Things seem to be going from bad to worse for controversial UK girl group, the Sugababes. Following the mass outcry from both fans and the industry about the ousting of original member Keisha Buchanan, it has now been announced that their new LP ‘Sweet 7’ has been pushed back to February 22nd 2010. The album was originally scheduled for release November 23rd as a joint venture between Jay-Z’s Roc Nation and Island Records. While current single ‘About A Girl’ will still be released on November 9th, a third single in the form of ‘Wear My Kiss’ (which you can listen to by clicking here – it’s the Keisha version BTW) will be released February 8th. {Source}

How to say this politely? Hmm. If this isn’t a hot a** mess, I really don’t know what is. How embarrassing  must it be the ladies and their management to see their ill-advised decision blowing up in their faces for all to see. From a business standpoint, I can’t help but believe a December release would have made more sense (see: Christmas sales). But February? Surely it’d make sense to strike while the iron is hot and public interest is still there. With the whole Keisha drama simmering down now, and the fact that ‘About A Girl’ is looking to b a moderate hit at best, I can’t see how a February release will benefit them. Oh well, I guess we’ll have to wait to see how things pan out. In the meanwhile…

Your thoughts?

Peep pint-sized rapper Lil’ Kim glamming it up in a recent photoshoot shot by Andrew Southam. I must say, the Queen B is looking mighty flying – for the most part. Said to be in the studio recording the follow-up to 2005’s ‘The Naked Truth’, all I’m gonna need now is for her to drop her new LP already – it’s been too long.

Check out the rest of the shoot below:

What do you think of the pics?

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Alicia Keys was spotted filming the video for her new song ‘Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart‘, the second release from her upcoming album ‘The Element of Freedom’. The clip is being directed by the increasingly popular Syndrome. Check out the rest of pics below:

She looks stunning as usual. I wonder if they’ve got a men’s version of that jacket?

Check out this new remix of Destiny’s Child alumni Michelle Williams’ ‘Sick of It’, a bonus track from her critically acclaimed ‘Unexpected’ LP. While Michelle’s more recent efforts have had a very heavy Dance/Euro-Pop feel to them, the immensely talented songstress switches things up here, with what, in essence, is a Pop/Rock cut, which interestingly manages to compliment her soulful vocals. It’s quite refreshing to hear a remix which isn’t the typical DJ/Club mix. I like…I like a lot.

Keep it locked on That Grape Juice for more Michelle Williams news!

Hit or Miss?

Heidi and Jade, two thirds of controversial trio, the Sugababes, recently sat down with In4merz to discuss pretty much everything (Amelle is resting off her ‘exhaustion’). Hence, posed to the ladies were questions about the group’s future, the fate of Jade’s solo material, their ironically titled ‘Sweet 7’ project and a whole lot more.

An interesting watch, yet a somewhat sad one, as the reality of what the group has become sunk in with every minute that passed during this interview (see: Jade’s talk of needing to ‘do her homework’ etc). Still, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t curious to see how things unfold with their ‘Sweet 7’ album.

Your thoughts?

While his collaborative effort with Keri Hilson, ‘Number One’, failed to escalate pass #68 on the Billboard Hot 100, another song from R&B crooner R. Kelly has surfaced. The track, ‘Echo’, will feature on his upcoming album ‘Untitled’ which hits stores on December 1st.

This song is the business! As an advocate of ‘grown and sexy’ R&B, I have been wondering when Robert was going to drop a track like this to make me feel that familiar tingle in my spine. Vocally, lyrically and melodically sound from start to finish, this song has the potential to be a major hit across all formats. Artists like The-Dream and Ne-Yo have captured a lot of Kelly’s fanbase over the last couple of years, but, judging by this, the captain has finally come back to reclaim his ship. *Round of applause*

Hit or Miss?

According to our ever-reliable friend Jawn Murray over at AOL Black Voices, the youngest Solange has severed ties with Interscope Records.

Her departure from the label comes on the heels of the poor performance of her only release on the Universal-owned imprint, ‘Sol-Angel & The Hadley Street Dreams’, which to-date as sold in the region of 150,000 since it’s release in August 2008.

The youngest of the Knowles clan is currently recording her 3rd studio album under the Music World imprint, however there is no official word on any major label involvement for distribution. {Source}

Putting aside all the comparisons, preferential treatment accusations and general hating folk like to do on Solange, I must say she turned in a great album with ‘Sol-Angel’, which IMO deserved to perform a lot better. With no known major label in the picture, it’ll be interesting to see what becomes of her next project. I’m sure Papa Knowles will ensure is hooked up nicely; that said, whether the buying public will take to her this go round remains to be seen.

