Next up on From The Vault is a R&B gem ‘Where My Girls At?’ – courtesy of the ladies from 702.

The track, produced and written by Keybeats and TGJ favorite Missy Elliott, was the first single from the ladies sophomore set, the aptly titled ‘702’ released in 1999.

At a time when mozzarella-Pop from the likes of Britney, Christina and N’SYNC was the tastiest genre for radio programmers, ‘Girls’ managed to reach the higher tiers of the Billboard Hot 100 and Hip-Hop/R&B charts peaking at #4 and #3 respectively. Though statistically not a worlwide hit -albeit hitting #22 in the UK – we firmly believe it is a classic and no 90’s R&B themed party would be complete without this.

Like many at the time, the single’s promotional video directed by Billie Woodruff was highly inspired by the “Matrix craze” that was only in beginning stages back then.

{Sidenote: we really dig this vid, but the dancer’s outfits during the last sequence remain a big NO!}

With R&B seemingly on the up, could 2013 be the year where vocal harmony groups make a comeback in the mainstream charts? Nothing would make us happier. The likes of MKS and Stooshe are flying the flag in the UK, now we’re keen to see who will carry the torch for girl groups in the US and serve up tunes as enduring as ‘Where My Girls At?” in this day and age.

While we wait, we have to hit “replay” on this one.

Your thoughts?

Meet J. Drew Sheard II (JDS).

The first and youngest producer signed to hip hop hitmaker’s Pharrell Williams’ imprint Star Trak, the 23-year-old (under the pupilage of Williams) has crafted a number of gems for some of gospel’s heaviest hitters – namely sister Kierra Sheard.

Indeed, the Detroit native is a branch sprouted from a long-lasting gospel legacy that extends from grandmother/gospel legend Mattie Moss Clark to, of course, mother Karen Clark Sheard (one-fourth of legendary gospel group The Clark Sisters).  But, despite having such musical nest to call home, JDS seems poised to soar in a different direction – a move that has lent him mixed review.

Speaking exclusively to That Grape Juice, the singer/songwriter/producer dishes about his family legacy, critics who have bashed his decision to experiment outside of gospel, and his family’s BET reality show ‘The Sheards’ set for premiere tonight, April 7th at 10/9c.

As ever, this is a must read:

Producer J. Drew Sheard II Shouts Out That Grape Juice

Click here to read the interview!!

Click here to read the interview!!

Click here to read the interview!!

Your thoughts?

It seem’s Rihanna’s reign is finally letting up.

After giving many a Pop Princess a cruel run for her money with her endless stream of smash hits, social media stats and media coverage, the ‘Final Goodbye’ singer is currently suffering a surprising decline in popularity in the US.

This, according to statistics pulled in by the folks over at the ‘Billboard Social 50‘ who measure the week on week interest generated by artists on social media platforms, Soundcloud, Wikipedia, Instagram and how many times an artist’s songs is played anywhere in the nation that week.

Facts and figures below…

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Ever keen to broaden our musical scope, recent months have seen That Grape Juice venture into a number of new musical landscapes including, most recently, gospel.

Spearheaded by well-received interviews with gospel singers Joshua Rogers, Dorinda Clark Cole, Israel Houghton, and more, TGJ is now offering readers ‘The Overflow’ – a collection of the top gospel-themed news stories from the week.

Tuck in below for a jam-packed entry with the latest news on Donnie McClurkin, Hezekiah Walker, Ben Tankard, The Sheards, and so much more…

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The second search for ‘The Voice UK’ is underway!

Already a smash in the US (and its original home of Holland), the show has arrived on British shores by way of the BBC last year and takes its place prime-time for another year running. Coaches this side of the pond are Jessie J, will.i.am, Danny O’ Donoghue, and the legendary Tom Jones.

Billed as the definitive talent-search, many are predicting it to serve as a true contender to The X Factor‘s strong hold.

Judge for yourself below with highlights from episode 2 / series 2 below…

Your thoughts?

The second search for ‘The Voice UK’ is underway!

Already a smash in the US (and its original home of Holland), the show has arrived on British shores by way of the BBC last year and takes its place prime-time for another year running. Coaches this side of the pond are Jessie J, will.i.am, Danny O’ Donoghue, and the legendary Tom Jones.

Billed as the definitive talent-search, many are predicting it to serve as a true contender to The X Factor‘s strong hold.

Judge for yourself below with highlights from episode 2 / series 2 below…

Your thoughts?

Colour us confused, but are we the only ones who thought Ray J didn’t make music anymore?

In any case, the R&B bad boy is back with the classy single ‘I Hit It First’.

The artwork for the single begun doing the rounds late last night, and it seems it inspired someone somewhere to unwrap the song a day earlier than the 32-year-old intended.

And while ex-Kim Kardashian isn’t called out by name, the lyrics make no secret about who the controversial star is singing about.

Take a listen to Ray J’s homage to his “blue movie” co-star below…

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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 revived 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.  Click below to find out the spill on crooners Joe, Donnell Jones, Kevin McCall & Tank, Ron Isley, and Raheem Devaughn below…

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Guess who’s dropping this summer?!

That’s right, weeks after her new single ‘Body Party’ debuted with a sweet 18,000 units sold first week, ‘Overdose’ darling Ciara has confirmed the release date for her new album, ‘One Woman Army‘ (cue Praise dance).

Confirming the date with the ever hilarious ‘Q Deezy‘, her interview with the radio staple also saw her speak openly on her feelings toward toward ‘Love Song‘ vocalist Future and question a number of unprovoked jabs aimed her way by ‘No Love Allowed’ singer(?) Rihanna.

Watch below…

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‘In this industry you’re either going to be the ho or the b*tch’.

Her sound could do with a little refining, but as far as aesthetic and personalities go, Tiffany Foxx stands as the most polished Female MC since Nicki Minaj.

Opting to build her brand on her material and not the latter’s old feud with mentor Lil Kim, the last few weeks have seen the Southern belle take to many a Hip Hop outlet to explain her positioning as an artist, after being signed and dropped by Snoop Dogg prior to meeting Kim.

This time, with ‘Hip Hop Since 1987 TV’, the articulate newcomer dished on the circumstances that pulled her from St Louis and took her to LA but more importantly- her response to the male MCs who haven’t taken well to her bourgeoning notoriety.

Enjoy the interview below…

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As recent Hip Hop wins have shown, using the Hot 100 to determine how well a song is not always a good idea.

For, while some cuts may not sell enough week by week to score or hold Top Ten spots, they do sell enough to give the acts and labels behind much to smile about.

Find out what we mean in today’s chart check below!

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Guess which epic Pop Princess was snapped window shopping in Beverly Hills yesterday.

Hint: She’s collaborated with Future, cites LA Reid as a mentor and has gotten hot and heavy with Chris Brown. 

Still don’t know?

Alright, we’ll tell you who it is after the jump!

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