For years there have been rumours circulating about a several high-profile names in the music industry belonging to a “satanic cult” called ‘the Illumnati‘ – and rapper Jay-Z cited most as being a prominent member.

After a lengthy spell of silence on the matter, the 40 year old mogul has addressed the rumours for the first time. Speaking to Ed Lover on Power 105 radio today, he said:

“I think I need to remind people I’m from Marcy Projects. You can’t get into those prestigious clubs. I can’t even get into the golf club in Palm Springs.”

“This rap music and the competitive by nature, nothing really surprises me anymore but I’ll honestly say, that was one that was like a shocker. When you from a certain place, cut from a certain cloth, there’s certain things that’s just off limits. When you cross that line, it puts you in a different box.” I think people are running out of ideas and it’s all marketing at this point. {Source}

I’m glad he finally addressed the nonsense, as his silence seemed, for some, to imply some kind of guilt.

For as much as it’s importance to exercise caution in terms of what one listens to; such assertions have never actually being substantiated, and intensified mainly due to an increase in particular religious DVD’s and websites slamming it ($Ka-Ching$). Come to think of it, surely if these things existed (which, who knows, they could), wouldn’t it be more hidden, as opposed to ‘out there’ for these ‘experts’ to nitpick and dissect? Just a thought…

Your thoughts?

Singing sensation Alexandra Burke has revealed that she is once again recording in the studio with hitmaker RedOne. The pair originally collaborated last year on the UK version of Alex’s debut LP ‘Overcome’, teaming up this go round to work on new material for the US version of the album, which is due for release in the coming months via Epic Records/Sony. {Source}

To say I’m glad Alex is re-working the album for the US would be an understatement. For, though not an atrocity, the LP should have been leaps and bounds better than it ended up being (especially considering a) its £1 million budget and b) her undeniable talent). In any case, here’s hoping RedOne serves up that ‘good good’ for Alex this time, as his outing on the last album was a hit (‘The Silence’) and miss (‘Broken Heels’) affair. I’m quite optimistic, though. I mean I would bet good money on the US market not lapping up the ‘Bad Boys’-esque tracks, hence something more in the vein of RedOne’s GaGa tracks (‘Bad Romance’, ‘Just Dance’, ‘Monster’) for Alex is both entirely plausible and actually quite exciting as a prospect.

Your thoughts?

She is everywhere you turn – on every television channel, radio frequency and on the cover of every magazine. Lady GaGa is the definition of a Pop star. Musically diverse and vocally gifted, she has established herself as one of the driving forces in entertainment, breaking every record in her path to the top of the charts. Indeed, over the last 18 months, GaGa taken the world by storm, breathing new life into the struggling music industry.

Similar to a young Madonna, GaGa has used innovative music videos to her stunning stage shows to separate herself from her contemporaries, capturing public interest in a way that no other act has managed in years. Her first 5 singles released on US radio managed to reach the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, all of which have gone platinum. Furthermore, she is also the first act since Christina Aguilera to have her first 2 songs hit #1 on that chart.

One has to look no further than the Billboard 200 this week to observe her impact. Both of her studio albums currently occupy the top 10 of that chart. In fact, her debut album, ‘The Fame’, was released since August 2008 and sits comfortably in the top 5, selling over 8 million copies worldwide to date. With sales figures and quotations like these, it is no wonder that many critics boast that GaGa has helped to revive consumers’ interest in purchasing records.

However, is her rampant success a result of properly executed marketing strategies and tacky gimmicks? Yes and no. There is no doubt that her shocking costumes and statements have played a key role in her appeal. I myself once thought of her as nothing more than passing fad. Nevertheless, unlike her far less talented contemporaries including Rihanna and Cassie, GaGa is musical prodigy. She is a woman fully involved in the development of her craft and in  complete command of her career. GaGa is not a puppet on a string.

It will be interesting to see what GaGa does next. As as artist who clearly dedicates 100% of herself to her music, I sense that GaGa is once again prepared to dominate the charts in 2010. Whether or not she will survive the changing tides of Pop music remains to be seen. However, even if she retires today, GaGa has left her mark on game, rejuvenating an industry that was desperate for new life.

Do you agree that Lady GaGa has helped to revive the

music industry?

Your favourite Bajan model and mine, Rihanna, is interviewed in the latest issue of W Magazine. The 21 year old’s feature is accompanied by this seriously sizzling photo-shoot.

There’s no doubt she looks amazing, with this perhaps being her best shoot yet. I mean, without question, she is working it out! However, I urge folks to ask themselves this; if all or (most) of your praise for Ms. Fenty centres on how she looks – particularly as she’s supposedly a ‘singer’, what does that mean?

It’s a shame really, because had her voice and stage-presence given me a fraction of the character her poses in the shoot do, she’d be a lot more engaging than she is. Anyway, enough of my rambling, check out the rest of the shoot below:

Your thoughts?

Episode 11 of Monica‘s BET reality show ‘Still Standing’ aired on BET last night. Check it out above. As usual, I’m watching it now…what are you waiting for?! LOL. Enjoy.

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While his former B2K bandmate Omarion is struggling to have an impact on the charts, Raz B has reportedly been signed to Tila Tequila Records. The singer will supposedly be managed by the Tequila herself and is said to be working on a reunion album with the rest of the B2K members, including Omarion. Raz B’s first solo album on the label will be released by the end of 2010. {Source}

*Takes a breath* This has to be a joke. Who in their right mind would sign a record deal and agree to be managed by someone who clearly does not have a grip on their own career? Clearly, if this is true, Raz B has to be so desperate to get a cheque that he is willing to sign anything attached to a few zeros. Seriously, if artists signed to major labels are struggling to sell albums, then what has possessed him to think that he can get a hit with Tila Tequila?

