That Grape Juice can confirm that Usher‘s forthcoming LP ‘Raymond v. Raymond’ will finally hit stores on March 30th. Peep part of the press release we just received from the singer’s label, which relays more info about what to expect from the project and promo plans:

Raymond v. Raymond finds the iconic singer addressing various topics reflecting the dichotomies of life. It is described as a natural follow-up to Usher’s ground-breaking 2004 Confessions album which earned him the distinction of being the “Top Hot 100 Artist of the Decade” with 13 consecutive top 20 singles (seven reaching No. 1 and collectively spending the most weeks atop the chart for any act in the decade) according to Billboard magazine. The new album contains the smoldering signature ballads and hypnotic up-tempos the multi-talented, all around entertainer is known for.

Leading up to the release Usher will appear in a number of high profile performances kicking off with the 2010 Grammy’s on January 31st (CBS); followed by a half-time performance on the NBA All-Star Game on February 14th (TNT); and he will headline the final Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, Nightly Victory Ceremony Concert on February 27th (NBC).

Additionally, TNT joined forces with Usher to feature his song “More” as part of the network’s marketing campaign for the 2010 NBA All-Star Game. TNT filmed an exclusive music video with Usher that will serve as a promotional spot airing in 600 Regal Cinemas beginning Friday, Jan. 29th. In addition, the video will be used as part of the network’s campaign to promote its exclusive coverage of the 2010 NBA All-Star Game in Dallas, TX on Sunday, Feb. 14th.

MTV will exclusively premiere his “Hey Daddy (Daddy’s Home)” video, directed by Chris Robinson, tomorrow (Thursday, January 28th) at 6AM EST.

After a few hiccups along the way, it appears things finally seem to be shaping up well for Usher with this project. I’ve been feeling much of the heard material thus far, hence I’m definitely looking forward to this one. Roll on March 30th…

Your thoughts?

After the atrocious performance of Jennifer Lopez‘s Stateside comeback single ‘Louboutins’, the 40 year old diva is hoping for more success with ‘Everybody’s Girl’ – her new single in International markets. The song ‘surfaced’ a few moments ago; the question is, though…is it any good?

Thankfully from Ms. Jenny From The Block, the song is actually pretty decent. Penned by Wynter Gordon and produced by Mike Caren, the Pop-meets-Dance fusion positions Jennifer right in the mix of what’s hot on the charts right now. It helps that the song itself is probably some of the best material she’s served up in a few years (mind you, that’s not saying a whole lot). Whether it will strike it lucky among listeners will be interesting to see; in fairness to J.LO, it’s her first offering in a while that deserves to.

‘Everybody’s Girl’ is lifted from Jennifer’s new LP ‘Love?’ which hits stores in April

Hit or Miss?

Pop phenomenon Lady GaGa has raised a staggering $500,000 (half a million) for the Haiti earthquake relief fund.

The 23 year old donated merchandise profits from the ticket sales of  her concert in New York on January 24th, as well from her website on the same day, to help victims of the disaster:

Speaking at the final date of her US ‘Monster Ball’ tour at Purdue University, the 23-year-old announced the total donation figure.

“On ‘GaGa For Haiti’ day, in just 24 hours, with very minimal marketing and planning, all the little monsters all over the world made over half a million dollars for Haiti relief,” she told the audience.”I know Bravado fell off their chair – that’s who sells all my merchandise – they couldn’t believe it! So let’s sing along for Haiti right now!” {Source}

Kudos to her for using her star-power for good.

Remember, you can donate anything you can afford to the Haiti earthquake relief efforts. Click here for more info.

Your thoughts?

After a brief rest on the bench, our Best You Never Heard feature returns this week with little known gems by Ashanti, Fantasia, Mario and Alexandra Burke.

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Ashanti – You’re Gonna Miss

Ashanti‘s criminally underrated LP ‘The Declaration’ (2008) housed many a hit, with one of its best offerings being ‘You’re Gonna Miss’. Produced by LT Hutton, the 80’s inspired Synth-Pop meets R&B cut had ‘winner’ written all over it; which makes the lacklustre performance of the album (due to industry politics etc) all the more unfortunate. Still, regardless of the record’s eventual fate, we’ve still been gifted gems like this. Awesome track.

Listen:

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Fantasia – Til My Baby Comes Home

The incomparable Fantasia served up the hotness on her remake of Luther Vandross’ ‘Til My Baby Comes Home’ from 2005. Lifted from ‘So Amazing…An All-Star Tribute To Luther Vandross’ compilation, the American Idol alum took the song to church and beyond! Passionately sung and really capturing the essence of the track’s lyrical narrative, Ms. Barrino’s version, IMO, gives the original an undeniable run for its money. Some 5 years later, I cannot get enough of ‘Tasia’s vocal runs and riffs on this one. The business.

Listen:

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Alexandra Burke – Nothing But The Girl

It’s a given that X-Factor sensation Alexandra Burke has a level of talent which positions her as world-class. However the material on her otherwise successful debut ‘Overcome’ didn’t really provide her the firmest of foundations to showcase that (though she ‘s making the best of what’s she’s been given and nailing each and every live performance). The album does indeed boast a few gems though, one of the biggest stand-outs being ‘Nothing But The Girl’. Penned by Ne-Yo, the song is a delicious slice of Electro-Pop, with a side helping of R&B. If there’s any justice in the world (or her label lol) this has to be a single at some point in the albums shelf-life.

