With digital downloads and online streams becoming two of the more dominant ingredients in the recipe of most of Billboard Hot 100 hits today, critics started to argue that topping the chart had become easier than ever to achieve.  But, despite the likes of Jay Z, Drake, and Beyonce making headlines in 2013 for moving some of the year’s most impressive numbers on Billboard 200, they have another commonality – no Hot 100 #1 singles.

In fact, they join a bevy of African American hitmakers (i.e. Alicia Keys, Kanye West, J. Cole) who delivered chart-topping albums in late 2012 or 2013 without the aid of a similarly successful single.

Even this generation’s Hot 100 queen Rihanna, whose #1 single ‘Diamonds’ was dethroned two weeks before 2013’s beginning, did not see her name stamped atop the tally [as a leading act] for a song she released this year…

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As reported here, gospel songstress Erica Campbell is forging a fiery solo path to Billboard glory via two well-received singles in the form of the Grammy-nominated ‘A Little More Jesus’ and its highly anticipated follow-up ‘Help’.

Acting as the title track from the March 27th due project, the song’s visual finds help from famed director Bille Woodruff as well as co-stars/Grammy-winning rapper Lecrae, Rodney Jerkins and the song’s Grammy winning producer Warryn Campbell (Erica’s husband).

That Grape Juice recently caught up with the powerhouse singer on the set of the video for ‘Help’ where she dished on the visual, its parent album, WeTV reality show ‘Mary Mary’ (February 25th), and more.

Your thoughts?

Ever keen on keeping the masses abreast of fresh and/or often underrated talent, That Grape Juice presents ‘The Spill’ – a renewed look at not-so-new, yet active, acts.

Much like its ‘Freshly Squeezed’ sister segment, this revived assay aims to put the magnifying glass on talents who may not appeal to the buying public on a broad scale yet are still serving material that could easily spin side-by-side with some of today’s top hits.

Covering a kaleidoscope of genres, ‘The Spill’ is set to feature some names you probably know and love as well as some you’ll (soon) be glad to know.  Click below to find out the spill on J. Holiday, Trevor Jackson, Eric Roberson, Algebra Blessett, Teedra Moses, and Jacob Latimore…

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Cop a gander at Grammy winning R&B divas Kelly Rowland and Monica posing it up with Beyonce’s mom Tina Knowles at a recent party.

As fans know, Mama Knowles celebrated her 60th birthday this week and commemorated the milestone with a number of headline-grabbing celebrations – most recently a star studded affair in New Orleans.

Lifted moments ago to Monica’s Instagram page, look below to see photos of Grammy winning songstress Jennifer Hudson, Kris Jenner, and Mo’s husband Shannon Brown.

 Tidbit:  How much fire on a track would it be to hear Kelly & Mo collab?!  Could one song handle that much slayage?

Your thoughts?

Via OWN:

Tamera Mowry, one half of the identical twin leads of the ’90s television sitcom ‘Sister, Sister’, married Fox News Channel correspondent Adam Housley on May 15, 2011. Since then, Tamera says, she has experienced intense hatred on social media for marrying outside her race. Watch as Tamera shared her response to the comments as well as what she’s learned from the experience.

Your thoughts?

Well, there’s a twist we didn’t see coming.

Pop chart-topper Ke$ha made headlines for checking herself into rehab for a lengthy eating disorder a week ago – a feat followed by a highly publicized slamming of the singer’s camp by her mother Pebe Sebert.

Now, for what seems to be taking an ongoing toll on the family, Mama Sebert has checked herself into rehab alongside her hitmaking daughter.

Details below:

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The black movie event of the season ‘Black Coffee’ made its way to theaters yesterday much to fan and critic delight alike. Starring Darrin Dewitt Henson (‘Soul Food’), Lamman Rucker (‘Why Did I Get Married’), Gabrielle Dennis (‘The Game’), and BET’s ‘Let’s Stay Together’ stars Christian Keyes & Erica Hubbard, the star-studded cast bring to life a telling story of hope, love, and life’s lessons on seizing opportunities when they arise.

As such, That Grape Juice is giving you the opportunity to celebrate the film’s long-awaited release with us by offering 5 lucky winners the ‘Ultimate Black Coffee’ Prize Pack.  It includes a stylish ‘Black Coffee’ tote bag, t-shirt, and much more!

You’ve read our interviews with the film’s stars, but now we want you to join in the fun.  Tell us:

Who is your favorite member of the ‘Black Coffee’ cast and why?

Submit your answer, along with your full name, address, telephone number, and t-shirt size to the email address below. Please be sure to use subject ‘Black Coffee – TGJ’:

rashad@thatgrapejuice.net

All entries must be received by 11.59pm PST on Wednesday, January 15, 2014.

Good luck!

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‘BLACK COFFEE’ is in theaters in Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Chicago, and Baltimore at AMCtheatres now!

Buy tickets here!

Having clocked in over 15 years in the top spot, it’s a given that Beyonce has inspired millions.

The latest to showcase their love for King B are a tap group called Chloe’s Syncopated Ladies.

Watch below as the dynamo divas deliver a performance Yonce would be proud of…

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With talent as pronounced as Jessie J‘s, it’s no surprise that the Pop powerhouse has built quite the fanbase in the US.

However, Stateside supporters of the singer will have to wait a while longer before seeing her take to the stage — it has been announced today.

The 25-year-old ‘Price Tag’ belter was slated to support Robin Thicke on his upcoming North American tour from March; a spot that would have seen her introduce material from her recently released sophomore LP ‘Alive’ to US audiences.

Yet, with the American version of the LP still cooking, J has opted to ensure it’s “well done”. Hence has vacated her spot on the trek.

Details after the jump…

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Next week, Shakira & Rihanna will join forces to unleash their collaborative single ‘Can’t Remember To Forget You.’

Today, the ladies strike fear into the hearts of many a Pop princess by releasing a snippet from the jam, revealing the song is indeed a Dance one, and will set the charts alight upon release.

Why we’re kinda sorta head over heels in love with already?

Find out below…

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19 years after their second studio album topped the Billboard 200, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony took their signature song ‘Crossroads’ to CBS‘ ‘Arsenio’, and joining the host for an interview which saw them discuss their legacy and latest studio album.

If that wasn’t enough, their time on the hit show also brought with a live rendition of ‘Everyhing 100‘, featuring Taylor Gang‘s Ty Dolla Sign.

Watch below!

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