Since starting That Grape Juice, we’ve consistently received calls to shine light on up-and-coming talent. Hence, in listening to those calls, as well as continuing to build and expand our brand, we introduce our latest feature…‘Freshly Squeezed’. Set to be rolled out every other week, Freshly Squeezed will illuminate the freshest new talent – signed or unsigned.

Without further ado, then, this week’s featured artist is Grace Obika!

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Hailing from North London, 24 year old Grace Obika has steadily been building a buzz since hitting the performing circuit three years ago. Indeed, the singer, who is being touted as the new face of commercial Indie-Soul, has performed at London’s famed Jazz Cafe, the African Music Awards, and was a finalist on MTV’s ‘Hugo Urban Rules’. Impressive on paper, yet even more so when considering she has achieved this all while studying for a degree in Biomedical Sciences (Hons), graduating in 2008.

Raised in a music-orientated family (her first cousin is R&B crooner Lemar), Grace began her musical journey in the church, singing in the choir. Since then, she’s not looked back, and has successfully carved out a niche for herself – drawing inspiration from the likes of Faith Evans, Stevie Wonder, Amy Winehouse, Fantasia, and Brandy.

Set to release her debut LP independently this May, the record features writing credits from Obika herself, as well as US producers who have worked with the likes of EnVogue and Usher. This young talent will definitely be one to keep an eye out for!

Check out her track’s ‘So Right’ (a personal favourite) and ‘Rainbow’ below:

So Right

Rainbow

For more on Grace Obika, check out her official website!

Think you or your artist should be featured on ‘Freshly Squeezed’? Drop an email to freshness@thatgrapejuice.net

Your thoughts?

Beyonce, along with her mother /stylist Tina Knowles, appeared on Good Morning America today. The pair discussed the Beyonce Cosmetology Center, which recently opened, their own relationship, starting a family and much more. A great watch.

Your thoughts?

It’s been a slow-ish news day thus far, yet that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop!

The last few years have seen many an artist deliver show-stopping performances on the grandest of stages. Check out a collection of some of my favourites above and below. Be sure to let us know what you think, as well as your favourites too!

{Above: Kelly Rowland performs ‘Destiny’s Child Medley’ at T4 On The Beach – 2008}

Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (30th Anniversary Concert, 2001)

Lady GaGa – Paparazzi (MTV VMA’s 2009)

Chris Brown & Ciara – ‘With You / Take You Down’ (BET Awards 2008)

Beyonce & Kelly Rowland – ‘Get Me Bodied / Like This’ (BET Awards 2007)

Your thoughts?

The video for new rap sensation B.O.B‘s new single ‘Nothin’ On You (ft. Bruno Mars)’ surfaced today. Though some of you may be unfamiliar with B.O.B, you won’t be for long!

Signed to T.I.‘s Grand Hustle movement, the 21 year old is about to crack the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 with this very track (which is lifted from his debut LP ‘The Adventures of Bobby Ray’ – due in stores April 27th).

Hailed as ‘the next big star’ by both VIBE and XXL, it appears this young Atlanta-native is destined for big things. Check out the video below…

(more…)

R&B songstress Toni Braxton unveiled the official cover for her forthcoming LP ‘Pulse’ a few moments ago. Check it out above…

It pretty much goes without saying that the 41 year old mother of two looks smokin’! What’s more, the album is shaping up to be a real winner; I’ve had ‘Hands Tied’ (the video for which is set to be shot shortly) on replay since hearing it.

‘Pulse’ hits stores this May via Atlantic Records.

Your thoughts?

As the music world awaits Lady GaGa and Beyonce‘s video for ‘Telephone’, more promotional shots of the clip have been released ahead of its debut this Thursday (March 11th). Check them out above and below:

We cannot wait!

Your thoughts?

Check out this new promotional shot for Kelis‘ forthcoming ‘Fleshtones’ LP.

The former Mrs Nas is set to release the album on will.i.am’s Will.i.am Music Group /Interscrope later this year.

Your thoughts?

R&B singer Teairra Mari premiered the video for new single ‘Sponsor’ a few moments ago exclusively on World Star Hip-Hop. Check out the Yolande Geralds directed clip above…

Put simply; the video pretty much serves its purpose. Though perhaps not as glossy as I imagined based on the stills and the behind the scenes footage, the clip is good enough to assist the song’s  ascent up the charts. Here’s hoping it does just that, as the song is fire on a track!

Tidbit: The only minor gripe I have with the video is that Gucci Mane’s rap is still included. With him not featuring in the video due his incarceration, it kinda just ate up time.

What do you think of the video?

Rap star T.I. is celebrating his imminent release from prison with new buzz single, the aptly titled ‘I’m Back’. The cut, which was produced by the Trackslayerz, sees the Atlanta native back at his gritty best. Check it out below.

T.I.’s as yet untitled 7th studio album is set to hit stores on August 24th via Grand Hustle / Atlantic Records.

Hit or Miss?

That Grape Juice has received reliable word that the video for Alicia Keys and Beyonce‘s ‘Put It In A Love Song’ single has been pushed back, and will therefore not première today as previously announced.

As at writing, no reason has been given for the push-back. Although there are murmurings suggesting it will now debut on March 17th (next week Wedndesday).

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First ‘Telephone’, and now this. What’s going on?!

Your thoughts?

After many a delay,  Lil’ Wayne finally begun his year long jail sentence today.

The 28 year old star surrendered at the Manhattan, New York courtroom this morning (March 8th), where he was then placed in handcuffs and taken into custody after formally being handed down his sentence.

The Grammy Award-winning rapper, real name Dwayne Carter, pleaded guilty back in October last year to charges of attempted criminal possession of a weapon. He admitted having the loaded .40-caliber semiautomatic gun on his tour bus.

Carter will be serving his sentence in city jail, as opposed to state prison, and can potentially be freed after eight months, if his behaviour is good enough.

{Source}

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While I may catch some flack for this, all I can say is ‘it’s about time!’ I was beginning to think there was some JuJu/Obia at play here with the constant pushbacks to the sentence. Not to be confused with anyone taking pleasure in another’s misfortune, but as the age-old adage goes….”if you do the crime, you have to do the time”. I mean to think some folk were screaming “Free Lil’ Wayne”….erm no LOL.

Your thoughts?

Things are not looking good for diva Mariah Carey. The 39 year old’s remixes for her ‘Angel’s Advocate’ LP have failed to excite fans,with the lead  singles ‘Up Out My Face’ and the Ne-Yo assisted ‘Angel’s Cry’ failing miserably on the charts.  While ‘Up Out My Face’ peaked disappointingly at #100 on Billboard Hot 100, ”Cry’ embarrassingly never garnered enough airplay or downloads to even debut on the chart. Ouch!

This era is quickly descending into a hot burning mess for our Mimi. It’s all rather sad. With the Oscar buzz around ‘Precious’, as well as her other projects, it’s a bit baffling as to why she’d opt not to just concentrate on those (forgetting and hoping we did too) the epic flop that was ‘Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel’). Instead she’s subjecting herself to more embarrassment by lazily releasing a half-baked remix record. I really do not know who or what is helping her make these ill-informed decisions, but…

Your thoughts?