.O.P.’ performer lends a stirring Christmas original in the form of “Christmas Night”, but it – just like frienemy Tamar Braxton‘s ‘She Can Have You’, gleams in the theme of ‘holiday heartbreak’.
Lifted from Michelle’s mixtape ‘A Rebellious Christmas’, the song is available on iTunes now as part of the 5 song set, which also includes one other original song and 3 covers of holiday favorites like “O Come All Ye Faithful.”
With fans sounding off on the 2014 Grammy nominations’ snubs and surprises, the artists themselves have taken to social media all weekend long to lend their sought opinions on the tally.
Much to the dismay of fans, acts like Mariah Carey, Brandy, Ariana Grande, Ciara and Lady Gaga all saw their names omitted from the prospect of hearing the applause, applause, applause of Grammy audience members for their work(s) of the past year. As of time reporting, some have kept mum on the topics while – as previously reported – Ciara and K. Michelle have weighed in.
See what everyone else had to say about their nominations and/or non-nominations:
The Best You Never Heard is back! After a lengthy rest on the bench, each week will once again see That Grape Juice spotlight an array of little known gems. Featuring picks from the TGJ editorial team, we want to know…who chose the best song! Let us know below…
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Toni Braxton – ‘Hands Tied’
Toni Braxton may once again be riding high on the R&B charts with Babyface, yet the climate was altogether different for the veteran diva back in 2010.
For, despite serving up a solid LP in the form of ‘Pulse’, the songstress saw industry politics once again marr another of her post-90’s projects. A shame, as like ‘Libra’ before it, ‘Pulse’ re-affirmed that musically Ms. Braxton was very much alive – and if backed properly could still be quite the Urban chart force.
Still, one of the positive facets to emerge from the episode was the Oak-produced ‘Hands Tied’.
A titillating concoction of classy and sensual, the baby-making number placed Braxton’s creamy contralto centre-stage. The definition of “feel music”, the cut’s lyrics are sure to resonate with anyone who’s loved and loved hard.
Despite receiving the video treatment, the song – which was rolled out as the album’s third single – could only manage a #29 peak on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop chart.
Unfortunate, yet a fact that does not dilute the brilliance that is this song! {SAM}
LISTEN: [audiotube id=”FrzGNKGhipM”]
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Destiny’s Child – I Know
2003 proved to be the beginning of America’s decade long love affair with ‘Crazy In Love’ singer Beyonce. But, as the singer’s musical flight was just taking off, she still aimed to build her acting resume – a resume which already included the likes of ‘Carmen: A Hip Hopera’ and ‘Austin Powers 3’.
Then, taking her chops to gospel-inspired numbers, Bey took to the Cuba Gooding Jr.-led ‘Fighting Temptations’ to lend fan favorites ‘Time To Come Home’ and a scorching remake of classic hit ‘Fever’. Despite an album full of gems, it appeared to be the inspirational Destiny’s Child cut ‘I Know’ that is oft-overlooked. In line with the inspirational work of both Kelly’s (‘Stole’) and Michelle’s (‘Heart To Yours’), the song showcased each beauty’s talent while delivering a heartwarming message.
Get to know ‘I Know’ below:
Press play and fall in love {RASHAD}
LISTEN: [audiotube id=”e6Rghyb4yfM”]
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SWV – Use Your Heart
Well before the new millennium saw him craft hits for Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, Britney Spears and Jay Z, Pharrell Williams wooed the ears of many an R&B loyalist…via the vocalists that are SWV.
Responsible for the group’s signature jam ‘Right Here’, my ‘Best You’ve Never Heard’ pick invites you to the year 1996 to meet ‘Use Your Heart’, the second single to be lifted from the trio’s ‘New Beginning’.
Peaking at #22 on the Billboard Hot 100, ‘Heart’ saw the ladies storm R&B shores with a peak position of #6 and push US sales of its supporting album to 1 million units, earning the LP a Platinum certification despite the song itself itself failing to reach the Gold milestone achieved by its preceding single ‘You’re The One’.
