After a lengthy spell on the bench, this week sees the return of our From The Vault feature – with Syleena Johnson’s 2005 hit ‘Hypnotic’. Her most ‘commercial’ offering to date, the track – which was lifted from her ‘Chapter 3: The Flesh’ LP – was on constant rotation of the ‘Grape Juice iPod’ (lol). An awesome track, with a pretty decent video (though, correct me if wrong, Syleena looked a little ‘uncomfortable’ at times…oh well):

Good stuff.

Your thoughts?

Christina Milian - 'Us Against The World' Originally set to debut next week, Christina Milian’s brand new single ‘Us Against The World’ surfaced today – and I must say that I’m pleasantly surprised. Produced by Mad-Scientist, the cut is a solid power-ballad, which sees Milian exert herself vocally more-so than we’ve heard before. I’m a bit perplexed at the reasoning behind releasing this now, and the album having tentative ‘early 2009’. Anyway…
Hit or Miss?

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Brandy UpdateCheck out the official album cover for Brandy’s much anticipated comeback LP ‘Human’, which has been pushed back according to some, yet still on course for a November 11th release according to others.

Anyway, Ms. Norwood stopped by the Angie Martinez show on New York’s Hot 97 radio station this week; discussing everything from the tragic car accident she was involved in, her brother Ray J’s relationship with Kim Kardashian (and ‘The Tape’), her first ‘marriage’ and much more. A great listen, I must say. Peep parts 1 and 2 below:

Your thoughts?

More Ciara 'Go Girl' Set PicsMore shots from Ciara’s brand new video ‘Go Girl (ft. T-Pain)’ has surfaced. The more I see from this Melina directed clip, the more I see it as being a winner already. Be sure to check out the video right here next Monday (October 7th).
More Ciara 'Go Girl' Set PicsMore Ciara 'Go Girl' Set PicsMore Ciara 'Go Girl' Set PicsMore Ciara 'Go Girl' Set Pics

What do you think of the pics?

Following the recent rumours surrounding the release of Beyonce highly anticipated new album, the singer herself has issued a statement setting the record straight:

I wanted to address my fans about my upcoming album.

I have worked on this album for close to one year. I have taken the time so I can create my sound. Something that says who I am at this stage in my life. I have poured my heart and soul into it. It is my baby. It is the most time I have spent on any project since my first records as a member of Destiny’s Child when I was 15 years old.

I have recorded over 70 songs and have created a sound that reveals all of me. I am in a different place right now and I wanted people to see the many sides of me. The music is upbeat for the dance, fun side and it is reflective, passionate and serious for the personal side. I have taken risks here. I am not afraid and my music will explain it all. There is no label or tag on my sound. It’s me and I am so excited to share it with the world on November 18.

Love,
Beyoncé

Good to see her clear things up.

According to a very reliable source to That Grape Juice, the album has in fact been mastered and submitted to the label for packaging. Having already shot the promotional pics for the record, the only remaining thing Ms. Knowles is to do is pick the pack-shot/cover. What’s more, she isn’t fighting with dad Mathew or his right hand-man Max Gouse, as suggested in the NY Daily News story.

Your thoughts

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

1) Single – Ne-Yo
2) Invisible – Jennifer Hudson
3) So What – Pink
4) Live Your Life (ft. Rihanna) – T.I.
5) Bring It All To Me (ft. JC Chasez) – Blaque

What are your ‘Top 5 Songs Of The Moment’?
Beyonce LP Pushed Back? According to the NY Daily News, Beyonce’s hotly anticipated still untitled album may be hitting stores a little later than expected:

The singer’s new album was due at her label Wednesday morning in order to make an announced Nov. 18 release date, but insiders tell us there have been problems.

“It’s not going to be completed,” said a source close to folks who’ve been working on the CD. “She’s got to get it out early in the fourth quarter, when there’s so much competition among artists.”

Part of the delay may be due to Beyoncé’s busy-than-ever acting schedule. The beauty spent months filming “Cadillac Records,” in which she plays Etta James, and she’s also working on the psychological thriller “Obsessed.”

Another time-consumer was a duet with Justin Timberlake – the source says the two didn’t like the way it was turning out and kept doing it over until they got it right.

Plus, claims our insider, “She clashes with Max Gousse, her father’s guy who’s involved.”

