Continuing along the promotional trail for his latest effort ‘Paper Trail’, rapper T.I. performed a MySpace set in West Hollywood last Friday. As part of his show, the Atlanta native brought out Rihanna to perform their hit ‘Live Your Life’ – the video for which was shot last week.

Though I’m liking the song a lot more than before, I can’t say the performance was much to scream about. ‘Just there’ is the thought that comes to mind after watching this. Randomness: is it me or was Ms. Fenty lip-singing her part? Then again, I guess that was for the best.

Your thoughts?

Peep the commercial for BET’s Access Granted for Ciara’s ‘Go Girl’ video, which airs this coming Tuesday (October 7th):

This video really is looking to be something. Roll on Tuesday…

Your thoughts?

The X Factor 2008: Judge’s Homes episode aired last night here in the UK. Check out my 2 Pence below:

{For those unfamiliar with the show; The X Factor is the UK’s version of American Idol – with a twist in that groups and over 25’s are eligible to enter. The show also birthed the career of a certain Leona Lewis}
Having adopted a, somewhat, pessimistic stance on the show after the travesty that was last year’s Post-Leona season, this year has redeemed my faith in the UK being able to churn out another international superstar. Particular standouts this year include Alexandra Burke, Rachel Hylton and Laura White. Peep their performances on yesterday’s ‘Final 24’ episode below:

Alexandra Burke – Listen

Laura White – Cry Me A River

Rachel Hylton – Beautiful

Three very talented ladies, indeed. I must say my money is Alexandra; she has been killing her performances week in and week out. Her rendition of ‘Listen’ was amazing.

UK’ers tune into the results show tonight on ITV1 at 6.10pm.

Your thoughts

Following the postponement of two dates on Janet Jackson’s acclaimed ‘Rock Witchu Tour’ last week, a rep for the Pop Icon has announced that there are unfortunately more delays:

GREENSBORO, N.C. – Janet Jackson has postponed three more shows because of an undisclosed illness.

Her publicist said in an e-mail late Saturday that Jackson was postponing a Saturday show in Greensboro, N.C., one on Sunday in Atlanta and a third on Tuesday in Fort Lauderdale.

A statement from Jackson said she arrived in Greensboro, N.C., hoping to perform there Saturday, but a local doctor advised that she not perform after it became “evident” she was not fully recovered.

Representatives for the 42-year-old singer say she became “suddenly ill” and was hospitalized Monday night in Montreal shortly after she arrived for a show. She also canceled concerts in Boston and Philadelphia on Wednesday and Thursday.

Jackson’s publicist did not elaborate Saturday, only saying she was “recuperating.” The note said Jackson will return home, at her doctor’s direction, for further treatment.

In the note Jackson asked people to keep their tickets for the postponed shows, and said the promoter is working to reschedule dates. {Source}

After the phenomenol response the tour has received, I’m really hoping Janet has a speedy recovery to get back to doing what she does best – thrilling audiences.

As I’m sure you’ll understand, the postponement of the dates has thrown a spanner into the sequencing of our ‘That Grape Juice Wants To Rock Witchu’ contest. Not to worry though, we’ve tweaked things slightly so as to give you all a fair chance of winning tickets to see Ms. Jackson and ample time to create your video entries. Click here for more info, including new dates added – New Jersey, Atlanta (rescheduled) and more.

Your thoughts?

After a lengthy spell on the bench, this week sees the return of our From The Vault feature – with Syleena Johnson’s 2005 hit ‘Hypnotic’. Her most ‘commercial’ offering to date, the track – which was lifted from her ‘Chapter 3: The Flesh’ LP – was on constant rotation of the ‘Grape Juice iPod’ (lol). An awesome track, with a pretty decent video (though, correct me if wrong, Syleena looked a little ‘uncomfortable’ at times…oh well):

Good stuff.

Your thoughts?

Christina Milian - 'Us Against The World' Originally set to debut next week, Christina Milian’s brand new single ‘Us Against The World’ surfaced today – and I must say that I’m pleasantly surprised. Produced by Mad-Scientist, the cut is a solid power-ballad, which sees Milian exert herself vocally more-so than we’ve heard before. I’m a bit perplexed at the reasoning behind releasing this now, and the album having tentative ‘early 2009’. Anyway…
Hit or Miss?

{Link removed as requested}
Brandy UpdateCheck out the official album cover for Brandy’s much anticipated comeback LP ‘Human’, which has been pushed back according to some, yet still on course for a November 11th release according to others.

Anyway, Ms. Norwood stopped by the Angie Martinez show on New York’s Hot 97 radio station this week; discussing everything from the tragic car accident she was involved in, her brother Ray J’s relationship with Kim Kardashian (and ‘The Tape’), her first ‘marriage’ and much more. A great listen, I must say. Peep parts 1 and 2 below:

Your thoughts?

More Ciara 'Go Girl' Set PicsMore shots from Ciara’s brand new video ‘Go Girl (ft. T-Pain)’ has surfaced. The more I see from this Melina directed clip, the more I see it as being a winner already. Be sure to check out the video right here next Monday (October 7th).
More Ciara 'Go Girl' Set PicsMore Ciara 'Go Girl' Set PicsMore Ciara 'Go Girl' Set PicsMore Ciara 'Go Girl' Set Pics

What do you think of the pics?