Listen:

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Mario – Music For Love

R&B crooner Mario delivered his strongest offering yet with 2007’s ‘Music For Love’. Featured on the 24 yea old’s equally as great  ‘Go!’ LP, the track is a metaphorical nod to the art of making love. Though such a topic is much-treaded on territory in R&B, the song separates itself from the masses with ridiculously clever wordplay, which makes for it to sound sensual as opposed to sleazy. Some may call it a stretch, but this is a modern day R&B classic, which most certainly should have received the single treatment. Interestingly, a video was in the pipeline, yet was axed for unknown reasons.

Listen:

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Hit(s) or Miss(es)?

Ciara continues to make her mark on Paris’ Fashion Week. Givenchy held a cocktail reception in the French capital last night honouring the ‘Promise’ singer, who was dressed from head-to-toe in a dazzling ensemble from fashion house.

Kanye West and long-time girlfriend Amber Rose were also in attendance. Peep more pictures below…

Your thoughts?

As many of you may know, you can now follow That Grape Juice on Twitter! Adding to the ever-expanding ways to be apart of the That Grape Juice community, our Twitter page allows you to receive up-to-the-minute updates about the latest posts on the site as well as what’s happening in the Urban Pop Culture world more generally.

Be sure to follow That Grape Juice’s Trent as well….

Click here to follow Trent’s Twitter too!

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The That Grape Juice Facebook Group has been up and popping for a while now. Work, school, college, home, wherever; I’m sure many of you – like myself – spend a ridiculous amount of time on Facebook. Yes, it’s ‘that’ addictive!

Why not, then, combine your daily Urban Pop Culture fix with social networking and come be a part of the rapidly growing That Grape Juice Facebook community. Along with the thousands who have already joined (thank you all!), you will be the first to get word on upcoming interviews, competitions, view exclusive pictures and much much more. The discussion board/wall also gives you the chance to interact with other ‘Grape Juice readers moreso now than ever before.

It’s an open group, so anyone can join – invite all your friends too!

Click here to join That Grape Juice On Facebook

As previously reported, the first single to be lifted from Monica‘s forthcoming ‘Still Standing’ LP is ‘Everything To Me’.

A shorter edit of the song, which is the most added at Mainstream and AC radio this week, had been floating around for a few weeks. However, the director of  single’s video reportedly required a longer track, hence a bridge and a few other tweaks have been added. After initially not being too big on the song, it’s starting to grow on me. Take a listen below:

Hit or Miss?

It has been confirmed that next single to be lifted from Alexandra Burke‘s smash debut LP, ‘Overcome’, will be ‘The Silence’. The stirring ballad, which you can listen to below, was produced by hit-maker RedOne and is set for release March/April.

As one of the few songs that I out rightly love on Ms. Burke’s record, I’m glad it’s receiving the single treatment. Alex delivers a stunning vocal performance on this one; a performance which is sure to further solidify her status as one of most gifted acts to emerge in recent years. In any case; for those who’ve yet to hear it, check out the song below:

Hit or Miss?

TLC star Chilli is the latest known name to jump on the reality TV bandwagon. However unlike the likes of Monica and Fantasia, Chilli’s show will not centre on her music career. Instead, the singer, real name Rozonda Thomas, is looking for love (Flava Flav and Ray J style) with her new VH1 show ‘What Chilli Wants’. Check out the casting call sent out for the show, which is set to premiere on March 28th, below:

She is known as a superstar around the world. Her exotic looks have been featured in People Magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful.” She is a Pop and R&B Legend, and one of the best selling artists of all time… and she is looking for one man to show her some TLC.

Known to millions of fans worldwide as a music icon who put the “sexy” in CrazySexyCool, she has the fame, the fan-mail, and the friends to last a lifetime. Her name is CHILLI, and she is ready to meet the man whose heart of gold can shine with her own.

Doron Ofir Casting, in association with FremantleMedia North America and VH1, are seeking eligible bachelors of caliber for the possible introduction to a legendary artist who is ready to groove with the man of her dreams.

Are you worthy of meeting the woman behind the music, behind the reputation, behind the stardom? Get ready to meet the real deal, because once you take away all the fame, a remarkable woman awaits you.

Now casting single men who appear to be between the ages of 25 and 40, who have the sex appeal, personality, good looks, success and heart to date a major music artist who is looking to find her true love. {Source}

While I will reserve full judgement until I actually see the show, this sure as hell looks embarrassing on paper. Has it really come to this? Moreover, what happened to her supposed solo deal and album ‘Bi-Polar’? SMH…

Your thoughts?

Diva Mariah Carey showed her more playful side by surprising husband of 2 years Nick Cannon by prank calling  his radio show today. The ‘We Belong Together’ singer called into ‘Rollin’ With Nick Cannon’ on New York’s 92.3FM during a discussion on ‘Is porn bad for your relationship.’ You can listen to the hilarity which ensued below:

Hilarious! LMAO.

Your thoughts?

R&B star Ciara was the talk of the town in Paris today – for both good and not so good reasons. The ‘Love Sex Magic’ singer wowed onlookers at the Givenchy haute couture fashion show on one of the fashion houses ensembles.

However, photographers were reportedly incensed that  the 24 year old turned up some 40 minutes late, as she had been touted as the main attracted to shoot because of what she’d be wearing – and the fact no reason was given for her late arrival. Nonetheless, Ms. Harris did apologise on her way in.

In all honesty, though, who cares about a late arrival when she looked this good. Peep more pics below!

Your thoughts?

This viral video has been making the rounds as of late. At present, all that is known is that clip, titled ‘9.20.19.13.5.723378’, is that it’s in support of a highly-anticipated release. What’s more, it was posted under the Youtube account ‘iamamiwhoami’

Any guesses as to who it is?