The video for Kanye West’s latest single ‘Stronger’ debuted on TRL today. As with most things Kanye, the video is a kinda left-field and I’m liking it. Directed by Hype Williams, the big-budget video features many special effects – though they are, somewhat, hit and miss. Cassie plays the female interest in the vid too. ‘Stronger’ is the official first single from Kanye’s third album ‘Graduation’ (due August 21st) and was preceded by buzz single ‘Can’t Tell Me Nothing’.

What do you think of the video?

‘Tears Dry On Their Own’ is latest single to be lifted from Amy Winehouse’s breakthrough album ‘Back to Black’. The track is one of my personal favourites from the album and I’m glad it was chosen as a single. Though this David LaChapelle directed video isn’t all that great, it’s still pretty decent and doesn’t take away from what is a great song

What do you think of the video?

It appears Eve isn’t wasting any time releasing singles from her upcoming album ‘Here I Am’ (due August 7th). As her current single ‘Tambourine’ climbs the charts, the rapper has already shot the video for the follow-up single ‘Give It To You’ – which features Sean Paul. Judging from these pics from the set, the video looks like its gonna be a good one. Be on the lookout for the video in the coming weeks.

What do you think of the pics?

Thanks all those who entered the Kelly Rowland ‘Ms. Kelly’ competition. The correct answer to the question:

What Was Destiny’s Child’s First #1 Single?
a) No, No, No
The single was the group’s first #1 on any chart – hitting the top spot on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip Hop chart in 1998.

Competition Winners (chosen at random):
1) Nicholas Gallo – Chicago, Illinois
2) Alexander Kelly – Norfolk, England
3) Sherrin Perkins – Los Angeles, California
4) Anita Owusu Dors – London, England
5) Dwayne Mactavious – British Virgin Islands
Congratulations to all the winners (you have also been notified via email).

Keep it locked on That Grape Juice for upcoming competitions…

As Ja Rule preps his comeback album ‘The Mirror’ (due for release later this year), another track from the set has surfaced. ‘Uh Oh’ sees the INC rapper team up with Lil’ Wayne for what is a great collaboration. The production is really on-point, as well as Ja’s flow. Lil’ Wayne does his thing on the track too. I’m feeling alot of Ja’s new material and will definitely be on the lookout for his new CD.

 

Hit or Miss?

{Link Removed As Requested}

With her Stateside promotional campaign in full swing, Kelly Rowland stopped by the Today Show this morning to perform her current single ‘Like This’. Judging from this performance, it seems the European performances were simply warm-ups because she delivered majorly. From the live band, to the improved choreography and the overall energy, this performance was on-point. I’m really anxious to see how she does tomorrow a the 2007 BET Awards.

What do you think of Kelly’s performance?

Chris Brown’s ‘Wall to Wall’ video debuted earlier on today. The song is the first single to be taken from Brown’s sophomore album ‘Exclusive’ (due August 28th). I really applaud him for thinking out of the box with this video – which has a Michael Jackson ‘Thriller’ vibe to it. I was expecting the typical ‘club’ type of vid. Having said that, the video isn’t all that spectacular and the effects at times can become kinda jarring. Still, as usual, Chris came hard with the choreography and shows his competitors why he’s at the top of his game.

What do you think of the video?

R&B star LeToya Luckett is hard at work on the follow-up to her self-titled debut. According to our friends at Rap-Up.com, a November release date has been pencilled in for the currently-untitled disc, which will drop via Capitol Music Group. Most interesting, however, is the producer line up – which is set to include Dr Dre, Rodney ‘Darkchild’ Jerkins and Babyface.
I’m really anticipating LeToya’s new CD; her first was, for me, one of last year’s best R&B offerings. The Darkchild production is definitely one of the things I’ll be checking for, as I’ve always wondered how she’d fare on one of his tracks. I’m hoping she gets the increased label support she deserves this time around, though. Capitol kinda dropped the ball after the release of ‘Torn’, with ‘She Don’t’ being a weak 2nd single choice. Still, with the last album being certified Platinum, the label are bound to know that they’re onto something with LeToya.

Are you anticipating LeToya’s new album?

With the 2007 BET Awards just days away, it has been revealed that Beyonce will be performing ‘Get Me Bodied’ at the annual show. Hailed by many as one the better tracks from her ‘B’Day’ album, no doubt she’ll give a great performance. According to her longtime dancer, Tyrell Washington, the Grammy-Award winning superstar will be joined onstage by a ‘special guest’. I’m kinda thrown off as to who the ‘guest’ may be…

Who do you think the ‘guest’ is?
Following the news, earlier this week, that Janet Jackson is currently recording a new album in Miami, Pharrell Williams has announced his involvement in the project. Williams, who has just finished work on both Britney and J.Lo’s new albums, told radio station Hot 97 that he is scheduled to go into the studio with Janet toward the end of July.

Janet’s new CD is shaping up to be pretty interesting. With likely contributions from Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, JD, Ne-Yo, and now Pharrell, the album will hopefully propel Janet to the top of the charts again. The ‘All for You’ singer is reportedly now signed to Island Def Jam.

Does Janet have what it takes to be successful again?

This new Mike Jones track ‘Bonnie & Clyde’ is slated to appear on his upcoming album ‘The American Dream’ (due July 10th). The track, which features LeToya Luckett, is decent mid-tempo number. However, I’m not really feeling Mike’s talk-singing in parts of the song. LeToya does great on the hook, though. She’s really keeping her name out there in the run-up to the release of her as-yet-untitled sophomore CD.

Hit or Miss?
{Link Removed As Requested}

Some of you may remember Tiffany Evans from her roles in Tyler Perry movies ‘Madea’s Family Reunion’ and ‘Diary of a Mad Black Woman’. The 15 year old is set to release her debut album this year and ‘Promise Ring’ is the the lead single from the set. Interestingly, R&B star Ciara features on the track, singing backing vocals. I’m really liking the song and video; Tiffany has got a great voice and the choreography is on-point. It’s not often artists nowadays can both sing and dance, but Tiffany has both on lock. It’s great to see Ciara supporting an up-and-coming artist too.

What do you think of the song/video?

**