'Just Stand Up' Artists Group Photo The all-star voices behind the Stand Up To Cancer campaign song ‘Just Stand Up’ performed the track at New York’s Radio City Music Hall earlier today. Peep these pics of the ladies after rehearsal.

Left to Right:
Keyshia Cole, Leona Lewis, Fergie, Ciara, Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Carrie Underwood, Miley Cyrus, Ashanti, Natasha Bedingfield, and Nicole Scherzinger (erm I didn’t know she sang on the track?!).

'Just Stand Up' Artists Group Photo

The ladies and driving force behind the project L.A. Reid and ‘Just Stand Up’s producer Babyface.

What do you think of the pics?
Christina Aguilera - 'Keeps Gettin' Better' We reported yesterday that Christina Aguilera will be performing her brand new single ‘Keeps Gettin’ Better’ at this Sunday’s MTV Video Music Awards. It turns out we will not have to wait till then to hear the track, as it made its official debut today. I must say it’s definitely not what I was expecting; whether that’s good or not…I honestly can’t say at the moment.

Hit or Miss?

Matthew Knowles stopped by a Houston radio station yesterday morning to defend daughter Solange, amid the press storm regarding her much-talked about Fox News interview. Let’s just say Matthew and the hosts butted heads on the matter lol. Check it out:

That was too funny! With Matthew not backing down, likewise the hosts, it made for one hell of an interview lol lol…

Your thoughts?

One would think Akon would be treading carefully after it emerged this week that he may stand trial over ‘that’ fan-tossing incident from late last year. That, however, isn’t the case; a new video showing the singer slapping a female concert goer in Guyana, South America last week has emerged. Peep the clip below:

First the on-stage antics with the underage girl, then the fan-tossing nonsense and now this. This is becoming a joke…SMH.

Your thoughts?

A star-studded press conference for this Sunday’s MTV Video Music Awards took place today at the Paramount Studios in Hollywood, California. There it was announced that:
* Christina Aguilera will perform her new single ‘Keeps Getting Better’, from her forthcoming best-of collection of the same title (due November 10th in the UK and a day later in the US). Speaking on what to expect from her showing, Aguilera said: “You’re going to get a first look and a first listen at my new image and my new sound,” she said. “The last album, the style and sound was about vintage glam — this one is all about the future.”
* T.I. confirmed that he will, indeed, be performing new single ‘Live Your Life’ with Rihanna at the show.
* Kanye West will be closing the show.
The 2008 MTV Video Music Awards take place this Sunday (September 7th) from the Paramount Studios in Hollywood, California. {Source}

Your thoughts?

Janet Talks Def Jam, Tour & MoreDuring a recent interview with Billboard, Pop superstar Janet Jackson addressed a number of things including her current status with Def Jam, what to expect from her ‘Rock Witchu Tour’ and more. Check out excerpts from the interview below:
On Status With Island Def Jam

I can’t say if we’ll be working with them in the future,” Jackson said today (Sept. 4) during a conference call with reporters to promote her upcoming Rock Witchu Tour. “I don’t know what the future holds between the two of us.”

On Her Tour:

“It’s two hours of dance” she says. “This show is all for the fans,” Jackson told Billboard.com during the call. “They tell me what they’d like to hear, what they’d like to see, what they want. And this is what I’m trying to give them.”

Future Plans:

“We’ve been talking about something for TV, also a DVD,” she confirmed, the latter of which may include “past stuff I’ve done that wasn’t previously released,” including possibly a Japanese TV performance that was filmed in High Definition during the Rhythm Nation 1814 Tour in 1990. “Just a nice package for the fans,” Jackson explained. “They’ve been asking for it for so long, and they truly deserve it.”

Jackson said that she definitely” intends to keep the Rock Witchu Tour going beyond its current Oct. 22 wrap in Dallas, with more U.S. dates and legs that are currently being discussed for Europe, Asia, Australia, Russia and “some parts of the Middle East. It hasn’t been etched in stone. It’s still being put together. People will hear about it in a little while.”

