2021 saw Gospel legend Kirk Franklin and GRAMMY-nominated singer-actor Luke James join the rush of holiday movies for the first time in their respective careers.

While Franklin served as executive producer of Lifetime’s critically acclaimed ‘A Gospel Christmas’ (starring Demetria McKinney), James rocked TV ratings alongside Destiny’s Child alum Michelle Williams for Hallmark’s ‘Christmas in Harmony.’

This year, Kirk and Luke are joining forces with fellow multi-hyphenate Naturi Naughton for Lifetime’s ‘The Night Before Christmas.’ 

Ahead of its December 10 premiere, look inside for the Tailiah Breon-directed flick’s official trailer and official plot.

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R. Kelly fans thought Christmas had come early for them when a surprise new album from the disgraced music star titled ‘I Admit It’ appeared out of nowhere on streaming services Friday (December 9).

But, just as many were getting cozy with the 13-track effort, streamers began snatching it down once official reps confirmed it was a fake.

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With the Oscars 2023 fast approaching, Brian Tyree Henry has been widely deemed a favorite for his stunning performance in ‘Causeway.’

The powerful movie, which sees the actor star alongside Jennifer Lawrence, chronicles the narrative of two strangers who find comfort in their unlikely friendship as they try to accelerate from grief to healing.

Henry, who has been lauded for his versatility across roles in productions such as ‘Atlanta’ and ‘Bullet Train,’ has been praised in earnest for his performance in ‘Causeway.’ A performance many critics have christened career-defining.

That Grape Juice‘s Samuel Eni sat down with Henry, who discussed the film, its Oscar buzz, and much more. Watch above.

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‘Causeway’ is Streaming on Apple TV+ Worldwide Now

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2023 is shaping up to be quite the busy year for R&B veteran Monica.

As she reportedly puts the finishing touches on her long-awaited ninth studio effort, ‘Trenches,’ as well as a Country album, the GRAMMY winner is said to be bringing another delayed project back to the forefront: her Apple Music radio show ‘Mo Talk.’

Details inside.

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R. Kelly may be behind bars currently serving a 30-year sentence for racketeering and sex trafficking (as we reported here), but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t found time to drop a few bars for a reportedly new project.

Details inside.

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Few vocalists can rival the chart stats of Bruno Mars over the last decade.

When not leading the list of accumulated Hot 100 top 10 hits (among males), he’s spotted in the exclusive club of acts who have spent over 250 career weeks on the same tally.

His Billboard 200 record isn’t anything to shake a stick at either.

Since his 2010 debut effort, ‘Doo-Wops & Hooligans,’ he’s never seen an album premiere outside of the hitlist’s top 3.  What’s more, that particular set – which features some of his most beloved hits like ‘Just the Way You Are,’ ‘Grenade,’ ‘The Lazy Song,’ and ‘Marry You’ – looks to be hitched to the chart (with no divorce in sight) given its ongoing tenancy.

Details inside.

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Tragedy has struck the family of Tina Turner once again. For, Ronnie Turner – the superstar’s son with Ike Turner – has died in Los Angeles.

Full Story below…

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Bad Bunny has dominated like no other in 2022. Indeed, the superstar has been reigning with his blockbuster album ‘Un Verano Sin Ti,’ breaking records with his stadium tour, and nabbing major GRAMMY nominations.

Some artists would feel the pressure to keep the momentum going. Not Bad Bunny, though.

Quite the contrary.

Full story below…

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Ari Lennox may be in the midst of promotion for her new album ‘age/sex/location,’ but today saw the songbird hatch a fresh track in the form of ‘My Favorite Things.’

The singer puts a soulful spin on ‘The Sound of Music’ classic like only she can.

Speaking on the release of the cover, Lennox said:

“Hey, my loves!! I wanted to give you something special for being so good to me this year. My rendition of “My Favorite Things.”

Take a listen:

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‘The Little Mermaid’ star Halle Bailey isn’t the only Black Disney princess that has had people talking recently.

As reported here, Academy & GRAMMY Award-winning songstress H.E.R. (born Gabriella Wilson) is starring opposite GRAMMY, EMMY, and TONY-nominated Josh Groban in ABC’s live 30th anniversary nod to the animated classic ‘Beauty and the Beast.’

Portraying Belle and Adam (“The Beast”) respectively, the two singing sensations lead an all-star cast that features Queen of Country Pop Shania Twain, legendary actor-comedians David Alan Grier and Martin Short, Joshua Henry,and more.

Ahead of its highly anticipated December 15 premiere, Wilson and Groban are taking anxious viewers behind the scenes to talk about the making of the Hamish Hamilton-directed venture (which will also see songs from the original performed in front of a live audience).

See more inside.

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Just nine months after Eminem dethroned Drake as the King of Digital Music, the Canadian hitmaker returned in a big way to recapture the crown.

Details inside.

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An epic mix-up leads to an unforgettable Christmas for a pair holiday lovebirds in Amazon Prime’s new Christmas film, ‘Something from Tiffany’s.’

Starring Zoey Deutch and Kendrick Sampson, the romantic comedy tells the tale of two couples whose gifts from high-end luxury jewelry store Tiffany’s (an engagement ring and pair of earrings) get swapped – causing some hilarious chaos in the process.

Available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video Friday (December 9), look inside to see how the mishap sets the movie’s stars on an twisted path that could see them end the season in the arms of new lovers.

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