*Update* Solange has confirmed her departure from the label on Twitter, stating:

Although it’s been a wonderful journey & experience at Interscope Records, after truly recognizing what’s important to ME as an artist, I decided it was time for me to continue my path on a more independent platform. I’m excited about continuing to dive in, experiment and creating music and art with no boundaries, fears or expectations.

Your thoughts?

Sexy siren Shakira has released the video for ‘Did It Again’. However, the single will not be released in the US market. Rather it will only be availabel internationally and has been replaced in the States by the Timbaland and Lil Wayne-assisted ‘Give It Up To Me’. Shakira’s 3rd English studio album, ‘She Wolf‘ be released in the US on November 23rd.

Why this song is not being promoted as a single in the US is beyond me. It coincides quite nicely with the Dance/Pop elements that are currently dominating the airwaves a la Lady GaGa and Rihanna. The video is exciting and, as usual, Shakira emanates the kind of raw yet natural sex appeal that many other acts struggle to imitate. Hopefully she sees success with this album because unlike one of the aforementioned artists, her talent deserves to be rewarded.

What do you think of the video?

Literally moments ago, Hip-Hop superstar Jay-Z released the video for his smash hit single ‘Empire State of Mind’ off his #1 album ‘The Blueprint 3′. The highly anticipated clip features R&B songstress Alicia Keys.

I love it. The video captures all of the best images of NYC and the black and white effect gives it a very ‘epic’ feel. Although the song has yet to grow on some people, I personally really like it and I can’t think of a better way to translate the energy of the record onto the screen. Like him or not, Jay-Z continues to redefine himself as the #1 Hip-Hop artist time and again. Yup!

What do you think of the video?

That Grape Juice can EXCLUSIVELY reveal that Whitney Houston will be taking the stage this season on ABC’s Dancing With The Stars.

The legendary diva, whose comeback LP ‘I Look You’ topped the charts last month, will be performing ‘Million Dollar Bill’ on an episode of the show to air in the next few weeks.

Speaking of ‘Milliom Dollar Bill’, due to Urban radio now showing the single more love, we can EXCLUSIVELY reveal that there will no be no new singles to be released from the album until next year. Confirmed. {I guess I’ll to keep my fingers crossed a little longer for a ‘For The Lovers’ and ‘Calling You Tonight’ dual release}

Keep it locked on That Grape Juice for more exclusive Whitney Houston news.

Your thoughts?

The video for Britney Spears’ #1 hit ‘3’ premiered today. Unfortunately for those anticipating the Diane Martel directed clip, the video is a real snoozer. All the visual gloss, fancy sets and troop of dancers cannot conceal the fact that – as blunt as it sounds – Ms. Spears has lost ‘it’. In being 200% honest with you, I can’t say I believe she ever got ‘it’ back after her breakdown. Despite the spectacle around her since her media-sanctioned ‘comeback’ last year, I’ve yet to see that spark that had commentators heralding her as the next Janet or Madonna. There is something distinctly run-of-the-mill, stiff and uninspiring about 2009 Britney Spears.

Not to be mistaken for as a dig at her personally, I’m simply of the opinion that her much publicised issues clearly have put a dent into her confidence – hence the so/so calibre of performances we’ve seen from her as of late. Yet in being fair and judging her, in her current state, on the same plateau as her industry rivals, she comes across average at best. I can’t help but think that ‘comeback’ could have waited a few more years, while she fully came into her own again personally.

What do you think of the video?

As Usher readies his 5th studio album tentatively titled ‘Raymond vs Raymond’ for a December release, two new cuts -presumed to be from the LP – have surfaced, the Red One produced ‘More’ and ‘Daddy’s Home’, which was produced by The Runners.

Usher’s seems to be onto something with his partnership with producer Red One. While the sound they are churning  out is by no means original (see: Lady GaGa and just about every other uptempo R&B-meets-Electro Pop cut released over the last year!), I’m really feeling their output on ‘More’ as well as the previously heard ‘Rockband’).

Cranking up the tempo and not trying to ‘move mountains’ seems to be call of the day with this new project, as further evidenced by the stormer that is ‘Daddy’s Home’. The slick production and easy on the ear hook, make this one a sure-fire radio smash in waiting.

It’s quite clear to see after the relative tanking of ‘Here I Stand’, Usher is re-positioning himself as the artist and performer we know and love, doing away with the defensive declarations of his manhood and disdain for those who talked about his private life. Come to think of it, had the material on this project been what he released as his last album during the Tameka times, I’d imagine it would have done well. More artists need to swallow the pill they are public figures (hence folk will always talk), and simply serve up the hits. Mr Raymond seems to be getting the memo now…

Hit(s) or Miss(es)?

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