Across the trials that led to R. Kelly serving his current 30-year sentence for sex crimes against minors (with more years to come once the sentence from a separate child pornography case is handed down), the embattled R&B legend’s sexual and marital relationship with late R&B songstress Aaliyah was explored like never before.

Secretly married in 1994 when he was 27-years-old and she was only 15-years-old, shocking details about their annulled union – including reports of her pregnancy and other abuses at the time – left jaws dropped in the court room and beyond once the story broke in the media.

Despite the disturbing, yet highly publicized recounts from witnesses and people close to them, actor Isaiah Washington – who worked with the ‘One in a Million’ diva in the 2000 film ‘Romeo Must Die’ – is adamant she was not a victim in the sordid affair.

Look inside to see his recent commentary that sparked outrage.

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The talk of the week was undoubtedly the social media smackdown between Latto and her “former idol” Nicki Minaj!

What started as a discussion around “industry politics” and the recently kicked off GRAMMY voting process that saw Minaj’s #1 hit, ‘Super Freaky Girl,’ booted from Rap categories to Pop turned into a virtual brawl between the two rappers with major disses flying both ways (as we reported extensively).

As their respective fan groups continue to duke it out on the Web, some industry figures – like CHIKA and now Amber Rose – are throwing their two cents in on the matter.

While CHIKA took aim at Minaj and her “annoying” fans (affectionately called Barbz), Rose is taking more of a Switzerland route by encouraging peace between the dueling divas.  Look inside to see what the model-actress had to say.

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Christina Aguilera spent much of 2022 celebrating her roots with her Spanish language project ‘Aguilera’ and now she’s set to close out the year by toasting what many deem her magnum opus – ‘Stripped.’

Full story below…

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Diddy‘s continues to make clear that he “invented the remix.”

For, the superstar has unlocked several new incarnations of his current single ‘Gotta Move On (ft. Bryson Tiller).’

Lifted from his forthcoming new studio album (which will arrive via the mogul’s freshly minted label imprint Love Records), the song now boasts a ‘Kings Remix.’

Following on from the Queens Remix (which added Ashanti and Yung Miami into the mix), the latest take on the track features Fabolous and Tory Lanez (…).

Take a listen to both after the jump…

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Lil Baby is back and aiming to blaze with his long-awaited new album ‘It’s Only Me.’

Serving as the follow-up to 2020’s ‘My Turn,’ the 23-track set sees the Atlanta native fire from all cylinders on what is unquestionably one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly anticipated offerings of the year.

Arriving on the heels of the MC’s Prime Video documentary ‘Untrapped: The Lil Baby Story,’ the LP features guest spots from many a heavy-hitter including Future and Young Thug, as well as Nardo Wick, Jeremih, and Pooh Shiesty.

The project is preceded by the single ‘In A Minute,’ which reached #1 on Urban and Rhythmic radio.

Take a listen below…

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Diddy‘s latest single may be titled ‘Gotta Move On,’ but that’s the opposite of what the mogul is doing with the track.

Instead, the star – who has long reminded that he invented the remix – has delivered a refreshed take on the song; one that sees Ashanti and City Girls member Yung Miami feature alongside him and Bryson Tiller.

Billed the Queens Remix, the Ron Browz production is touted as reflecting the energy of New York.

Miami makes a splash with her unique flow, while Ashanti reflects on her past relationship with Irv Gotti.

Release via Diddy’s new label, Love Records, the ‘Gotta Move On (Queens Remix)’ has been paired with an all-new video directed by Kid Art.

Watch after the jump…

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Megan Thee Stallion was dealt a devasting blow this week. For, the rapper’s Los Angeles home was burgled.

Full story below…

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The television adaptation of the popular movie franchise ‘Step Up’ is back with a binge-worthy, sexy, bold, and fast-paced third season.

In its first and sophomore seasons, the show served as a YouTube Original series, ‘Step Up: High Water.’

Now, it has found a new home at STARZ under the shorter title of ‘Step Up.’

Along with a new network and name, the series added new characters and actors. The late Naya Rivera originally played the role of Collette Jones. After time and respectful consideration, Christina Milian was cast in the same role; she has shared that she wants to portray Jones in a way that is unique to her. 

Season three continues to follow megastar Sage Odom (played by Ne-Yo) as he faces criminal charges, financial ruin, and powerful political enemies.

That Grape Juice’s Chet Kincaid caught up with members of the cast and crew, including Milian, creator Holly Sorensen, Jamaica Craft, Terayle Hill, Terrence Green, Kendra Willis, Rebbie Rosie, and Jade Chynoweth.

Collectively, they opened up about what we can expect from season three of the talent-filled show.

Check out the interviews above and below…

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Nicki Minaj has had quite the year with female rappers.

While the likes of JT, Akbar V, BIA, and more have praised the Rap Queen for her support of the genre’s up-and-coming femcees, others – like Latto most recently – have suggested she’s hell-bent on sabotaging their careers.

And while Nicki and Latto continue their Twitter fisticuffs stemming from the Thursday announcement (October 13) about the potential GRAMMY miscategorization of the former’s #1 hit, ‘Super Freaky Girl,’ another critically acclaimed rapstress – CHIKA – has entered the chat.

Look inside to see how her weigh-in caused a fiery clap back from Minaj’s dedicated fans, affectionately called #BARBZ.

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Beyonce is on a global heat streak with ‘Cuff It’ – the latest single from her chart-topping seventh studio album ‘Renaissance.’

The funkified jam has gone all sorts of viral on TikTok (and social media more broadly) and seen the world moving in a major way.

With seismic gains on a worldwide scale, its resonance has been particularly notable in the UK where it’s reached a new peak.

Full story below…

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An all-new ‘House Party’ is heading to the big screen.

Originally scheduled for a streaming debut, the revival of the classic 1990 film (which launched the careers of many a notable name – like Kid & Play) has moved to a theatrical release format.

Led by Jacob Latimore and Tosin Cole, the movie follows the down-on-their-luck house cleaners who discover they’re assigned to clean the mansion of LeBron James while he’s overseas.

In a bid to up their viva and make more money along the way, the duo decides to throw the ultimate party. Naturally, drama abounds and one of LeBron’s championship rings goes missing. What plays out is a wild night and an unforgettable night.

With a new January 13, 2023 premiere date set, check out the first-look trailer for ‘House Party’ (which features cameos from the likes of LeBron, Lena Waithe, Kid Cudi, and Tinashe) after the jump… (more…)

Readers of That Grape Juice know how passionate we are about music – whether that be past or present.

However, unlike our other segments – Retro Rewind, TGJ Replay, and From The Vault – The Pop Stop is the most in-depth look at Pop songs that may have flown under the radar over the last week that you should know, rather they be from music’s biggest stars or those on the rise.

This week, we want to highlight cuts from Blink-182, Louis Tomlinson, Tove Lo, and Jordy.

Join us inside… (more…)