There is mounting speculation that Janet Jackson and label Island Def Jam have put aside their much publicized differences and have opted to continue working together. The news comes as Jackson’s previously scrapped new single ‘Can’t Be Good’ was officially sent to Urban Adult Contemporary radio for adds by Def Jam this week. {Source}

A reconciliation? Hopefully. A final parting shot? Maybe. I’m still not entirely sold on ‘Can’t Be Good’ getting the single treatment ahead of cuts from ‘Discipline’ such as ‘2Nite’, ‘The 1’ and a more proper release of ‘LUV’. If there’s no promotion, I really can’t see this making much of an impact. Still, I’m hoping Janet and Def Jam have patched things up, the ‘Discipline’ project really is too good to go so un-supported IMO.

After Pretty Ricky’s last single ‘Cuddle Up’ pretty much tanked upon arrival, the group rebound with the second single to be lifted from their new LP ’80s Babies’, ‘Knockin’ Boots 08′. The video, which really should be renamed ‘4 Play & Spectacular (ft. Pretty Ricky)’ (you’ll know why eventually…) serves up all kinds of wackness. Peep the vid below:

Jail-bound rapper T.I. is gearing up for the release of his brand new studio album ‘Paper Trail’ (due September 9th). The official cover art for the LP (above) was revealed recently. Pretty cool, if not a little predictable.

Peep Kanye West’s hilarious new commercial for Absolut Vodka. The aptly titled ad, ‘Kanye’s Vision Of An Absolut World’, depicts the rapper’s ‘vision’ of everyone wanting to be like him (ok, Kanye lol). Check it out below:

Shock jock Wendy Williams launched her FOX daytime talk show today. Set to air first in New York, Los Angeles, Dallas and Detroit, the show will – providing it gets picked up after its initial 6 week run, will air is the US nationally this fall. You can check a 10 minute preview of the show below:

Hmm. Does Tyra have anything to worry about?

After featuring on several high-profile releases over the past year, Keri Hilson’s debut video for single ‘Energy’ finally premiered literally a few moments ago. Put simply, the Melina directed clip is artistic, original and more than does the song justice. Having initially been somewhat sceptical about the track, it sure has grown on me recently. As one of those who has been following Keri’s project for nearing two years now, it’s great to see everything coming together so well. Here’s hoping Keri garners the success she deserves.

{Click pic to enlarge}

Music’s ‘it’ girl of the moment, Rihanna, features in the August issue of InStyle Magazine. As her cover and shoot show, she really knows how to take a picture. If only her musical talent was as…

I’ve been meaning to update you all on a number of issues for a short while now; so without further ado:

• Where’s the Ashanti interview?: I have received many of your emails regarding the Ashanti interview. Please bear with us; the interview is 110% confirmed, however, at present, we are awaiting a revised interview slot, as Ashanti’s schedule caused for the first to have to be rescheduled. Stay tuned .

• ….& Ne-Yo, too?: In news that is a pretty good look for the site, our interview with Ne-Yo will now take place in-person during the R&B star’s stop here in the UK next week.

• Signed, sealed…almost delivered: Kelly Rowland competition winners, you should be receiving your signed ‘Ms. Kelly: Deluxe’ CD’s through the post this week/early next. Matter of fact, they are next to me right now as I type.

• Your input: Many thanks to all of you who offered your suggestions as how to make That Grape Juice even better. It was both insightful and entertaining sifting through all your comments. You should start to see a lot of the suggestions – especially the recurring ones i.e. site design – begin to be implemented in the weeks and months ahead. In the meanwhile, if there’s anything you wish to express regarding That Grape Juice, feel free to drop me an email at sam@thatgrapjuice.net

• “Sam, where you at?”: LOL, sorry I’m cracking myself up with these lil’ captions (sad, I know). Anyway, for those whose emails have seemingly gone unanswered, please accept my apologies. The site literally receives upwards of 100 emails daily, so it can become a little difficult sifting though them all – even harder to respond to them all. Rest assured that I’m trying my hardest to respond to as many as possible – as much as time permits.

• One more thing: Would you like to see more Hip-Hop on That Grape Juice or are you content with the current mix?

• Randomess: Has anyone else read ‘A Piece of Cake’ by Cupcake Brown? Just finished it…all I can say is WOW. Highly recommended…h-i-g-h-l-y.

Thank you all for the support; it’s very very very much appreciated.

Remember to keep it locked on ThatGrapeJuice.net!

Burgeoning stars Solange, Keri Hilson and Teyana Taylor feature the double cover of Rap-Up magazine’s Summer 2008 issue (which is on newsstands now). They’re all looking funky fresh, I must say. Good stuff. With each offering a breath of fresh air to an increasingly ‘samey’ industry, I’m real hopeful that these three make it BIG time.

Rapper Nelly appears on the alternate cover. The St. Louis native addresses the haters and the state of Hip-Hop, gives the scoop on his relationship with Ashanti, and reveals plans for a joint album with another rap superstar.