Timberlake NOT Working On New Album
Though reports that Justin Timberlake has been hard at work on his third studio album, the follow-up to 2006’s ‘FutureSexLoveSounds’, the singer has gone on record recently to confirm that he is in fact has no concrete plans for a new album anytime soon:

Justin Timberlake fans, don’t hold your breath waiting for a new album. Timberlake, whose last disc, FutureSex/LoveSounds, came out in 2006, tells EW that he’s “not working” on new music right now. The singer — who’s executive producing a new MTV reality competition series called The Phone (premiering April 21) — has been hitting the studio lately, but only to produce tracks for other artists, like T.I. (“Dead and Gone”) and Ciara (“Love Sex Magic”). “Right now, I like the idea that things can just kind of pop up and if they feel right I can do them,” says Timberlake. “Committing to my own sort of project, that’s like, ‘Okay, let me block out two years of my life and do it.’ I was heavily fulfilled with the last one and I always have this thing with myself that if I can’t sleep because I need to do it, then I’m gonna do it. But if I’m not losing sleep over it then…” {Source}

While I’m sure Justin’s fans won’t be too pleased, I can’t say I’m particularly fussed. I seem to have been among the few that wasn’t big on Justin’s last effort. It’s hard to deny his ‘hit-making’ ability on the collabo front…just ask Madonna, T.I and Ciara.
Your thoughts?

Our friend Nigel D over at Real Talk NY caught up with Keri Hilson yesterday in New York. In this really interesting interview, the singer sounds off at the haters who turned up to her album release party, the shadiness of the music industry as well as ‘that’ remix to ‘Turnin’ Me On (Off)’.
Say what you want about her, but she was making a lot of sense IMO. More power to her.
Tidbit: Keri’s album ‘In A Perfect World…’ is looking set to debut at #3 with sales between 80,000- 90,000 sold first week. Not bad at all…all things considered.
Your thoughts?
Wedding Bells For Ashanti & Nelly?
After for more than 4 years of dating, reports are suggesting Ashanti and Nelly are finally set to tie the knot this year:
R&B star ASHANTI has hinted she will marry her rapper lover NELLY in 2009.
Just four months after the couple went public with its four year romance, the singer has confessed she is planning to walk down the aisle with Nelly.
When asked if wedding bells were on the horizon for her, the Happy hitmaker tells Us Weekly, “Absolutely. It’s in the cards for me. I believe that I have a couple more things I need to do before that happens.”
But Ashanti urges fans not to believe all the gossip that’s written about her and Nelly – despite the media correctly predicting their relationship, years before they admitted it to the world.
She adds, “I should have had six or seven kids, been married three times and secretly engaged now. But none of it’s true.” {Source}

A big congratulations to them, if true. It goes to show, there actually are some relationships that can last the distance in the crazy world that is the entertainment industry.

Your thoughts?
Beyonce's 'I Am...' Tour Outfits
As Beyonce gets ready to kick off her much anticipated ‘I Am…Tour’ in Canada tonight (coverage of which you’ll be able to find at TGJ), pics of the outfits she’ll be wearing have surfaced. The Thierry Mugler designs are certainly ‘out there’. It’ll be interesting to see Bouncy in them later tonight.
Beyonce's 'I Am...' Tour Outfits Beyonce's 'I Am...' Tour Outfits
What do you think of Beyonce’s tour outfits?

It’s been well-documented that Pop star Britney Spears is currently on what is being billed as her ‘comeback tour’. While her fans are no doubt pleased to have the singer back, critics haven’t been favourable with their words about ‘The Circus Tour’, with many taking displeasure in the fact that Spears lip-syncs all-but-one song during her set. Others claim Britney gets lost in the shuffle amidst the grandeur and spectacle of the production, while some note her dancing consists of not much more than strutting up and down the stage.
With the show set to roll into Europe in the coming months (with Ciara opening), we’re anxious to hear what those who have seen the show already thought? Watched the tour vids on Youtube? What’s your take on the show?
Your thoughts?

Peep Beyonce and nephew Julez behind the scenes of their new Nintendo DS commercial for the game Rhythm Heaven. Lil’ man has grown up quite a bit. Good stuff.
For those wondering about the whereabouts of his mother Solange, she is currently on tour with Estelle in the US.
Your thoughts?

On a promotional stop for her current stint on Dancing With The Stars, Lil’ Kim stopped by the Big Boy’s Neighborhood radio show this week. During the show, Kim addressed her displeasure with the recent B.I.G biopic ‘Notorious’. While Kim’s disapproval of her portrayal in the movie has been well-documented, this is the first time she spoke on camera about the issue. Let’s just say, she didn’t hold back. An interesting interview, I must say.
Your thoughts?

R&B crooner Mario has been hard at work on 4th studio album for a while now, and the fruit of his efforts have begun to surface – most recently in the form of ‘Afraid 2 Cry (Hardest Moment)’. The word which resoundingly comes to mind upon listening to the song is ‘refreshing’. Refreshing lyrically, refreshing in terms of vocal delivery (on-point!), refreshing when compared to a lot of the bubble-gum nonsense Mario’s contemporaries have been serving up. Simply, refreshing.  
With each of his albums, it’s evident Mario’s growing artistically – something I’m feeling to be the case with his forthcoming release – judging by this taster. Roll on the album’s release. 
Hit or Miss?
LeToya Covers Sister 2 Sister
R&B star LeToya features on the cover of the April / May issue of Sister 2 Sister magazine. The former Destiny’s Child singer, who I must say looks great here, is currently promoting her new album ‘Lady Love’ (due May 19th) as well as new single ‘Not Anymore’ (available on iTunes).
What do you think of the cover?
Mary J Cast As Lead In New Tyler Perry Movie
According to Billboard, R&B royalty Mary J. Blige is set to make her foray into the acting world later this year, after being cast in Tyler Perry’s latest movie ‘I Can Do Bad All By Myself’:

Mary J. Blige is set to star in Tyler Perry’s forthcoming Lionsgate film, “I Can Do Bad All By Myself.” Scheduled for nationwide release September 11, 2009, the film also stars Academy Award nominee Taraji P. Henson.

Based on Perry¹s stage play of the same name, the film centers around Blige’s character Tanya, a nightclub manager, and her good friend April, played by Henson. Also part of the cast is Perry’s comedic alter ego, Madea. Principal photography is already under way at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta.

Blige is also set to guest in a popular primetime television series, which will be announced at a later date. She previously appeared on HBO’s “Entourage” in 2007. The singer/songwriter is recording songs as well for the follow-up to her 2007 Matriarch/Geffen album, “Growing Pains.” The new album slated for release later this year.

More power to Mary; I’m big on Mr Perry’s film’s, so I’m really gonna be on the look out for this one. I’m definitely looking forward to the new album as well.

Your thoughts?

Lil’Kim is really showing herself to be a lil’ ball of fierceness on Dancing With The Stars. The rapper continued to impress this week, with her performance of the Samba with partner Derek Hough. Great performance.

Randomness: Is it just me or has she finally grown into her ‘new look’?

Your thoughts?

Michelle Williams At Night of A Thousand Gowns
A stunning looking Michelle Williams performed at the 23rd Annual Night of A Thousand’ gowns this past weekend in New York City. Peep the pics above and below:

Michelle Williams At Night of A Thousand GownsMichelle Williams At Night of A Thousand Gowns

Tidbit: According to sources close to That Grape Juice, Michelle is currently in the studio working on a number of projects, which you will learn of very soon.

What do you think of the pics?
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