I really sense that this is indeed untrue and Tequila has finally gone clinically insane. As you may remember, Omarion himself denounced any idea of him reuniting with B2K during his interview with Kendra G. News like this really makes me wonder about what is wrong with the world today. Hot doodoo mess.

Thoughts?

Que, formerly of Day26, appears to be keeping things moving and his name out there via Youtube. The 22 year old, who is now managed by Soul World Entertainment, posted a video of himself singing Michael Jackson‘s classic ‘Human Nature’, as well as a brief flirtation with Billy Preston’s ‘You Are So Beautiful’. Check it out above.

Though, as with most things MJ-inspired, it wasn’t a patch on the original, Que still turned in a pretty decent rendition. Goof stuff. {Spotted over at my girl Miss Jia}

Randomness: It’ll be real interesting to see how things pan out with Day26 in the long run. I say this, because – as at now – it’s looking like a Holy Ghost intervention is the only thing that will make folks care for them again.

Your thoughts?

R&B crooner Trey Songz made an appearance on ‘The Mo’Nique Show’ last evening. The singer performed his latest single ‘I Invented Sex’ as well as participated in an interview with the late night host. ‘I Invented Sex’ has thus far peaked at #42 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Hip-Hop/R&B chart. Check out the interview below:

Thoughts?

Grammy Award-nominated singer Melanie Fiona made guested on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ last evening. The R&B vocalist performed her hit song ‘It Kills Me’ from her debut album ‘The Bridge’. To date, the track has peaked at #49 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Hip-Hop/R&B charts.

Fiona did her thing. She sang beautifully and seemed to be really ‘feeling’ the lyrics. Although I am not a fan of the song and consider it to be quite boring, it is great to see a singer with such raw talent on the stage again who does not have to step out on the stage half naked or rely on intricate hairstyles to get attention. Good stuff.

Thoughts?

That Grape Juice has exclusively received word that Michelle Williams has parted ways with Mathew Knowles and Music World Entertainment! Check out Michelle’s official statement below:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 12, 2010

STATEMENT REGARDING GRAMMY-AWARD WINNING SINGER MICHELLE WILLIAMS DISSOLVING HER MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENT WITH MATHEW KNOWLES AND MUSIC WORLD ENTERTAINMENT

“After much prayer and consideration I have decided to part ways from my management team, Mathew Knowles and Music World Entertainment. From my time in Destiny’s Child to my solo career, I am grateful for everything Mathew and his team has done for me. We’ve shared great success together. However, as I move in a new direction in my career, I felt it was time. I wish Mathew Knowles and the Music World Entertainment family all the best.”

ABOUT MICHELLE WILLIAMS

This winter, Grammy Award-winning recording artist and actress Michelle Williams returns to Broadway as Roxie Hart in the Tony Award-winning hit musical CHICAGO for a seven-week limited engagement, Monday, February 8, 2010 through Sunday, March 28, 2010 at the Ambassador Theatre (219 W. 49th St.).

Michelle Williams first took on Roxie Hart last year to critical acclaim in London’s Cambridge Theatre, marking the first time an African American woman has played the role of Roxie Hart on London’s West End. Her limited engagement proved so successful that it was extended an additional three weeks by popular demand.

She made her Broadway stage debut in 2003, replacing R&B icon Toni Braxton in the title role of Disney’s Aida.  In April 2007, she joined the national touring company of the hit musical The Color Purple, performing extended runs in Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Phoenix with members of the original Broadway cast.

Michelle Williams also maintains her stake as a minority owner of the WNBA team, Chicago Sky.

WOW!

Your thoughts?

Just when you thought it was safe to watch BET’s ‘106 & Park’ again, Omarion decided to hit their stage. The entertainer performed both his new song ‘Hoodie’ featuring rapper Ja Rock and his mother as well as his popular ‘Ice Box’. Omarion’s new album ‘Ollusion’ hit stores today.

That ‘Hoodie’ performance had to be one of  the worst showings in BET history. Not only was Omarion attempting to lip-sync his way through the rendition, he seemed to be performing the dual task of being both the main act and his own hype man. Furthermore, his dancers were amateurish at best, only adding insult to injury for the rather unamused and obviously unimpressed studio audience. Quite interestingly, his mother proved to be the highlight of the entire showing; outshining her son for the entire minute that she was on the stage (how old is she?).

Check out the slightly better ‘Ice Box’ performance below.

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Former B2K member Omarion made a promotional stop for his ‘Ollusion’ LP on the ‘Kendra G’ show recently. The singer discussed a variety of topics, including his taste in women, Young Money and the possibility of a B2K reunion. One of the most interesting points were his comments on being a better dancer than Chris Brown. ‘Ollusion’ was released today.

Omarion made it a point that if anyone doubts his dancing ability then they should check his ‘Get It In’ video. Although that clip demonstrated some athleticism, I would hardly consider that the best demonstration of why he deserves his self-awarded title of the “King of Dance”. Omarion is indeed a talented dancer but Brown is without a doubt on a completely different level terms of agility and variation. There are only so many times that Omarion’s robotic movements and tricks can ‘wow’ anyone. Next.

Thoughts?