Renown for her theatrics, Nicki Minaj has quite the act to follow with her second album ‘Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded’. And so as to ensure the sequel to her 2010 debut, doesn’t suffer the dreaded “sophomore slump”, the Young Money maven is packing the set with more tracks than the usual. Double, in fact.

Full story after the jump…

(more…)

 A new hair color always signals something new on the horizon for Barbadian beauty Rihanna.  This time, of course, is no different.  For, while on set of the video which ironically asks the question critics have for years asked about her talent, Ms. Fenty shared this snap of her new dark locks for the ‘Where Have You Been’ visual.

As announced here, the infectious dance track is being serviced as Riri’s next official single in place of the parent album’s once reported, Jay Z-assisted title track ‘Talk That Talk’ .  And, as evidenced by the photo above, you can count on the Grammy winning vocal less to put her true talents on display.

Insert smoke and mirrors.

Thanks NeonLimelight!

Your thoughts?

BET’s ‘Celebration of Gospel’ is set to make its roaring return to the station on April 1st.  The 12th annual edition of the Steve Harvey-hosted affair is set to get viewers moving with an all-star line-up of today’s gospel hitmakers including performances from Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, Marvin Sapp, Fred Hammond, Sunday’s Best/Grammy winner Le’Andria Johnson, and many more.

Also, in its yearly tradition, the praise session also invites the best of R&B and other secular genres to partake in the festivities.  This year’s secular lineup includes Jennifer Holliday, Faith Evans, Kelly Price, and Ledisi.  The foursome is believed to be readying a tribute honoring the gospel contributions of pop icon Whitney Houston.  The late singer made her last televised performance at the event last year, belting out her hit ‘I Look To You’ with friend/gospel singer Kim Burrell.

Finally, Mahalia Jackson, whose biography ‘Got to Tell It: Mahalia Jackson, Queen of Gospel’ is set to be adapted to film starring gospel/R&B regular Fantasia, will also be recognized for her ever present contributions to the genre as well.

Faithful fans of the event, being shot March 16th at the Los Angeles Orpheum Theatre, can see all the action when it hits screens only on BET, April 1st at 8pm.

Your thoughts?

It hasn’t been too long since ‘Peacock’ performer Katy Perry last saw her name on marquees for her  ‘California Dreams’ Tour.  Fans who missed the got the chance to see Perry sing off key live are getting a second chance.  Much like her latest album ‘Teenage Dream’, the concert is getting a ‘re-release’ (of sorts).  Sending fans into a frenzy moments ago, Perry took to Twitter to announce:

Following the trend of Michael Jackson and her fellow pop tarts Justin Bieber, Jonas Brothers, and more, Perry’s venture into film shares the title of the #1/lead single from the forthcoming ‘Complete Confection’ (March 26th).

The film, to be distributed by Paramount Pictures, has yet to have its release date revealed.

Your thoughts?

R&B belle Ashanti seems to be playing Santa today; for after revealing the title and tentative tracklist for her sixth studio album,  ‘Braveheart’, the singer has followed with its official cover.

Between the braid and blue lipstick, it seems Ms. Douglas really channelled the LP’s title. No shade.

That said, we’re rooting for former INC star. Sadly stepping up her game when the majority turned their attention to the Beyonce‘s and Rihanna‘s of the world, she’s had an increasing uphill battle as of late; something I’m not sure her independent “situation” with Written Entertainment alleviates. I mean, for yours truly, there are some acts who are better suited to a major label situation – Ashanti being one of them.

Indeed, unlike many an unsigned act, Ja Rule‘s one-time comrade has enjoyed the dizzy heights of fame and has a talent that – if backed properly – could go toe to toe with the major label divas. However, now in a predicament which sees her trying to triangulate the financing, A&R, and promotion for her project alone, things are looking messy at best. Current single ‘The Woman You Love’ is doing all of nothing on the charts and  prospects aren’t looking great. That said, all it takes is that one hit. Here’s hoping ‘Braveheart’ is packing the heat when it hits stores on April 17th.

{Source}

Your thoughts?

It’s finally here!

Tonight, the name of Ashanti‘s fifth album was revealed.

What are you waiting for?!

Find out what it’s been christened below…

(more…)

80’s TV drama ‘21 Jump Street’ is given a comedy makeover for its big screen remake.

Starring Channing Tatun, Jonah Hill, and Hip-Hop legend Ice Cube, the film follows a pair of underachieving cops, who are sent back to a local high school to blend in and bring down a synthetic drug ring.

With the 15th anniversary of  his death soon approaching, friends and family of the late Biggie Smalls have found themselves back in the spotlight, discussing their feelings towards his passing and legacy with a number of outlets.

Hours ago, before  Lil Kim  graces BET‘s 106& Park to  discuss him, his baby mother and daughter have taken to Hot 97, serving up  a truly ‘insightful’ interview.

Setting the record straight on a number of issues, including their portrayal in his 2008 bio-pic and their feelings towards his wife and mistress, Faith Evans and Lil Kim, peep all the action below…

(more…)

This week’s Billboard Top 200 Albums and Hot 100 Singles charts will feature quite a few surprises and new additions amongst the usual suspects. For starters, repeated vocal offender Rihanna rebounds to the Top 10 with ‘Talk That Talk’ jumping from 14-9 (25,000; up 9%).

Adele, the golden-voiced ambassador from the land of tea and crumpets maintains her firm position at No. 1 for the 23rd non-consecutive week on the Billboard 200 Albums chart, selling 247,000 copies of ’21’ (down 17%). Lastly the late ‘Queen of Pop’, Whitney Houston, holds the distinction of having three entries simultaneously on the same chart: ‘Whitney: The Greatest Hits’ (#2), ‘The Bodyguard’ (#5), and ‘Whitney Houston’ (#10); a career first for the diva.

See the top 10 Billboard 200 Albums and Hot 100 Singles before their official publication tomorrow after the jump and sound-off below.

(more…)

May 18th marks the cinematic release of ‘Battleship’, Rihanna‘s debut movie.

Starring as Petty Officer Cora Aikes, the movie is set to kick off a summer of blockbuster movies and launch Fenty into the world of ‘acting’, a world she recently confessed to be interested in.

So now, two months ahead of its release That Grape Juice asks:

Are you going to watch Battleship? And if not- why?

Weigh in below…

(more…)

Dawn Richard is clearly the only member of Danity Kane with remaining lives left.  The former lead singer has just released the track listing and cover art for ‘Armor On’ after only recently being dropped from her longtime record label, ‘Bad Boy’.

Peep the full details of what to expect from Dawn’s upcoming EP after the jump and sound-off below.

(more…)

The countdown to Madonna’s ‘MDNA’ has begun!

Material Madge has linked up with Perez Hilton to premiere material from the hotly anticipated set each week in the run-up the album’s March 26th store date.

The next up?

‘Love Spent’. Take a listen after the jump!

(more…)