This week’s From The Vault celebrates the careers of two of Pop-Culture’s biggest phenomenons: brother and sister Michael and Janet Jackson.
With the 25th of June (yesterday) marking the 2 year anniversary of the Legend’s passing, That Grape Juice once again tribute him and his unmatchable talent.
And since little sister is touring Europe at the moment and will be coming very soon to our hometown of London, what better time than the present to reflect on the output of two of music’s great stars. What better way to do that than with their 1995 epic duet, ‘Scream’.
Released as the first single from Michael’s ‘HIStory’ album and produced by Janet’s longtime producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, the track serves as an open letter to the press following MJ’s 1993 legal drama. Janet’s participation was her way of supporting her big bro’.
The high-octane cut sees Mike and Jan flaunt a more aggressive tone, which in tandem compliments their controversial lyrics (“Just stop pressuring me, stop f*cking with me”).
A dream collaboration on paper, the blissful reality was rendered ever better with the help of ‘Scream’s award-winning video.
At the time the most expensive music visual ever made, the futuristic black & white clip is a classic for many a reason, although it’s the iconic dance-break that generates the most praise to this day.
The world had been waiting for a joint performance of the track for years, but instead had to settle for a virtual showing in 2009 when Janet tributed her brother at the VMA’s. An amazing performance to say the least, yet still heart-wrenching knowing that we’ll never get to see them set the stage a ablaze together.
Many a fan have expressed desire for Janet to return to the creative force that are Jimmy & Terry. A sentiment we co-sign; they are after all the ones who’ll provide songs in the vein of this one (i.e. stellar production + non-standard lyrics), as well as the wealth of hits she amassed under their guidance.
As for Michael, this piece of art right here is one of the many reasons he will NEVER be replaced. Even though this vid saw the light of the day more than 15 years ago, it is aesthetically leaps and bounds better than most of what is out today.
MJ may be gone, but his art and legacy live on! Forever and a day.
Hollywood actor and R&B vocalist, Tyrese is prepping his new album Open Invitation. The first song to surface from the upcoming set is ‘I Gotta Chick’, a mid-tempo cut, which features R&B King, R. Kelly, and Young Money rapper Tyga.
It seems, since the release of Drake’s ode to the liquor induced “I still love you” confession, that is ‘Marvin’s Room’, various covers of the tune have popped up every other day on the internet. This time around, one time child star Sammie gave his best take on the conflicted protagonist in his version of the song.
Following the commercial disappointment that was 2010’s ‘Libra Scale‘, Ne-Yo is hoping to change the approach to his next release due this fall. The singer recently sat down with VIBE magazine to discuss exactly what those changes would be.
While the rest of the world may be amping up for Urban music’s biggest night, there’s definitely one who will not be. Lil Kimtweeted a special message to her followers yesterday:
Rap’s self-proclaimed Queen Bee is in the middle of a heavy promo tour for her latest Paypal chart blockbuster ‘Black Friday’.
Alicia Keys took center stage last night (June 24th) at Los Angeles Pantages Theatre for a concert commemorating the release of the 10th anniversary edition of her debut album ‘Songs In A Minor’ (in stores June 28th). The event, entitled ‘Piano & I: A One-Night Only Event With Alicia Keys’, saw the singer give rousing renditions of some of the album’s biggest hits (‘Fallin’, ‘A Woman’s Worth’, ‘Girlfriend’) as well as a few covers of soul legends Mary J. Blige and Marvin Gaye.
A broken leg wasn’t going to stop Jessie J from flaunting her skills today at Glastonbury. The talented vocalist took to the stage rocking an interestingly innovative fashion accessory.
R&B vocalist JoJo recently phoned in to Kempire Radio, to answer questions from fans and discuss what’s going on with her anticipated ‘Jumping Trains’ project.
As she made her way to her show-stopping Splash set, That Grape Juice chatted it up with R&B star Keri Hilson.
In this candid interview, the ‘Pretty Girl Rock’ singer opens up about her plans for the year, her racy ‘The Way You Love Me’ video, how she stepped up her game, taking a break after ‘No Boys Allowed’, and more.
As ever, we ask the questions you really want answers to. Enjoy!
In honor of Black Music Month, Essence Magazine’sonline entity recently published a list of 50 Most Powerful R&B Artist of All Time. The list includes greats like Aretha Franklin and Michael Jackson, but it omits legendary R&B stars such as Mariah Carey and Toni Braxton, and includes head-scratchers like Will Smith. Check out list for yourself below…
There’s only one Lady GaGa and – love her or loathe her – she seems hellbent on ensuring the masses get the message. Cue her latest ‘out-there’ creation – 4 eyes.
The ‘Judas’ singer posed it up as she arrived at MTV Video Music’s Japan Aidshow in Tokyo today sporting two sets of eyes.
Yours truly has long expressed admiration for the air of old Hollywood GaGa evokes (beyond her showbiz gimmick, we know very little about her). That said, though, it does beg the question; how long can she keep it up? Especially as (chart positions aside) the music isn’t what it once was (‘Born This Way’ as an LP isn’t giving me what I need). Time, as they say, will tell…