Mariah Carey may have lost out on the opportunity to trademark the ‘Queen of Christmas’ titling officially, but all signs from her annual holiday season domination point to the diva being the season’s reigning monarch.

Having already made her perennial stamp on book shelves (‘The Christmas Princess‘) and music charts (‘All I Want For Christmas is You’) with her festive offerings, Carey set her sights on TV ratings with the December 20-aired CBS concert special ‘Merry Christmas To All.’

Refreshed ratings reports suggest the Queen not only came, but she also conquered in a BIG way.

Details inside.

(more…)

SNL‘ may be no stranger to seeing their music video parodies elevated to viral status on social media over the years, but none seem to have caught on quite like the SZA-led ‘Big Boys’ featured on the legendary variety show’s December 3 episode.

Blazed with hilarious verses from the night’s hostess KeKe Palmer (as well as ‘SNL’ cast members Ego Nwodim, Cecily Stron, and Punkie Johnson), the deliciously catchy tune came as a seasonal ode to plus-sized men.

“It’s cuffin’ season / And now we’ve got a reason / To get a big boy, I need a big boy / Give me a big boy / It’s cuffin’ season / And all the girls are leavin’ / To get a big boy,” SZA croons on the Hip-Hop-inspired track.

If traction on Tik Tok is anything to judge by, ‘Big Boys’ has clearly resonated with many as reports have its been used as a sound in over half a million videos on the platform.

Look inside to see what the GRAMMY winner had to say about its gargantuan online response.

(more…)

Grief can and often is gripping and all-encompassing. And it’s reality Offset has revealed he’s become oh so aware of in the wake of the death of his Migos bandmate Takeoff.

The MC was tragically killed on November 1 after being hit by a bullet at a party in Houston.

Having spoken up and out in the immediate frame of the incident, Offset is opening up the more.

Full story below…

(more…)

Alicia Keys unwrapped a very special performance for Apple Music Live.

Currently in the thick of promotion for her holiday album ‘December Back 2 June,’ the songbird paired up with the streamer for a unique campaign that sees the project live exclusively on the platform. It all built towards a festive concert experience that can also be steamed as an LP in and of itself.

To give a flavor of what to expect, watch Keys take flight with ‘Santa Baby’ below…

(more…)

As the critical acclaim for her inaugural holiday LP, ‘Santa Baby,’ is still rolling in, 15-time GRAMMY winner Alicia Keys continues to unwrap new projects for her dedicated fans in support of the festive effort.

The latest musical gift comes courtesy of the long-teased ‘Apple Music Live’ album which followed her 2022 Holiday Masquerade Ball Wednesday (December 21).

Recorded live from New York City’s United Palace Theatre, the 19-track album not only features fan favorites ‘Fallin,’ ‘Girl on Fire,’ ‘You Don’t Know My Name,’ ‘No One,’ and more, but also live renditions of all her yuletide cuts ‘The Christmas Song,’ ‘December Back 2 June,’ ‘Please Come Home For Christmas,’ and many more.

Stream the Apple Music exclusive inside.

(more…)

Whitney Houston‘s hotly anticipated biopic ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’ delves into many layers of the late legend’s life – including her complicated relationship with ex-husband Bobby Brown.

The exploration of the highly-publicized union in the Kasi Lemmons-directed film doesn’t shy away from the controversy. However, it skillfully showcases other dimensions of the couple’s dynamic too.

Ashton Sanders plays R&B bad boy Brown.

Speaking EXCLUSIVELY with That Grape Juice, the actor says that his portrayal is one rooted in the “deep love” Bobby and Whitney shared. Opening up to TGJ’s Chet Kincaid, Sanders unpacks how he sees the pair as “soul mates.” 

Watch the interview above.

***********

‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’ premieres in US theaters on December 23 and arrives in the UK on December 26.

Your thoughts?

Whitney Houston‘s illustrious life in front of the camera and behind it is illuminated like never before in ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’ – the first and only official biopic centered on the late legend.

Directed by Kasi Lemmons and produced by ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’s Anthony McCarten, the film is also co-helmed by Houston’s Estate as well as her mentor, music mogul Clive Davis.

The result is an immaculate yet raw retelling of a story like no other. The intricacies of the layers that made up the icon’s compelling life – such as love, family,  and “that” voice – are explored in earnest, as are Houston’s well-documented struggles.

That Grape Juice‘s Maya Egbo sat down with Naomi Ackie, who plays the superstar.

The 31-year-old Brit-bred actress opened up about her transformation in Houston, the surprising learnings during the preparation process, and her favorite Nippy moments.

Watch the EXCLUSIVE interview above.

***********

‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’ premieres in US theaters on December 23 and arrives in the UK on December 26.

Your thoughts?

Ari Lennox has made a surprising announcement.

For, despite still being considered an artist on the rise, the R&B belle has revealed that her forthcoming ‘age/sex/location’ tour (which is being mounted in support of her album of the same name) will be her…last.

Full story below…

(more…)

The modern music market has evolved from localized pockets to a gargantuan global village.

Indeed, the power of modern technology has bulldozed barriers and created a world of exploration and opportunity for millions – both in the established music mega-spheres and in those developing their own.

The Middle East especially has emerged as one of the most activated arenas for the latter and it’s a trajectory that looks set to continue thanks to XP Music Futures and MDLBeast SOUNDSTORM.

Housed in the heart of Riyadh, the multi-day extravaganzas champion both the back and front ends of the industry.

Indeed, XP Music Futures magnetizes many of the key figures who are forces behind some of the world’s biggest record labels, digital platforms, and artists. Attendees are also given the opportunity to “meet the makers,” facilitating the rare one-on-one acquisition of knowledge and fostering unprecedented networking potential.

Following on its heels, MDLBeast SOUNDSTORM unites an eclectic mix of homegrown heroes with music megastars for a once-in-a-lifetime euphoric experience. Boasting state-of-the-art stages that must be seen to be believed, the festival plays host to electrifying performances that reverberate well beyond the final song. This year’s line-up was particularly popping with seismic sets from the likes of Bruno Mars, DJ Khaled, Post Malone, and David Guetta.

That Grape Juice was on hand for a rousing week in Riyadh. Check out our Top 5 moments from our unforgettable excursion…

(more…)

Taylor Swift continues her chart dominance.

For, she has just reached the summit of another major chart.

Full story below…

(more…)

Music has always been the place where possibilities happen. If there is one thing that this year has shown us, it is that those possibilities are endless.

From perfect Pop songs to dazzling R&B gems, and reflective Hip-Hop hooks, many artists showed up and showed out this year. Some were subtle in their delivery and others took to the dance floor to dance away the angst.

Whatever the occasion may be, these artists crafted the year’s best songs.

Find out which artists and songs made the cut for the best songs of 2022…

(more…)

Chris Brown has a hit on his hands.

Case in point, he is returning to the #1 position.

Full story below…

(more…)

**