Beyonce - 'Poison'
A new Beyonce cut titled ‘Poison’ surfaced today as part of DJ Haze’s mixtape ‘Big R&B Ego’; I say new, however, it is not known for which album this was recorded for potential placement. Anyway, about the track; put simply the slow jam is best summed up as ‘blah’, ‘just there’, ‘uninspired’ – you get where I’m going with this.
Judging from many of the Bouncy non-album tracks we’ve heard to date, I guess it’s safe to say that Bey and her team have a knack for picking the right tracks to feature on her albums. As more times than not she delivers the goods with her LP’s and singles.
Hit or Miss?

New Amerie Shoot
Peep Amerie getting her sexy on in this new photoshoot for Elle Magazine. Gorgerous!
New Amerie ShootNew Amerie ShootNew Amerie ShootNew Amerie Shoot
What do you think of the pics?
That Grape Juice caught up with Michelle Williams last week here in London, backstage at ‘Chicago’ – the award winning West End theatre production the 29 year old is currently starring in. A great of That Grape Juice’s, Michelle chats with us about her role as Roxy Hart in ‘Chicago’, the performance of her ‘Unexpected’ album, Kelly leaving ‘the nest’, hair weave and so much more. A great watch, I must say. Michelle is hilarious! Enjoy:


Your thoughts on our Michelle Williams interview?

That Grape Juice To Interview LeToya (Tomorrow)Our interview with LeToya has been in the pipeline for sometime now, and will finally take place tomorrow!

Have any questions for Ms. Luckett? Drop them in the comments section below – don’t delay, as – fingers crossed – all systems are go for tomorrow. Thanks!
Jackson - 'This Is It' Movie - Press Release
That Grape Juice has just been sent the official press release for the Michael Jackson ‘This Is It’ movie. Check it out:

MICHAEL JACKSON’S “THIS IS IT” TO BE PRESENTED IN THEATERS AROUND THE WORLD BY SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT AND SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT

-Film Drawn From Legendary Entertainer’s Last Rehearsals and Behind-The-Scenes Footage Will Be Released October 28th in High Definition with Digital Sound-
CULVER CITY, Calif., August 10, 2009 – Beginning October 28th, the world will have a front-row seat for Michael Jackson’s final concert, as Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment release Michael Jackson’s This Is It.
This Is It is being produced with the full support of The Estate of Michael Jackson and will be drawn from hundreds of hours of rehearsal and behind-the-scenes footage, captured in high definition with state-of-the-art digital sound as the late singer was preparing for his concert series in London. The film, which will also offer select sequences in 3-D, will provide a unique career retrospective and feature interviews with some of Jackson’s closest friends and creative collaborators.
The announcement was made by Michael Lynton, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sony Pictures Entertainment, Amy Pascal, Co-Chairman of the studio, Rolf Schmidt-Holtz, Chief Executive Officer of Sony Music Entertainment, and Rob Stringer, Chairman of Columbia/Epic Label Group, a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment. The companies serve as the principal entertainment divisions of Sony Corporation.
Joining Sony in the announcement was The Estate of Michael Jackson, administered by his longtime attorney John Branca and veteran music executive John McClain, a Jackson family friend for more than 40 years. Proceeds the Estate earns from the film’s release will benefit the Michael Jackson Family Trust, the entity that Mr. Jackson specified in his will is to receive all of his assets.
The rights to the exclusive footage were acquired from AEG Live and The Estate of Michael Jackson. Sony Pictures and Sony Music will co-produce with AEG Live and the Estate, and Sony Pictures will distribute the film worldwide. Randy Phillips and Paul Gongaware of AEG Live will serve as producers of the film.
The majority of the film’s footage was shot in June, 2009 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California, and The Forum in Inglewood, California, as Jackson prepared for “This Is It,” the series of fifty concerts Jackson planned to present at the O2 Arena in London.
This Is It will offer Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer, his career, and the stage spectacular that would have been. The film will provide moviegoers with an unforgettable front row experience compiled from extensive footage that shows Jackson’s meticulous preparation for his 2009 London shows.
Said Branca, “Our goal is to work with partners who treat Michael’s legacy with dignity and respect, while allowing us to substantially build the value of his estate for the benefit of Mrs. Katherine Jackson, Michael’s three children and the charitable causes that meant so much to him during his life. We are confident we found the right partners for this project in Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment. Sony and Michael enjoyed a long and mutually beneficial history together, and it’s only fitting that the relationship continues.”
Said McClain, “This film is not only a tribute to an artist who created excitement every moment he was on stage, but also is a fitting gift to the millions of fans worldwide who loved him and who he devoted his professional life to entertaining. John and I are thrilled to be working with Sony to build on Michael’s musical legacy in a way that will generate significant proceeds for his family and for children in need.”
“People who have seen this footage are astounded by the amazing quality of Michael Jackson’s performance,” said Lynton. “This historic recording of the last time he sang and danced on stage shows the legendary artist in an incredibly powerful way, with crystal clear images and sound. We understand the importance of producing a film that pays tribute to Michael as an artist, and are honored to work with the Estate of Michael Jackson to give audiences the gift of his final performances. I know this film will serve as further proof that Michael Jackson is one of the greatest entertainers who ever graced a stage.”
“Michael lives on through his songs, his creative genius, his body of work and his passion for his art,” said Rob Stringer. “He was a perfectionist on stage and through this unique film, audiences will be able to see, many for the first time, how much Michael poured into making his performances as special as they were perfect.”
Said Kenny Ortega, director of and Jackson’s creative partner on the This Is It concert, “The world will see what our team was so fortunate to experience, which was the full commitment, passion and creativity that Michael put into this project. He was the architect of This Is It, and we were his builders. The footage that was captured from the early stages of the production to our technical rehearsals at the STAPLES Center in L.A. will show Michael as he truly was, creatively involved with every aspect of the production, from the staging and choreography, to the music, lighting, production design and conception of the original short films and video backdrops. It will also show Michael as one of the greatest entertainers in the world and one of the industry’s most creative minds. This Is It was Michael’s last theatrical work and although it was still a work in progress, I think the footage will show that the process was something that Michael deeply enjoyed and that it was clear that he was on his way to another theatrical triumph.”
In the coming weeks, additional information about the film will be available at www.michaeljackson.com.

