50 Cent: 'Young Buck Gone From G-Unit' It turns out the rumors of friction among Hip-Hop collective G-Unit turned out to be true:

“50 Cent revealed today that the Tennessee rapper was no longer in G-Unit the group, but would still record for the label.

‘You can look at it and see that’s Game [former G-Unit rapper] all the way. I was giving him a chance, giving him the benefit of the doubt [to remain with the group]. You can take this as an official notice right here – pretty much you can say: Young Buck is no longer in the group G-Unit, but signed to G-Unit [Records] as a solo artist’, 50 Cent told DJ Envy, a co-host on the Hot 97 Morning Show with Miss Jones.” {Source}

Maybe he’ll actually have a chance of success on his own…just a thought.

Your thoughts?

The much anticipated video for Usher’s #1 smash ‘Love In The Club’ made its debut little over an hour ago. What can I say, other than it’s ON-POINT! Having seen the preview earlier this month, it appeared as if the clip would be a rehash of his 2004’s ‘Yeah’ vid, however the full vid proves otherwise. Considering the song’s subject-matter etc, I wasn’t really expecting the level of grandeur or thought put into the vid’s concept, but I’m pleasantly surprised. The concept, the choreography, the cameos (Diddy, Kanye and Keri Hilson)…I’m liking everything. ‘Love In The Club’ is lifted from Usher’s forthcoming album ‘Here I Stand’, which originally due in June, has been pushed up to May 27th.

What do you think of the video?

The Best You Never Heard: Toni, Keri Hilson, Estelle & N2U
This week’s edition of ‘The Best You Never Heard’ serves up tracks from the likes of Toni Braxton, Keri Hilson, Estelle and R&B quartet N2U. You can drop me your suggestions for future installments at sam@thatgrapejuice.net

———————————————–

Toni Braxton – Midnite

R&B songstress Toni Braxton delivered, what I feel to be, her most cohesive effort for a long while yet in the form of 2005’s ‘Libra’. Though the album only achieved mild success, tracks such as the smooth mid-tempo ‘Midnite’ highlight the LP’s more deserving (of success) nature. A great mix of ‘vintage Toni’ and more contemporary production, ‘Midnite’ definitely shows Braxton can more than hang with the current crop of female artists out at the moment.

Listen: Midnite

———————————————–

Keri Hilson – Hands & Feet

As Timbaland protegee Keri Hilson continues to prep her debut ‘In A Perfect World’, we shine the spotlight on ‘Hands & Feet’ – a not-so-tact cut she had featured on the soundtrack to Usher’s 2005 movie ‘In The Mix’. From the Southern, club-ready production – courtesy of Danja – to Keri’s swagger with her delivery, this one is a winner. Despite having floated around for a few years, I hope it gets a placement on her album.

 

Listen: Hands & Feet

 

———————————————–

 

Estelle – Free

 

 

While Estelle is perhaps most known for her recent chart topping effort ‘American Boy’ (both here at home and Stateside), the Londoner has been on her grind for several years now. Released back in 2004, when the multi-talented star was signed with Virgin, ‘Free’ stands as a great track, with an even better message. Random tidbits: Listening to this after so long kinda makes me see where the early Lauryn Hill comparisons came from; real Lauryn-like / LOL at “Put the weave down, do something with yourself”.

Listen: Free

 

———————————————–
N2U – Baby Mama Love

Jermaine Dupri’s ill-fated stint as the Head of Urban at Virgin Records didn’t prove to be all bad; R&B crooners N2U were one of the first (and only) signee’s to the label under JD’s headship. ‘Baby Mama love’, taken from their 2005 debut ‘Issues’, is an awesome track on a number of fronts. With its engaging and unconventional subject-matter, as well as their stellar vocal delivery, the song stood as one of my personal favorites from that year.

Listen: Baby Mama Love

———————————————–

Your thoughts: Hit(s) or Miss(es)?

LMAO. It’s kinda sad, as though exaggerated, a lot of what she’s saying is the truth – the sad truth…

Your thoughts?

Mariah Carey -  'E=MC²' CD Give-AwayThat Grape Juice is giving you the opportunity to win a copy of Mariah Carey’s eagerly anticipated new album ‘E=MC²’ (due April 14th – UK / April 15th – US). This, Carey’s 11th studio effort, features her record breaking 18th US chart topper ‘Touch My Body’ as well second single ‘Bye Bye’. With production credits from the likes of Jermaine Dupri, Danja, Bryan Michael-Cox, Swizz Beats and more, the album boasts an endless number of box-fresh hits. To be in with a chance of winning one of the three copies we’re giving away, submit your answer to the following question:
Which of the following is Mariah’s 1997 #1 Album ?

a) Honey

b) Butterfly

c) Rainbow

Email your answer as well as your full name, age, and address to competitions@thatgrapejuice.net. Please be sure to put ‘Mariah Comp’ as the subject. Winners will be selected randomly from all correct answers. Competition ends Sunday 13th April. Good luck!