Following the recent rumours surrounding the release of Beyonce highly anticipated new album, the singer herself has issued a statement setting the record straight:

I wanted to address my fans about my upcoming album.

I have worked on this album for close to one year. I have taken the time so I can create my sound. Something that says who I am at this stage in my life. I have poured my heart and soul into it. It is my baby. It is the most time I have spent on any project since my first records as a member of Destiny’s Child when I was 15 years old.

I have recorded over 70 songs and have created a sound that reveals all of me. I am in a different place right now and I wanted people to see the many sides of me. The music is upbeat for the dance, fun side and it is reflective, passionate and serious for the personal side. I have taken risks here. I am not afraid and my music will explain it all. There is no label or tag on my sound. It’s me and I am so excited to share it with the world on November 18.

Love,
Beyoncé

Good to see her clear things up.

According to a very reliable source to That Grape Juice, the album has in fact been mastered and submitted to the label for packaging. Having already shot the promotional pics for the record, the only remaining thing Ms. Knowles is to do is pick the pack-shot/cover. What’s more, she isn’t fighting with dad Mathew or his right hand-man Max Gouse, as suggested in the NY Daily News story.

Your thoughts

Your Top 5 Songs Of The Moment?You know the deal; That Grape Juice, once again, wants to see what you all are listening to. Which 5 tracks have you got on constant rotation at the moment? Remember, it doesn’t have to be limited to Urban music; could be something new, Throwback, even something you made yourself LOL. Drop a comment in the comments section. Mine are – in no particular order:

1) Single – Ne-Yo
2) Invisible – Jennifer Hudson
3) So What – Pink
4) Live Your Life (ft. Rihanna) – T.I.
5) Bring It All To Me (ft. JC Chasez) – Blaque

What are your ‘Top 5 Songs Of The Moment’?
Beyonce LP Pushed Back? According to the NY Daily News, Beyonce’s hotly anticipated still untitled album may be hitting stores a little later than expected:

The singer’s new album was due at her label Wednesday morning in order to make an announced Nov. 18 release date, but insiders tell us there have been problems.

“It’s not going to be completed,” said a source close to folks who’ve been working on the CD. “She’s got to get it out early in the fourth quarter, when there’s so much competition among artists.”

Part of the delay may be due to Beyoncé’s busy-than-ever acting schedule. The beauty spent months filming “Cadillac Records,” in which she plays Etta James, and she’s also working on the psychological thriller “Obsessed.”

Another time-consumer was a duet with Justin Timberlake – the source says the two didn’t like the way it was turning out and kept doing it over until they got it right.

Plus, claims our insider, “She clashes with Max Gousse, her father’s guy who’s involved.”

Beyoncé’s dad, Matthew Knowles, asked us, rhetorically, “How would he not be involved? He’s the vice president of my company, and she’s recording with my company.”

And Gousse is the man who convinced her to record Ne-Yo’s “Irreplaceable” – which became her biggest hit to date.

Still, the source counters, “Jay-Z encouraged Beyoncé to bring in Jay Brown and Ty Ty [Tyran Smith]” – both of whom have worked with red-hot singer Rihanna.

Beyoncé will release two singles, “If I Were a Boy” and “Single Ladies,” this Tuesday.

The chief of Sony BMG Music, Rob Stringer, got on the phone last week to tell us, “She has an enormous number of very talented people doing whatever they can to make it the best record possible.

“Normally I would lie low, but we think the first two singles will be utterly huge. They’re two of the best songs of her career. Beyoncé is incredibly hardworking, and [the album] is 97%-98% done. It’ll be out before Nov. 20. Frankly, we think the whole record is going to be huge.”

I’m gonna need Bouncy’s album to drop ASAP – which at this junction, is the November 18th that was previously announced. Stans, haters and all those in-between know the drill by know; a Beyonce release is an event. Roll on November…scratch that…roll on next week – the debut of Beyonce’s new singles ‘If I Were A Boy’ and ‘Single Ladies’.

Your thoughts?

Tina Turner Talks Beyonce, Aretha & Ike While promoting her brand new 36 date world tour, legend Tina Turner spoke with US Today about performing with Beyonce at this year’s Grammy’s, Aretha Franklin’s anger at her being introduced as the ‘The Queen’ at the same show, as well as her thoughts on the death of controversial ex Ike Turner:

On Performing With Beyonce:

People said, ‘You looked better than Beyoncé.’ Well, that’s not possible. It’s nice that young people hold me up as a model. Beyoncé is elegant and is handling her career well. A lot of new stars go overboard on sex. They’re half-naked up there. My dresses were a bit short, but I stayed respectable.”

On Aretha Franklin’s Declaration ‘I Am The Queen!’:

She was mum at the time, but Turner now says: “Aretha has always been like that. We’ve always accepted that from her. She’s the queen of soul, and I’m the queen of rock ‘n’ roll. There were so many kings and queens there that night. Her ego must be so big to think she was the only one.” Turner laughs. “That’s how queens are!”

On Ignoring Ike’s Death:

“It meant nothing to me,” she says. “He had been dead to me for 20 years.”

While it’s good to see Tina give kudos to those after her in the form of Beyonce and handle the Aretha situation with class, I’m a little shocked at her response about Ike though. I guess it’s a case of ‘each to their own’.

Your thoughts?

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