Borders.

Believe it or not, there was a time when the above served to stop lesser known acts and their music entering markets far away from their own.

Then came the internet…erasing barriers with reckless abandon to create a truly global community- sharing sights, sounds and ideas altogether, all at once.

Now, after making major waves for PBR&B in the US, her EP ‘Sail Out’ found itself pushed by digital winds which led it to the United Kingdom!

Good news for Ms.Chilombo below…

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As she continues to push sales of her new album via the ‘X Factor USA’, Kelly Rowland lends her support to the ‘Salvation Army’ – joining the mission to save their ‘After School’ programs.

How the Grammy nominated performer aids their cause?

Watch her introduce a short video showcasing the work the organisation does to aid communities in need of support…

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Ever eager to help those less fortunate than herself, Beyonce has partnered with ‘Goodwill’ to launch an exciting new initiative designed to boost the economy by creating work for the unemployed!

Full story below…

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If you do not know who gospel singing sensation Micah Stampley is, you are doing your ears a great disservice.

As the last decade has seen the hitmaker lend such memorable numbers as ‘The Corinthian Song’, ‘War Cry’, ‘Take My Life (Holiness)’, and countless others, his newest project ‘Love Never Fails’ (in stores now) looks to add a few more gems to his already noteworthy catalogue.

That Grape Juice recently caught up with the Motown Gospel star to chat about the new project, but also get his thoughts on the recent gospel scandals to rock the net and even weigh in on fellow gospel superstar Le’Andria Johnson vs. Matthew Knowles’ Music World Gospel (see more on that here).

Tuck in below to see and hear what Stampley shared about these topics and so much more.  He doesn’t hold back…

Micah Stampley Shouts Out That Grape Juice

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CNN anchor Don Lemon has landed himself in hot water yet again for his controversial stance on hot topics.  The reporter, who has long garnered criticism from the African American community for upholding views contrary to the community at large, has now added a new number to that growing list – support of New York‘s ‘stop & frisk’ law.

Via HuffPost:

Speaking during his regular slot on the Tom Joyner show, Lemon said that police were not always very respectful of the people they stopped, but that tampering with the “formula that has reduced crime in New York City” could be very dangerous.

“The question is, would you rather be politically correct or safe and alive?” he concluded.

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The result was a social media melee.  See some of our favorites below (#donlemonon):

Your thoughts? 

Today marks a major milestone here at That Grape Juice!

In our (near) seven years online, TGJ has cemented itself as the most active Urban Pop community on the ‘net! A status we enjoy because of all of YOU – our loyal readers!

From your fever-pitch debates about megastars such as Beyonce and Rihanna, to your unbridled views on music’s newest crop of talent, That Grape Juice commenters are renown – all over the interweb and beyond – for telling it like it is.

Therefore, it’s with great pleasure and ample thanks that we announce that our total comment count has crossed the 1 million mark. Again…

ONE MILLION COMMENTS!

**************

Our entire team extends a huge Thank You to you all, because without your witty, inspired, thought-provoking, and – at times – cuckoo crazy commentary, That Grape Juice wouldn’t taste as great as it does!

With a resume full of career milestones (see: Stellar & Dove Award wins, Grammy nominations, having the longest running #1 single in history), you'd think there would be few “firsts” left for gospel superstar Marvin Sapp.

But, as his first holiday-themed album 'Christmas Card' (in stores now) reveals, even the most seasoned of stars still have room for new achievements.

That Grape Juice recently caught up with the “Never Would've Made It” singer to chat specifically about the new album (which features the likes of former group Commissioned, R&B singer Joe, and more), his new reality show, thoughts on the controversial 'Preachers of LA', and so much more.  As always, you don't want to miss this:

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Crowned the ‘Queen of the Hammond B3’ organ, music royal Twinkie Clark has been a celebrated figure in the gospel community for over four decades.  Penning most of The Clark Sisters’ biggest numbers (i.e. “You Brought the Sunshine”, “Name It Claim It”), the gospel legend’s resume has known no shortage of hits over its lengthy tenure.

Showing no signs of slowing, today brings with it the unveiling of Clark’s newest album “Live & Unplugged” (CD/DVD combo).  A critically acclaimed set that has already wowed critics on the sonic front, its visual repackaging hits stores everywhere today much to fan delight.

We caught up with Twinkie for an exclusive sit down to dish on the album, talk about a Clark Sisters movie, and even her thoughts on the U.S. government shutdown.  As always, this is a must read:

Twinkie Clark Shouts Out That Grape Juice

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Her run atop the Hot 100 may be unmatched by any of her contemporaries, but it seems Rihanna‘s live act continues to fall flat with every attempt it makes to wow her audience.

Unfortunately, while her more staunch supporters may have found ways to overlook her shortcomings on stage, the Australian press struggled to do the same when forced to review her recent ‘Diamonds World Tour‘ stint in the nation.

What they said?

Review roundup below!

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Upon reportedly sending lewd images to R&B singer Ashanti and her mother/manager, Mr. Devar Hurd found himself convicted in 2010 for the crime, after a long running obsession with the ‘Good Good’ star.

Unfortunately, it seems his time behind bars wasn’t enough to stifle this obsession, as it has now emerged that he has continued to harass the star by sending her sexuality explicit tweets on the social media platform Twitter….and approaching her sister at a party.

Full story below…

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Ever eager to keep her recently relit fire burning for her next era, Brandy continues to rock many a venue across the globe with a stage show that now readies to storm Atlanta next month.

Details below…

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For Chris Brown, using his influence to give back to his community has become just as important as the influence he uses to shift music.

In proving that, his Symphonic Love foundation did its part to aid those in need, when he launched an initiative to donate 1,000 pairs of free sneakers to deprived children in the California area, spending his entire day (July 20th) meeting with those he set out to help.

While there, he caught up with ‘Hollywood Life’ for an exclusive interview, which saw him reveal his feelings towards the Trayvon Martin case, and why he’s chosen not to rekindle his relationship with ‘Rogue’ belle Rihanna.

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