Jay Z already has one of the most illustrious careers in music and an amazing new page is being added to his narrative.

The rapper turned media mogul is set to be honored at the Songwriter’s Hall Of Fame. 

Find out why it’s a big deal after the jump…

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Bruno Mars has delivered his long awaited third album ‘24k Magic’ today.

The follow-up to 2012 effort ‘Unorthodox Jukebox’ is an audacious effort filled with R&B jams that provide a flavorful soundtrack to pregame of Friday nights.

Sonically ‘Magic’ sees Mars channel the ‘80s and ‘90s era of R&B, which many a millennial cite as its peak years with contributions from the likes of Prince, Boyz II Men, and Babyface. Influences clearly present on the 9-song set.

With the set already moving numbers at retail, three new tracks have been made available to stream.

Listen to ‘Chunky,’ ‘That’s What I Like,’ and ‘Perm’ below. All were written and produced by Bruno, Phillip Lawrence, and Christopher ‘Brody’ Brown. A collective now known as Shampoo Press & Curl(more…)

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After thrilling fans with her Babyface-assisted ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered’ tribute to Stevie Wonder last year, pop diva Ariana Grande‘s signed on to deliver a duet with the legendary R&B singer himself.

Produced by Ryan Tedder and Benny Blanco, ‘Faith’ – the Grande and Wonder tag team – comes as one of many expected gems to be found on the soundtrack of the forthcoming animated film ‘Sing.’

But, before you run out to buy the soundtrack on Dec. 9 and watch the film when it hits theaters on Dec. 21, tuck in to hear the amazing Ariana & Stevie collabo below:

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While he holds the title for most #1 albums of any solo act in music history, she holds the title for second-most chart-topping albums among female artists.  Now, after lending Billboard decades of some of its most memorable hits and lyrics, the coming months will see them vie for a new title:  inductee into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame.

That’s right, both meeting 20-year minimum of respectively contributing lyrics to their own or others’ musical endeavors, rap royal Jay Z and Queen of Pop Madonna (who is already featured in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame) are looking to add yet another highlighted achievement to their already full resumes, as announced today.

Tuck in below to see who they’ll be competing against for the honors:

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If you thought Jennifer Hudson‘s absence from news headlines was indication she wasn’t busy, you couldn’t be more mistaken.

As she preps for her leading role in NBC’s ‘Hairspray Live!’ (December 7th) and hitting the judges’ bench for ‘The Voice UK,’ the Grammy-winning diva is also reportedly hard at work preparing for her role in Adam Sandler’s Netflix project ‘Sandy Wexler.’  But, fans of Hudson’s claim to fame – music – needn’t worry they’ll be neglected much longer.

After her 2014 “self-titled” project, ‘JHud,’ was met with mixed critical review (and poor commercial reception), the powerhouse singer is finally ready for redemption via her yet-titled fourth LP.  Taking to Billboard, Hudson recently delivered an update on the project and her other dealings.

It’s all inside:

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Toni Braxton earned praise aplenty for her recently aired Lifetime biopic, ‘Unbreak My Heart.’

Final ratings are due imminently, but in the court of public opinion – at least – the seven-time Grammy winner scored a unanimous victory.

By no means resting on the laurels of her name, the sultry songstress hit the promotional trail hard in support of the project – which she executive produced. One of her more notable stops was Shade 45’s Sway In The Morning.

Beyond dishing on the movie, Ms. Braxton also spilled on new music.

Details below…

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Mariah Carey is cementing her status as a Christmas maven for the ages.

The ever festive diva already boasts the only song to be deemed a Holiday classic in the last four decades and this year builds on that legacy with a lengthy list of Xmas activity.

As previously reported, she stars in and serves as executive producer of Hallmark‘s original TV movie ‘A Christmas Melody.’ And today, it’s been announced that that partnership will also see Mimi stage a one-hour televised concert.

Titled ‘Mariah Carey’s Merriest Christmas,’ the musical special features performances of Holiday songs from Carey herself, including a duet with 11-time Grammy winner Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds.

Additionally, Emmy winner Kelsey Grammer gives a reading of ‘The Night Before Christmas,’ while cast members from ‘A Christmas Melody’ join the festivities sharing holiday memories and experiences from working on the movie.

‘Mariah Carey’s Merriest Christmas’ airs immediately following the film at 10pm ET, December 19th, on Hallmark.

Peep another preview pic after the jump…

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New music alert!

August 21st 2015 will bring with it the release of Jordin Sparks’ brand new album ‘Right Here,Right Now.’

Today’s she released its latest single ‘They Don’t Give.’

The bop comes courtesy of Babyface and her label boss Salaam Remi (Lauryn Hill, Amy Winehouse) and drops before the release of the number ‘Unhappy’ which features ‘I Just Wanna’ singer Elijah Blake.

Press play to catch the new visual below…

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6 years may have separated her from 2008’s ‘The Declaration’ and her most recent album ‘Braveheart’ (2014), but Grammy-winning R&B singer Ashanti is now assuring fans that it won’t be another 6 years before they get new music.

Taking to FOX’s ‘Good Day NY’ this past weekend, the ‘Happy’ hitmaker was on hand spreading ‘Mother’s Day’ cheer by performing a song she wrote with R&B legend Babyface for her own mother/manager.  Before closing out her visit, the diva also confirmed she is working on a new album, with its lead single coming before the summer’s end!

Check out her performance and announcement below:

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It’s that time again! That Grape Juice wants to see what you all are listening to. Which 5 tracks have you got on constant rotation at the moment?

Remember, it doesn’t have to be limited to Urban music; could be something new, Throwback, religious, even something you made yourself! Drop a comment in the comments section. Ours are below – in no particular order:

 

1) Danity Kane – Lemonade

2) Mariah Carey – You Don’t Know What To Do

3) Michelle Williams – Say Yes (ft. Beyonce & Kelly Rowland)

4) Toni Braxton & Babyface – Sweat

5) Patra – Scent Of Attraction (ft. Aaron Hall)

 

What are Your Top 5 Songs of The Moment?

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Dondria Nicole champions female empowerment in ‘Coat Tail’ today, the latest jam to be released by the ‘Def’ darling!

Marking a bold new turn for the up & coming songbird, the up-tempo release comes courtesy of her forthcoming EP, set for a summer release and featuring contributions by R&B cut crafter Tre Ace.

Is Nicole’s ‘Tail’ enough to secure your support?

You tell us below!

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Toni Braxton and Babyface‘s new album ‘Love, Marriage, & Divorce’ has been on replay here at TGJ HQ – and with good reason. It’s amazing.

With praise aplenty flocking in from critics and fans alike, the duo are clearly onto a winner with the ‘Hurt You’ led set – which is currently making a beeline for the top spot on next week’s Billboard 200.

Clearly not wanting to rest on their laurels, the pair stopped by Good Morning America today to perform album cut ‘Where Did We Go Wrong’.

Watch Ms. Braxton and Babyface hit all the right notes after the jump…

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