Despite the ‘situation’ with Def Jam not being an ideal one, it’s good to see Janet being so frank about the matter…not sugar-coating anything. Anyway…roll on next week, I’m really anticipating seeing the unveiling of her much anticipated show.

Your thoughts?

Ciara 'Go Girl' Single Cover Peep the official cover for Ciara’s brand new single ‘Go Girl’. I’m guessing this is the style/image they are going with for her forthcoming ‘Fantasy Ride’ LP. It’s definitely ‘out there’, but I like.
What do you think of the cover?
Billboard Chart Update; The Game & Solange There’s no doubt many were checking to see where The Game’s “final” LP (erm…yeh) ‘LAX’ and Solange’s sophomore effort ‘Sol-Angel & The Hadley Street Dreams) would chart, following their releases last week. Peep the report from MTV below for the goods:

The Game’s latest enters the chart at #2, selling more than 238,000 copies; his previous efforts sold significantly better. His 2005 LP The Documentary entered the chart on top with 587,000 scans, while the 2006 follow-up, Doctor’s Advocate, sold more than 358,000 units, to open at #1. Rockers Slip Knot narrowly clinched the top spot selling through 240,000 copies of All Hope Is Gone.

A total of 23 new releases crack the top 200, with two others debuting in the top 10. The Now That’s What I Call Country compilation enters at #7 with 50,000 scans, and Solange Knowles’ Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams bows at #9 with 46,000 sold.

Granted tongues will no doubt be wagging about sales, comparisons and whatnot, I think both artists have performed well considering. Put simply music doesn’t sell the way it used to, so both debuts are respectable all the same.

Your thoughts?

Beyonce Marie Claire Shoot Beyonce Marie Claire Shoot
As reported yesterday, Beyonce graces the cover of the latest issue of Marie Claire magazine. Well, the feature photo-shoot has surfaced, with a more demure looking Bey still managing to look near-flawless.

Beyonce Marie Claire Shoot v Beyonce Marie Claire Shoot

What do you think of the pics?

Monica took to the stage at the V103 Soul Session in Atlanta on Tuesday night to perform new buzz single ‘Still Standing’. The 28 year old was joined by the friend and the song’s feature artist Ludacris for the showing. Peep the performance below:

Great performance!

As previously reported, Monica’s album, of the same title, is set to hit stores early next year.

What do you think of the performance?

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, Old Skool, even something you made yourself LOL. Drop a comment in the comments section. Mine are – in no particular order:

1) Thank U – Michelle Williams
2) So Excited – Janet Jackson
3) Dope Boyz – The Game
4) Fall Back (Ft. The Dream) – Dear Jayne
5) Miss Independent – Ne-Yo

What are your ‘Top 5 Songs Of The Moment’?
Confirmed: Britney To Open VMAsAfter much speculation, it has been confirmed that Britney Spears will be opening the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards – however will not be performing:

Since her hospitalisation earlier this year – as well as her family being granted control of her estate – the 26-year-old is on the road to recovery and is “excited” to open the 2008 awards.

“MTV has long played an important role in my career. How can I not be there to kick off their 25th VMAs?” she told People magazine.

“I’m excited to open the entire show, to say hi to my fans and to be nominated.”

The singer has been nominated 16 times for an astronaut-shaped VMA but has never been successful.

However, she has another shot at glory this year with nominations in the best female video, best pop video and video of the year categories, all for her hit Piece of Me.

MTV Networks’ music president Van Toffler commented: “Britney has done everything from perform with a snake, lock lips with Madonna and prove that what happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas.

“I can’t wait to see what she does to kick off this year’s show.”

I must say I’m glad she’s not performing. The time will be right when it is. Still, it’s good to see Britney getting herself out there. No doubt all eyes will be on her come Sunday’s show. {Source}

Your thoughts?

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