Boasting a finesse and crossover appeal many of today’s R&B hopefuls could pull from, I hope you love ‘Use Your Heart’ as much as I do, and make it the ‘Best You Never Heard’ too! {DAVID}
LISTEN: [audiotube id=”CDfgawEll1Y”]
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Michael Jackson – Someone Put Your Hand Out
From the Jackson 5 days to ‘This Is It’, the King Of Pop had been able to show the universe the full extent of his genius. Yes, Michael Jackson blessed us with many a “classic” moment, but today let’s focus on a track only die-hard fans are aware of.
Courtesy of the 1991 ‘Dangerous’ sessions and included on a Pepsi promotional boxset , ‘Someone Put Your Hand Out’ is yet another gem created by the fantastic team of Jackson and Teddy Riley. A melancholic, surrendering love song, it’s safe to say it is ranked quite high on the extensive list of “could-have-been-hits” from the Pop visionary. Armed with a crystal clear falsetto, a Latin flavored groove, lush vocal arrangements and simple – in the best way possible – melodies, Mike demonstrates here that – with the right dosage – less is definitely more. Indeed, what makes this song such a winner is its subtlety.
Jackson’s ability to seamlessly switch his sound from high-energy, industrial and aggressive to ethereal and vulnerable remains one of his biggest qualities and this very song sums up amazingly what the softer side of his music is all about: love, passion, emotion and honesty
Before you know it awards season will be in full swing.
Probably our favorite time of year here at TGJ HQ, we were ever-excited to learn of the Soul Train Awards committee unveiling the nominations for their 2013 showing.
Featuring top heavy competition from the year’s best and brightest in Hip Hop and R&B, TGJ favorites Kendrick Lamar (6), Justin Timberlake (5), Tamar Braxton (5), Robin Thicke (5), Chris Brown (5), and Miguel (5) are leading the pack of nominees for the ceremony.
Set to be hosted by funnyman Anthony Anderson, the show will air on CENTRIC and BET on Dec. 1. Until then, familiarize yourself with the rest of the nominees below:
That Grape Juice has exclusively received word that Michelle Williams has parted ways with Mathew Knowles and Music World Entertainment! Check out Michelle’s official statement below:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 12, 2010
STATEMENT REGARDING GRAMMY-AWARD WINNING SINGER MICHELLE WILLIAMS DISSOLVING HER MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENT WITH MATHEW KNOWLES AND MUSIC WORLD ENTERTAINMENT “After much prayer and consideration I have decided to part ways from my management team, Mathew Knowles and Music World Entertainment. From my time in Destiny’s Child to my solo career, I am grateful for everything Mathew and his team has done for me. We’ve shared great success together. However, as I move in a new direction in my career, I felt it was time. I wish Mathew Knowles and the Music World Entertainment family all the best.”
ABOUT MICHELLE WILLIAMS
This winter, Grammy Award-winning recording artist and actress Michelle Williams returns to Broadway as Roxie Hart in the Tony Award-winning hit musical CHICAGO for a seven-week limited engagement, Monday, February 8, 2010 through Sunday, March 28, 2010 at the Ambassador Theatre (219 W. 49th St.).
Michelle Williams first took on Roxie Hart last year to critical acclaim in London’s Cambridge Theatre, marking the first time an African American woman has played the role of Roxie Hart on London’s West End. Her limited engagement proved so successful that it was extended an additional three weeks by popular demand. She made her Broadway stage debut in 2003, replacing R&B icon Toni Braxton in the title role of Disney’s Aida. In April 2007, she joined the national touring company of the hit musical The Color Purple, performing extended runs in Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Phoenix with members of the original Broadway cast.
Michelle Williams also maintains her stake as a minority owner of the WNBA team, Chicago Sky.
