Controversial ‘author’ Karrine ‘Superhead’ Steffans appeared on the CW’s news show earlier this week to promote her new book ‘The Vixen Manual’. Having taken the steering wheel in previous interviews about the book, Karrine seemed to have not anticipated the reception she got from the show’s reporters – although, I personally think she should have. I won’t spoil it, but lets just say the interview does get cut off and the term ‘just some video rump-shaker’ features. A must watch.
Your thoughts?
Solange Goes Bald!
I was looking to take today off to soak in my graduation celebrations, however my mailbox is being hotted up with this new pic of Solange…bald. No word on when exactly this shot was taken, but it’s clear to see the youngest of the Knowles’ is without her staple weave or any hair.
While it actually works in a ‘kinda-sorta-ish’ way (primarily because of Solange’s ‘eccentricity’), however I’m undecided as to whether I feel this is a case of attention-seeking or simply artistic expression.
What do you think of Solange’s bald look?
Randomness: Today Is The Day I Graduate
*Interupting our reguarly scheduled programming lol…*

By now, I’m sure many of you will know that I make quite a conscious effort to keep my private life, just that….private. This is mainly because my main aim is to grow and push the That Grape Juice ‘brand’ to the top, as opposed to pushing “Sam” as an ‘internet personality’. Not that I have a problem with the latter (especially as it’s kinda one in the same), it’s just my preference. But anyway enough of my waffling LOL…
Today is the day I graduate! After 3 long (yet at the same time, quick) years at Brunel University studying for a degree Media & Sociology, I will feel oh-so-proud walking across that stage today knowing that I’ve done *VERY, VERY* well (pops collar!)
With That Grape Juice soaring to new heights daily, and the academic side of things tended to, the future looks bright. I really welcome this exciting new chapter in my life. Onwards and upwards…

A 30 second snippet of ‘I Look To You’, the R. Kelly penned title track from Whitney Houston’s comeback LP (due August 31st in the UK / September 1st in the US) has surfaced.
Wow! She *really* sounds awesome. A HUGE improvement over the vocals we heard on ‘I Didn’t Know My Own Strength’ (the version of which has since been confirmed as simply a demo and has been re-recorded). Her voice sounds rich, and while not the Whitney of ‘The Bodyguard’, her vocal soars on this. Definitely can’t wait to hear this in its entirety. Go Nippy! {Thanks Sasha!}
Hit or Miss?

