It has been announced that Amy Winehouse will not be attending the Grammy Awards on Sunday, as her visa request was turned down by the US Embassy. Check out the report via Yahoo News below:

The Outside Organization, which counts the troubled retro-soul sensation among its clients, said in an e-mail that Winehouse — who shot to fame with the autobiographical single “Rehab” — was disappointed but had been treated well by embassy staff.

“Amy has been progressing well since entering a rehabilitation clinic two weeks ago and although disappointed with the decision has accepted the ruling and will be concentrating on her recovery,” the Outside Organization said.

The statement didn’t say why her application was rejected. The U.S. Embassy in London declined to comment late Thursday. Shane O’Neill, Winehouse’s spokesman, said he had nothing to add to the statement.

The 24-year-old singer and her acclaimed “Back to Black” album are nominated in six categories at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday.

I guess it’s, somewhat, of a shame. There’s no doubt her past drug use had something too do with it. She’s fixing herself up now, which is what’s most important. The Grammy’s will come and go, but she only has one life.

Your thoughts?
Yes, I know it’s not everyday you see Madonna around these sides. However, upon the news that the 49 year old superstar would be working with hit-maker Timbaland for her forthcoming album, many in the Urban circles are anticipating what the pair come up with.
The first single from the as-yet-untitled album (due in April) is apparently this track, ‘4 Minutes To Save The World’ – which was produced and featured in by Timbo as well as Justin Timberlake. Judging by this very short clip, the track sounds like a hit, I can’t even deny it.

 

What do you think of the clip?
 

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Confirmed: Beyonce & Tiner Turner To Rock The Grammy'sThe Recording Academy today announced that Beyonce will take to the stage with the legendary Tina Turner at this Sunday’s 50th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. No further details were given on the performance. Other performers on the night include Fergie with John Legend, Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Aretha Franklin and a much speculated possible performance by Janet Jackson. {Source}With Beyonce having tore several pages out of Tina Turner’s book (hit up Youtube to see what I’m talking about), I’m thinking this performance will be a showstopper. The Grammy organisers really seem to be pulling out all the stops for their 50th.

Are you looking forward to Beyonce and Tina’s performance?

Jay-Z Teams With Mary J For US Tour
Two of Urban music’s biggest entities, Jay-Z and Mary J. Blige, are set to join forces for a 3 month North American tour. Billed as the ‘Heart of the City’ tour, Jay and Mary will kick off the 26-show arena trek on March 22nd in Miami and wrap up in May. Both artists latest efforts, ‘American Gangster’ and ‘Growing Pains’ respectively, are certified Platinum – after only a few months on sale.
Jay said in a statement: ‘The (songs) we’re playing are the soundtracks to people’s lives. We’ve poured our hearts out many a night in the studio and look forward to going one step further on stage.’ {Source}
I think it’s a great pairing. Jay and Mary have lasted the distance in the industry, so this tour will be a testament to that.

Will you be going to see Jay & Mary?
A listening session for select publications/websites, to hear Janet Jackson’s new album ‘Discipline’ was held in New York yesterday. That Grape Juice actually received an invite, yet, with such short notice, it wasn’t possible to make travel arrangements soon enough. Still, our good friend Soul Man over at SOHH Soulful did attend and kindly sent along this video. La Reid, Janet and Jermaine Dupri were all in attendance:

Great interview.

Tidbits: The official promotional trailer for ‘Discipline’ can be viewed by clicking here // I’ve posted the Janet Xone (fansite) write-up of the session in the comments section. Enjoy.

Any thoughts?

Despite having released his third album ‘Go!’ this past December, Mario is already prepping the follow-up, with a ‘Sometime in 2008’ released date pencilled in. This new track ‘Me & My Girl’ is said to be the first taste of what the 21 year old singer will be serving up on his new project. Though I’ve heard better from Mario (See: ‘Music For Love’…my song), this is solid R&B – which is what he does best.

Hit or Miss?

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Laurie Ann ‘Boom-Kack’ Gibson’s video for her debut single ‘Addictive’ premiered on BET’s 106 & Park yesterday:

Lord, where do I begin? Terrible. Horrid song, even worse video. BET know they were wrong for even premiering this mess. I guess the fact that Making The Band is being screened now has something to do with the release of this.

What do you think about the video?

Word has it 50 Cent’s G-Unit clothing line has gone under:

According to inside sources, G-Unit Clothing is shutting down, with its last business day this Friday.

The brand was a joint venture with 50 Cent, who entered into a (what else?) 50/50 partnership with Ecko.

Senior marketing department staff were recently let go, as was the brand’s design team. {Source}

With rumors of in-fighting among G-Unit, as well as waning relevancy in today’s chart, things aren’t looking too good for 50. Still, having lined his pockets up nicely over the years, I doubt he’s too fussed….Scratch that; 50’s ego definitely has taken a knock with this one. Oh well.

Your thoughts?

Wendy’s interview with the boys from Making The Band 4 was posted earlier, however the famed shock-jock also interviewed the ladies of Danity Kane.
I’m still in hysterics at this interview. I won’t spoil it, but Wendy and co put the girls through their paces lol lol.

LISTEN: Danity Kane On Wendy Williams Show
Confirmed: Jennifer Lopez Having Twins Jennifer Lopez’s father has confirmed that the pregnant singer/actress is, indeed, expecting twins. See the report below via MSNBC:

LOS ANGELES – Jennifer Lopez is having twins, the singer/actresses father, David Lopez told Escándalo TV.

The elder Lopez’s admission is the first official confirmation from the singer’s family.

“Yes, twins,” he told the Spanish language TV show, People reported. “The thing is in my family, my sister also had twins, so it’s a hereditary thing,” he said.

And he already has gifts for the impending arrivals.

“In Puerto Rico it’s custom to buy an azabache [jet black, stone] bracelet for babies to protect them from the evil eye, it’s part of our culture,” he said.

Lopez said he was thrilled for his daughter.

“I’m very proud,” Lopez said. “Jennifer has yearned to be a mother for many years.”

Congratulations to Jennifer and husband Marc.

Your thoughts?

The Game Given Four Month Jail TermThe Game has struck a plea deal with prosecutors in his assault/weapons possession case, opting to serve four months in the slammer instead of going to court. Speaking to ‘Monsta Magazine’, the West Coast rapper, who maintains his innocence, explains the reason for his decision:

“The crazy part about this is that I’ve had guns before in my life. But this time I didn’t have a gun. And because one person said I had a gun and coaxed his homies into saying that I had a gun, I’m in a predicament where I’m asking ‘do I want to spend another million dollars to fight this trial so who knows what jury’s gonna come in and say I’m guilty? Or do I want to save my money, go sit down for four months and accept this felony they’re trying to give me for no reason?”
{Source}

Go to jail for something you didn’t do? I’m not buying that. IMO, he either did it or is just plain dumb.

Any thoughts?
Day26 Appear On Wendy Williams ShowThe guys from MTV’s Making The Band 4 – now known collectively as Day26 – made an appearance on shock-jock Wendy Williams’ WBLS radio show yesterday. Typically, Wendy and Charlamange got on them HARD; they had me rolling with the digs at Qwanell lol lol lol. The most hilarious interview I’ve heard in a long while.

Your thoughts?

LISTEN: Day26 On Wendy Williams Show
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