CHICAGO (AP) — Singer R. Kelly has been found not guilty on the first 7 of 14 counts at a child pornography trial. The jury deliberated less than a day.

Kelly was charged with 14 counts of videotaping himself having sex with an underage girl, who prosecutors say was as young as 13. If convicted, he faces a minimum of four years in prison and a maximum of 15 years. He would also have to register as a sex offender in Illinois.

The jury — nine men and three women — was given the case Thursday.

The key question for the jurors was whether they believe it was Kelly in the video, as prosecutors contend. Kelly’s attorneys say it wasn’t him. {Source}

Your thoughts?

They nailed it. I’m guessing they’ve been listening to a lot of people’s crtiques as it was evident that someone other than Nicole’s mic was turned on. Good stuff.

Do forget to keep it locked on That Grape Juice for the premiere of the ‘When I Grow Up’ music video later today.

What do you think of the performance?

During a recent call to his own radio station Shade45, Eminem confirmed that he is working on a new album, the first since 2004’s ‘Encore’.

To be honest I can’t say I ever jumped on the Eminem bandwagon what seems like all those years ago. Upon hearing of his plans of coming back, I’m kinda left wondering…

Is Eminem even relevant anymore?

Your thoughts?

Good stuff.

Reminder: That Grape Juice will be interviewing Ashanti within the coming week. You can submit questions for her by clicking here.

What do you think of the performance?

Looks pretty good. The Nicole ‘Star of The Group’ concept is starting to jarr me ever so slightly, though (peep what the other chicks are wearing compared to her). I’m reserving judgement on that front until I hear more of their new material. I mean they’ve got to give Melody (the dark-er skinned member) something to sing, right?

What do you think of the preview?

Amid all the talk about music no longer selling, rapper Lil’ Wayne’s much anticipated LP ‘Tha Carter III’ looks set to break the first week sales records of this year – as well as that of the last few years also:

“The excessive leaks and bootlegging of Lil Wayne’s new album haven’t prevented it from being a hot seller: The rapper’s “Tha Carter III” sold 423,000 copies in its first day of release, according to Billboard magazine. With such sales, Lil Wayne is on pace to sell about 900,000 copies of the CD in its first week and post the best sales debut of the year”. {Source}

That really is an amazing feat. It goes to show that Wayne’s undeniable presence in the industry, most especially within the last few years, is not going unrewarded.

Any thoughts?

That Grape Juice reported back in Febraury that Amerie was on the verge of signing with Def Jam. According to Contact Music, the singer’s move to the LA Reid headed label, which is the home of Mariah Carey, Rihanna, Ne-Yo etc, became finalized recently. Check out the report below:

Singer AMERIE is set to undergo a career overhaul – after signing a deal with the record label which turned RIHANNA into an international superstar.

The 1 Thing hitmaker has parted ways with Columbia Records and inked a deal with Def Jam, the company that secured the massive track Umbrella for Rihanna last year (07), catapulting her to global fame.
And Amerie, who has previously released two albums to moderate success, is hoping the new contract with Def Jam will help boost her career to even greater heights.

A source tells Britain’s Daily Star newspaper, “Amerie’s first two albums did well, but she’s ready to step it up a gear now.

“She was offered a deal too good to turn down and the promise to build upon her reputation for classy and sexy R&B.”

On a personal note, as a supporter of real talent, I am real pleased for Amerie and optimistic about what the future holds for her. If Def Jam can do what they’ve done with Rihanna for the much more talented Amerie (IMO), then she really may be in with a chance of hitting it BIG.

Your thoughts?

I really liking the song and felt they did a pretty good job of it live. Random tidbit: Keyshia was looking and sounding a lot better than she has in a while.

The Game’s new album ‘L.A.X’ hits stores July 22nd.

What do you think of the performance?

I’m guessing it’s not just the music that differs so much from Big Sis; Solange came across very animated, direct and generally all-round entertaining in the interview. I’m liking her more and more with each appearance/performance.

Any thoughts?