American Idol season 6 winner Jordin Sparks stopped by The Jimmy Fallon Show to perform her current single ‘Battlefield’. Ms. Sparks nailed it. Great song, great vocals, great performance!
Jordin’s album ‘Battlefield’ is out now!
What do you think of the performance?
Report: Kelis Gives Birth; Nas Hospital Drama?
AllHipHop.com are reporting that R&B singer Kelis gave birth to a bouncing baby boy last night. Soon to be ex-husband Nas was at the hospital, yet according to the report there was some drama. Peep the report below:
Hip-Hop star Nas is currently celebrating the birth of his son, although sources close to the rapper told AllHipHop.com that he was not allowed to witness the event.
Nas’ lawyer Mark Vincent Kaplan stated that Nas rushed to the hospital to witness Kelis deliver his first son today (July 21).
A source close to Nas told AllHipHop.com that the Queen’s rapper missed the actual child birth.
“Nas is in New York City today, anxiously awaiting the arrival of his son. It was his intention to be there for the birth, but unfortunately he has not been allowed to be present,” a source close to the rapper told AllHipHop.com. “While this is clearly heartbreaking to him, Nas continues to offer his support and love to his new baby boy and his mother.”
Nas and Kelis were due in court today in regards to their pending divorce, specifically child and spousal support.
The date had to be postponed when Kelis, born Kelis Rogers , went into labor, around 10:30 this morning.
Nas and Kelis were married in January of 2005 after being engaged for two years.
Kelis filed for divorce in April of 2009, citing irreconcilable differences.
No further details were available as to why Nas may have been prevented from witnessing the birth of his son.
Nas, born Nasir Jones, also has a 12-year-old daughter with ex-fiancée Carmen Bryan.
While congratulations are in order for both Kelis and Nas, I’m seriously hoping the talk of Nas being blocked from seeing the birth don’t prove true, as that would seriously be messed up on Kelis’ part. Yes, we don’t know all that went on behind the scenes, yet it would be very irresponsible on both of their parts for that baby to be embroiled in mess from the day of his birth.
Your thoughts?
Whitney Houston Album Preview
Diva Whitney Houston poses it up with singer Alicia Keys at the New York listening session for her hotly anticipated ‘I Look To You’ album yesterday. Keys, who penned a track for the album, was one of several celebrities in the house to listen to the album playback. Our friend Clay Cane over at BET also attended the event. Check out his lengthy report below:
Last night, the legendary Clive Davis hosted a listening session for Whitney Houston’s new album I Look To You, which is in stores September 1st. Held at Jazz @ Lincoln Center in New York City, the event was packed with stars like Martha Stewart, Gayle King, Dionne Warrick, Alicia Keys (in the house with Swizz Beats!) LA Reid, Andre Harrell, Diane Sawyer, BET’s own Debra Lee and Stephen Hill – and the iconic Whitney Houston, who was absolutely stunning. She looked happy, grateful and beautiful. When Whitney hit the stage for a small speech the person next to me said,”That’s m*thaf**kin’ Whitney Houston!“ The diva received a standing ovation from a crowd (and the world!) who has been waiting for the return of the original pop-soul diva.
I was lucky enough to attend and here is a preview of the seven new tracks that were played (two leaked tracks were played, “Like I Never Left” featuring Akon and “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength” written by Diane Warren and produced by David Foster). I wasn’t able to catch every producer’s name or the exact lyrics so the credits are subject to change. Note: Clive Davis did stress the songs were still being polished.
1. “Million Dollar Bill” (written and produced by Alicia Keys and Swizz Beats)
An up-tempo, joyful track about love and probably one of the funkiest songs Whitney has ever done. “Million Dollar Bill” has an amazing bass line and almost recalls early Michael Jackson in Off The Wall. The catchy hook, “You make me feel like a million dollar bill.” Her vocal is strong with some power notes toward the end. The song has an Alicia Keys sound but fits for Whit — it’s current without making her seem like she is trying to compete with teenagers. The song received a standing ovation.
2. “Nothin’ But Love” (produced by Danja)
Whitney’s shout out to those who her love her and those who hate on her, she’s got “Nothin’ But Love” for all of them. Completely up-tempo and definitely an R&B club track that has the potential of sounding even hotter with a remix. The vocal stays around her lower register and, again, holds some classic Nippy notes at the end.
3. “Call You Tonight” (produced by Stargate)
Fun, mature and a song everyone can relate to. Heavily produced and while it can be tough to adjust to a pure vocalist like Whitney sing to a production heavy song, the mid-tempo track works for this album. “Call You Tonight” sounds like one of the better tracks from Just Whitney. Some lyrics include, “Destiny, I believe in it” and “I wish I could stay but I got to go, I’ll call you tonight.”
4. “Salute” (written and produced by R. Kelly)
Whitney is saying goodbye to a lover who has done her wrong, but she is letting go with no anger and confidently sings, “I salute you.” Could she be channeling Bobby Brown? The song is strictly R&B and almost sounds similar to “Heartbreak Hotel” from the My Love Is Your Love album. More instruments than production with keys and a strong vocal from Whitney. One line, “You think you know everything, you think your sh*t don’t stink.”
5. “I Look To You” – R. Kelly
Say what you want about R. Kelly but the man can still make a good R&B song. “I Look To You” is the title track and my favorite song so far. Beautiful lyrics like, “As I lay me down, heaven hear me now.” Her voice is deeply powerful, channeling classic Whitney with a pop sense but an R&B vocal. This song proves that she has not lost her voice and it’s definitely a melody I cannot wait to hear live. Whitney clearly feels every line and chord, charging through the ballad, transcending her own experience and reaching others who have been through adversity. Whitney has been criticized for not being emotional enough in her music — this track knocks out that complaint. From where I could see, Bobbi Kristina, Whitney’s daughter, was getting emotional during the song.
6. “Worth It” (R. Kelly)
“This song is for the lovers…” is one of the lines. Youthful and radio friendly, another R&B track. Nothing much to add about this one, enjoyable to listen to and had folks in the audience bobbing their head — I think I even saw a few head nods from Martha Stewart!
7. “A Song For You” (produced by Stargate)
Popularized by Donny Hathaway, “A Song For You” is a new spin on the Leon Russell classic. The beginning starts slow and the crowd gasped when they realized what song she was singing. Whitney sounded incredible, nearly haunting and before you knew it the song turns into a club banger! Mr. Davis explained the song was recorded just the night before. Definitely one for those who loves Whitney’s club tracks.
Overall, the nine tracks that were played received a good response. The album definitely has the potential to be a hit. For Whitney, there is no such thing as a “comeback” — icons “don’t call it a comeback” then just jump back in the game whenever they are ready. One thing I do know is no one should expect 1985 Whitney. Artists evolve and it’s limiting when we trap performers in a particular box or era. The best piece about the tracks is that Whit has some grit to her voice, her vocals are still strong but she doesn’t mind getting a bit nasty with it. While the album isn’t finished, I believe folks will be pleasantly surprised.
PS. Clive Davis is 77 years-old and stood on that stage for nearly an hour, introducing Whitney, telling stories, making jokes and setting up each song! This is a man from the old school and knows how to work a project! Gotta give respect to Professor Davis! {Source}
I really can’t wait for this one. Reports from the London session gave the album resounding praise too. Nippy is about to do the damn thing. More power to her!
The LP’s first single ‘Million Dollar Bill’ is set to debut any day now…
Your thoughts?
Jackson Rehearsal Footage To be Released In Cinemas This October; Sony Buy Rights For $60 Million
In life Michael Jackson thrilled fans the world over with his unrivaled talent. In death the undisputed King of Pop looks set to do the same, with reports confirming that rehearsal footage from his ill-fated ‘This Is It’ London shows will be hitting the big screen this October:

Sony Pictures has paid $60 million for the rights to release a movie of footage shot during Michael Jackson’s rehearsals for his This Is It concert tour, according to the Hollywood Reporter. The film will hit theaters October 30. According to other reports, AEG Live, which is said to have 80 hours of rehearsal footage at its disposal, and Jackson’s family will split Sony’s money, with Jackson’s family receiving 90 percent of the fee and establishing a charity in the late singer’s name. {Source}

I, for one, am really excited to see what Michael was cooking up, along with the show’s director Kenny Ortega, the talented cast of dancers and the other great folk assembled for what was supposed to be a spectacle of proportions concert-goers had never seen before.
I’ve heard some in the MJ fan community complaining about companies trying to exploit the tragedy and make money from this all. However, it’s important for such people to remember that Michael Jackson himself was in his hey-day a very smart business man (See: Sony ATV/ Beatles catalogue) and understood that the business side of things was just as important as the creative side too. I mean why not release the footage? The world wants to see MJ in his element for the last time. With 90% of the profit going towards his estate, which will ultimately benefit his children (neither they or their own children will ever have to work in their lives), I’m struggling to see anything wrong with this. If anything, the release of the movie, DVDs, new albums etc will further propel his legendary status even higher, something which really makes his sad death that bit easier to deal with. Roll on October…
Your thoughts?

Rapper Jay-Z was interviewed by the UK’s Tim Westwood last night to promote his eagerly awaited ‘Blueprint 3’ LP. While speaking to Westwood, Jay-Z was finally questioned about the much talked about rumour of him using his pulling power to have Chris Brown removed from the list of performers at the travesty that was this year’s BET Awards. Jigga, real name Shawn Carter, vehemently denied the claim and offered his take on Chris Brown’s recent apology.
Also, giving his reaction to The Game’s recent ‘anti-Jay’-Z campaign, Jay labelled the former G-Unit member “a groupie”. Ouch.
Any thoughts?

R&B star Keri Hilson performed her smash hit single ‘Knock You Down’ on Yahoo’s Pepsi Smash recently. Ms. Keri-Baby did her thing. I enjoyed the performance.
Tidbit: Our pretty damn good interview with Keri will be quicker than you can say ‘Sam, the man, the Kelly Rowland stan’!
Your thoughts?
Mariah's 'Memoirs' Pushed Back
Mariah Carey new album ”Memoirs of An Imperfect Angel’ has been pushed back 3 weeks to September 15th and will now miss the Grammy 2010 deadline. The set originally due in stores August 25th via Def Jam is preceded by single ‘Obsessed’, which is performing well on the charts, but not great by Mariah’s standards. {Source}
While I’m sure marketing / promotional strategy, as well as the release of a 2nd single, is the cause of the delay, one would not be wrong in wondering if the so-so performance of lead single ‘Obsessed’ (which currently sits at #11 on the Billboard 100 and isn’t really doing much of anything worldwide), factors in to all this.
Interestingly, the original release date was a week before Whitney’s much anticipated comeback album hit stores; perhaps the move was to not allow for any ‘Diva Chart Battle’ media hype and/or risk losing out to the ‘I Will Always Love You’ singer in sales.
Push back or no push back, all I want from Mariah is a live performance this ‘era’ that reminds everyone why she is dubbed ‘The Voice’ and not performances that sounds like she’s been chewing on cigarette buttes or has a hangover. Come on Mariah, you can do it 😉
Randomness: I have listened to ‘Fly Like A Bird’ from the ‘Emancipation’ album almost every day since the record was released – back in 2005. A classic.
Your thoughts?
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