While some fans of songbird India Arie rejoiced at news of the Grammy winner’s forthcoming album ‘Songversation’ (June 25) – led by the single ‘Cocoa Butter’ – others weren’t exactly gleaming at first glance of the single’s cover art.

Arie, whose career has wielded a number of self-love hits like ‘Private Party’, ‘Video’, and ‘I Am Not My Hair’, immediately came  under fire with accusations of skin bleaching.

Now, it seems the ‘Ready for Love’ singer is ready to nip the rumors in the bud.  Taking to Twitter over the weekend, see what Miss Arie had to say:

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As reported here, one of gospel‘s top families The Sheards is readying a reality show for BET.  Featuring famed mother-daughter duo Karen Clark and Kierra ‘Kiki’ Sheard, the reality venture is set to premiere April 7th immediately after the airing of 2013 ‘Celebration of Gospel’.

While we’ve already given you a sneak peek into what to expect upon its debut in a few weeks, BET is teasing fans more with an extended trailer.  See it above:

Your thoughts?

Fans of BET’s hit gospel singing competition ‘Sunday Best’ are no stranger to the name Alexis Spight, but, for those who are, that’s about to change.

The Buffalo-born beauty (and her fiery red locks) rose through the ranks of the series’ season 5 set and eventually saw her name etched as its first runner up (Joshua Rogers crowned winner ).

But, while Spight may have not walked away with the gold, last week saw her having the last laugh as her debut album ‘L.O.L’ (March 12th) shot to the top of Billboard’s gospel charts.

Billed by a number of gospel critics as a noteworthy debut, the ‘Steady’ songstress speaks exclusively to That Grape Juice to dish details on her Music World Entertainment offering and so much more.  Get into it and the refreshing sounds of Alexis Spight below:

Click here to read the interview!!

Click here to read the interview!!

Click here to read the interview!!

Azealia Banks may not have an album out yet, but that hasn’t stopped the New York femcee from having A LOT to say about everyone – battling with everyone and their mom on social media at least once weekly. Indeed, the likes of Iggy Azalea, Angel Haze, Shystie, and Perez Hilton are just a few of those who’ve been at the receiving end on the forest of shade the rapper continues to throw.

Is she doing the most? Is it simply self-expression? Watch as That Grape Juice gives Azealia Banks The Business…live from SXSW!

Your thoughts?

If you know anything about Monica, you’ll know she’s actually incapable of making a bad album.

Corny? Perhaps.

Factual? No doubt.

Indeed, while her latest effort ‘New Life’ wasn’t as strong as 2009’s ‘Still Standing’, the ‘So Gone’ vocalist stands in the unique position of seeing all of her LPs receive critical acclaim, even when they are unable to do so commercially.

Now, as to ensure ‘Life‘s follow up surpasses her prior efforts, she has enlisted ‘Use Me’ singer Miguel to help craft the project, as seen in snaps released to fans today.

More below!

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They may have squashed their feud this month, but today saw Azealia Banks release a video shot in aid of the diss track she aimed at fellow Femcee, Angel Haze.

Featuring an appearance from ‘Climax‘ producer Diplo, the video storms through Pop’s doors weeks before the video for her new single ‘Yung Rapunxel’ drops on April 16th.

Tuck into her latest visual offering below!

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If you still haven’t heard Keyshia Cole’s latest LP ‘Woman To Woman’, there are two things you should know:

1. You’re seriously missing out on great material.

2. See #1.

Easily one of the strongest R&B albums to spring from the last decade, the album now stands just 200,000 copies away from Gold status  by way of consistent but slow burning sales.

It’s these sales, some fans may have noticed, that have seen the project’s push simmer in recent weeks, thus rendering its ‘non-single’ cuts relatively unknown by any who don’t consider themselves her fans.

So, as to introduce one of these numbers to all of you guys, we’re shining a light on ‘I Choose You’, a song that stays on heavy rotation here at TGJ HQ.

Want to hear it?

You won’t regret it if you do, below…

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As much as it hurts us to admit it, Christina Aguilera has pulled the plug on the ‘Lotus’ era (sheds lonely tear).

With this in mind, it’s safe to say work on its follow up will already have some of her staple collaborators wondering just how to up their creative game in preparation for it, as to ensure it surpasses ‘Stripped‘s standing as her strongest project to date.

Now, it’s time to have your say.

Find out how below…

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This week’s That Grape Juice Cover Star comes from Youtube beau Caleb Rekcah. Watch as he lays into an acoustic cover of Brandy‘s ‘Wildest Dreams’ – the second single from her critically acclaimed set ‘Two Eleven’:

We appreciate singers who can put their own twists on tunes without taking away from it.  Caleb did just that.  Softly cooing in the beginning of his cover (giving it a “lullaby” feel almost), the second verse saw him really ramp up and bring the song home.

While maintaining the vulnerability of tone the song calls for, Rekcah opted to avoid B-rocka’s rollercoaster (and oft inimitable) ride of runs and melisma, instead inserting his own blend.

Bravo sir.

For more on Mr. Rekcah, check out his Youtube page.

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Want to be featured on That Grape Juice’s ‘Cover Star’? Drop an email to sam@thatgrapejuice.net

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Your thoughts?

Universal Studios’ forthcoming flick ‘2 Guns’ will see Mark Wahlberg and Denzel Washington team for what’s already being deemed an “action packed thriller”.

Directed by Baltasar Kormákur, ‘2 Guns’ will see the duo act as two formerly competing undercover federal operatives who are forced to go on the run together.  Due in theaters August 2nd, click PLAY up top for your first peek at the movie.

Your thoughts?

‘True Blood’ fans rejoice!

The net was flooded today with news of the hit show’s return to HBO.

Via Deadline:

“The upcoming sixth season of HBO‘s vampire drama True Blood will premiere on June 16. This marks the first season without  True Blood creator Alan Ball at the helm.”

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Unlike previous seasons that aired 12 episodes, season 6 will only have 10.

Your thoughts?

Chris Brown‘s new album ‘X’ now has the Nicki Minaj factor, for the singer announced moments ago that the hotly anticipated set will be feature a “mean” verse from the charismatic femcee.

Details after the jump…

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