Beyoncé’s dad, Matthew Knowles, asked us, rhetorically, “How would he not be involved? He’s the vice president of my company, and she’s recording with my company.”

And Gousse is the man who convinced her to record Ne-Yo’s “Irreplaceable” – which became her biggest hit to date.

Still, the source counters, “Jay-Z encouraged Beyoncé to bring in Jay Brown and Ty Ty [Tyran Smith]” – both of whom have worked with red-hot singer Rihanna.

Beyoncé will release two singles, “If I Were a Boy” and “Single Ladies,” this Tuesday.

The chief of Sony BMG Music, Rob Stringer, got on the phone last week to tell us, “She has an enormous number of very talented people doing whatever they can to make it the best record possible.

“Normally I would lie low, but we think the first two singles will be utterly huge. They’re two of the best songs of her career. Beyoncé is incredibly hardworking, and [the album] is 97%-98% done. It’ll be out before Nov. 20. Frankly, we think the whole record is going to be huge.”

I’m gonna need Bouncy’s album to drop ASAP – which at this junction, is the November 18th that was previously announced. Stans, haters and all those in-between know the drill by know; a Beyonce release is an event. Roll on November…scratch that…roll on next week – the debut of Beyonce’s new singles ‘If I Were A Boy’ and ‘Single Ladies’.

Your thoughts?

Tina Turner Talks Beyonce, Aretha & Ike While promoting her brand new 36 date world tour, legend Tina Turner spoke with US Today about performing with Beyonce at this year’s Grammy’s, Aretha Franklin’s anger at her being introduced as the ‘The Queen’ at the same show, as well as her thoughts on the death of controversial ex Ike Turner:

On Performing With Beyonce:

People said, ‘You looked better than Beyoncé.’ Well, that’s not possible. It’s nice that young people hold me up as a model. Beyoncé is elegant and is handling her career well. A lot of new stars go overboard on sex. They’re half-naked up there. My dresses were a bit short, but I stayed respectable.”

On Aretha Franklin’s Declaration ‘I Am The Queen!’:

She was mum at the time, but Turner now says: “Aretha has always been like that. We’ve always accepted that from her. She’s the queen of soul, and I’m the queen of rock ‘n’ roll. There were so many kings and queens there that night. Her ego must be so big to think she was the only one.” Turner laughs. “That’s how queens are!”

On Ignoring Ike’s Death:

“It meant nothing to me,” she says. “He had been dead to me for 20 years.”

While it’s good to see Tina give kudos to those after her in the form of Beyonce and handle the Aretha situation with class, I’m a little shocked at her response about Ike though. I guess it’s a case of ‘each to their own’.

Your thoughts?

Usher’s third release from his ‘Here I Stand’ LP, ‘Trading Places’ saw its video premiere on Yahoo Music a few moments ago. The steamy Chris Robinson directed clip, continues the R&B crooner’s trend of top notch videos this go round, in comparison to the so-so music on the album. That said, I’m definitely a fan of this cut and I’m glad it’s received the single treatment.

Randomness: Where art thou Tameka?

What do you think of the video?

Despite all the rumors and subsequent denials, it really seems as if there may be trouble in Danity Kane – with a line-up change or complete dissolve looking like an increased certainty. The above trailer for the season finale of the current season of Making The Band 4 eerily seems to echo the reports about members being kicked out a couple of months back. Of course, this could all be for publicity – as the girls have been seen together once or twice this month, however I don’t see how persistent break-up rumors can be seen as good promotion. I guess we’ll all know the answer come next week.

Your thoughts?

Stars Come Out For Thicke Album LaunchHip-Hop heavyweights Jay-Z & Diddy were just some of the few that came out to celebrate the release of Robin Thicke’s latest offering ‘Something Else’, which was released this week, in New York last night. Peep more pics below, including Thicke with wife Paula Patton.

Stars Come Out For Thicke Album Launch Stars Come Out For Thicke Album Launch Stars Come Out For Thicke Album Launch

What do you think of the pics?

With T.I.’s latest effort ‘Paper Trail’ having hit stores this week, the Atlanta-bred rapper took to the stage at New York’s Highline Ballroom for what turned out to be star-studded show. Helping him rock NYC were Jay-Z, who joined him for ‘Swagga Like Us’, Swizz Beats on ‘Bring Em Out’ (both above) and Lupe Fiasco for ‘Superstar’ (below).

Great performances.

What do you think of the performances?

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