In an article posted by Billboard Biz last month billed ‘UK Album Sales Drop By 13%’, the unfortunate but unsurprising news that the rate of LPs sold in the UK had reached record breaking lows hit music lovers all too hard.

Intensified even further with a subsequent report which revealed ‘old releases’ were currently outselling their new counterparts for the first time in US chart history, it’s safe to say that the industry has seen far better days- as it currently  experiences its worst.

Indeed, despite commercial highs scored by Adele, Drake, Lil Wayne  and Pop deity Lady GaGa, very little can be done to disguise the desperate state many a label find itself in as they struggle to convince the buying public their acts are worth…buying.

So, ever eager to catch your take on matters like these, That Grape Juice asks you:

Can Album Sales Be Saved?

and…

What do you think the labels are doing wrong when it comes to pushing them?

Weigh in below…

(more…)

With a new LP on the way and the genius that was ‘Born This Way’ behind her, it seems Lady GaGa is the middle of a major branding overhaul.

For, as any of her die hard fans will have noticed, the starlet seems to be softening her public image in time for what many believe will be an upbeat new album.

Not sure what we mean?

Well, peep the romantic snap of the Grammy winning star in the arms of close friend Taylor Kinney above.

Surfacing online some hours ago, the pic sees the talented pair enjoying an intimate moment- a rarity, considering GaGa’s oft guarded stance on her personal life.

Your thoughts?

Roc Nation are not playing with the handling of their newest star, Rita Ora.

A rarity for a new act, the 22 year old’s debut LP ‘ORA’ is being “worked” on a global scale. Hence in borrowing from her success on home soil, Ora’s chart-topping UK single ‘R.I.P’ is heading Stateside.

Details after the jump…

(more…)

Stage blazer Alexandra Burke lived up to her billing this week when she tore down the house at BT London Live.

Backed by a full band, the 24 year old served up energetic renditions of smash hits such as ‘Elephant’ and ‘Hallelujah’ for  the wildy receptive Hyde Park audience.

Watch Ms. Burke “beast the stage” below…

(more…)

As earlier reported, ‘R&B Divas’ is set to strut its way onto TV One  starting August 20th.

Check out this freshly released “super-trailer” via Essence above. 90’s stars Faith Evans, Nicci Gilbert, Syleena Johnson, Monifah and KeKe Wyatt feature.

We’ll be watching…will you?

Your thoughts?

On August 24th, America’s Next Top Model fiends will finally get their latest fix of Tyra Banks goodness by way of its latest season.

Yes, ‘The College Edition’ is finally on its way and as to whet the appetites of the aforementioned fiends, Banks and her new panel of judges released the above preview above.

Enjoy…

Your thoughts?

This Sunday, Episode 9 of True Blood‘s fifth season will make its way to fans via HBO– picking up from the genius that was Episode 8.

However, in the case you can’t wait until then, peep a short but telling trailer from the showing above and let us know what you think of it below…

The Braxtons are bringing the heat to WE tv this month.

As earlier reported, Toni, Tamar, Trina, Traci, and Towanda are back for a 6-episode Summer Sizzler (think more Season 2.5 instead of 3).

And so as to keep their buzz a’buzzin’ ahead of the show’s August 16th return, the network have unwrapped more diva-fied promo pics.

Peep the ladies pose it all the way up below…

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…

(more…)

We’re in the era of Dance Pop. Factually speaking.

Hailed by some for the musical experimenting it encourages, it has been critiqued in earnest. Indeed, for many, the popularity of  and conformity  to the”generic genre” has swallowed the commercial relevancy of R&B whole.

For R&B singer Ne-Yo, it’s an issue that has plagued him in recent years; years which have seen him embrace a Pop-ier sound.

Presently on the promotional trail for new album ‘R.E.D’ (due September 18th), the singer-songwriter used a spot on Angie Martinez‘s Hot 97 radio show to address those who charge that he “abandoned” R&B.

His words after the jump…

(more…)

As reported yesterday, global megastar Beyonce has been announced as the Ambassador for World Humanitarian Day.

And with August 19th fast approaching, the 16 time Grammy winner is wasting no time getting to grips with her role. Case, point, this freshly released public service announcement with a potent call to action.

A message from Beyonce awaits after the jump…

(more…)

Get into this interesting snap- documenting Young Money star Drake showing even more love to the late singer Aaliyah.

Sharing the snap with fans online, the pic sees him being tattooed with the number ‘416’- which tributes both his area code in Toronto and the singer’s birthday, January 16th which translates into 116 numerically.

So what do you think?

Are you feeling his new work?