Our good friends over at Rap-Up.com recently caught up with hitmaker Sean Garret, who revealed more about Rihanna‘s forthcoming album – which he has been enlisted to work on. As previously reported, the popular model is set to release an entirely new LP this summer – less than a year after the release of the relatively successful ‘Rated R’. Check out what Garrett had to say after the jump…

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Beyonce‘s much hyped Vizio commercial premièred a few moments ago during the last quarter of the 44th annual Super Bowl extravaganza in the US. Check out the Wally Pfister directed commercial above….

As ever, Bouncy stays stacking the endorsement deals; and with this one reported to have netted her a cool multi-million dollar figure, we’re certainly tipping our hats to her. Go Bey!

Your thoughts?

Pop phenomenon Lady GaGa has raised a staggering $500,000 (half a million) for the Haiti earthquake relief fund.

The 23 year old donated merchandise profits from the ticket sales of  her concert in New York on January 24th, as well from her website on the same day, to help victims of the disaster:

Speaking at the final date of her US ‘Monster Ball’ tour at Purdue University, the 23-year-old announced the total donation figure.

“On ‘GaGa For Haiti’ day, in just 24 hours, with very minimal marketing and planning, all the little monsters all over the world made over half a million dollars for Haiti relief,” she told the audience.”I know Bravado fell off their chair – that’s who sells all my merchandise – they couldn’t believe it! So let’s sing along for Haiti right now!” {Source}

Kudos to her for using her star-power for good.

Remember, you can donate anything you can afford to the Haiti earthquake relief efforts. Click here for more info.

Your thoughts?

Trina‘s video for buzz single ‘That’s My Attitude’ premiered today. The self-proclaimed ‘baddest b*tch’ serves up so much (believable) swagger in the clip that one can almost taste it. Upon that, Ms. Taylor looks stunning throughout. She better work!

‘That’s My Attidude’ is lifted from Trina’s forthcoming LP ‘Amazin’, which hits stores June 8th. Proceeding the album will be lead single ‘Million Dollar Girl’ – featuring Diddy and Keri Hilson.

Randomness: I love me some Trina, but I admittedly am glad she’s finally rocking a decent looking weave!

Your thoughts?

Our good friends over at Lime Magazine here in London generously provided That Grape Juice with exclusive excerpts from their recent interview with Grammy Award winning vocalist Toni Braxton. In the candid piece, the mother-of-two speaks on everything from her much publicized bankruptcy (with shocking revelations), her divorce, as well as the death of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson (who she recounts a hilarious story about). A lengthy, yet great read. Check it out:

Your bankruptcy was very messy and highly publicised at the time – what happened?

The bankruptcy was a good thing in a way as it allowed me to help other artists. For example my case was made public like that because I was at the pinnacle of my career but Usher, TLC, NSYNC were going through it but no one really knew – they only knew about me and TLC, so the girls tend to be made an example of. When you file bankruptcy it means all your contracts are null and void, the reason my case was made as public as it was is because that meant my music would be null and void, so the record company was fighting that. The second thing that a lot of people don’t know about is my royalty statement at that time was just under two thousand dollars. For 10 years I couldn’t talk about it because there was a gagging order but now my 10 years has passed and I can say what happened. So imagine I’m on tour with UnBreak My Heart and I get my royalties statement and its one thousand and nine hundred plus dollars!

How did you feel about having such a private matter out in the public domain like that?

Yes it is a very private matter but I was to be made an example of. My situation went to congress because they wanted all artists who file for bankruptcy in the future to have rights. As it was when you file bankruptcy all contracts are made null and void except recording artists so my case was to be made the example.

Did all of this take a big toll on your health?

Yes over a period of time I think it did. I think going through the court thing and then going through getting out of my deal with Blackground and then the stress of my son having autism, it really did beat my body up a little bit and then that’s when I got ill last year.

Was that experience the dark side of fame for you?

Probably yes that was the dark side but right now my husband and I are separated so it’s dark once again. We’re fine, we’re friends and it’s amicable; we’re just trying to raise our kids together without actually being together and it’s new, it’s only been six weeks.

How did you feel when you heard about the death of Michael Jackson?

