After an undeniably gruelling promo schedule in aid of ‘ORA‘ last year, Rita Ora hit Dubai for a brief trip which saw her share much of her time on her Instagram account.

The thing is though…a whole lot more went on that trip than most of the world is aware of.

Want to see the Pop dare devil get high?

Good times with the ROC diamond below…

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Bruno Mars showcased the best of himself for ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live‘ once more yesterday, hitting the lively spot for a performance designed to put a smile on your face.

Sure, while we’d always opt for the traditional version of his new single ‘Locked Out Of Heaven’, last night saw him deliver a Reggae flavored version of the joint and the fan favorite ‘Treasure’.

Mr. Mars awaits you below…

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Since it emerged she had been enlisted to judge on the show, there’s been an effort by some critics to belittle Nicki Minaj‘s achievements to justify their own doubts on her.

Of course, to any who’s followed her career since 2007 can attest to, the Rapper is anything but the mindless firework some outlets have billed her as following her run in with fellow judge Mariah Carey back in October.

Now watch as Minaj explains her layered past with those unfamiliar with it in a new promo piece for ‘Idol’.

A piece, where she opens up on the painful criticism she received as a Rap upstart, her days as a struggling actress and how her time as a ‘Red Lobster’ waitress fuelled her undying ambition to make her dreams a reality.

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News of his forthcoming delivery may have seen him dominate many a headline, but this week has seen ‘Love Lockdown’ genius Kanye West soar much farther than the confines of the tabloids and the ever competitive UK charts.

Find out how British Hip Hop fans shown their gratitude to Mr. ‘GOOD’ below…

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This week’s That Grape Juice ‘Cover Star‘ comes from up-and-coming crooner Tion Phipps. Watch as the US native puts a brand new spin on ‘Brand New Me’ – the latest single from Alicia Keys’ hotly selling 5th LP ‘Girl On Fire’:

Kudos to Tion for his try at the emotional number.  Showcasing a tonal quality similar to that of singers Lloyd and Justin Bieber, the 18-year-old was able to capture the sincerity of Alicia’s vocal performance while still putting his own spin on it.

We definitely give this one two thumbs up!

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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?

Though it isn’t as publicized as it should be, Mary J.Blige remains R&B’s only consistent female ‘seller‘.

Unfortunately tarred with the same brush of perception that’s sullied her genres worth to the wider public, regular releases and well executed campaigns have ensured that her numbers remain favorable and at times miraculous even at their ‘worst’.

Her ‘worst’, being watching her latest LP ‘My Life II’ receive Gold certification after six months. A certification, many of today’s R&B releases are unlikely to ever see…ever.

However, by way of Rihanna‘s smash hit ‘Diamonds‘, Blige is on course to lose a record set in 2005 with Bryan Michael Cox penned ‘Be Without You’.

Chart details below…

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Get into the official trailer for ‘The Call’ – the latest thriller from Academy Award winner Halle Berry.  Joined by heartthrob Morris Chestnut (‘Best Man’,’Boyz In the Hood’), the Brad Anderson directed film sees Berry’s character (a 911 operator) look to track down a serial killer who recently kidnapped a teenage girl.

Peep the clip below…

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With an announcement that comes as a shock to absolutely no one many, ‘Baby One More Time’ hitmaker Britney Spearsconfirms that ‘X Factor USA’ will not be seeing her one more time aboard its judging panel.

Indeed, after news surfaced of FOX renewing the Simon Cowell-created talent show for a 3rd season, it lost faithful judge/record executive L.A. Reid.

Now, today saw Spears confirm, after weeks of swirling rumors, her departure from the show – citing the need to focus entirely on her next album (the follow-up to 2011’s ‘Femme Fatale’)…

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Destiny’s Child are back…well somewhat.

As reported, Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams, and Beyonce have rejoined to record new song ‘Nuclear’ – the sole unheard song on their latest compilation effort ‘Love Songs’.

So what are you waiting for? Get all the way into the Pharrell Williams produced cut after the jump…

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“From Rita Ora to Elijah Blake, there aren’t many of today’s newbies who can say they aren’t inspired by the sweetheart that is Beyonce.

With a career spanning 13 years, her time at the top has seen her give her all to her music but hold back when it comes to matters of the personal persuasion…until now.

That’s right- in a teaser for her long awaited HBO documentary (February 16th), she opens up on her deepest and most sincere thoughts,  sharing footage and feelings even we can’t believe she shared.”

‘Bey’ inspired here!!

With the success of his ‘Bijoux 22‘ LP forcing many a Pop fiend to sit up and pay attention, 2013 will welcome the launch of Elijah Blake‘s debut album- hitting stores courtesy of Def Jam/Roc Nation.

Carving the lane for his material by way of cuts penned for part time vocalist Rihanna and R&B icon Usher, his arrival on the scene will mark the latest contribution to the genre by Def Jam, also responsible for Frank Ocean and ‘Make Me Love To Me’ singer Luke James.

Now check out ‘Vicky’s Secret‘, one of the strongest jams on ‘Bijoux’ and one we hope to hear on album #1.

Enjoy below…

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After being enlisted to executive producer the latest posthumous Aaliyah album, it seems ‘HYFR‘ Rapper Drake has moved on to creative pastures new.

Pastures, that come in the form of the brand spanking new ‘TLC’ album.

Full story below…

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