With his third studio LP ‘Evolver’ out in stores this week, John Legend stopped by the Late Show With David Letterman last night to perform current single ‘Green Light’ (is it me or did anyone else NOT know his album was out?). As for the performance, it was pretty good; it’sreal refreshing to see John stepping out from his expected norm. More power to him.

What do you think of the performance?

Michael Jackson Denies Jackson 5 Comeback Following recent comments by Michael Jackson’s brother Jermaine about plans for a Jackson 5 tour next year, the King of Pop himself has released a statement asserting that he will NOT be taking part:

“My brothers and sisters have my full love and support, and we’ve certainly shared many great experiences, but at this time I have no plans to record or tour with them,” he said. “I am now in the studio developing new and exciting projects that I look forward to sharing with my fans in concert soon.”

The statement comes in response to his brother Jermaine Jackson’s recent comments at a TV industry function in Sydney, where the musician said the Jackson 5 has plans to reunite next year.

Jermaine Jackson was in Australia yesterday (Oct. 29) to help launch a new “greatest hits” TV channel for Foxtel. “This has been a long time coming for the Jackson family to get back together,” he told the Australian Associated Press.

“It is just the timing, so what we’ve been doing is working on the music and all the logistics. It is going to be more like a family affair, Janet’s going to open and, of course, the original Jackson 5 … Michael, Randy and the whole family … We’re in the studio, we’re planning on being out there next year.” {Source}

Ouch. I’ve long thought that something wasn’t quite right among the Jackson’s and I guess this confirms it. Anyway, I guess hearing from MJ’s own mouth that he is planning a solo stage comeback gives us something to look forward to.

Your thoughts?

The joint video for popular Lil’ Wayne cuts ‘Mrs Officer’ and ‘Comfortable’ premiered a few hours ago. Not that I really expected anything different, but the Bobby Valentino featured vid is kinda run-of-the-mill. This, however, is unlikely to affect Wayne, as he remains one of the hottest commodities in the Hip-Hop game.

What you think of the video?

Mario Eyes March 2009 Release For New Album According to our friends over at Rap-Up.com, R&B star Mario is readying his fourth studio album for a March 2009 release. Looking to capitalize on his Dancing With The Stars success, the 22 year old has been in the studio with the likes of Rodney ‘Darkchild’ Jerkins, Tricky Stewart, Babyface, Stargate, Polow Da Don and KP Malay, on what he describes as “most personal, colossal album of his career”. Described as as fusing of classic R&B and modern Pop, the as yet untitled set will hit stores via J Records.
Mario’s last effort ‘Go!’ still stands as one of my favourite R&B releases from the last few years (‘Music For Love’ still gets plenty of play on my iPod). About the new record, I’m really anticipating it, especially with the stellar list of producers he’s been working with.

Any thoughts?
It's Sasha Fierce...AgainNew promotional shots for Beyonce’s ‘I Am…Sasha Fierce’ (due November 18th) are coming thick and fast – the latest being the pic above. Kinda on the fence about this one…

What do you think of the pic?
Ginuwine Preps New LP For 2009 After a brief hiatus, R&B crooner Ginuwine is back set to release his first major-label album in 2009. Check out the report via Billboard:

Ginuwine is set to return in the first quarter 2009 with a new single and album. The as-yet-untitled project will be released by Notifi Records, with distribution through Warner Bros. Notifi is headed by CEO Ira Dewitt.

In addition to singer/songwriter/producer Tank, who is executive producing the album, Ginuwine is collaborating with Next founding member RL and Harold Lilly Jr., among others.

“Everything is still in the works,” Ginuwine tells Billboard.com. “I don’t want to rush anything. I’m just working on various songs and definitely hoping to work with others like Polow da Don and Timbaland. However, at this point I can say the music will reflect a maturing Ginuwine. I’m not the same young man I was when I first got into music. ”

Ginuwine was 21 when he hit big in 1996 with “Pony,” his first crossover hit (No. 1 R&B, No. 6 pop). The single garnered the Washington, D.C. native a contract with 550 Music/Epic and propelled his Timbaland-produced debut album, “Ginuwine — The Bachelor,” to multi-platinum status.

