Talented actor Nate Parker has the film industry abuzz with his latest movie ‘The Birth of A Nation.’

Already a winner of multiple awards the Sundance Film Festival, the flick (which was also directed by Parker) has received a whopping $17.5 million pick-up from Fox Searchlight who will distribute it in theaters this October 7th.

Set against the antebellum South, ‘Nation’ tells the tale of Nat Turner, a literate slave and preacher, whose financially strained owner, Samuel Turner (Armie Hammer), accepts an offer to use Nat’s preaching to subdue unruly slaves. As he witnesses countless atrocities – against himself and his fellow slaves – Nat orchestrates and uprising in the hopes of leading his people to freedom.

A compelling trailer for the film, which also stars ‘How To Get Away With Murder’s’ Aja Naomi King, has been unleashed.

Watch below…

(more…)

Welcome to Retro Rewind, the TGJ original feature launched to celebrate TV and Film’s glorious past.

Today, before the release of her new project ‘Lemonade‘, Beyonce‘s portrayal of Bizet’s ‘Carmen’ is the object of this edition’s desire.

Released as an MTV movie in 2001, ‘Carmen: A Hip Hopera’ told the tragic tale of a fame-thirsty young lady named Carmen Brown whose quest for her love power in the mean streets of Philadelphia and LA takes her on a journey which ends with death.

The project would kick start what would become a box office rocking movie career with help from her co-stars Bow Wow, Rah Digga, Wyclef Jean, Rah Digga, Jermaine Dupri and Mos Def.

Ready to take that walk dow memory lane?

Meet Carmen below…

(more…)

Brandy may have premiered a new video today in the form of ‘Beggin’ and Pleadin,” however question marks remain over the status of its parent album.

Indeed, since news hit of the singer’s legal tussle with label head Breyon Presscott, it appears no certainties exist pertaining to the feasibility of an LP. For legal documents filed by the diva claim she is unlawfully being lured into signing a deal that principally serves to profit Presscott – head of Chameleon Entertainment – and leave her worse for wear.

Seizing the moment, Presscott’s team have issued a lengthy statement countering the claims and presenting a detailed timeline of events.

Read below…

(more…)

For all her divadom, Mariah Carey has a penchant for playfulness.

As many of her fans will attest, one of the songbird’s most notable displays of this is embedded in her 1999 ‘Heartbreaker’ music video.

Indeed, who could forget Mimi’s bathroom showdown with alter ego Bianca?

Few.

However, for those who need a refresher (as well as those who seek to revel in the nostalgia), Carey reprised the role…this time for Instagram.

Check it out below…

(more…)

Kelly Rowland has her hands in many a project – including a lucrative partnership with Seagrams Escapes.

The singer was recently unveiled as the face of the brand and is fronting the campaign for their new signature flavors, several of which she created herself.

Ms. Kelly’s commitment to the cause was further highlighted by way of a new track she recorded for her Seagrams commercial christened ‘Gimme Love.’

Take a listen below…

(more…)

April 29th 2016.

Drake‘s ‘Views From the 6‘ rocks retailers on the date above and, should his efforts to position himself as a globally relevant performer pay off, see him pull in his biggest opening week number to date internationally.

On board to help him score the success he is after is his ‘Work’ mate Rihanna who invited him to support her as she rocked his hometown of Toronto with her ‘ANTI‘ live show.

Press play to catch the creative couple in action below…

(more…)

Today, Malcolm D. Lee‘s ‘Barbershop: The Next Cut’ arrives in movie theatres with support from its stars Ice Cube, Eve, Common and Nicki Minaj.

Fortunately, this isn’t the only piece of good news the director will tuck in to this afternoon.

Epic news below…

(more…)

Meet the new, and possibly improved, Mindless Behavior.

Now made up of EJ, Princeton, and Mike, the R&B trio have returned to continue their creative journey following the departures of Prodigy, Ray Ray, and Roc Royal.

Today, they celebrate their relaunch with a video shot to promote their jam ‘I Want Dat.’

Do they have the talent and resources to take R&B music to One Direction-sized glory?

Watch, and weigh in on ‘Want,’ after the jump…

(more…)

Bravo’s ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’ will swing into action for a ninth season this November and, thanks to a report published days ago, has already been graced with a disquieting storyline.

About what?

Talk of an affair between Porsha Williams….and Cynthia Bailey‘s husband.

(more…)

In 2016, being an “Indie Artist” carries a different weight than in previous years. With albums becoming more DIY than ever before, we are seeing more talent pave their way to success without the backing of a major label. Has the once sought after “record deal” lost its vigor? That Grape Juice weighs up below…

(more…)

R&B icon Brandy serves up 1920’s sass in the video for soulful new single ‘Beggin’ & Pleadin.”

Armed with the momentum generated from her performance of the song at Black Girls Rock earlier this month, the 37-year-old singer/actress aims to push the track (the first on her own label, Slayanna Records) to new heights.

Will its accompanying visual aid her cause? Watch Mike Ho production below and let us know…

(more…)

On a casting front the FOX series ‘Empire’ is fronted by two of Hollywood’s more respectable players, Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson.

Unfortunately, it seems that not even their star power or Lee Daniels‘ Academy Award winning magic can stop the show’s descent on a ratings front.

Bad news for the series below…

(more…)