This week’s edition of ‘The Best You Never Heard’ serves up songs by Nivea, Luke & Q, Fya and Kiley Dean. You can drop me your suggestions for future installments at sam@thatgrapejuice.net

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Nivea – Okay (Red-Cup Remix)

It’s not often that a song’s remix is better than the original, however this was very much so the case with Nivea’s ‘Okay’. Featured on her 2005 effort ‘Complicated’ (along with the released version), the track boasts entirely new lyrics, production as well a feature by then-husband The Dream. The ‘Crunk Craze’ that swept the industry a few years ago makes it all the more understandable why the original was released instead of this standout cut.

Listen: Okay (Red-Cup Remix)

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Luke & Q – My Turn

Set for stardom back in 2003 as a protegee of Timbaland, Kiley Dean found herself at the receiving end of label drama – eventually severing ties with the hit-maker’s short lived Beat Club imprint. Having recorded two shelved albums for the label, the Timbaland produced ‘Kiss Me Like That’ stands as a personal favorite. Dean recently signed with Matthew Knowles and Music World, with an album slated to drop this year.

Listen: Kiss Me Like That

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Your thoughts: Hit(s) or Miss(es)?

Whitney Houston and rumored boyfriend Ray stepped out together for the second time this week, heightening speculation that they are, indeed, a couple. The pair posed for pictures while sitting front-row centre at the Hopkins vs. Calzaghe boxing match in Las Vegas, Nevada last night. While, I’ll reserve my judgement on them dating, it’s great to see Whitney looking happy and healthy. Tidbit: Whitney’s daughter Bobbi Kristina also accompanied her mother.

Any thoughts?

In an industry that seems bent on rehashing the same video/song formulas over and over, Missy continues to stand as a creative rarity.

Your thoughts?

Following Alicia Keys controversial comments on ‘Gangster Rap’ recently, the ever-outspoken 50 Cent has launched a scathing verbal attack on the singer:

“I don’t like Alicia Keys no more. If she thinks what they consider gangsta music is [made] to bring black people down then I think my sh*t falls into that category. I don’t like people who don’t like me. I don’t like her then because that’s what provides the life for me.

I think if you ask Ice Cube the same shit, he’ll tell you, “F*ck Alicia Keys” for even saying that. Because the success he’s had as an actor and a businessman, there was no opportunity for that sh*t without N.W.A. But I don’t think that [her] classical sh*t is cool. I don’t give a f*ck if you can classically play the piano. I haven’t been classically trained, because my upbringing, nobody put me in front of a piano at that time. If they did, I would know how to do it as well as she does. I could learn how to play the piano if I was passionate about it right now.

That’s obviously my perspective evaluating what she does, and I could f*cking care less about the sh*t. So she don’t like the music that embodies the harsh realities because they’re not her realities. She hasn’t been subjected to the same things”. {Source}

While 50 does present some valid points, his argument ultimately sinks when considering the wider picture. Yes, he’s had tough experiences, however it’s hard to see what he, himself, is doing musically (or otherwise) to bring about a change in how these ‘realities’ are depicted by the media and rappers themselves. Instead, 50, and others – having long risen above their ‘hood’ beginnings – oft use their platform to release music that a) glorifies a lifestyle they are no longer lead and b) allow it to be used to, as Alicia put it, ‘government forces’ to continue to oppress young black men who aimlessly get caught up in it.

Lol, this is all getting a little wordy and essay-like, however it’s all in the name of healthy debate – something 50 should have considered when articulating his point, as this just seems like another case of 50 running his mouth.

Your thoughts?

Check out these edgy new promotional pics of Amerie. Shot by noted photographer Derek Blanks (the same man behind the ‘Alter Ego’ shoot from earlier this month), the ‘Take Control’ singer looks great. It’d be even better, though, to have some news on her current label / project status. Here’s hoping things work out for this criminally underrated talent (I still have ‘Because I Love It’ in heavy rotation).

{Click pics to enlarge}

What do you think of the pics?

Rapper Foxy Brown was released from prison today, after serving eight months of her 12 month sentence:

“As soon as she was released from prison, she was greeted by her mother Judith Marchand and lawyer New York City Councilman Charles Barron, as well as hundreds of reporters and fans, some with posters and pink balloons, others with ‘Free Foxy Brown’ T-shirts. Brown wore a leather jacket, jeans, a black shirt, designer pumps and a stylish Fendi designer doo rag over her hair.

Brown’s entourage arrived in a fleet of luxury vehicles that included three Rolls Royce’s, a number of SUV’s and a Maybach, that was filled with clothes. Her family, friends, managers and a hair stylist and makeup artist were all part of the group of people that greeted Brown.” {Source}

Here’s hoping she fixes up now that she’s free. Click here to watch the video of her release

Your thoughts?