The video for Rihanna’s latest single ‘Rude Boy’ premiered literally moments ago. Check it out above…

Directed by Melina, the clip, if I’m to be entirely honest, is  both a hit and miss affair. Unfortunately, for the Bajan model, it’s more the latter. Getting the ‘good’ out of the way first, the Pop Art look and feel of the video works exceptionally well, and Ms. Fenty certainly gives what is perhaps her most animated performance in any of her videos yet. Despite this, the vid still manages to be distinctly underwhelming. The 21 year old promised much in the way of choreography for the up-tempo cut, yet served up little more than stiff whining and the usual model-esque poses. Overall, not a bad effort, simply one which leaves much to be desired. Oh RiRi….

Your thoughts?

Singer John Mayer found himself in a wave of controversy today following his comments in a recent interview with Playboy magazine. Check out the interview, and Mayer’s subsequent ‘apology’ below:

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Destiny’s Child alumni Michelle Williams celebrated the opening night of her stint as Roxy Hart in the Broadway adaptation of ‘Chicago’ last night at the INC Lounge. The ‘We Break The Dawn’ singer was joined by the production’s cast and crew, as well as other celebrities including Jay-Z and Star Jones. 

Ms. Williams sure is doing her thing on Broadway; first ‘Aida’, then ‘The Colour Purple’ and now ‘Chicago’. I really feel some folk don’t understand just how  skilled performers in musicals have to be, nor how intense their schedules are (usually 8 performances a week!).

I saw Michelle play this role in London last year and was blown away by her performance, truly top-notch. So I’m sure she’ll do a stellar job this go round. Enough of my rambling, check out more pics below:

Your thoughts?

According to Hits Daily Double, soulful songstress Sade‘s new LP ‘Solider of Love’ is on course to sell between 400,000 – 425,000 copies first week. Yes, you read right!

The hotly anticipated set is the 51 year old Londoner’s first album in over 10 years, and has seen her embark on a whirlwind International media promo tour – including stops at BBC radio here in London, BET’s 106 & Park, David Letterman, and the Today Show.

It’s great to see quality music can still sell. What’s more, it goes to show that regardless of the economy, if the music is good enough, folk will part with their cash to buy it. More power to her!

Your thoughts?

That Grape Juice are pleased to announce that we are giving away 2 pairs of tickets to 50 Cent‘s upcoming UK tour!

The hit-making rapper will be playing to arena’s across the UK this March in support of his latest LP ‘Before I Self Destruct’. We’re giving you the chance to win a pair of tickets to his Birmingham show at the LG Arena on March 19th, as well as  a pair of tickets to his stop at Wembley Arena in London on March 20th.

To be in with a chance of winning, answer the following question correctly:

Who starred as the female lead in 50 Cent’s video for ‘Baby By Me’?

a) Vivica A Fox

b) Kelly Rowland

c) Olivia

Submit your answer, along with your name, age, address, telephone number, as well as which show you’d like to attend to the below address at title it ‘50 Comp’:

competitions@thatgrapejuice.net

All entries must be received by 8am UK time  Wednesday 17th February!

Good luck!

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Sade performed on the ‘Late Show with David Letterman’ last evening. The iconic band delivered yet  another strong performance of their hit song ‘Soldier of Love’. Sade’s new album, ‘Soldier of Love’, is in stores now.

Thoughts?

Rihanna graces the cover of yet another magazine, this time the Pre-Spring issue of i-D magazine.

While this isn’t one of her better covers, we can’t hate on this aspiring singer for keeping her face out there. Whatever it takes to shift those albums, ay? Some four months after release (and with four videos released), ‘Rated R’ has been certified Platinum based on shipments, yet in actuality has sold nearer the Gold mark of 500,000. Interersting.

Your thoughts?

Peep R&B star LeToya snuggling up to the male lead in the video for ‘Good To Me’, the latest single to be lifted from her sophomore effort ‘Lady Love’. The video is set to premiere tomorrow! {Thanks LeToya Online!}

Your thoughts?

Monica’s official ‘Still Standing’ album cover was released today. The singer is currently shooting the video for the LP’s first single ‘Everything to Me’ this week in Los Angeles. ‘Still Standing’ hits stores on March 23rd.

What do you think of the cover?

UK band Sade performed their hit song ‘Soldier of Love‘ on ‘The Today Show’ today. The song has thus far peaked at #6 on the Hip-Hop/R&B chart and #58 on the Billboard Hot 100. Their ‘Soldier of Love’ LP hit stores in the US today.

Lead singer Sade Adu has the kind of subtle passion that continues to give audiences chills after all these years. It’s amazing to witness this band’s impact on the charts given the fact that this week marks their first official period of mainstream promotional efforts. I am eager to see the numbers that the album manages to accumulate. Check out their performance on BET’s ‘106 & Park’ below:

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Global star Kelly Rowland is currently wrapping up the recording process of her hotly anticipated third studio album; and That Grape Juice can EXCLUSIVELY confirm that the 28 year old singer has recently enlisted hit-maker Ne-Yo for the project. The ‘Miss Independent’ singer/songwriter joins the likes of Brian Kennedy, Jermaine Dupri, Bangladesh, Baby Face, Toby Gad, David Guetta, Rico Love, Jim Jonsin, Bryan-Michael Cox, Eric Hudson, and The Stereotypes, all of whom Rowland has worked with on the album.

As previously reported, the Destiny’s Child alumni is preparing to formally announce her new record deal with Universal Motown, home to the likes of Lil’ Wayne and Young Money, Akon, and Nelly.

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Granted the work of above-mentioned list of producers may not all make it onto the final tracklist, it certainly makes for  an exciting read as well as awesome prospects for the sound of Ms. Kelly’s record. Now that Ne-Yo is on board, things are looking even better. With Kelly looking to fuse Urban and Dance this go round, I’d certainly welcome Ne-Yo serving up something in the vein of ‘Closer’ and/or ‘Miss Independent’ for our girl. I guess time will tell. One thing is for sure….we can’t wait to hear it!

Your thoughts?

Check out the one and only Beyonce on the video set of ‘Put It In A Love Song’, Alicia Keys’ chart-smash-in-waiting which the 28 year old features on. The shoot took place today in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Thus far the video looks like it’ll be a winner. Can’t wait!

Your thoughts?