Ever keen on keeping the masses abreast of fresh and/or often underrated talent, That Grape Juice presents ‘The Spill’ – a renewed look at not-so-new, yet active, acts.  Much like its ‘Freshly Squeezed’ sister segment, this assay aims to put the magnifying glass on talents who may not appeal to the buying public on a broad scale yet are still serving material that could easily spin side-by-side with some of today’s top hits.

Covering a kaleidoscope of genres, ‘The Spill’ is set to feature some names you probably know and love as well as some you’ll (soon) be glad to know.

The last 5 years may have seen the term ‘tweet’ take on a new meaning, but ten years ago superproducer team Timbaland & Missy Elliott unleashed Tweet – the soulful guitarist who, under their wings, served soul, folk, blues, and hip hop blends for all types of fans’ tastes.

Self-branded the ‘southern hummingbird’, it seemed no accident that ‘Oops’, the singer’s first solo single, would find her perched atop R&B and pop charts.

Listen:

Now, after 2005’s critically acclaimed ‘It’s Me Again’ and a number of buzz singles and guest appearances, the songstress is said to be readying an official LP for release in the coming year.  Until then, her recent offerings have found her playing assistant to sister soulstresses Syleena Johnson (‘Angry Girl’) and now Lil’ Mo.  Get into it after the jump:

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As shown here, ‘Headlines’ hitmaker Drake was recently tapped to front GQ’s new ‘Style Bible’ issue.  There, the Young Money maestro dished on his personal style, misconceptions, and more.

Certainly winning over new fans with his brazen honesty (and his designer threads definitely didn’t hurt the cause), the Torontoian may get more ovation when viewers get into the behind the scenes action of the shoot.

See all the action below:

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Monica and Brandy have been making their rounds to various radio stations and music networks promoting their latest duet ‘It All Belongs To Me’ this past week.

It’s a far cry from the teenage drama filled romp that was 1998’s record-breaking chart topper ‘The Boy Is Mine’. When ‘Boy’ was released, rumors swirled that the two R&B newcomers did not care for each other, let stand to be alone in the same room together–these reports were later fueled by their refusal to perform the song or even promote together.

Their feud allegedly reached a fever pitch during the MTV Video Music Awards when a verbal argument backstage turned dangerously physical.

Listen to Brandy and Monica open up to Hot 97‘s Angie Martinez about the night in question after the jump and sound-off below.

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Yes, we know.  Shots like this usually excite the Lambs awaiting new material from pop icon Mariah Carey, but this time MCC is singing a different tune.  Uploaded to her Facebook handle, the ‘Touch My Body’ singer informed fans she was putting some finishing touches on a special project:

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‘Sandcastle Disco’ diva Solange Knowles may have seen the last 3 years land her more headlines for her threads and shopping than chart topping, but word has it that is soon set to change.  Readying her 3rd solo, yet titled project, the youngest of the Knowles clan is already hyping fans up for the self-proclaimed ‘sexy 80s/retro’ sounding follow-up to her 2008 critically acclaimed ‘Solangel and the Hadley Street Dreams’.

But, before her faithful followers can get their hands on new music, they can check the songstress out in ‘Time Out New York’ magazine.  There, as ever, Miss Knowles strikes a feverishly fierce pose in her vintage duds and chatting on everything from the New York night life to what fans can expect of her new album.

Get into some of the set’s shots and behind the scenes action below:

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As summer draws nearer, so does the release of hotly anticipated movie ‘Sparkle’.

Starring the late Whitney Houston, the big-screen remake of the 70’s musical sees Jordin Sparks take centre stage as Sparkle. – a young girl on her rise the big time.

Joining Sparks to re-tell the tale for a new generation are Tika Sumpner, Carmen Ejogo, Cee-Lo Green, Derek Luke and Mike Epps. 

Peep these newly released press shots for the film (which arrives on August 17th) above and below (via The YBF)…

Also check out these previously released shots of Whitney doing her thing…

Needless to say, we’ll be seeing this…

Will you be seeing ‘Sparkle’?

Today, in support of her upcoming LP ‘MDNA’, Madonna released yet another snippet from the album.

So, without any further delay, tuck into ‘Beautiful Killer‘ below…

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As the likes of Kirk Frankin, Mary Mary, and KiKi Sheard have shown, “inspirational” isn’t just for the grown folk. This being an ethos and torch which burns brightly with Londoner Leké Akinyemi. 

A staple in the ever-renown Writeway Music collective, the 21 year old serves up rousing new single ‘Rodeo’. It’s a stellar introduction to the talent which resides in the budding star; and one which should go some way furthering his cause beyond the Gospel arena.

‘Rodeo’ hits iTunes on March 19th. Remember where you heard it first!

Your thoughts?

Say what you will about Madonna, but there is no denying her work ethic.

For, as these snaps are a testament to, very few can match the effort the ‘Material Girl‘ puts into her live shows, even after three decades.

Shot balancing on a tight rope, these pics arrive days before the release of her new LP ‘MDNA’, out March 26th.

More below…

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Lady GaGa‘s  Monsters aren’t going to be too happy.

For, in what may see them ‘separated’ from the Pop sensation for some time, she has announced a ‘media blackout’, taking a complete hiatus from interviews and other promotional efforts.

Details below…

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Willow Smith may only be 11, yet that hasn’t stopped the youngster from making a bold fashion statement.

As earlier reported, the ‘Whip My Hair’ singer cut off her hair and dyed it green. The rationale behind the move is anyone’s guess. Yet, one thing is for certain – the youngest of the Smith clan is sticking with it. Case, point, these latest snaps of her and mother Jada Pinkett, out and about in New York this week.

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Willow is undeniably talented. However, one thing we’re hoping she sticks with is school.

No longer a student at a traditional institution, Smith admitted in an interview with the Sunday Times that she has a tutor; although she often falls behind her former classmates because she’s “always on tour” or with her father.

Though by no means uncommon for fellow child-stars, the seeming rush to see her “blow up” is a little alarming.

The performance of all of her singles post-‘Whip’ suggest the initial novelty of an act so young has worn thin. Hence, surely this’d be the time to hone her, ensure she “lives” a little and strike again nearer the 16 mark. After all, there’s not been a tanked album attached to her name, so the slate is relatively clean.

Yet, it appears no such slow-down plans are in the pipeline. Willow and brother Jaden are gearing up to star in the movie adaptation of the comic ‘Amulet’.

Peep more pics below…

Your thoughts?

In many ways, last year’s ‘Love?’ put Jennifer Lopez back on the map. Ironically, a sales disaster, the set birthed the global smash ‘On The Floor’, served up solid singles, and enhanced “brand J.LO” tenfold (see: Idol, Fiat, Gillette).

Keen to keep up her momentum, the 42 year old is readying a new single, which features a familiar guest.

Details after the jump…

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