This ought to be interesting. I personally haven’t enjoyed any of Ginuwine’s records since he stopped working with Timbland, so I definitely welcome their potential reuniting.

Will you be checking for a new Ginuwine album?

A short snippet of a new Christina Aguilera track called ‘Dynamite’ surfaced earlier today. Set to feature on her forthcoming greatest hits LP ‘Keeps Gettin’ Better: A Decade of Hits’, the cut, to put it bluntly, sounds rubbish. Really leaves a lot to be desired.

Judging by the new material I’ve heard from Xtina thus far, it appears as if her best days may be behind her. Since the dizzy heights she achieved with her ‘Stripped’ LP she has yet to deliver anything nearly as good IMO. SMH…

Hit or miss?

R&B songstress Brandy performed her current single ‘Right Here (Departed)’ on MTV’s TRL just a few moments ago. Put simply, Ms. Norwood nailed it! The stage presence, the adlibs, the everything! She really sounded on-point – the vocals were awesome. Her LP ‘Human’ drops December 9th via Epic/Koch.

Randomness: This definitely redeems her last live showing of the track a few days ago at the Monsterjam concert.

What do you think of the performance?

More promotional shots for Beyonce’s forthcoming album ‘I Am…Sasha Fierce’ have surfaced today. Though kinda on the unremarkable side, there’s no denying she looks great.
Beyonce Update; New Promo Pics, Dereon Line Beyonce Update; New Promo Pics, Dereon Line
Beyonce and her mother Tina Knowles unveiled thier latest range in House of Dereon line at a Bloomingdale’s store in New York City last night. The new line features more evening gown-esq dresses.

Beyonce Launches New Dereon Line
Beyonce Launches New Dereon Line Beyonce Launches New Dereon Line Beyonce Launches New Dereon Line
Is it me or is Beyonce looking a lot more ‘Bootylicious’ (pun intended) than she has in a minute? Definitely liking this look on her.

What do you think of the pics?

The Pussycat Dolls hit up Dancing With The Stars last night to perform their current single ‘Whatcha Think About That’, along with Missy Elliott.

Though I think the song is appallingly bad, it wasn’t as crap a performance as I anticipated. That said there a few bones I must pick with their showing (don’t worry, it won’t be long LOL); what happened with the camera during Missy’s part? I’m a Missy fan but she kinda sorta ish looked like a mess (where’s her album, by the way?). What’s more, it was painful watching Melody doing the runs. Not because she was bad, quite the opposite, she was awesome – it’s more evidence as to why she shouldn’t be taking a back-seat to Nicole.

What do you think of the performance?

During hubby Jay-Z’s set at Power 105.1 show last night at New Jersey’s IZOD Center, Beyonce made a surprise appearance – giving short performance of her hotter than hot new release ‘Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)’. Clad in all black and backed by two dancers (not the one’s from the video unfortunately), Ms. Knowles definitely wet my appetite for the inevitable barrage of live performance we’ll be seeing from her over the next few months. Good stuff.

What do you think of the performance?

The That Grape Juice Facebook Group launched a few months ago, as many of you will know. Work, school, college, home, wherever; I’m sure many of you – like myself – spend a ridiculous amount of time on Facebook. Yes, it’s ‘that’ addictive.

Why not, then, combine your daily Urban Pop Culture fix with social networking and come be a part of the rapidly growing That Grape Juice Facebook community. Along with the many hundreds who have already joined (thanks guys), you will be the first to get word on upcoming interviews, competitions, view exclusive pictures and much much more. The discussion board/wall will also give you the chance to interact with other ‘Grape Juice readers moreso now than ever before.
It’s an open group, so anyone can join – invite all your friends too!
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