For years, R&B entertainers of colour have cried out against a record label system which only champions the genre when fronted by white artists.

The result? Charts and awards ceremonies that do not truly celebrate the genre’s origins and diversity, and R&B artists of colour accused of “not having what it takes to make it” by music lovers blissfully unaware of the prejudice and politics that takes place in the boardroom that stops them from making it.

It’s a sad, sad situation and it’s getting more and more absurd.

Fortunately, ‘Can’t Raise a Man’ singer K. Michelle has decided to expose all of the above with the title of her third studio album.

Find out what it is below…

(more…)

Selling records is tricky business these days. Just ask ask August Alsina.

Indeed, if not in the upper echelon of artists, shifting units is a tall task. And even if apart of the industry elite, there are still no guarantees.

With new album ‘This Thing Called Life’ set to hit stores on December 11th, the New Orleans native isn’t taking any chances. Instead, he’s embracing the “sex sells” mantra.

See what we mean below.

[NSFW: Please be mindful that image below is not suitable for work or younger readers]

(more…)

Jennifer Hudson definitely knows how to keep her light shining bright.

After releasing third album ‘JHUD’ last year, the vocal wonder is now sharing her gift on stage in the Broadway adaptation of ‘The Color Purple’  in the role of Shug Avery. 

Due to open December 10th, the Oscar and Grammy winner is working the promo pavement in support of the show – which is currently in the preview phase.

Together with London bred talent Cynthia Erivo (who plays Celie and has performed here on That Grape Juice), Hudson tore down the house on Good Morning America this week with a spirited showing of ‘The Color Purple’ title track.

A vocal masterclass awaits below…

(more…)

Adele boasts more hit singles than most could dream of, but she continues to prove she is in the business of selling bodies of work.

New album ’25’ has emerged as a smash for the ages and to celebrate its landing, the 27-year-old has taken a unique approach to promotion: she’s performing different tracks from the LP on each of the select platforms she visits.

The latest is ‘Million Years Ago,’ which she movingly showcased on the TODAY Show moments ago.

What are you waiting for? Watch Adele deliver below…

(more…)

Beyonce is not only renown for her unrivalled ability on stage, she’s become a formidable businesswoman.

Indeed, in many ways the “Beyonce” brand is very much an in industry in itself.

Next Spring will see that trajectory continue when the 34-year-old launches her brand new project.

Full story below…

(more…)

Lady Gaga has spent much of 2015 rebuilding her brand.

The fall-out from the singer’s last solo album ‘ARTPOP’ did quite the number on her career – leaving many wondering whether her trail-blazing run would ever reach the dizzy heights or speed of its peak.

Undeterred, Mother Monster and her team have set sail on image overhaul; first with Grammy winning Jazz project with Tony Bennett, then a more demure look, critically acclaimed performances, acting gigs, and a more muted approach to teasing new music.

The latter, especially, seems to be working – as evidenced by the excitement that greeted pictures of her in the studio with the producer of her biggest hits — RedOne.

Smartly continuing the trend of letting the hype build around her (rather than projecting it herself), the 29-year-old was snapped leaving a London studio with ‘Uptown Funk’ mastermind Mark Ronson.

Watch below…

(more…)

Fleur East has been burning up stages this month with sassy showings of her debut single ‘Sax.’

And while intricate choreography has been a staple of said performances, the Londoner proves she can be equally compelling in a stripped-back setting.

This week, armed with her band, she stopped by the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge where she rocked out to ‘Sax’ and Nick Jonas’ ‘Levels.’

Watch fiery Fleur heat up the Live Lounge after the jump

(more…)

Adele may be bulldozing records left and right with new album ’25,’ but she’s not resting on her successes.

Proving that she’s taking no prisoners, the British belter has embarked on a high-visibility promo campaign – which this week brought her to the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. 

The masses were wowed with her stirring showing of ‘Water Under The Bridge,’ and now the show has unleashed a special rendition of ‘Hello.’

Backed The Roots and host Fallon, the 27-year-old soared. The spin? They collectively played classroom instruments.

Say ‘hello’ to slayage below…

(more…)

With January around the corner, so too is the release of Tinashe‘s sophomore album ‘Joyride.’

Preceded by singles ‘Player’ and ‘Party Favors,’ the LP’s campaign is cranking up a notch with a slew of media spots – the latest being an edgy spread in Dazed Magazine. 

In an industry where it’s not only difficult to establish a brand, but also a challenge to make folk care about it, 23-year-old Tinashe is succeeding at both.

As the shots below further drive home, Miss Kachingwe is positioning herself as a sweet, but street, eclectic but not meek type.

It’ll be interesting to see if she can parlay her strong identity into album sales when ‘Joyride’ pulls into stores on January 8th.

For now, though, peep more stunning snaps below…

(more…)

In recent years, streaming has become the new trend in discovering new music.

With the decline in record sales and increase in online/on-demand, it is safe to say that it has been a disruptive entity within the music industry.

And now with streaming impacting chart positions, record “sales,” and RIAA certifications, it raises the question of whether its inclusion is an accurate representation of the public’s perception and reception of the material. Has obtaining a #1 single lost its initial notoriety?

We weigh up after the jump…

(more…)

Wondering what a Beyonce & Coldplay number would sound like?

Wonder no more! For the acts have teamed up to create ‘A Hymn for the Weekend’ and have been kind enough to share just a little of what it has to offer today.

New Beyonce below…

(more…)

Here comes trouble!

‘The Bad Girls Club’ spun into action for the fifteenth time this year and it’s set to be wilder than ever.

How wild? Find out by clicking the play button below to catch its very first teaser which introduces us to the club’s latest batch of badly behaved belles hoping to change their lives with the help of resident life coach Laura Baron.

Feistiness and family feuds below…

(more…)