*Note: CD’s will only be dispatched upon the album’s general release (April 15th)*
Whitney Houston & Dionne Warwick A glowing Whitney Houston attended Muhammed Ali’s Celebrity Fight XIV yesterday with her aunt Dionne Warwick yesterday at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort in Arizona. Warwick had the following to say about the now-stabilized Houston:

“Whitney Houston is back! I’m thrilled that she’s in the studio and working on her new album. No doubt she’s overcoming everything that has been put in front of her even this week.”

There’s no doubt she was referring to the extracts Bobby Brown’s upcoming autobiography which surfaced earlier this week. In any case, Whitney definitely looks to be in great shape (the twins were sitting right lol).

Also in attendance at the event, which saw Whitney present Ali with an award onstage, was her ‘Bodyguard’ co-star Kevin Costner. Check out the pic of the pair below:

Whitney Houston & Kevin Costner

{Thanks Terrence!}

Any thoughts?

Chilli - 'Dumb Dumb Dumb'Former TLC member Chilli looks set to (re)launch her solo career this year, following a botched effort early last year. The first single from the as-yet untitled set, is the aptly titled ‘Dumb Dumb Dumb’ – which was written by Cristyle the pen behind Mariah’s 18th #1 ‘Touch My Body’. While the busy production is pretty good, lyrically the song falls flat. It would seem that Chilli is trying to base this song, subject matter-wise, on the 90’s ‘guy-bashing’ craze that used to be ‘all the rage’. Granted this concept isn’t necessarily played out, it would help if the song was anywhere near good. As one of those who’ve been patiently awaiting Chilli’s solo material, this -as well as her other efforts (shudders at the thought of ‘Straight Jack’) have been real disappointing. It kinda has me thinking that the idea of Chilli ever going solo should have been left in the 90’s – a time when I feel she could have feasibly had any success. {Thanks Andy}

Hit or Miss?

{Link Removed As Requested}

 

As Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson continues to prep her much anticipated debut album, her jaw-dropping performance of ‘I Am Changing’ on The Late Show With David Letterman back in December 2006 serves as this week’s ‘From The Vault’ video:

The performance speaks for itself. Amazing. With the industry increasingly pushing musically-challenged artists to the forefront, Jennifer is a testament to the fact that genuine vocalists still exist and shine like no other when given the chance. Good stuff.

Your thoughts?

Ne-Yo - 'Used To You'As Ne-Yo preps the release of his third studio album, ‘Year of The Gentleman’ (due June 24th), new material from the anticipated set has surfaced in the form of ‘Used To You’. With its trademark Ne-Yo harmonies and it’s, somewhat, 80’s throwback inspired production, this seems like a sure-fit for the direction the singer has thus far showcased for his upcoming LP. Saying that, the song, is by no means, single-worthy, and I’m hoping this is either a sample of what he’s working on or solely an album cut.

Hit or Miss?

{Link Removed As Requested}


Ryan Leslie, the brainchild behind hits by Destiny’s Child, Cassie, Danity Kane and more, is set to drop his self-titled debut on June 17th. ‘Diamond Girl’ is the album’s first single, the video for which premiered on BET last night. Though the video isn’t anything to shout about, it’s still pretty good – as is the song. Whether or not this will garner Leslie any more recognition than he has already has will be interesting to see.

What do you think of the video / song?

Earlier this week, Mary J. Blige and Jay-Z stopped by the David Letterman Show to promote their co-headlining ‘Heart of The City Tour’. What’s more, the respected pair performed ‘Can’t Knock The Hustle’ from Jay-Z’s ‘Reasonable Doubt’ LP. Check out the performance, as well as their hilarious interview below.

The Performance:

The Interview:

LOL! Jay had me rolling with the R. Kelly jibes. About the performance, it was awesome.

Your thoughts?
Cast of Girlfriends Sue The CW Following the abrupt axing of popular CW show Girlfriends a few months, the show’s stars have decided to sue the network for not honoring their contracts and refusing to pay them the money they’re due. Check out the report by our friend Jawn Murray over at AOL Black Voices:

The CW apparently only offered to pay the actors half of their episodic salary to shoot the makeshift finale, thus the stars collectively opted not to participate.

In addition, several people close to the show tell me that The CW refuses to honor the contracts of the principal cast members and does not intend to pay the actors for the nine episodes that will not be taped.

Now the show stars have hired a litigator who will file a joint lawsuit on behalf of the talent, suing the network for the money they are due.

“The network told them point blank, ‘Sue us!’ After using this show to help build its name, The CW has turned their back on them and disrespected them in the most horrible way,” said someone associated with the show, who spoke under the condition of anonymity. {Click here to read more}

Without even considering the fact that the show was one of the network’s flagship offerings, treating anyone as such is not a good look. I’m glad to see the cast standing up against such nonsense.

Any thoughts?

**