UK songstress Estelle is really doing it big these days. Set to release her anticipated LP ‘Shine’ in May, ‘American Boy’ – which features Kanye West – is the second single to be lifted from the set. Though kinda simple, I’m liking the video and the song even more so. I applaud Estelle for not joining the growing list of UK artists who, when they hit the US, compromise the sound they originally came out with to ‘fit in’ (*cough* Craig David *cough*). Expect to see a lot more from Estelle on That Grape Juice in the months ahead.

What do you think of the song / video?

Diva Mariah Carey will be premiering the video for her new single ‘Touch My Body’ on MTV’s TRL on Wednesday. In the meanwhile, check out this preview of the vid below:

I remain kinda thrown off by the the idea of a ‘Ms. Kelly’ re-release instead of doing a new album altogether (especially after so much time has passed). Still, I’m still anxious to see what she’ll be serving up this go round and wish her success all the same.

Your thoughts?

According to the NY Daily News, rappers Jay-Z and Nas may be dropping a collaborative LP in the near future:

Rumors continue to swirl about Jay-Z’s still-unconfirmed new record label, Carter Music Group. We hear that Jay is partnering with rapper Nas on an album of duets, “The Kings of Hip Hop,” to be released on the label early next year. Jay’s rep is keeping tight-lipped.

As appealing as the concept sounds, it’s probably best left on paper. Jay, of all people, should know that collabo albums tend to have more riding against them than for them (see: ‘Best of Both Worlds’). Random tidbit: What happened to Bow Wow & Omarion’s ‘Face Off? LMAO.

Your thoughts?

Beyonce was spotted this past weekend in New York sporting an ‘interesting’ new hairstyle, wig, whatever it’s called lol.

It’s week ‘Discipline’ starting today; Janet Jackson recorded a series of MTV skits spoofing some of the network’s reality shows including ‘Making the Band’, ‘The Real World’, and ‘A Shot At Love’. These hilarious skits will air during EVERY commercial break on the channel throughout this week, as Janet is MTV’s ‘Artist Of The Week’. Who would have ever thought it, after the blacklisting treatment she got from them with her last two efforts. Definitely a good look for both parties involved. ‘Discipline’ drops tomorrow (February 26th).

Be on the lookout for a review of ‘Discipline’ this week (I’m awaiting my review copy)

Any thoughts?

{For this I have no words…}

Ne-Yo Arrested for Reckless Driving – MTV

Missy, Snoop and more hit BET’s Rip The Runway

Ciara Confirms Work On New Album/ Looking For New Dancers

R&B Singer Tank Gets Tasered…then Arrested – BET

I can’t lie, she’s had worse days. Still, that nose. Why, why, why? Anyway, she needs to hurry with that new album of hers; her days of relevancy are dwindling with every random event she seems to be turning up to.

What do you think of the pic?

Singer/actress Jennifer Lopez and husband Marc Anthony welcomed the arrival of their twin babies – a boy and a girl – early this morning. See the report below via People.com:

The babies were born early Friday in Long Island, N.Y. The girl was born at 12:12 a.m. and weighed 5 lbs. 7 oz., and the boy followed at 12:23 a.m., weighing 6 lbs.

“Jennifer and Marc are delighted, thrilled and over the moon,” Lopez’s manager Simon Fields tells PEOPLE exclusively.

They’re the first children for Lopez, 38, and the fourth and fifth for Anthony, 39. The couple celebrated the impending births with a baby shower in New York on Jan. 19. “They were just beaming the entire time,” said one partygoer.

After expressing her desire to have children for some time now, I’m real happy for Jennifer. Janet, Mariah and co need to remember ‘the clock is ticking!’

Your thoughts?

The UK version of popular US channel Black Entertainment Television – BET – will be launching on SKY next week. That Grape Juice reported back in August last year that the channel would be expanding it’s reach to the UK. Check out the report below:

Viacom Inc’s BET Networks will launch in the United Kingdom next week as the Black entertainment network expands its global reach.

The entertainment cable network, targeted to African-American audiences, will make its debut in Britain on February 28 to more than 8.8 million digital satellite homes, with a roster of U.S. shows.

It will offer shows including “106 & Park,” a music and variety show, “College Hill,” a reality show about students, and “American Gangster,” a documentary series about notorious criminals.

Over time, the channel is expected to court British programmers to develop shows, executives said.

“For the UK version of BET, we will be giving BET’s U.S. content a regionalized look and feel that reflects the UK marketplace, and as we grow and develop the channel, we look forward to partnering with the UK creative industry to give BET an even stronger British accent,” BET International General Manager Michael Armstrong said in a statement.
{Source}

Finally! With MTV Base now airing BET shows such as ‘Hell’s Date’ and ‘College Hill’, I assumed BET’s launch in the UK had been scrapped. There is very little output for Urban music, entertainment etc, so I, personally, can’t wait for next week’s launch.

Your thoughts?