Based on the novel by the same name by Larry Duplechan, the film ‘Blackbird’ is directed by Patrik-Ian Polk (Noah’s Arc, The Skinny), which he also co-wrote with Rikki Beadle Blair (Stonewall). The film stars Academy Award winning actress and comedian Mo’Nique (Precious), Isaiah Washington (Grey’s Anatomy, Blue Caprice, The 100), Terrell Tilford (Single Ladies, Guiding Light), D. Woods (MTV’s Danity Kane), Gary L. Gray (The Cosby Show, Bring It On: All Or Nothing), Torrey Laamar, Kevin Allesee, Nikki Jane, and introduces breakthrough talent Julian Walker…

(more…)

Kelly Rowland is the latest name to be snapped soaking up the New York Fashion Week festivities.

The ‘Motivation’ maven was spotted at the MADE Public School presentation in NYC today and looked oh so fly.

Ms. Kelly’s appearance marks one of her first major showings since giving birth to baby Titan Jewell last Winter.

In other news, the 34-year-old held a Google Hangout with a group of fans this week on her birthday (February 11th) and revealed that she’s actively working on her fifth studio album.
Interestingly, the songbird explained that she’s aiming for a more “uptempo” sound this go round, which – from where we’re standing – is awesome news. Her last album ‘Talk A Good Game’ was solid, however the lack of uptempo’s dented its body somewhat.

With the singer explaining that the faster pace doesn’t necessarily mean she’s cooking up more Dance tracks, we’re hoping the new project heralds the return of ‘Lose My Breath’ Kelly. It’s time.

Pending then, peep more pics below…

(more…)

Though released almost two decades ago, Toni Braxton‘s classic ‘Un-Break My Heart’ still serves as a Valentine season favourite. As such, the lovelorn number is this week’s From The Vault pick.

Interestingly, initially Braxton wasn’t too keen on recording the Diane Warren-penned and David Foster-helmed track. After skilled convincing from then-label head L.A Reid, Toni agreed and turned this ballad into a monster smash.
The second single from her magnum-opus ‘Secrets’, the song topped the Billboard Hot 100 for eleven weeks – funnily enough from December 7 1996 to Valentine’s Day week in 1997. It reached the fifth position on the Canadian charts and entered the Top 3 in numerous European countries. Perhaps, most notably though, the gem won Braxton her fourth Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal.

It is with flying colors that frequent collaborator Bille Woodruff managed to create a heartbreaking visual for a heartbreaking track. Starring world-famous model Tyson Beckford, the video sees the stunner mourning her deceased lover and later on taking the stage for an all-out diva masterclass that has now become permanently etched in the minds of millions.

********

To this day, Toni Braxton remains a rare gem; from her deep sultry tone to her effortless brand of “sexy”, she has established herself as one of R&B’s most notable royals and  definitive music legend.

As widely known, her run in the industry has been filled with high highs and challenging lows. Hence, why we’re hoping the Grammy winning success her latest project, ‘Love, Marriage, & Divorce’, will inspire her to press on with new music so as to allow generations to come to appreciate the wealth of her immense talent.

Your thoughts?

Despite debuting at #1 on the Billboard 200 last Summer, Trey Songz‘s latest album ‘Trigga’ has become the R&B star’s lowest selling project to date. Indeed, as at writing, the set has only sold 290,000 copies in the US since July 2014.

In a bid to rescue the situation, the singer has announced a re-release.

Details below…

(more…)

Being the most successful female recording artist of all time may have its perks, but this week has seen Madonna learn that immortality isn’t one of them.

For, according to reports published today, she has seen her brand new single ‘Living For Love‘ booted from BBC Radio 1‘s playlist…because she’s too old.

Full story below…

(more…)

Ever keen to broaden our musical scope, recent months have seen That Grape Juice venture into a number of new musical landscapes including, most recently, gospel.

