Two and a half years after his Grammy-nominated album, The Way I See It, Raphael Saadiq is back with his fifth studio album, Stone Rollin’ (to be released March 22, 2011 on Columbia Records).

This past Thursday night, That Grape Juice attended Saadiq’s exclusive listening event entitled “Saadiq Sessions” at The Royalton Hotel in New York City. Accompanied by an acoustic trio of guitar, bass, and percussion, Raphael took his audience on a journey of classic R&B inspired from the 60’s and 70’s that he has fused with a futuristic twist.

He treated the audience to song after song after song, including the lead single Radio (available now on iTunes), title song Stone Rollin’, Moving Down the Line, Good Man, Just Don’t, and an encore performance of Heart Attack.

Effortlessly, his visual presence perfectly matched his musical styling. Decked out in black frames, dark blue turtleneck, double breasted blazer, Windsor plaid slacks, and Chelsea boots, Raphael’s style could share the same title of his first solo album, Instant Vintage. Listening to his new body of work, and looking at his sartorial selections, you can easily understand his influence by musical legends such as Chuck Berry, Little Walter, Sly Stone, and Stevie Wonder as well as indie acts that he regularly listens to.

Saadiq said “Both the attraction and the reaction to my music from my listeners has given me all that I need to continue pushing the envelope and making music that waves and rocks the soul of many. It’s ready. I’m ready. And I know the world is ready. Let’s all go Stone Rollin.”

If his preview party was just a taste of what’s to come, then his planned upcoming tour is surely one not to be missed. Be sure to catch him as he performs alongside Sir Mick Jagger at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday February 13th as they pay tribute to the late great King of Rock & Soul Solomon Burke.

Check out pics from the show below, which was attended by Columbia Music head Steve Barnett (pictured)

{Pictures and words by That Grape Juice New York correspondent Carl Ayers}

Your thoughts?

The Black Eyed Peas had the honor of being the headline performers at this year’s Super Bowl half-time show. Accompanied by fellow Pop singer Usher and Rock legend Slash, the group delievered several of their biggest hits including ‘The Time (Dirty Bit)’, ‘OMG’, ‘I Gotta Feeling’ and more.

See their amazing showing below:

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Moments ago Christina Aguilera performed the US national anthem at Super Bowl XLV. The singer dared to sing the song live at the event and encountered several difficulties int he process. See her performance below:

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Jessie J has cause for celebration tonight. For, the transatlantic star saw her second single ‘Price Tag’ rocket to the top of the Official UK Singles Chart.

The B.o.B assisted cut is lifted from J’s ‘Who You Are’ LP, which this week saw its release date pushed up by a month due to phenomenal demand. Her debut single ‘Do It Like A Dude’ peaked at #2 on the same tally merely two weeks ago.

Congratulations are most certainly in order!  {Fist pumps for the triumph of true talent}

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Here is the 3rd preview of Britney Spears’ ‘Hold It Against Me’ video. The clip is will be released in just 11 days. Check out the teaser below:

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Chris Brown all smiles at the Maxim Party Powered by Motorola Xoom last evening. The singer’s new album, ‘F.A.M.E’ (which now means ‘Fans Are My Everything’), has reportedly been pushed back to March 29th.

What do you think of the pic?

Before the group eventually succumbed to the Bad Boy curse of Diddy’s mismanagement, Danity Kane was primed to fill the void in Pop music created after the departure of Destiny’s Child. To highlight the potential of these women, this week’s From The Vault features their 1st televised concert in 2006 where they performed songs from their platinum-certified self-titled debut album.

Check out the 2nd half of the show below:

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Guess who performed at Mark Cuban’s HDNET Exclusive Super Bowl party yesterday! Hint: this singer/dancer’s album is nominated in the ‘Best Contemporary R&B Album’ category at this year’s Grammy Awards! Look below for the answer:

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Jason Derulo hit the stage at the Maxim Party Powered by Motorola Xoom yesterday. The event was held at Centennial Hall in Fair Park in Dallas, Texas. See more images of the auto-tuned performer below:

What do you think of the pics?

Diddy-Dirty Money are clearly not playing with this ‘Last Train to Paris’ LP. For, the trio have premiered video number six from the project; this time it’s for ‘Hate That You Love Me’.

Check it out after the jump…

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Despite kicking off to a great start, Janet Jackson‘s ‘Up, Close, & Personal Tour’ has attracted critique from a select sect of her fans.

Mainly based in the US, the group have voiced their displeasure with the apparent recycling of setlists and costumes on the trek from the singer’s 2008 ‘Rock Witchu Tour’.

Unimpressed, the tour’s lead choreographer (and Jackson’s close friend) Gil Duldulao today wrote an open letter to fans. Therein, he relayed his anger at fans who “can’t see the bigger picture” – one which sees this tour serve as a prelude to a new album, and thus creating way for a bigger full-on spectacle thereafter.

Check out the letter after the jump…

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Images Removed As Requested

Aubrey O’Day appeared at The Playboy Party in Dallas, Texas yesterday. The event was held at the Bud Light Hotel. Peep more images below:

What do you think of the pics?