‘They whisper her success but scream at her losses’.

For Nicki Minaj, the above is unfortunately the case when it comes to her naysayer’s perception of her brand…ever eager to downplay what she has achieved since her arrival. Of course, Minaj does at times make it easy them.

From isolating her core female audience who once billed her their fashion icon with an ‘ethnically cleansed’/unattainable new look- and simply forgetting to promote all of the singles spawned by ‘Reloaded’, it’s not as though her detractors are always unfair towards her….or the sophomore album that was supposed to outsell its predecessor.

However, it seems her immaculate handling of her new single ‘High School’ has seen her fans speak far louder than critics where it matters…the charts.

Details below…

(more…)

Toni Braxton shocked the music world earlier this year after revealing her plans to retire.

At the time, it appeared the wear-and-tear of 20-year career had taken its toll on the Grammy-winning diva.

However, it seems the ‘Unbreak My Heart’ singer has had a change of mind – much to the delight of her legion of loyal fans. For, today saw the mother of two tease a new collaborative project with fellow R&B icon Babyface.

Taking to all of her social media accounts, the soulful contralto wrote:

Coming this September…
Find out more on tonight’s brand new episode of Braxton Family Values tonight at 9/8 C on WE tv!

Word has it the pair, whose hits include ‘Breathe Again’ and ‘You’re Making Me High’, have conjured up a Motown flavoured duet album – which is literally music to our ears.

Here’s hoping it serves as the springboard needed for Ms. Braxton to continue recording. She’s too legendary and her talent is too intact to let sales or politics stop her sharing her gift!

Keep it locked on That Grape Juice for the full tea once its poured.

Your thoughts?

Love is all ‘Put It In’ Prince Sammie had for Kelly Rowland and Frank Ocean this week, when TGJ caught up with the R&B wonder. Of course, while you may have seen the bulk of our conversation with him here, our time with performer did not end there- carrying on to see him share his thoughts on Rowland’s new single ‘Dirty Laundry‘ and the open letter than turned Frank Ocean into a cultural icon.

His words below…

(more…)

‘When legends unite…’ 

Check out this snap of Jay Z, Justin Timberlake, Nas and Timbaland enjoying a studio session earlier this week- unveiled to fans via Def Jam‘s Lenny Santiago on Burbn’s ‘Instagram’!

While there’s no word on the foursome were working on, their sighting comes before JT and Jay kick off their ‘Legends of Summer Tour’ on July 17th and after Timbaland’s set at Saturday’s ‘Sound of Change‘ was billed as one of the night’s most exciting segments, boasting a collection of some of his greatest work…. ‘Promiscuous Girl’ included.

More below…

(more…)

That Grape Juice LA had the pleasure of catching up with Roc Nation maestro Elijah Blake recently, meeting him on the set of his debut music for video…‘XOX’.

Featuring the lyricist that is Common, the cut is fast becoming one of the year’s most celebrated R&B hits- taken on by many a YouTube cover act and soaring to #12 on iTunes USA days after release.

So, if you’re interested in meeting the man behind Usher‘s ‘Climax’ and Rihanna‘s ‘No Love Allowed’, press play on the clip below…

(more…)

It’s onwards and upwards for Alexandra Burke.

Fresh from nabbing a major US management deal, the 24-year old is now a free agent (musically) after departing her record label.

Details after the jump…

(more…)

Guess which hit making couple were snapped spending their morning together yesterday morning.

Hint: One of them is cited as one of the men behind Rihanna‘s ever rising success.

Not sure who they are?

Their identity below…

(more…)

 Cop a gander at ‘Keep Me From You‘ MC Eve, storming London’s Graduate Fashion Week in a daring fit yesterday.

Gracing the city’s Earl’s Court in a gladiator inspired piece, the ‘Flashbacks of a Fool’ actress hit the couture driven event weeks after her latest LP ‘Lip Lock’ hit the Billboard 200, by way of the club smash ‘She Bad Bad‘ and the fan favorite, ‘EVE’.

More pics from the star below!

(more…)

1) Ciara – Body Party

2) Beyonce – Standing On The Sun (Live)

3) Robin Thicke – Blurred Lines

4) Mariah Carey – Meltaway

5) JC Chasez – Blowin’ Me Up

What are Your Top 5 Songs of The Moment?

As two of the show’s strongest magnets, Beyonce & Madonna‘s contributions to ‘The Sound of Change’ last Saturday still has viewers from all the around buzzing with excitement.

What these fans may not know, is that before the show kicked off at London’s Twickenham Stadium, both ladies caught up with ‘The Today Show’ to explain their relationship with the empowering cause and why they feel giving girls the tools to succeed is anything beneficial to all of us.

Watch below…

(more…)

Pink is experiencing a career high with current album ‘The Truth About Love’. The multi-Platinum smash has spawned three chart hits, yet -true to form- the Pop rebel is not resting on her laurels – and has lined up a fourth single from the project.

Breezy mid-tempo ‘True Love’ is the song picked and we couldn’t be happier. For, the Lily Allen assisted cut is, from this vantage point, one of its parent album’s best offerings.

Peep its freshly unwrapped cover above and take a listen to the song after the jump….

(more…)

‘The New Era Begins’.

If the last few months have taught us anything, it’s that Mariah Carey‘s new management team are geniuses…seriously.

For, in not playing into the idea that her name alone was enough to sell her new material, her camp crafted a radio driven campaign that has seen her win the hearts of an audience far too removed from the 90s to truly appreciate her art.

Now, as her new single ‘Beautiful’ continues to soar across the globe, Ms.Carey has announced the release date of its supporting album.

Find out when that it is below!

(more…)