From politics to the success of models with mics, many talented acts are struggling with the hardship that is the music industry in 2013.

However for R&B icon Toni Braxton, there’s only so much one can take.

During a press stop for her new Lifetime movie ‘Twist Of Faith’ today on Good Morning America, the 8-time Grammy winner shockingly revealed that she is “falling out of love with music” and is considering bowing out of the limelight (musically) for good.

Check out the interview below…

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Having built quite the buzz since blazing onto the scene last year, Grammy nominee Luke James keeps his momentum going heading into this Sunday’s ceremony with new single ‘I.O.U’.

Premiered via our friends over at VIBE, the drum-driven cut serves as the latest to be lifted from the New Orleans native’s debut album ‘Made To Love’ (due later this year).

So what are you waiting for?! Take a listen after the jump…

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While her own career could use a helping hand (or two), Lil Kim has taken it upon herself to launch the career of aspiring chart sensation, Tiffany Foxx.

Indeed, while Foxx’s chances of ever becoming a chart sensation are unlikely considering Kim’s current industry standing- this week saw the pair arrive on the West coast to shoot the video for ‘Twisted’, a cut recorded by Foxx which features the oriental  natural beauty  Brooklyn native.

Watch below…

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While R&B is yet to spawn any new female artists that have taken the world by storm, the last few years have seen no shortage of male contributors take center stage.

Indeed, leading a pack made up of the Beyonce approved Miguel, Elijah Blake and Luke James comes Frank Ocean. A fact, the New York Times were keen to take advantage of when they joined forces with the star for a moving spread this month, some of which can be seen above and below.

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Kelly Rowland is wasting no time capitalizing on her Super Bowl buzz.

The Destiny’s Child diva is gearing up to pair her new single ‘Kisses Down Low’ with a video – and sooner than you think.

Details after the jump…

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That Grape Juice Wants You…Tube!

The past 6 years have seen online media outlet Youtube evolve from an amateur’s esplanade into a premium source of entertainment through its users’ original content.

Indeed, despite much competition on the “celebrity video front”, Youtube’s top personalities have still managed to gain and maintain faithful followers who tune in weekly for their say and play on many-a-hot topic.

So, in an effort to put a spotlight on some of the net’s brightest, That Grape Juice wants you…to vote and tell us who’s Youtube’s top talent!

In a battle royale of sorts, TGJ has collected 21 of the video giant’s favorite players to duke it out for the title.  Based on a tally of your votes, the top 5 of the crew will join us for an exclusive interview!  So what are you waiting for?

Find out who made the cut below:

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Is it us or are the members from Mary Mary rolling super solo these days?

Last week, sister Erica Campbell was snapped looking somewhat annoyed after a rehearsal with sibling Tina. Yesterday saw the powerhouse pose it up solo (again) at the Essence Black Women In Music gala in Los Angeles.

Erica’s singular showing will do little to quell speculation that internal tensions have the group at breaking point.

As keen appreciators of their music (and weekly WE tv show), we’re hopeful any issues are ironed out pronto. The ladies still have much to give to Gospel and beyond. {Hits ‘Play’ on ‘Shackles’}

Your thoughts?

Rita Ora arrived at Mahiki in London town last night, hitting the high end spot to celebrate the London showing of her sold out ‘Radioactive’ Tour.

Snapped in the company of many a UK artist- including ‘Who Are You?’ Rapper Chip- the ‘R.I.P.’ belle enjoyed her night after wowing fans at the show which took place at West London’s Shepherds Bush Empire.

 More from her fun night out below… (more…)

With their loyal fan bases and infectious numbers, Pop’s leading ladies are no doubt the glue that keeps the industry’s finances in place.

From Beyonce to Lana, Ciara to GaGa, numbers generated by these femme fatales stay at the center of arguments for and against their causes. Only right then, that we dedicate to today’s Chart Check to these leading ladies- showcasing the heights of their commercial prowess.

Check it out below…

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With the world still buzzing about Destiny’s Child‘s reunion at the Super Bowl, member Michelle Williams sat down with Billboard to discuss the reunion everyone is talking about.

Already back on the road with hit musical FELA, the singer-actress spoke with the industry bible about what it was like performing with her girls again, the difficulty keeping it a secret, and her hot new Gospel album.

Peep excerpts below, where live performance footage from FELA also awaits…

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The Queen Of Pop Janet Jackson looked all sorts of lush last night at the amFar New York Gala.

An ardent campaigner for Aids awareness, the reclusive singer made the appearance to support amfAR’s unique drive to promote health education during New York Fashion Week 2013.

Looking like a bag of money and good living, Ms. Jackson was on a 10 – and all for a good cause.

Peep more pics below…

Your thoughts?

Despite the addition of Grammy-winner Jennifer Hudson and a host of promotion, it appears the second season of its forethought hit ‘Smash’ was no smash at all.  For, after much hype, last night’s debut came in with a 60% drop from the show’s 1st season premiere.

Via E! Online:

“Smash‘s season-two premiere seriously underperformed in the ratings last night, bringing in a series-low average of 4.5 million viewers and a 1.1 demo rating. Smash‘s season-one finale drew 6 million viewers, meaning last night’s premiere saw a 25 percent drop. And if you compare it to the series debut last year (11.4 million), the season two opener plummeted a whopping 60 percent.”

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What this spells for the show is uncertain.  But, given the costliness of the show, we’re sure NBC is going to pull out all of the stops to ensure their prized musical is a hit…somewhere…somehow.

Your thoughts?