As one of Hip Hop’s more ground breaking acts to date, Young Money Prince  Drake can often be found at the center of heated Rap centric debate.

Loved by some while loathed by others, his arrival and subsequent success on and in the scene has made him the  undisputed figurehead of Contemporary Rap/Hop Hip Hop.

Of course, with such attention comes just as much criticism.

With Lil Kim stating that ‘he just wasn’t built for this hood sh*t’ and Common revealing  his upcoming release ‘Sweet‘ was written all about him, the suggestion that Drake’s singing has made him ‘less of an MC ‘ is one estimation that doesn’t seem to be going anywhere soon.

So,  ever eager to bring attention to the topics you are most passionate about, That Grape Juice asks the question:

Is Mr ‘Marvin’s Room‘ ‘too soft’ for Contemporary Hip Hop?

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Soon after X Factor USA judge LA Reid became the newly appointed head of Epic Records, many spectators began to suspect whether the acclaimed producer had plans to entice Pop stunner Jennifer Lopez out of her deal with Island Def Jam in a bid  to sign her to his label, which also houses dynamic duo ‘Karmin‘.

Today, those suspicions reached fever pitch after both parties engaged in a ‘very public’ conversation online,which gave many no choice but to assume a partnership between the pair is in the works.

Full story below…

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Peep these snaps of a heavily pregnant Beyonce doing a spot of Christmas shopping in New York City recently.

Dressed in all black and sporting her world famous baby bump, the entertainer was spotted by members of the paparazzo on her way out  of  ‘Curve‘ weeks before she is expected to go into labor with her first child with husband of three years, Jay Z.

More below…

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If she didn’t receive another award in her life, Diana Ross would still go down as one of music’s most iconic figures. It’s only fitting then, that if the diva’s honoured, it’s by the most prestigious award body – the Grammy’s.

And honoured Miss Ross will be on the 54th annual Grammy Awards ceremony in little over a month’s time.

Full story below…

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With several thousands having already cast their vote in the 2011 That Grape Juice: End of Year Awards, today is your last chance to make your voice heard!

Voting has been incredibly close, with potential winners chopping and changing on the daily. How will your favorite fare? You decide!

Click here to vote 

Click here to vote 

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“This is what I do when I get bored” Trey Songz wrote on Twitter when he premiered new song ‘Trigga Shot Caller’ a few moments ago.

After listening, we see exactly what he means. Listen after the jump…

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Undeniably one of the year’s biggest breakout stars, J. Cole has worked his way out of obscurity to become one of Hip-Hop’s brightest prospects.

In justifying his buzz, the Roc Nation star stopped by The Late Show With David Letterman last night to perform fan favourite ‘Work Out’.

Peep the performance after the jump…

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Beyonce‘s a fan. Kelly Rowland‘s a fan. And, after watching Luke James‘ episode of The Splash, you will be too.

Click here to watch Def Jam’s newest star justify his hype on The Splash!

Tidbit: A Kelly Rowland cover features.

The X-Factor USA is here!

Fox’s much hyped British import has finally kicked off on American soil and looks set to be the biggest show of its kind.

Featuring judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, LA Reid and Nicole Scherzinger, the show favours American Idol with its nationwide auditions. However, there is a defining twist in that groups and solo acts over 25’s are eligible to enter.

After weeks of auditions and bootcamp we now enter the live shows where the narrowed down top 3 are battling to advance to be crowned the winner of the competition.  In true form, the finale sees some of today’s biggest movers and shakers lending their talents to the young hopefuls.

See the best and the worst of tonight’s showing below as R. Kelly, Avril Lavigne, and Alanis Morissette guest:

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While ‘Headlines’ hitmaker Drake may have been noticeably absent from the Mary J. Blige ‘Mr. Wrong’ visual, reports have it he’s right on task for another duet that’s quickly becoming a fan favorite.   ‘Take Care’, the Rihanna-enlisted title track from his platinum sophomore record, is one of many he says will be receiving the video treatment from the well-received album.

With wheels already in motion for its shooting, the ‘Best I Ever Had’ rapper asserts his desire to make ‘Care’ the ‘best video he’s ever done’.  A feat, given his collective visual body of work, that probably won’t be very hard to accomplish.

Chatting with MTV, find out what other plans Drake has for the video after the jump:

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CBS was the home of the 13th annual ‘A Home For The Holidays’ with Martina McBride tonight.  Playing double duty as host and featured performer, the country superstar welcomed Queen of Hip Hop Soul Mary J. Blige and teen pop sensation Justin Bieber as two of her many guests set to entertain on the holiday special.

The show, which aims to shed light on adoption needs and success stories, aired moments ago and also featured noted artists OneRepublic, Gavin Degraw, and more.

Get into the sets all after the jump:

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It appears the once-crowned ‘Princess of Hip-Hop/R&B’ Ashanti is looking to regain her reign atop Billboard charts.  And, if her latest Busta Rhymes  assisted single is even an inkling of what she’s serving up, Miss Douglas may be on the right course for a replay.  Receiving much love from critics and fans alike, her latest offering, ‘The Woman You Love’, is making its rounds on the net to a growing number of rave reviews.  Capitalized by her striking artwork for the single, the buzz for the ‘Rain On Me’ hitmaker’s return is mounting steadily.

Striking while the iron is hot, the young songstress has invited viewers into the behind the scenes process of ‘Woman’.  Joined by Busta and her ‘momager’, see Ashanti do her thing after the jump:

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