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:
Today’s From The Vault selection was unleashed to the world over 15 years ago. The R&B gem ‘Good Stuff’ by eccentric Kelis is this week’s pick.
Released in 1999 as the second single from Ms. Rogers debut album ‘Kaleidoscope,’ ‘Stuff’, like the entirety of the LP, was produced by Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo‘s production partnership The Neptunes and features rapper Pusha T under the name Terrar – which he used when he was part of the band Clipse.
Interestingly, Kelis only cracked America in 2003 with her smash ‘Milkshake’ despite being an American artist. For the earlier part of her career, her success was only of a European persuasion, hence why the track failed to chart in the US but peaked at #19 on the the UK Official Singles Charts.
The video for the tune sees Kelis and friends breaking into a roller rink and turning it upside down. The singer can be seen rocking her then-signature multi-colored curls in the clip, which features a cameo of Pharrell and of course of featured act Pusha T with whom Rogers shares many flirty moments.
***********
If one was to ever look up the dictionary definition of “eclecticism” surely Kelis’ picture would proudly project. From her R&B siren days, to her neo-soul efforts, her punk alternative offerings and of course her EDM output (hello ‘Fleshtone’), the former Mrs Nasir Jones has done it all musically. And the results have been ‘Tasty’ (pun intended). We applaud her for not being afraid to switch it all the way up whenever she feels like it, whether it being considered a risk or not. Her authenticity is the primary reason why even when not setting the charts alight she can still be respected by critics and the industry at large and can continue to fill up concert venues the world-over.
Kelis, we salute you, and can’t wait to witness where you go next!
It’s fair to say that many of today’s chart contenders would snap, crackle and flop without the backing of the record label system.
Fortunately, when one’s success is based on a foundation of lyrical ability, live skill and authenticity being without said system does all of nothing to stop one on their creative journey.
Just ask Azealia Banks, the mastermind behind the Jazz-inspired album ‘Broke With Expensive Taste‘ who continues to see her fanbase swell thanks to performances like the one she put on at the ‘Leeds Festival.’
Those familiar with the original choreography designed to support the song will be pleased to learn that Jackson has freshened things up with new moves and brought on a dynamic pair of dancers who weren’t even born when the number first rocked the charts!
Tomorrow evening will bring with it the return of ‘Love & Hip Hop Hollywood’, the explosive docu-series which follows the lives of Urban creatives hoping to find success in the ever-changing world that is entertainment.
This season will deliver storylines fronted by a number of fresh faces including the openly gay rapper Milan Christopher and friend to the stars Jason Lee.
How they will fare on a platform catered to an arguably homophobic audience?
Hit the play button below to catch the first ten minutes of tomorrow night’s premiere to find out!
Keen to unleash the Salaam Remi-produced beast that is his sophomore album is Mack Wilds, the actor turned singer who first rose to fame on the wings of the show ‘The Wire’ and the second coming of ‘Beverly Hills 90210.‘
Now, the performer has released the album’s first supporting number to generate a buzz around its release. It goes by the name of ‘Bonnie & Clyde’ and sees him take on adult and explicit subject matter with spectacular results.
Janet Jackson and Beyonce may not have any trouble moving music digitally but it appears that their sales have done little to stop sales of digital music reaching a seven-year low.
The creative force that is Beyonce rocked her fans’ world with a big, bold and completely brand new live show at yesterday’s ‘Made in America’ festival.
There, the entertainer (who is gearing up for the release of her new album) stepped out of what some might have called her comfort zone to rock the event’s audience with a performance designed to match her newfound desire to push her ownenvelope musically.
As Jojo fans are still getting every aspect of their lives with her long-awaited return to music, one of the trio of singles gifted to them was the Harmony Samuels-produced ‘Say Love.’
The tune, already making impressive moves on digital and pop charts, has not only been earning thumbs up from fans and critics, but from the producer himself.
“She is one of the best artists I’ve ever worked with vocally: She brings out the best in the music. Hers is a voice we haven’t heard in a while, so I think she’s going to do wonders.” – Harmony Samuels
Get into the talented duo singing more of each other’s praises in this recently unveiled behind the scenes peek at the song’s creation: (more…)
