The 2013 Soul Train Awards airing is under-way right now and, like you, That Grape Juice is front and center watching the action!
Taped last month the beautiful Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, NV, the show boasts performances from R&B’s best and brightest including Tamar Braxton, K. Michelle, Faith Evans, Chrisette Michele, Jennifer Hudson, Wale, and so many more.
We are definitely gathering our thoughts about the action so far, but here you can post your views on anything and everything regarding the show. Pre-Show rumours…Who you’re looking forward to seeing… Who you feel rocked the red carpet, who should have skipped it altogether… Who deserved to win what…performances…and all that good stuff – before, during, and after the show….
One year after launching the ‘0 F***s Given’ mix tape for fans, K.Michelle has announced the conception of its sequel today, locking in a 2014 date for its birth.
These are three words that would best describe Janet Jackson.
Today’s From The Vault pick is an demonstration of the indelible imprint she has left in our beloved Pop Culture. ‘I Get Lonely’ from 1997’s ‘The Velvet Rope’ is this week’s selection.
The work of then-fantastic four Ms. Jackson, Jam & Lewis as well as Jackson’s ex-husband and frequent collaborator Rene Elizondo, ‘Lonely’ is an authentic R&B track that sees Janet lamenting over being away from an estranged lover. A classic Janet “baby-making song”, its dramatic horns and sultry bass make for a sexy-sensual atmosphere which contrasts – in the best way possible – with Jackson strong yet vulnerable vocal delivery. The singer’s trademark harmonies are in full force as well. A triumph.
Releasing the track as a follow up to Dance-Pop mega hit ‘Together Again’ was quite the bold move at the time, but turned out to be a risk worth taking as it became the diva’s 18th consecutive Billboard Top 10 smash – peaking at #3 – and claiming the top spot of the Billboard Hip-Hop/R&B chart. In the UK, the R&B jam fared rather well too reaching the fifth position of the Official Singles Chart.
As it is often the case with the stage-blazer, the accompanying visual for the tune is as memorable as the tune itself. The Paul Hunter directed music video presents a flame-haired Janet in various futuristic sets including one where she – alongside her female dancers – engages in some silky smooth choreography, proving yet again that she is no one-trick-pony who can only do intricate high-octane routines.
From the fashion and hair & make up to the choreography, it is indeniable how impactful this video has been and is continuing to be: Britney’s ‘Me Against The Music’, Kelly Rowland’s ‘Motivation’, Rihanna’s ‘LOUD’ era look anyone?!
We won’t state again how seriously we’re anticipating Ms. Jackson’s return to chart glory. For today all we will do is salute yet again a tremendous artist who’s vision and audacity helped change the entertainment landscape forever.
Yesterday afternoon, the world learned that ‘Fast & Furious’ actor Paul Walker had passed away, losing his life when a car crash caused when the driver-who also lost his life- lost control and collided with a sign post.
Now, with much of the world waking up to the tragic news, Hollywood has taken to Twitter to mourn his passing-doing so with the messages below…
‘Late Night with Jimmy Fallon’ got in the festive swing of things on Thanksgiving night, inviting Urban Pop purveyor Ariana Grande to perform live on his ever enjoyable show!
What she performed? Her very own take on Wham’s ‘Last Christmas‘ performed alongside The Roots, all in hopes of pushing her forthcoming ‘Christmas Kisses’ EP!
Pop powerhouse Leona Lewis is ringing in the Holidays with hotly anticipated festive effort ‘Christmas, With Love’.
Preceded by the well-received ‘One More Sleep’, the LP sees the X Factor phenom serve up an uplifting mix of Christmas classics and new grooves created specifically for this project.
That Grape Juice sat down with the multi-Platinum talent to discuss a range of topics, including the inspiration behind this album, her next traditional effort (which she reveals will be inspired by Motown), US plans, the performance of Euro-only LP ‘Glassheart’, Mariah Carey, and much more. We only ask the questions you really want answers to!
Hit ‘PLAY’ to watch our EXCLUSIVE interview with Leona Lewis!
‘Christmas, With Love’ hits stores December 2nd (US, December 3rd)
When steered by the likes of Diddy, her career blossomed into what would become a short lived but fruitful run atop the Pop scene.
Alas, by way of numerous stunts pulled since being forced to take control of her own ship, Lil Kim has proved that she isn’t the sharpest tool in the box when it comes to business.
In short, she and her current camp are as incompetent as they come.
For, a fortnight after coming under fire for stealing an image posted online and attempting to pass it off as her own, the ever evolving MC has been branded a thief once again this evening.
The latest series of The X Factor UK continued in fine form tonight. With the Live Show segment of the season in full swing, the hopefuls are tasked with pulling out all the stops to progress onto the next week. Judging the hopefuls are Gary Barlow, Nicole Scherzinger, Louis Walsh, and returning panelist Sharon Osbourne.
{An international phenomenon, local versions show now air in the US, Italy, France and beyond. The brain-child of Simon Cowell, the show is responsible for birthing the careers of Leona Lewis, Alexandra Burke, Cher Lloyd and JLS}.
After bidding adieu to ‘Hercules: The Legend Begins‘ and taking on the new title of ‘The Legend of Hercules’, Renny Harlin’s forthcoming flick telling the tale of the Greek hero has birthed a brand new trailer today!
Hitting theatres on January 10th, the movie will arrive courtesy of Summit Entertainment and stars Kellan Lutz, Gaia Weiss and Liam McIntyre– formerly of Starz’ hit series ‘Spartacus.’
After bidding adieu to ‘Hercules: The Legend Begins‘ and taking on the new title of ‘The Legend of Hercules’, Renny Harlin’s forthcoming flick telling the tale of the Greek hero has birthed a brand new trailer today!
Hitting theatres on January 10th, the movie will arrive courtesy of Summit Entertainment and stars Kellan Lutz, Gaia Weiss and Liam McIntyre– formerly of Starz’ hit series ‘Spartacus.’
Four months removed since the release, Ciara‘s self titled fifth studio album can now boast of a US Gold single by way of the R&B effort ‘Body Party’ and Hot 100 Top 40 cut in the Dance number ‘I’m Out.’
However, despite the glory they attained in that market, both did very little to push the project internationally, with ‘Party‘s highest position held outside the nation being #43 on Belgium’s Flanders Ultratip Urban chart.
So, just how their predecessor ‘Overdose’ put both cuts to commercial shame?