Spearheaded by well-received interviews with gospel singers Yolanda Adams, Hezekiah Walker, Twinkie Clark, Fred Hammond, Kierra Sheard, Dorinda Clark Cole, Israel Houghton, Marvin Sapp, Micah Stampley, Joshua Rogers, J. Moss, and Jonathan McReynolds, TGJ is now offering readers ‘The Overflow’ – a collection of the top gospel-themed news stories from the week.

Tuck in below for the latest news on Lecrae, Dorinda Clark Cole, Mary Mary, Dewayne Woods, Charles Jenkins, and more :

(more…)

The opening of New York City’s new Fendi boutique drew many-a-head turner, including Grammy winning songstress Rihanna and supermodel Naomi Campbell.

Seen above, the duo posed it up for cameras before heading inside to celebrate the newest Fendi fashions on display as well as the event’s creative directors Karl Lagerfeld and Silvia Venturini.

Tuck in below to see more shots of the ladies and peep our girl Erykah Badu on the 1s-and-2s, acting as the night’s DJ:

(more…)

Fans of pop/R&B superstar Beyonce swarmed to Instagram to “like” a cute Valentine Day photo featuring daughter Blue Ivy.

Covered in bees, the duo puckered up for a ‘V-Day’ shout-out to the singer’s legion of faithful followers, affectionately christened “the Beyhive.”

The snap surfaces as the latest of a string of appearances from the Grammy winning diva, as she’s been quite the busy bee herself in New York City for NBA All-Star Weekend.  Tuck in below for more photos of Beyonce-spottings:

(more…)

Another day, another Azealia Banks Twitter tussle.

Thats right, even on Valentine’s Day the ‘ATM Jam’ diva isn’t exactly dispensing the love to her fellow artists – ask Queen of Neo-Soul Erykah Badu.

Earlier today the songstress was asked if she was a fan of the outspoken rapstress.  Her response obviously didn’t sit too well with Banks, who then went on a Twitter tirade to suggest Badu was not only ‘old,’ but also ‘jealous’ of her artistry.

See her full rant and Badu’s response below:

(more…)

Check out Rihanna!

The Pop starlet has been tapped as the muse for W Magazine Korea, who feature her on three new covers to celebrate their tenth anniversary. 26-year-old Rih was snapped by acclaimed photographer Dennis Leupold for each of the features.

She may sound like struggle, but she’s booking these covers easy, breezy.

Peep the rest below…

(more…)

New music alert!

Mack Wilds & his label boss Salaam Remi deliver the brand new jam ‘Girls Playin’ Games’ to the world today, unlocking the cut in honour of Valentine’s day.

Released before the unveiling of his second studio album, the number sees Mack give fans an indication of what they can expect from the project, set to feature writing and production from the aforementioned Salaam and his R&B sibling Elijah Blake.

Will you fall in love with his latest offering?

Tell us below…

Your thoughts?

The week brought with it the third anniversary of the untimely passing of pop icon Whitney Houston.  Lauded as a stentorian vocal performer whose prowess knew few (if any) rivals, the diva’s 30 year career saw her become the standard for all singers to follow.  From her self-titled debut album (released on this day in 1985) to 2009’s ‘I Look To You,‘ Houston sailed to the top of the charts with a discography of hits that includes many of the most memorable numbers imparted to pop music over the last three decades.

Interestingly, many people do not know that a great number of said memorable tunes lining her discography are, in fact, remakes.  Borrowed from the likes of Diana Ross, Donnie Hathaway, Dolly Parton, The Isley Brothers, and many lesser known acts, Whitney’s catalog shines with a collage of covers that were done so well most assumed her versions were the originals.

Since February 2012 fans, celebrities, and more commemorate the anniversary of her death by sharing remakes of her top hits.  But, now we’re coming to you – That Grape Juice faithful – to ask:

What’s Whitney Houston’s best remake (of other artists)?

Tuck in below to see our top 5 picks and sound off:

(more…)