Really can’t wait for this…

Your thoughts?
Fantasia Records New Album 'The Old Fashioned Way'
R&B star Fantasia is prepping her third studio album for release later this year. According to the latest reports, the American Idol winner is doing things a little differently this go round:
Washington, DC — Fantasia plans to record her third CD the old-fashioned way. Fantasia likes the live sound from older albums, before technology changed the way they were recorded. She says she’s invited an orchestra to be in the studio to back her up when she sings.
The songs she’s been writing reflect the pain she experienced last year. She says she “went through a lot of things, business-wise, relationship-wise.” She says her life has always been an open book. Fantasia will go back to work on the CD when she gets a break from touring in “The Color Purple.” {Source}
Exciting stuff. The as yet untitled LP is said to be preceded by the single ‘Him Vs. Them’, which was written by Tank and produced by Midi Mafia – who also produced her smash ‘When I See You’.
To say I’m uber anticipating Fanny’s new LP would be an understatement, her last – 2006’s self-titled effort – was the business from start to finish. News of her new album comes at an apt time, I watched the following performance just the other day and wondered when we were going to hear from her next:

Your thoughts?
Jennifer Hudson Gives Birth To Baby Boy
Jennifer Hudson and fiance David Otunga are celebrating today, after the Oscar (and Grammy) award winner gave birth to the couple’s first child:
Singer and actress Jennifer Hudson has given birth to a healthy 7lb 14oz son, according to U.S. reports.
The baby has been named David Daniel Otunga Jr in honour of his father, Jennifer’s fiancé David Otunga, a lawyer-turned-WWE wrestler.
Mother and baby are reported to be doing well after yesterday’s birth.
A report at showbiz411.com said: ‘Jennifer and David Sr did not know the sex of the baby in advance. They bought blue and pink clothes, just in case!’
Last month an obviously heavily pregnant Jennifer appeared on stage as part of the memorial concert for Michael Jackson, performing Will You Be There.
But the 28-year-old never confirmed or denied reports of her pregnancy.
This is thought to be due in part to the tragic deaths of her mother, brother and seven-year-old nephew in October last year. {Source}
I’m ecstatic for both Jennifer and David! This has really made my day. I mean, while I don’t know them personally, we all know the hardship Jennifer has been through over the last year, and the birth of a new life is very symbolic considering everything. Congratulations!
Your thoughts?
That Grape Juice To Interview the Sugababes
That Grape Juice are pleased to announce that we will be interviewing the UK’s top girl group, the Sugababes this week!
After 10 successful years in the industry, a period which has seen the group rack up 6 #1 singles and several multi-Platinum albums, the ladies are set to release their as-yet-untitled 7th studio album this November. Recorded in the US with hitmakers such as Stargate, Ne-Yo and RedOne, the LP will also serve as the ladies Stateside debut as part of their new US deal with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation label. With lead single ‘Get Sexy’ burning up dancefloors across the globe, there’s no doubt the girls are back…in a big way.
Do you have any questions for the ‘Babes? Drop them in the comments section below. As usual, only legitimate questions will be considered. Thanks!
New Amerie Promo Pics
