R&B quartet Cherish are set to drop their sophomore album ‘The Truth’ on April 29th. The above is the official album art for the set. While the pic looks good, I’m not so optimistic about their album’s chance of success. Next to no buzz, no follow-up single to the under-performing ‘Killa’ (it was a terrible track IMO), leaves me wondering if they are being set up for a flop. I’m hoping not, as the girls are pretty talented.

What do you think of the cover?
Kelly Rowland - Revamped 'Ms. Kelly' Will Be A Digital Release Our friends over at Rap-Up.com are reporting that Kelly Rowland’s long-spoken of ‘Ms. Kelly’ re-release will be released in the US digitally in March. No physical release date, if there will be one at all, has been announced.
Before the stans deem this the end of the world, it’s worth considering a few things. At this point, so much time has passed since the original release of the LP; a full-blown physical release would be risque IMO. By releasing it digitally to iTunes etc, it can be billed as a ‘for the fans’ type of affair. Still, it’s a little disappointing, considering how long it’s been spoken about. After wrapping up this record, perhaps Kelly will head back to the studio for album no.3?
With Kelly’s recent success over here in the UK (‘Work’ is still in the Top 10), I’m assuming the physical re-release of ‘Ms. Kelly’ will still go ahead here. – where its chances of success are high.

Your thoughts?

*
Having received a number of emails etc, it was brought to my attention that the site was taking a short while to load. It was an issue I had been aware of for a little while. I’m pleased to say – please, confirm if I’m right – that the problem has been fixed! It was a design niggle that prevented faster loading times. Drop me an email, someone/anyone, to let me know if all is well: sam@thatgrapejuice.net
* March is shaping up to be the biggest month yet on the Interview front. I can’t give away the names just yet; all I can say is that I know you’ll be just as excited as I am. In the meanwhile, head over to the revamped Interview section to read through some of our past features with the likes of Kelly Rowland, Mario, D. Woods (Danity Kane), Jagged Edge and more.

*
Feel free to submit any site suggestions, queries, news submissions etc to me by emailing: sam@thatgrapejuice.net

During Janet’s set on Good Morning America yesterday, she performed her new single ‘Rock With U’. The perofrmance didn’t air on the telecast, but wascaptured in its entirety by an audience member uploaded to the official GMA site. The choreography was overly on-point; this performance really has me liking the song a little more.

What do you think of the performance?

Want To Join Solange's Band? In preparation for the launch of her sophomore effort, Solange Knowles looking for musically talented individuals to form a band:

WHO: Solange Knowles, together with Kim Burse of BCreative Productions and Music World Entertainment.

WHAT: Solange Knowles will be holding auditions for singers, bands and individual band members with a great look, strong musicianship and stage presence to become members of Hadley Street Dreams, her band. All members must be able to dance.

WHEN: Thursday, March 6, 2008 from 12:00PM thru 6:00PM. Audition sign up will end promptly at 3:00PM.

WHERE: SIR Studios, 6465 West Sunset Blvd , Los Angeles, CA 90028

WHY: The Hadley Street Dreams, a 60’s inspired full band, will perform all live shows with Solange in support of her upcoming album to be released this August 2008 on Geffen Records, Soul Angel and the Hadley Street Dreams. Needed are:

*2 female background singers (must be able to sing, dance and harmonize)
*1 drummer
*1 guitar player
*2 keyboardists
*1 bass player (must be able to play upright as well)

CONTACT: To RSVP for auditions, send an e-mail to AuditionRSVP@musicworldent.com.

If you are unable to make the audition, you may also upload your audition video to the official Hadley Street

Dreams Audition Myspace:
http://myspace.com/hadleystreetdreams

The video for Jay-Z’s new single ‘I Know’ – the third to be lifted from his ‘American Gangster’ album – made its yesterday. I’m liking this. Interestingly, Lenny Kravtiz’s daughter Zoe stars in the vid.

What do you think of the video?

Nicole Scherzinger - 'Who's Gonna Love You'Word has it Nicole Scherzinger’s ill-fated solo debut ‘Her Name Is Nicole’ has been officially shelved, despite the news of her working on the album alongside the next Pussycat Dolls record. It may as well be (axed), as yet more material from the album has surfaced; this time the Polow Da Don produced ‘Who’s Gonna Love You’. Perhaps the best track to come from the mass garbage she was churning out as singles, Polow really delivered on the production front. Nicole’s voice also compliments the track fairly well too. With that said, something still feels kinda off with the song. I don’t know if it’s her vocal delivery or what; I just can’t put my finger on it.

Hit or Miss?

{Link Removed As Requested}

The much anticipated video for Mariah Carey’s new single ‘Touch My Body’ premiered just a few hours ago on the Island Def Jam website:

Directed by Brett Ratner – who was also at the directorial helm of Mariah’s ‘Heartbreaker’ and ‘We Belong Together’ clips – the vid neither fell below or above my expectations. The simple, light-hearted concept was befitting to the song. Saying that, for Mariah’s sake, I hope the rest of her forthcoming ‘E=MC²’ album and the future videos are of a higher caliber than this, because I still feel kinda short-changed with all of this after the near-perfection that was ‘The Emancipation of Mimi’ record. Random tidbit: did anyone else spot the return of the ‘Mariah Whine’ for a brief moment when she was in the red dress? LMAO!!!

What do you think of the video?

After a seemingly slow start, Janet Jackson’s promotional campaign for her new album ‘Discipline (out now) is really underway – she’s everywhere. The singer, 41, features on the cover of the latest issue of Ebony magazine; I must say, she’s balancing her sexy and classy well in all of these covers/shoots, as of late.

What do you think of the cover?
Judging by this pic, taken in Jamaica over the weekend, I’m guessing the rumors about a romance between Rihanna and Chris Brown are true. Check out the report below:

“They were smooching in the pool and were really lovely dovey. They were playfully making out and he was kissing her on the neck.”

The attractive pair, who got matching star tattoos on their necks in January, got in the pool after a leisurely lunch yesterday at the Hilton Kingston Hotel in Jamaica. They were hanging out with friends and at about 3 p.m., Chris, 18, jumped into the water and waited while Rihanna went to her room and changed into a bikini.

“They were floating together with him carrying her and she kept saying, ‘Don’t get my hair wet.’ She was very soft and feminine but he was a big kid and splashing around.” {Source}

Ok…

Your thoughts?

Following her mini-concert on Good Morning America earlier today, Janet Jackson performed ‘Feedback’ at MTV’s TRL (boy, does it feel weird, but good to say that). What can I say? Janet killed it. The energy levels had been cranked up from the GMA performance, crowd were hyped, the band were on-point, choreography, everything! Watching this back really has me feeling Janet can really make one of the biggest comebacks in recent times. Awesome.

What do you think of the performance?

Yet more material from Making The Band 4’s Day26 has surfaced. Produced by The Runners, ‘Come In’ – a cut from their forthcoming album – is, production-wise, is very solid track. From the beat, to the vocal arrangement, to the harmonies, the song production is top-notch. be it vocally, emotionally or whatever, there is a lack of cohesion with the guys’ voices on the verses which hinders, what would otherwise be, a great song. Still, their self-titled debut (due March 25th) is one of the LP’s I’m looking forward to this year.

Hit or Miss?

 

{Link Removed As Requested}

 

**