annie-movie-thatgrapejuice

This Winter brings with it the big screen arrival of the eagerly anticipated ‘Annie’ remake.

The movie classic has been given a modern-day make-over with 10-year-old wonder  Quvenzhané Wallis taking on the lead role of Annie.

Wallis, who replaces the initially cast Willow Smith, is joined by Oscar winner Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz – who play Benjamin Stacks and Miss Hannigan respectively.

Already earmarked as a must-watch, anticipation for the film was cranked up a notch today following the release of a new extended trailer.

Check it out after the jump…

(more…)

future-she-is-diva-that-grape-juice-tgj-1

Come April 22nd, the world will finally be able to get its hand on ‘Honest’, the latest album from Hip Hop vocalist Future!

Featuring contributions made by the likes of Pharrell Williams and Andre 3000, the project whipped up fresh momentum for itself today when it teased its Drake-backed bop ‘Never Satisfied‘, produced by the prolific Mike Will Made It.

Is it strong enough to carry the album to the commercial heavens?

You tell us below…

(more…)

nokia-tgj

As our dedicated readers know, we love us some Urban Pop here at That Grape Juice!

Therefore, we’re elated to announce that we’ve teamed up with our good friends over at Nokia MixRadio to launch the official That Grape Juice playlist.

The exclusive mix, which is free to stream AND download now on all Nokia Windows phones, features songs from your favourite TGJ artists. Yes, everyone from Beyonce, to Lady GaGa, Ciara, Kelly Rowland, and even Rihanna; we’ve got you covered!

tgj-nokia-mixradio-4

About Nokia MixRadio

Nokia MixRadio is your own personal radio station. It takes you straight to the music with a  ‘Play Me’ button, which delivers a personalized station that is unique to every user.

The app allows you to create an experience unique to YOU using the simple ‘thumbs up’, ‘thumbs down’ and artist ‘favourite’ features. Free of adverts, sign ups or subscriptions, mixes can be saved for offline listening during times without signal such as underground travel.

Sounds great, right?  Well, click here (and here) to find out more about Nokia MixRadio!

************

So what are you waiting for?!

Click here to listen to That Grape Juice’s official Nokia MixRadio Playlist!

tgj-nokia-mixradio-2 tgj-nokia-mixradio-3tgj-nokia-mixradio-6tgj-nokia-mixradio-5

Your thoughts?

lana-del-rey-west-coast

It’s here!

‘West Coast’, the lead single from Lana Del Rey‘s hotly anticipated sophomore album ‘Ultraviolence’, landed moments ago on BBC Radio 1.

Really, though, what are you waiting for? Take a listen after the jump…

(more…)

mariah-carey-et-canada

May 6th marks the spot for Mariah Carey.

The premium diva is set to release her 14th studio album next month and in the absence of a hit is taking to the promo trail early.

Carey, who celebrated her 44th birthday last month, sat down with ET Canada recently – dishing garishly on the project and its four-year recording process. The singer also revealed that her 3-year-old twins (who she affectionately dubs “Dem Babies”) feature on a song titled ‘Supernatural’.

Mariah and her album in her words after the jump…

(more…)

rhoa-reunion

The Real Housewives Of Atlanta wrapped its record-breaking sixth season last night. Yet, the Bravo hit isn’t done serving up bolts of drama just yet.

This week sees the cast’s much touted reunion air and let’s just say Nene, Kenya, Porsha, and co are bringing fireworks aplenty.

The freshly unleashed teaser for the two-part episode features a forrest of shade and a preview of “that” fight.

Peep a sneak peek after the jump…

(more…)

ashanti-braveheart-2015

An independent artist she may be, yet Ashanti continues to book stages her major label counterparts could only wish for as she promotes new album ‘Braveheart’.

The latest?

A spot singing the US National Anthem at the Manny Pacquiao vs Timothy Bradley boxing match over the weekend.

Tasked with nailing a song many deem “the” definitive benchmark for any “singer-singer”, how did Ms. Douglas fare?

Her performance of the ‘Star Spangled Banner’ at the MGM Grand Las Vegas awaits with the answer…

(more…)

rihanna-eminem-2014-mtv

Given the “magical” sounds that emanate from Rihanna‘s mouth, it’s fitting that the model performed ‘The Monster’ tonight at the MTV Movie Awards 2014.

Thankfully for the millions watching, the star seems to have taken That Grape Juice‘s advice and locked down a vocal coach, as she actually sounded…decent….during her much hyped showing with Eminem tonight.

Watch the pair, who set out on a sell-out stadium tour this Summer, preview the trek below…

(more…)

love-and-hip-hop-atlanta-that-grape-juice-2

Mark your calendars!

Monday May 5th brings with it the return of Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta. And if ever the phrase “turn down for what?” was applicable, it’s most certainly so for the third season of the VH1 hit.

This evening saw the show’s titillating new super trailer unleashed, and it’s clear Joseline, Steebie Stevie, Rasheeda, Kirk, Karlie Redd and co are bringing the drama and then some.

See what we mean below…

(more…)

ri4

Stars from all corners of the entertainment industry stepped out in style to celebrate the MTV Movie Awards 2014 tonight.

Currently airing live from the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles, snaps from the red carpet have surfaced.

Peep the likes of Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Lupita Nyong’o, and more as they arrived at the much anticipated show – above and below…

(more…)

beyonce-she-is-diva-that-grape-juice-she-is-diva-2

A prolific writer responsible for co-writing the bulk of her own discography, 2011 saw Beyonce score praise from critics and fans alike following the release of her fourth studio album ‘4′, unveiled two years before the arrival of 2013’s ‘Beyonce.

Hailed for its raw honesty and a track list that saw her dabble in Funk, Dancehall  and PBR&B, the album delivered the Bee Gees-esque ‘Rather Die Young‘, performed live for the very first time during the star’s ‘4 Intimate Nights With Beyonce’Roseland’ residency.

Knew all of the above already?

Well, one could forgive you for not knowing that before being presented to and subsequently re-written by Carter, ‘Die Young’ was originally served a solo single for songwriter Jeff Bhasker under the alias Billy Kravenreleased under the title ‘I’d Rather Die Young.’

Press play to give it a spin below…

(more…)

This week, From The Vault travels back to the very beginning of the 00’s with the defining R&B smash ‘I Wanna Know’ by crooner Joe.

The lead single from the singer’s third effort ‘My Name Is Joe’, the slow-jam was produced by Edwin «Tony» Nichola and produced by Joe himself. A love song by all counts, the cut stands as Mr Thomas signature song and was, according to Billboard, the 4th biggest song of the year 2000.

Having peaked at #4 on the US Hot 100 and #2 on the Hot Hip-Hop/R&B charts, it didn’t exactly achieve chart glory overseas. Still – as our non-US readers will testify – the track’s significance to modern R&B speaks louder than any chart position would or could.

The visual for the gem was helmed by Billie Woodruff and presented Joe as a knight in shining armor of sorts, rescuing a young lady after a chaotic relationship. Put simply, the perfect gentleman. A brief and quite unnecessary dance-break towards the end of clip throws things off somewhat,  but still – Joe gets an “A” for effort, ay?

*****

With the Grammy nominee  hard on work on new album ‘Bridges’ and R&B’s stock almost as high as it was when ‘I Wanna Know’ was released, maybe 2014 is the year that will see the vocalist bless (upper region of the) charts with his brand of grown and sexy once again. Should he serve up another classic that will also sound as fresh 14 years after its release, then we see no reason why not!

Your thoughts?

**