Following reports several months ago that 2007 mega-hit ‘Umbrella’ was first offered to R&B star Mary J. Blige, the 36 year old singer has recently claimed she is “glad” she didn’t release the song – deeming it “too mainstream”. Speaking to WENN, Blige added:

“I’m not going to chase what [mainstream] fans like. It might work for a Mariah. It might work for a Beyonce. But Mary J. Blige is looked at as some sort of organic thing.” {Source}

The video for Johnta Austin’s new single ‘The One That Got Away’ has recently surfaced. Featuring a cameo by Spice Girl Melanie B, the video/single serves as the latest release to be lifted from Austin’s much-delayed ‘Ocean Drive’ album (for which there still is no definitive release date). With the video being the best he’s dropped so far IMO, I’m really hoping this is the song that catapults Austin (writer of mega-hits ‘We Belong Together’ and ‘Be Without You’) to the level of stardom his talent calls for.

What do you think of the video?

Check out the third preview of B2K’s forthcoming reality show:

Watching this back really reminded me of how badly Chris Stokes screwed them over; Omarion comes across kinda wrong too. I’m actually hoping these guys make something of themselves with this comeback – if only just show that you can’t hold people down with such shady tactics.

Your thoughts?

The beef between female rappers Lil’ Kim and Remy Ma continues to escalate; pint-sized Kim hits back at the former Terror Squad on this track -which samples Lauryn Hill’s ‘Lost Ones’. It’s getting kinda messy…

Your thoughts?

To celebrate the release of Mary J. Blige’s fantastic new album ‘Growing Pains’ (due December 18th), That Grape Juice are giving you the chance to win a copy of the album. That’s not all; in light of the festive season, we are throwing in a iMaingo too!

‘Growing Pains’ is Mary’s J. Blige’s eight studio album. As well as featuring current single ‘Just Fine’, the CD includes great new songs such ‘Stay Down’, Roses’ and forthcoming single ‘Work That’. Hit-makers Pharrell Williams, Tricky Stewart, Bryan Michael Cox and Polow Da Don are among those who contributed to the album.

iPod lovers; the iMaingo is the speaker-case combo that will solve all your portable needs. With it’s superb sound quality, compatibility with all iPod models and easy-on-the-eye appeal, the iMaingo is a must have.

For your chance to win this great combo, please answer the this question:

a) Love & Life

b) What’s The 411?

c) Mary J.

Email your answer as well as your full name, age, and address to competitions@thatgrapejuice.net. Please be sure to put ‘Mary J Comp’ as the subject. Winners will be selected randomly from all correct answers. Competition ends Thursday 20th December. Good luck!

*Please note that the album will not be dispatched until after release*

R&B quartet Cherish are back on the music scene with new single ‘Killa’. Set to feature on the soundtrack for dance flick ‘Step Up 2’, the track will also serve as the girl’s first single from their forthcoming album ‘The Truth’. To be honest, neither the song or video are hold my attention for long. Still, having heard some of their new material, I’m optimistic about the rest of the album.

What do you think of the video?

Following the death of musician Ike Turner this week at the age of 76 (click here to read more), many have been anticipating Tina Tuner’s response to the passing of her controversial ex-husband. However, the ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It’ singer’s spokesperson offered the following statement on her behalf:

It’s a shame Tina didn’t offer a more direct response. As cut-throat as it may sound, Ike is – and will forever- be a part of her story, so her take on the recent events are of interest to the public.

Your thoughts?