After much speculation, R&B star Kelly Rowland has confirmed that she, indeed, had breast enlargement surgery. The ‘Like This’ singer will tell her story in the upcoming issue of PEOPLE magazine. She looks as good as ever these days, so more power to her.

Your thoughts?
Billboard: Janet is #1
After a seven year absence from the top spot, Pop superstar Janet Jackson has hit number 1 with her latest effort ‘Discipline’, according to Billboard. The set, which sold through 181,00 copies in its first week, is the first of the singer’s albums to reach the the coveted position on the Billboard 200 since 2001’s ‘All For You’. Janet’s nearest competition was in the form of Erykah Badu’s ‘New Amerykah’ which bowed at number 2, shifting 124, 000 copies. ‘Discipline’ is Jackson’s 6th number one LP. {Source}
I’m sure much ado will be made about Janet’s numbers, but the fact that ‘Discipline’, give or take, is number 1 will be a PR dream come true. In all fairness to her, much of the promo (including MTV) all started when the album was released, so I guess the numbers reflect that. Word has it ‘longevity’ is the plan with this record, so I’m guessing Island Def Jam are looking to stretch the album ‘Fergie-style’.

I’ve finally gotten my review copy from Island Def Jam UK (of course, I haven’t heard the album already…lol), so expect a review of ‘Discipline’ before the week’s out.


Your thoughts?

Bad Boy artists Cheri Dennis and Day26 performed at yesterday’s BET Rip The Runway event during the Sean John showcase. Dennis, whose album ‘In & Out of Love’ is out now, performed ‘Portrait of Love’, whilst Day26 performed their debut single ‘Got Me Going’. While both performances were ‘ok’, they left a salty taste in my mouth. They are both going to have to step up their live performing game if they hope to make an impact. Random tidbit: Did anyone else spot Cassie getting it during her walk. She should really give up pretending to sing and take up modelling again.

What do you think of the performances?

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Former America’s Next Model contestant Toccara features on the cover of the latest issue of KING magazine. Granted she looks GOOD, there’s no denying Photoshop was put to heavy use. Still, more power to her; she’s constantly been on her grind since the culmination of her stint on the popular show and is now a regular on BET.


What do you think of the cover?

With her latest assault on the charts ‘Discipline’ now sitting comfortably at #1, Janet Jackson continues along the promo trail in support of the project, this time stopping by Jimmy Kimmel Live. The interview, which aired yesterday, saw Janet speak about the new album, her family and career, as well as chipping in on the running gag about Jimmy (the host) and Ben Affleck.

Your thoughts?

Kelly Rowland - 'Love Again' It has been confirmed that Kelly Rowland’s digital-only (US) re-release of her sophomore effort, now dubbed ‘Ms. Kelly: Diva Deluxe’, will hit online outlets on March 25th. ‘Love Again’ is one of five new tracks set to feature on the revamped LP. Despite this only being a snippet, the track sounds very promising. Having really enjoyed the original ‘Ms. Kelly’, one of my only complaints was that it sounded as if she were holding back vocally on some tracks; judging by the new material heard thus far, she’s exerting herself more, vocally, and the results are great.

Update: You can now also listen to a snippet of another new track titled ‘Unity (Stay With Me)’

Hit or Miss?

 

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DJ Premier Lifts Lid On New Aguilera LP In a recent interview with our friends over at SOHH, producer DJ Premier revealed details on Christina Aguilera’s new LP:

Currently working on projects for his label, Year Round Records, DJ Premier shared plans to head back into the studio with Christina Aguilera soon.

“I’m definitely working with her on the next album,” Premier said. “She’s doing an all pop album again, but she wants me to keep the tone like what we did before. She’s ready to start next month…She’s so cool, she’s like my little sister now.”

I’m assuming by ‘all pop’, he means something in the vein of what Christina did with the ‘Stripped’ record. A smart move IMO, as her last album, the throwback/concept LP ‘Back II Basics’, was the pits.


Your thoughts?
BET UK: Your Thoughts? Some of our readers in the UK will have noticed the launch of popular US channel BET on Sky Digital last week (channel 209). Having seen a lot of the channel during my stays in the US over the years, I’m definitely feeling what the UK version has on offer; I see it as the superior alternative to MTV Base. The repetitive ads (an understatement), I’m assuming, are due to the channel still being kind of in a testing period.
For those who have tuned in…

What are you thinking of the channel so far?
R&B star LeToya is currently starring in the play Rumors, which is touring across the US at present. During the plays stop in Atlanta last week, the singer performed her hit single ‘Torn’ as part of her performance. Check it out:

She nailed it; her vocals are in the best shape I’ve ever heard them in. This actually has me geared up for her sophomore effort, as her improved vocal ability should obviously reflect on the new CD. Good stuff.

What do you think of the performance?

As reported recently, That Grape Juice has a number of high profile interviews lined up for the month of March. I’m pleased to confirm, then, that we will be interviewing teen R&B star Chris Brown here in London in a few weeks time. The multi-Platinum selling singer will be in town for his ‘MTV…Presents Chris Brown’ show at the Indig02 on March 23rd (click here to buy tickets). I’m sure many of you will like to submit questions for Chris, so, as usual, please drop them in the comments section. Remember, only genuine/appropriate questions will be considered. Thanks guys 🙂
The Game Begins Jail Sentence Rapper The Game, today, began serving his 60 day prison term for weapon possession:

The Game finally showed up to Twin Towers to serve his weapons-possession sentence, and we’ve learned that he’ll be a “keep away” while inside, meaning that he’ll be segregated from the general population while in the joint. {Source}

I’m still waiting for one of these celebs to get a legit sentence and not a slap on the wrist. We all know, had it been a member of the public, the sentence would have been longer.

Any thoughts?
That Grape Juice, once again, wants to see what you guys are listening to. Which 5 tracks have you got on constant rotation at the moment? Remember, it doesn’t have to be limited to R&B or Hip-Hop; could be something new, throwback, even something you made yourself lol. Drop a comment in the comments section. Mine are – in no particular order:

1) Special Feeling (ft. Mika) – Diddy
2) Hell No – Monica
3) Money – Jamelia
4) Scream (ft. Keri Hilson & Nicole Scherzinger) – Timbaland
5) Til’ My Baby Comes Home – Fantasia

What are your ‘Top 5 Songs Of The Moment’?
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