Peep these new promotional shots for Amerie’s new album ‘In Love & War’ LP (due September 19th). As ever, she looks stunning. She better show them legs!

New Amerie Promo PicsNew Amerie Promo Pics

Beyonce & Solange Hit Tokyo
Beyonce and sister Solange made an appearance at the Tokyo Disneyland Hotel in Chiba, Japan today to promote the ‘Samantha Thavasa & Disney Handbag Collection’, which they jointly endorse.
Though initially kinda sceptical about Solange’s new short ‘do, it’s kinda hard to deny she looks stunning here.
Beyonce & Solange Hit TokyoBeyonce & Solange Hit Tokyo
What do you think of the pics?
Janet Jackson To Perform At MOBO Awards

Update: Turns out Ms. Jackson will be making an appearance, as opposed to a performance (Source: MOBO Publicists)

Superstar Janet Jackson is set to take to the stage at this year’s MOBO Awards to honour the life of her late brother The King of Pop Michael Jackson:

Janet Jackson is scheduled to perform at the Music Of Black Origin awards, it has been reported.

The 43-year-old singer will pay tribute to her late brother Michael Jackson at the award show in Scotland on September 30, according to New magazine.

Event organisers are reportedly planning several tributes to the King of Pop, who passed away in June.

A MOBO spokesperson said: “Janet is a music icon in her own right and a previous MOBO presenter. We loved her past involvement with the show and MOBO will continue to support her music and champion her career.

“Michael Jackson was a key catalyst and influence on the culture, lifestyle and music that MOBO supports and represents. His sound, style and dance moves have inspired subsequent generations of pop, soul, R&B and hip-hop artists. Artists such as Usher, Ne-Yo and Justin Timberlake often cite Michael Jackson as their inspiration and it is key that we commemorate his life, achievements and legacy.” {Source}

Definitely anticipating this one. With Janet having carved out a successful stage act / template of her own, it’ll be interesting to see what she does in tribute to her brother.
Your thoughts?
Our classic From The Vault feature this week revisits Mariah Carey’s rousing performance of ‘We Belong Together & Fly Like A Bird’ at the 2006 Grammy Awards. Though a fan of Mariah’s earlier work, it’s these two songs in particular that stand as her all-time best IMO. After the record-breaking success of ‘The Emancipation of Mimi’, the album which these were lifted from, this performance was everything it needed to be – rousing, emotive and vocally stunning. Check it out:
Loved it, loved it, loved it. Some of you question why I go in on Mariah at times; well, one only has to compare performances like this that actually ‘move’ you to the lazy, ‘going-through-the-motions’ type performances we see from ol’ Mimi these days. Yes, some parts of this were lipsynched (the latter belting), yet it almost didn’t matter because she sounded great on the live parts. I mean she was singing with such conviction that the live and lipsynched parts blended seamlessly.
Many of the 2009 Mariah defenders will tout the idea that she doesn’t need to go-all out performance-wise or that her vocals are still ahead of the rest or that her sales entitle her to perform however she wants. I can’t say I agree; I feel Mariah has become too complacent, but that’s a whole other post!
For now, though, I’ll enjoy awesome performances like this and hope there’s more to come along these lines from Mariah…
Your thoughts?
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