This week’s From The Vault clip comes in form of Janet Jackson’s 1997 performance of ‘I Get Lonely’ on the Rosie O’ Donald Show. Though renown for her status as an all-round performer, this stripped-down rendition of the song, lifted from the critically praised ‘Velvet Rope LP’, serves as perhaps the rarest showing of Janet’s oft-underrated vocal ability. By no means the best vocalist, however Ms. Jackson can certainly hold her own LIVE. Check it out:

Great performance. It certainly wouldn’t be a bad thing if Janet were to put the headset down every now and then, to show the naysayers what she can really do.

Your thoughts?

All Access caught up with Michelle Williams on the set of her new video ‘We Break The Dawn’ this past Wednesday. Check it out:

I’m really anticipating the video as well as Michelle’s album. This is definitely shaping up to be a project that will surprise many.

Your thoughts?

Check CNN’s behind the scenes look at Solange’s new video ‘I Decided’:

Watching this really has me amped for the video. Solange’s label (Geffen/Music World) as well as her management seem to be pulling out all the stops; the Melina directed clip really looks to be something. Though I wasn’t entirely sold on the song initially, with the summer fast approaching, the likelihood of it catching on is a strong possibility. Random tidbit: It’s real good seeing ‘Big Sis’ taking on a mentor-like role with Solange.

Your thoughts?

In an interview with our good friends over at SOHH, Estelle addressed the recent media reports regarding her label’s alleged demand for her to change her look – more specifically her teeth and hair:
It’s good to know that there wasn’t any truth to the claims. Estelle’s unique style, as well as her candid, to-the-point persona, really is a breath of fresh air in what is becoming an increasingly samey, standardized industry.

Any thoughts?
Competition: Alicia Keys Tour Give-Away! (Reminder)As announced earlier this week, That Grape Juice has teamed up with AEG Live to give you the chance to win tickets to select dates of Alicia Keys’ US tour. Click here to for more information / to enter.
Rihanna - 'Take A Bow' VideoRihanna’s video for new single ‘Take A Bow’ premiered just a few hours ago on the Def Jam website. The song is lifted from the ‘Good Girl Gone Bad’ re-release, which will be hitting stores June 17th. About the video, though it was kinda run-of-the-mill, it serves its purpose. The Bajan beauty looked near-flawless, I must say though.

What do you think of the video?
Michael Jackson Album Update According to the New York Post, the King of Pop Michael Jackson is making serious moves to ensure his ‘comeback’ LP is a winner:

He’s [Jackson] hired music producers RedOne and Akon to mastermind his new album, and the trio began working together at the Palms recording studio in Las Vegas Wednesday. “Michael is producing the album himself and then will sell it to a record company when he’s finished,” our spy said. To maintain the utmost concentration, “Michael has banned his kids from the recording studio. He realizes this is very important and doesn’t want any distractions.” Jacko has also sworn off women for the time being, despite never seeming to care much for them anyway. Jackson – who supposedly had been seeing his children’s nanny, Grace Rwaramba – told pals, “He’s not going to be involved in any personal relationships with women until he gets this record done. He’s dumped the nanny – she’s not around any more.”

The ‘no women’ thing made for a good laugh; it’s Michael, come on now. In any case, I’m really amped for MJ’s new record. The concept of Michael selling the album to a major label who will then distribute and market it is the most logical option for the LP’s chances of success IMO. Can’t wait.


Any thoughts?

With R&B star Ne-Yo’s ‘Closer’ burning up the airwaves in the US, it’s apt that the song’s video made its debut today. Evidently, someone’s been watching more than a few Michael Jackson videos, but it’s all good. I’m really liking the song and feel the video compliments it well. ‘Closer’ is featured on Ne-Yo’s third studio album ‘Year of The Gentleman’, which will be released on June 24th.

What do you think of the video?

R&B star Estelle performed her chart-topping smash ‘American Boy’ on The Late Show with David Letterman yesterday (April 24th). I really enjoyed her showing; it’s great to see UK artists receiving recognition in the tough-to-crack US market.

The Londoner’s latest LP ‘Shine’ is set to hit stores across the US next Tuesday (April 29th)

What do you think of the performance?

New Solange Photoshoot As previously reported, Solange Knowles is set to release her sophomore effort ‘Sol-Angel & The Hadley Street Dreams’ on August 26th via Geffen Records. These exclusive new promotional shots for the 21 year old were shot by Leslie Kee. She looks stunning, having blossomed into a very beautiful young lady.

{Click pics to enlarge}
New Solange Photoshoot New Solange Photoshoot New Solange Photoshoot

What do you think of the pics?

Diva Mariah Carey performed a set today on Good Morning America to promote her ‘E=MC²’ LP. During her rendition of ‘Touch My Body’ a technical slip-up occurred. To say things didn’t go as planned would be an understatement. Check it out:

On the one hand, I’m in hysterics, on the other I’m thinking, damn. Absolutely inexcusable. Here we have someone who is commonly referred to as one of music’s greatest voices, inadvertently exposed lip-synching on live television. SMH at Mariah asking her backing singers to stop singing her part, when it was obviously her pre-recorded backing track playing up. Knowing full well I’m probably volunteering myself to be ‘Lamb Stew’, this really was like watching the death of ‘The Voice’. I mean, come on now; when she tried reaching for the notes at the end she sounded like she’d been chewing on cigarette butts. A mess.

Anyway see the performances of ‘I’m That Chick’ and ‘Bye Bye’ below:

I’m That Chick

Bye Bye

Your thoughts?

Remembering Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopes Today, April 25th 2008, marks six years since the tragic passing of TLC’s Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopes. The flamboyant, much-loved star was killed in a car accident in the Honduras in 2002. Lopes was 30 years old.
Despite it being so long since she passed onto eternity, I still find myself having not digested the fact that she is actually gone – I’m not sure I ever will. This is nothing to be sorrowful about, however, as it stands as a testament to the immeasurable impact Lisa had on so many.

Rest In Peace ‘Lisa Left Eye’ Lopes

1971 – 2002
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