20 years after its release, Lil’ Kim’s ‘Hardcore’ remains hard-hitting. With an incredible singles-run, iconic videos and impressive chart stats, the Queen Bee delivered a debut era that defined dynamite.
From The Vault ventures back to that time with the female anthem ‘Ladies Night’ (Not Tonight Remix).’
The cut was co-billed ‘Not Tonight,’ yet the version serviced a single was this remix. And, though the original was produced by Jermaine Dupri, the incarnation of the track that was a worldwide hit was helmed by Rashad ‘Ringo’ Smith.
It famously (and heavily) sampled Kool & The Gang classic ‘Ladies Night’ and saw Kim backed by the fiercest female squad. Who else but Missy Elliott, Left Eye, Da Brat, and Angie Martinez. The latter of whom is renown for her radio career, yet at the time was dabbling in Rap.
This A-list cast managed to take the song all the way up to #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Rap charts; Kim’s third consecutive on that tally. It peaked at #11 on the UK Singles Chart and was a Top 5 hit in New Zealand, reaching #4.
Directed by Lance Riveira, the accompanying visual was a girl power affair and featured notable cameos from Mary J. Blige, Queen Latifah, T-Boz, groups Xscape, SWV, Total and Blaque, as well as actress Maia Campbell.
Scenes of the ladies performing were juxtaposed with clips of them being pampered by chiselled assistants. Also inter-spliced was footage from the movie ‘Nothing To Lose’ – starring Martin Lawrence – for which the song was included on the soundtrack.
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Togetherness. It’s a concept that seems to be long forgotten when assessing today’s musical climate. One need not look beyond the “bad bitches” solely needing themselves on their “team.” Or the posters glorifying the “bad blood” which exists between them. The modern crop of female acts have taken the “lonely at the top” concept and run with it. Olympic style.
Kim’s gripe with some of today’s top femcees has often centered on their “supposed” lack of solidarity. Which, regardless of which side of the argument one falls on, is difficult to deny.
In any case, songs such as this, ‘Lady Marmalade,’ ‘Telephone’ and ‘Bang Bang’ prove that there aren’t many things as impactful as female acts united on a track.
We patiently await the next. In the meantime…
Your thoughts?
Lady Gaga is to return to ‘American Horror Story’ following her win at the Golden Globes.
Good news for the entertainer’s fans below…
Lady Gaga is on whimsical winning streak of late.
Accolades, including a Golden Globe have been showered upon the singer, who is being tipped for Oscar success too.
Before then, the 2016 Grammy Awards is her closest stop and she’s paired up with Intel to ensure it’ll be all sorts of impactful.
Beyond confirmation that the showing will be a David Bowie tribute, secrecy has encased the performance. However the tech giant, the show’s committee, and the singer’s Haus of Gaga imprint have teamed to share a preview of what fans can expect from Mother Monster at the February 15th spectacle.
Check it out below…
Last night, the NAACP Image Awards 2016 aired live on TVOne.
The annual extravaganza, which celebrates the successes of people of color, was this year was hosted by ‘Black-ish’ star Anthony Anderson.
Achievements by performers in film and TV were spotlighted yesterday, with previous awards presented on February 4th for accomplishments in music, literature and animation.
The likes of Michael B. Jordan, Jill Scott, and ‘Empire’ landed a number of wins. Check out full list of winners for the 47th annual NAACP Image Awards below…
Lady Gaga‘s comeback as a musician may have the full support of her fan base but it seems that things aren’t as straight forward when it comes to ‘American Horror Story’, the TV series in which she stars.
Details below…
Moments ago, the nominations for the Oscars 2016 were announced. And while the list brought with it an honor for Urban hit ‘Straight Outta Compton,’ glaringly apparent was one worrying fact:
Not a single actor or actress of color received a nomination in any of the in the four main acting categories. This despite 20 slots in total being up for grabs.
Full story below…
It’s Grammy nomination time!
Music’s biggest calendar night, the 58th annual Grammy Awards, are set to air February 15th 2016 live on CBS.
The industry’s brightest stars will align to shine at the event, which will boast performances from the creme de la creme.
Today, excitement for the ceremony soared to new heights as its committee reveals which artists have been nominated in which categories.
What are you waiting for? The nominations for the 2016 Grammys await below…
Justin Bieber, Fifth Harmony and Jason Derulo were among those who enjoyed all the 2015 MTV European Music Awards served up yesterday evening.
There, the stars rocked the stage, picked up awards and mingled with each other backstage months after doing the same at the MTV Video Music Awards!
Missed out on the action and need highlights?
We’ve got you covered…
Readers of That Grape Juice know what avid music lovers we are – especially of hits past.
So, just as our retrospective features ‘From the Vault’ and ‘TGJ Replay’ allow us the chance to re-spin the gems and jams of yesterday of one artist, our newest feature Chart Rewind – a variation of our current Retro Rewind assay – accedes salutes to an entire era of music history.
This week we press play on ‘The First Night’ – Monica’s very first #1 hit on the Hot 100 as a solo artist. Following the history-making success that was ‘The Boy Is Mine’ (the song), Mo’s sophomore effort of the same name would find an impressive follow-up with the Diana Ross-sampled number. Leap-frogging over her Brandy-tag teamed tune this week in 1998 to hit the #2 spot, ‘Night’ eventually dethroned chart champion ‘I Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing’ (Aerosmith) the week of October 3rd that year and not only gave the singer her first #1, but also her 6th top 10 entry.
Fast forward nearly 20 years later and we’re still just as in love with it now as we were then. Tuck in below to see the other familiar faces that lined the top 20 this week that year:
Seattle Seahawks star Russell Wilson is doing far more than rocking the National Football League with epic performances these days.
For, the philanthropic athlete has now found a friend in the world of fashion, topping ‘Vanity Fair’s 2015 International Best Dressed List.’
Details below…
The 2015 BET Awards are almost upon us!
Set to air June 28th live from LA Live at the Nokia Theater, the show promises a host of must-see moments – especially as it’s the 15th anniversary of the Urban extravaganza.
To celebrate the major milestone, That Grape Juice are counting down our Top 15 BET Awards Moments from past ceremonies.
Without further ado, check our picks out below…
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