Latavia Roberson‘s story has been a rollercoaster to say the least.

Rising to fame as one-fourth of the top-selling quartet (and later trio) Destiny’s Child, her unceremonious ousting from the group led her to find her own way in the fickle music industry.  A way, mind you, that’s seen her try her hand at being part of another group before spreading her solo wings, eventually landing on a spinoff of TV One’s ‘R&B Divas’ franchise and later venturing away from her R&B roots to give a go at electronic dance music (EDM) with 2017’s ‘Best Time of Your Life.’

Now, some 17 years after her departure from DC4, the songstress is readying a tell-all book, ‘I Am Latavia:  My Story. My Destiny.’  Originally announced in late 2016, the memoir has been repackaged with an accompanying docuseries to not only detail her time with and after the group, but also her personal struggles (i.e. molestation, miscarriage, and more)…

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From The Vault is back this week with a yet another Urban classic courtesy of a a prolific femcee and a premium R&B songbird.

Today’s pick is ‘Gangsta Lovin’’ by Eve and Alicia Keys.

After the chart success of previous singles ‘Who’s That Girl ?’ and ‘Let Me Blow Ya Mind,’ the pressure was on for the Ruff Ryder‘s star to keep the momentum going after her breakthrough era. And that’s exactly what she did in 2002 with ‘Lovin’’.

The first offering from the rapper’s third LP ’Eve-Olution’, it featured then-new Alicia Keys, who was riding high from stellar reviews and sales of her debut album.

Murder INC’s Irv Gotti served as producer. Already known as industry exec, he was (at the time) becoming noted for crafting hits for the likes of Jennifer Lopez; namely ‘I’m Real (Remix)’ remix and ‘Ain’t it Funny’ – which both went #1 in the US.

‘Lovin” became a worldwide hit peaking at #2 in the US, #4 in Australia and #6 in the UK. Billboard named it the 19th biggest song of the year 2002.

Director X – then Little X – directed the summer-soaked video. E-V-E and Ms Keys can be seen lounging by the pool and on the beach. A life of luxury.

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We’re still waiting for a proper follow-up era to this from Eve; her tone and flow would work wonders in today’s musical landscape especially with female Hip-Hop garnering attention again. As for Alicia, we need her next album to be a bit less ‘Here’ but more ‘Gangsta Lovin’’ and ‘No One.’ Strong melodies, with street but sweet appeal.

Before these ladies grant our wishes, we’d like to know: when it comes to the “greats”, is there a rap-sung collaboration you’re still waiting to witness?

Your thoughts?

In less than 24 hours, pop crooner Sam Smith‘s new single, ‘Too Good at Goodbyes,’ has said “hello” to the #1 spot on U.S. real-time iTunes charts.

His long-awaited return and first official release since 2015’s ‘Writings on the Wall,’ the song – written by Smith, Jimmy Napes and production duo Stargate – has also found itself at #1 at iTunes in over 20 other countries including the U.K., Canada, Australia, and more…

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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 have a taste for ‘Honey,’ the first single from Mariah Carey‘s sixth studio album, ‘Butterfly’ [click here to read our full-length ode to the opus]… 

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Nicki Minaj made bank when she signed a lucrative deal with Wilhelmina, the modelling agency which stands as one of the strongest in the world.

Now, shortly before the unveiling of her new album, she has learned that her collaborator Bill Wackermann has spilled details on why he signed her.

What he had to say will astound you!

Positivity below…

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Another day, another drama.

Today? A continuation of the feud between Beyonce‘s fans and Taylor Swift’s friend and collaborator Joseph Kahn.

It all started when Bey’s fans took to the net to accuse Kahn of stealing ideas from her ‘Formation’ visual to build a scene in Swift’s epic ‘Look What You Made Me Do’ video.

Today, Kahn has revealed that he finds it funny that he has been accused of stealing from Beyonce because he believes Beyonce is stealing from him!

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Michel Gondry, renown for directing films such as ‘Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind,’ has revealed a recent collaboration with Beyonce.

Speaking to La Presse while in Montreal, he elaborated on his current slate of productions. What stood out most, though, was his mentioning of working with the ‘Formation’ singer.

The 54-year-old-director had this to say about the unidentified project…

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Holiday maven Mariah Carey is bringing her special brand of festive to the animated movie arena.

As reported, Mimi’s classic ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ is being spun into a cartoon film – voiced by Carey herself.

The flick, which features the iconic track together with a brand new song, arrives on DVD and Blu-Ray later this year. And to whet appetites, the diva has unwrapped a first look trailer.

Check it out after the jump…

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Disney has been accused of attempting to white wash their Guy Ritchie-led ‘Aladdin‘ reboot after creating and placing a brand new white character with no ties to the original movie and throwing him into the mix.

Why it now faces the threat of a boycott?

Full story below…

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Porsha Williams, the star of Bravo’s ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’, has revealed that she is to take to the stage for a ‘Two Can Play That Game’ remake alongside Vivica A. Fox.

Good news for the fan favourite below…

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Day 26 is back!

Keen to rise to new levels a decade since their formation on Diddy’s ‘Makin Da Band‘, the group rocked fans this summer with sold-out live shows and the promise of a new album.

Before its release, the five-piece force landed at Essence HQ to bare all like never before in an interview with Makho Ndlovu.

How they really feel about Diddy?

The answer to that question and more below…

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Fans of Pop superstars Janet Jackson and Beyonce have swarmed Twitter to protest against the possibility of a Justin Timberlake ‘Super Bowl Halftime Show.’

Why they’re against the idea? Racism and sexism.

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