The television adaptation of the popular movie franchise ‘Step Up’ is back with a binge-worthy, sexy, bold, and fast-paced third season.

In its first and sophomore seasons, the show served as a YouTube Original series, ‘Step Up: High Water.’

Now, it has found a new home at STARZ under the shorter title of ‘Step Up.’

Along with a new network and name, the series added new characters and actors. The late Naya Rivera originally played the role of Collette Jones. After time and respectful consideration, Christina Milian was cast in the same role; she has shared that she wants to portray Jones in a way that is unique to her. 

Season three continues to follow megastar Sage Odom (played by Ne-Yo) as he faces criminal charges, financial ruin, and powerful political enemies.

That Grape Juice’s Chet Kincaid caught up with members of the cast and crew, including Milian, creator Holly Sorensen, Jamaica Craft, Terayle Hill, Terrence Green, Kendra Willis, Rebbie Rosie, and Jade Chynoweth.

Collectively, they opened up about what we can expect from season three of the talent-filled show.

Check out the interviews above and below…

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In sad news, producer Chucky Thompson has died aged 53.

The creative (born Carl E. Thompson) rose to prominence as part of Diddy’s Hitmen production ensemble, which was stationed in-house at the iconic Bad Boy Records.

Thompson was renowned and revered for his work on projects from the likes Mary J. Blige, Faith Evans, Notorious B.I.G, Ne-Yo, and Fantasia. 

His cause of death hasn’t been formally announced, but reports claim he succumbed to COVID-19.

With an impact that had great length and depth, there has been an outpouring of emotion from Thompson’s collaborators and contemporaries.

Full story below…

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Chloe Bailey is taking center stage.

For, the Chloe x Halle member is making her solo concert debut on ‘Good Morning America’s 2021 Summer Concert Series.

More details below…

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Join us today as we continue to celebrate the birthday of music royal Janet Jackson.

This week’s From The Vault pick comes in the form of her 2008 single, ‘Rock With U’.

The second single from the superstar’s tenth studio album ‘Discipline,’ ‘Rock’ was produced by then-fiancé Jermaine Dupri and written by R&B maestro Ne-Yo.

Issued as the follow-up to the ever-blazing ‘Feedback,’ the Euro-disco number gratingly wasn’t afforded the chance to match the success of its predecessor. Still, it was very well received by the critics and to this day remains a favorite amongst Janet fans.

Fresh from directing ‘Feedback,’ Saam Farahmand took the helm of the song’s visual – which showcased the entertainer and her dancers delivering killer choreography courtesy of Gil Duldulao. Its moody mise en scène skewed both futuristic and retro.

Filmed as a long take with no cuts, it manages to capture the full essence of an all-night party in just under four minutes. Janet is undeniably the Queen of the ball, as she leads the colorful cast with class and gusto.

At 55 years young, Jackson is about to enter a very important chapter of her career. Indeed, with a no-stone-left-unturned documentary as well as a new album and possible tour, it seems she is planning on “rocking with us” some more and in a major way.

For the music, the moves, the style, and the spectacle, the everything — Miss Jackson, we salute you!

Your thoughts?

In a landmark move, Timbaland and Swizz Beatz have sold their #VERZUZ platform to the Triller Network, the parent company of the Triller social media app.

Full story below…

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Whether penciled in history books for reasons good, bad, ugly, and/or everything in between, 2020 brought with it some of entertainment’s most memorable moments.

Now, as the year draws to a close, That Grape Juice is reflecting on our favorite moments that rocked – and to some degree maybe even reshaped – the Urban and Pop cultural landscape as we know it.

Next, we’ll reflect on the year’s biggest celebrity beefs.  Look inside to see whose war of words made our list:

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Whether penciled in history books for reasons good, bad, ugly, and/or everything in between, 2020 brought with it some of entertainment’s most memorable moments.

Now, as the year draws to a close, we are reflecting on our favorite moments that rocked – and to some degree maybe even reshaped – the Urban and Pop cultural landscape as we know it.

Next, we reflect on the celebrity divorces and breakups that sent headlines into a spin.  From Kelly Clarkson to Cardi B, Demi Lovato, and more, celebrity trips to “Splitsville” encouraged a number of comment on That Grape Juice this year.

See what we mean inside:

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The 2020 Soul Train Awards saw some of Urban music’s finest go head-to-head for the show’s coveted trophies.

With the likes of top names and newcomers alike going for the prizes, the competition was steep.

Now that the show is over and the final performance done (click here to watch them), find out who picked up which awards in which categories.

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With the net is still on fire over his #VERZUZ showdown with Gucci Mane Thursday (November 19), rapper Jeezy is capitalizing off the buzz by lifting the lid on ‘Recession 2‘ – the conceptual sequel to his chart-topping 2008 album, ‘The Recession.’

The follow-up to 2019’s ‘TM104: The Legend of the Snowman,’ the new 15-track affair shines in no small part due to its star-studded guest list which features Rick Ross, Yo Gotti, E-40, Ne-Yo, and surprisingly, Demi Lovato,

Sharing track-time with the emcee on his album joint, ‘My Reputation,’ the Pop sensation demonstrates her versatility by sounding right at home over the Urban cut.

Hear the duet and stream its parent project inside:

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It’s once again time to hop aboard the Soul Train!

BET presents the 2020 Soul Train Awards later this month, so what better way to incite excitement than to reveal the official list of nominations?!

An eclectic array of names lead the ballot this year, with H.E.R. nabbing 8 noms, Chris Brown following with 7, and Beyonce and Young Thug securing 6 each.

Set to take place November 29, the show – which will be hosted by Tichina Arnold and Tisha Campbell for the third time- will simulcast on BET, BET Her, VH1 and MTV2 at 8 PM ET.

Check out the full list of nominees below…

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The Timbaland and Swizz Beatz-created #VERZUZ platform has become a cultural phenomenon of epic proportion.

Calling on some of music’s most celebrated to square their catalogs against each other, names like Monica, DMX, Jill Scott, Brandy, Snoop Dogg, Erykah Badu, Patti Labelle, Ne-Yo, John Legend, Gladys Knight, Alicia Keys, and many more have taken to the Web sensation to show off prized hits from their respective discographies in a ‘battle’ format.

A consistent ‘ratings’ winner, the popularity of the hit-for-hit showdown has seen music lovers call for their favorite acts to engage – requests that have been met with surprisingly mixed results as the likes of Chris Brown, Usher, and other big names have all declined invitations to compete (as we reported here).

A name consistently atop viewer wishlist is Toni Braxton – a multi-Platinum selling R&B veteran who boasts over 60 million records sold worldwide, over a dozen top 10 R&B hits, and a catalog lined with some of the genre’s favorites from the last 30 years.

When quizzed on if she’d partake in a diva duel with a worthy counterpart, her response got tongues wagging.

More inside:

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Motown Records is finally making its move to the UK with a new label.

Announced on Monday (September 14) the record label will be led by Rob Pascoe and will have its own dedicated team and sources.

More details below…

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