UK star Taio Cruz has taken the US by storm with his Stateside debut ‘Break Your Heart’. The Ludacris-assisted song rocketed #53-#1 on the Billboard Hot 100 today; in the process making chart history by registering the highest jump on the chart for an artist with their first single.

Congratulations are no doubt in order for the London-based singer/songwriter. It will be interesting to see if he’s able to keep the momentum going with the future releases from his ‘Rokstarr’ LP.

Your thoughts?

As R&B star Usher readies his sixth studio album ‘Raymond v Raymond’ for its March 23rd release, the 31 year old features on the cover of the latest issue of Billboard magazine.

The interesting feature (click here to read), reveals some of the project’s behind-the-scenes hold ups (he is now managed by AEG CEO Randy Phillips – not his mother), as well as asks whether the Grammy winner can indeed make a comeback. A great read.

Randomness: Usher shot the video for ‘Lil’ Freak’ (his next US single) yesterday with Nicki Minaj. Word has it Ciara will feature in the clip.

Back to the magazine’s focus….

Do you think Usher can make a comeback?

Antonio L.A. Reid has found himself in hot water after being accused of mishandling many of his label’s biggest projects during the last year. The Island Def Jam CEO has reportedly been facing pressure from Lucian Grainge, the new Universal Music Group CEO, following his rampant spending and the incredibly low sales of Mariah Carey and Rihanna’s recent releases. Moreover, Reid’s recent efforts to sign Jennifer Lopez (who has not had a hit  record in years) have made him the target of serious media criticism.

Reid was scheduled to answer questions  from fellow industry moguls regarding the issue at the Billboard 2010 Music & Money Symposium at the St. Regis last week but failed to make an appearance after one of his sons mysteriously fell ill. To date, Carey’s ‘Memoirs of An Imperfect Angel’ has sold just short of 500k units since it’s release in September while Rihanna’s ‘Rated R’ has only shipped 2.5 worldwide compared to the 2.6 million that her ‘Good Girl Gone Bade’ album sold in the US alone.

Dear Mariah and Rihanna: Get out now! Do not pass ‘go’. Do not collect $200. Just get the heck out of Dodge!

Thoughts?

Steph Jones has been been busy making a name for himself in the industry lately and now he has another project to add to his resumé. The singer has just released the music video for ‘La La Means Love’ which was directed by Kamal Robinson. The track was written by The-Dream and produced by Tricky Stewart, and is available on his ‘Gravity’ mixtape. Click here to download the entire record and check out the video for ‘La La Means Love’ below:

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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…

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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?