T.I.'s 'Paper Trail' Album Cover 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.

What do you think of the cover?…

Will you be checking for T.I.’s ‘Paper Trail’?
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:

LOL…

Any thoughts?

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?
Your thoughts?

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.

What do you think of the video?
New Brandy Promo Shot {Click pic to enlarge}

Check out this new promotional picture of R&B songstress Brandy for her as yet untitled Epic Records debut. It’s good to see her looking on-point again, as there were some image issues IMO the last go round with her ‘Afrodisiac’ project.
The 29 year old’s forthcoming LP is tentatively set for a ‘late 2008’ release. Roll on ‘late 2008’ lol.

What do you think of the pic?

Former Fugees star Pras performed his 1998 hit ‘Ghetto Superstar’ at the AFI Awards in honor of Warren Beatty – who starred in the film the song was the title track to ‘Bulworth’. In somewhat of an odd pairing, R&B singer Amerie joined him onstage to perform the song. Though her rendition added a fresh slant to the track, I’m not so sure I was actually feeling it; I can’t put my finger on what was ‘off’ about it, other than the fact that something was. Where the hell was Mya (the original feature artist), anyway?

What do you think of the performance?

Rihanna Covers InStyle Magazine
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…
Rihanna Covers InStyle Magazine Rihanna Covers Instyle Magazine
Rihanna Covers InStyle Magazine Rihanna Covers InStyle Magazine

What do you think of the pics?
That Grape Juice Update
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!

Solange, Keri, Teyana & Nelly Cover Rap-UpBurgeoning 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.

Solange, Keri, Teyana & Nelly Cover Rap-Up
What do you think of the cover(s)?
Will Smith Reveals Open Relationship With Jada‘Wholesome’ Hollywood couple, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith, have revealed that the secret to the success of their 11 year marriage is that they have an ‘open relationship’. Speaking to Reveal magazine, Will had the following to say:

“Our perspective is, you don’t avoid what’s natural and you’re going to be attracted to people.” he says.

“And if it came down to it, then one would say to the other: ‘Look, I need to have sex with somebody. Now, I’m not going to if you don’t approve of it’.”

The 39-year-old star explains that the couple’s open policy has been in place from day one of their 10-year marriage.

“In our marriage vows, we didn’t say ‘forsaking all others’. We said ‘you will never hear I did something afterwards’. Because if that happens the relationship is destroyed.”

Other things that Will says are important in his relationship are keeping in shape for his “little firecracker” Jada, the “look in her eyes”, and communication.

“And lots of sex makes for a good marriage too!” {Source}

Though there has long been murmurings about Will and Jada’s marriage, this is the first time either has spoken on this particular issue. Personally, I’m not sure I really agree with their choices, I guess it depends on the individual, though. So saying that…

Do you agree or disagree with Will & Jada?

Mary J. Blige Covers Vegas MagazineMary J. Blige appears on the cover of the latest issue of Vegas magazine. She looks near-flawless.

What do you think of the cover?
Kelly Rowland Spotted In London Kelly Rowland Spotted In London
R&B star Kelly Rowland really does seems to have taken up a second citizenship of sorts over here in the UK; she’s often here more than she is in the US these days. The ‘Like This’ singer was snapped leaving London’s famed NOBU restaurant last night. Ms. Kelly’s looking good, indeed.
Kelly Rowland Spotted In London Kelly Rowland Spotted In London

What do you think of the pics?

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