The 2012 Soul Train Awards, taped live from Las Vegas last month, are currently airing via sister channels BET and Centric.

As ever, That Grape Juice will be providing you with performances as they occur, including stageblazing sets from Keyshia Cole, Ne-Yo, Miguel, and more!

Keep refreshing, as we’ll be updating minute-by-minute:

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The premiere season of The X Factor USA brought with it many a twist and turn, as well as a wealth of new talent – one of the most notable being Marcus Canty.

After finishing fourth on the show, the 21 year old was swiftly signed up by mentor LA Reid to join his revitalised Epic Records roster.

The fruit of that union has been R&B bliss, with both of Canty’s singles ‘Won’t Make A Fool Out Of You’ and ‘In & Out’ drumming up ample buzz.

With the Washington DC native hard at work on his debut EP ‘This Is..Marcus Canty’ (due October 30th), we quizzed him on his background, ditching basketball for music, whether  he has any fears coming from a talent show, and much more.

Our interview with the young talent awaits after the jump…

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That Grape Juice was on-hand at the 2012 Soul Train Awards nominations announcements in New York today. There, the list of those up for coveted awards were read out to selected press outlets.

Without pre-empting too much too soon, most notable of the nominees are R. Kelly and Usher. For, this year’s tally sees both break Soul Train records. With five nominations, Usher blazes past Michael Jackson and Beyonce to earn the honor of most nominations in a single year, while Kelly now boasts the most total Soul Train Award nominations – of all time.

Want to know who else made the cut? The answer awaits after the jump…

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And the nominations are in!

Last night saw acts from across all fields of music celebrate the MOBO Awards Nominations party in London, welcoming the likes of Misha B, Tulisa and Brit Pop Princess Rita Ora.

Revealing just who had scored nominations in the ceremony’s categories, the event came months before the official awards night, November 3rd.

So, without further delay, find out who has cause to celebrate below…

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Hard to believe 11 years have passed since the music world was shaken with news of R&B starlet Aaliyah‘s untimely passing.  Indeed, the then-22 year old – whose career had already seen itself lined with accomplishments – seemed poise to take her career into the stratosphere.

But, that fateful August 25th day saw an unfortunate, other result.

In her wake, the singer has left many adoring fans and an everlasting impression on R&B.  And, with news of unreleased tracks from the songstress soon set to make their way to music shelves, it’s safe to say that we have yet to hear the last of the ‘One In A Million’ maestra.

And while the Twitterverse was set alight this morning with faithful fans mourning and celebrating her life, now the stars have joined the salute to this awesome songstress.  See who after the jump:

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The Queen of Pop Janet Jackson‘s 2008 ‘Rockwitchu Tour’ was a less-than-royal affair: from so-so ticket sales and  sickness triggered cancellations, the whole episode felt a bit like unfinished business and left her legion of fans frustrated.

Despite its shortcomings, the trek still boasted many a jaw-dropping moment. Case, point, Janet’s not so subtle rendition of the title track of her tenth album, ‘Discipline’. This week’s the From The Vault salutes her 2010 Essence Music Festival rendition of the cut – which was lifted from the tour.

Written by R&B divo Ne-Yo, the vivid track took on a life of its own thanks to creative director Gil Duldalao‘s vision and Ms. Jackson’s phenomenal performing skills. Other Pop stars may talk about ‘S&M’, ‘Erotica’ or getting ‘Dirrty’, yet few have gone to such committed lengths to illustrate such prowess. A whips and chains galore, Damita Jo disciplines a lucky with her unique blend of what is be best described as ‘classy filth’. An interesting juxtaposition to the song’s lyrics which demand that her lover do the same to her.

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With the now 46 year old apparently in the early stages of a new project, we hope she bin her effortless sex-factor, as it is a huge part of her brand. In all fairness, there isn’t justifiable reason she shouldn’t re-explore that angle, given that the Madonna‘s and Tom Jones‘ are playing that card well into their 50’s and 60’s. For, as the video above testifies, Ms. Jackson still oozes sex-appeal in earnest.

Tidbit: Janet was really giving it her all starting at the 5 minutes mark, wasn’t she?

Your thoughts?

Ne-Yo took to ‘Good Morning America’ this morning in aid of his new LP ‘R.E.D’ today.

Delivering a set of three songs and gracing the show with an interview, fans can now catch the ‘Gentleman’ in all his stage glory below…

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It may be two weeks since Frank Ocean‘s truth-baring letter sent shockwaves through the music industry, yet the the content therein (which saw the Odd Future star open up about his sexuality) continues to garner praise from his contemporaries. The latest being singer and actor Jamie Foxx.

Joining the likes of Beyonce, Busta Rhymes, Russell Simmons, and Ne-Yo, the ‘Dreamgirls’ star  has offered his two cents on the story on the lips of everyone.

His interesting words after the jump…

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Eric Bellinger is a very busy man.

Recently wrapping up work on Usher‘s latest LP ‘Looking For Myself‘, which saw him pen the Rick Ross assisted ‘Lemme See‘, today saw him jet to London– readying new material for ROC sensation Rihanna.

So, as long time supporters of the singer/songwriter, That Grape Juice had the pleasure of meeting with him at a London recording studio yesterday  for a rare sit down interview.

An interview, which saw him address his solo project, working on Kelly Rowland‘s long awaited new album and the pressures of being a writer in today’s industry.

Read below…

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1) Heartbreak On Hold – Alexandra Burke

2) Party – Beyonce

3) Home Run – Misha B

4) Lazy Love – Ne-Yo

5) 2000 Watts – Michael Jackson

What are Your Top 5 Songs of The Moment?

 The Billboard Music Awards 2012 concluded moments ago.

Now, check out the full list of winners below: (more…)

Congratulations are certainly in order for Rihanna.

Yes, while her talent may still be missing in action and a #1 US album still dodging her like the plague, the star has scored quite the feat today.

For today, the UK’s Official Charts Company released the Top 150 Biggest Selling Singles Of The 21st Century.

A list, which sees Rihanna named 9 times- beating the likes of Beyonce, Adele and Lady GaGa.

Full list below…

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