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?
'In A Perfect World...': Will You Be Buying?
Keri Hilson’s serially delayed, yet worth-the-wait, debut ‘In A Perfect World…’ finally hit stores in the US today.
We’re here at That Grape Juice are most definitely feeling the album, yet we’re eager to hear whether you guys will be picking up Keri’s LP. For those who have heard it / have it already, what do you think of the album? Drop your comments in the comments section…

With Keri Hilson’s debut ‘In A Perfect World’ finally set to arrive in stores tomorrow, the singer-songwriter dropped the video for her latest single ‘Knock You Down’ today. The Kanye West and Ne-Yo assisted song is definitely one of the album’s standout cuts IMO, so it’s great to see it get the single treatment.
About the video, I’m liking the concept. Nothing to make you go ‘wow’, but does just enough. Keri looked great too.
What do you think of the song / video?

{This UK banning of music videos on Youtube is so annoying! I’ve been hunting this vid down for  too long. But back to your regularly scheduled TGJ-surfing}

The video for Ciara’s Justin Timberlake assisted new single ‘Love Sex Magic’ premiered a few hours ago. I must say, the Diane Martel directed clip is, to put it simply, H-O-T. After a number of false-starts, this song and video has reignited my interest in Ms. Harris’ ‘Fantasy Ride’ project. Great video!
What do you think of the video?
Christina Milian & The-Dream Kissing
So much for Christina Milian and The-Dream’s denials about their rumored relationship; the pair were snapped yesterday looking very ‘coupley’ (kissing, canoodling etc) in Hawaii.
Ever since it was announced that Milian had entered a joint label venture with Dream’s Radio Killa imprint and her current label home MySpace Records/Interscope, tongues have been wagging as to what the pair’s status is – which these pics seem to confirm.
While their relationship is their own business (LOL), I sure hope their union yields better results than Christina’s last singer / producer romance with Dre (of Cool & Dre), which spawn her awful ‘So Amazing’ LP. I guess time will tell…
Christina Milian & The-Dream Kissing Christina Milian & The-Dream Kissing
What do you think of the pics?
New LeToya Promo Pic
Check out this new promotional shot for LeToya Luckett’s ‘Lady Love’ LP (due May 19th via Capitol / EMI). She looks great.
What do you think of the pic?

*Apologies for the slow-go this weekend folks. Rest assure, many a good thing are being cooked up ‘backstage’!*

As R&B star Monica readies her brand new album for release later this year, the set’s supposed first single has surfaced. ‘One In A Lifetime’ is a mid-tempo number with a ‘knock’. Put simply, it’s everything Ms. Arnold needs to begin to re-state her claim as one of R&B’s premiere forces; the cut is fresh and contemporary, yet it doesn’t see Monica’s impassioned vocal delivery diluted by the production. I like…I like a lot. Good stuff.
Hit or Miss?
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