Gosh it was very surreal to me, I heard about his passing before the press did because I’m with AEG and so was Michael Jackson. When I found out I didn’t believe it because I’m a huge fan. I remember when I first met him; he came over to me which was a really big deal. We were at a charity ball and he came over to me and said, ‘Toni Braxton oh my God I love you, your voice is so incredible, so androgynous – it’s so unique. Breathe Again is my favourite song, let’s take a picture together.’ Of course I was like, ‘it’s Michael Jackson!’ Years later he called me on my phone and introduced himself but I was like, ‘yeah right please like that’s Michael Jackson’ and put down the phone! Then his assistant called and was like, ‘no seriously Toni – it’s Michael Jackson’, when he called back I was like ‘Michael I’m so, so sorry’ and he said: ‘everyone does that, I’m used to it!’

What are your favourite songs that you’ve sang?

Breath Again is my all time favourite song, I remember when I first heard it, but it wasn’t for me it was for Pebble (Producer L.A. Reid’s wife). Un-break My Heart I loved but Seven Whole Days I hated it! There’s apart in the song where I say, ‘Seven Whole Nights aahhh’ I did that on purpose because I hated that song and they kept that bit in the song because they liked it. Let It Flow, I love but that wasn’t for me either, that was for Whitney (Houston) because it was for the soundtrack ‘Waiting To Exhale’. It was in a higher key but they had to lower it considerably for me.

Click here to read the full interview!

A very insightful read! Who would have known Usher and NSync were going through similar financial issues to Toni?! Or that Michael Jackson loved ‘Breathe Again’? Or that ‘Let It Flow’ was meant for Whitney Houston? Also, interestingly, this interview was conducted here in London BEFORE Toni officially announced her divorce and even more interestingly BEFORE the Soul Train Awards (which she attended with her husband, yet kissed Trey Songz). Things that make you go ‘hmmm’

Toni’s new LP ‘Pulse’ hits stores 22nd February 2010.

Tidbit: Be sure to follow Lime Magazine on Twitter by clicking here

Your thoughts?

Comeback queen Whitney Houston kicked off her world tour today in Moscow, Russia. The singer, 46, voice was in tip-top shape (for 2009 Whitney) as she revisited her classic hits as well as new cuts from her Platinum selling LP ‘I Look To You’. She has really come leaps and bounds with the vocals, which in time I’m sure will only get even better. You can watch the performance of ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ above, and the rest below (video quality isn’t great, but oh well). Go Nippy!

I Will Always Love You

My Love Is Your Love

Man In The Mirror (Michael Jackson Tribute)

Saving All My Love For You

Bobbi Kristina Tribute

I Look To You

Million Dollar Bill

What do you think of the performances?

As reported earlier today, the legendary Whitney Houston has been unceremoniously shut-out from the nominations for the 52nd annual Grammy Awards. The news comes as a shock to many, as the singer’s critically acclaimed, Platinum-selling comeback LP ‘I Look To You’ has long been touted as a Grammy favourite, with its US release date even brought forward to make it eligible for nomination.

While many will debate as to why Houston, 46, was snubbed (a prominent reason cited being her supposed diva antics towards the committee – comprised of writers, producers, industry folk –  at her peak), it’ll be interesting to see what happens with her comeback campaign moving forward. With the Grammy’s supposed have been the crowning moment of her rise from the ashes, so to speak, her team will have to find alternate ways to further enrich the campaign – the answer not being solely to tour.

That Grape Juice exclusively reported months back that there’d be no further singles from the album this year. However, upon the start of the new year, Ms. Houston’s best bet IMO would essentially be to put her best foot forward. By that I mean, releasing some of the record’s A* cuts (‘For The Lovers’, ‘Worth It’, ‘Calling You Tonight’, ‘Nothin’ But Love’, for example) – no playing around. In being frank, neither ‘Million Dollar Bill’ or ‘I Look To You’ were first or second single worthy IMO – something which proved not that big a deal when looking at the album’s success to-date, yet will do with the selection of future singles.

It’d also definitely benefit Whitney being more visible, not necessarily in the way of just performances, but talk-show interviews, TV specials, and maybe even a return to movies. As much as Whitney may have become accustomed to her ‘new life’, any hopes of making a significant dent on the music industry once again will require diligence and concentrated saturation of the market (see Mariah‘s hustle and flow approach during the ‘Emancipation’ era…my girl was everywhere!). Speaking of Mariah, does anyone else see Whitney’s Grammy shut-out as a more extreme version how they did Mariah at the 2006 show? Not the business. That said, I guess this whole episode further lends support to the age old saying that “nothing is a certainty”. Here’s hoping things move onwards and upwards for Whitney…

Your thoughts?

As a result of the lackluster reception of ‘Memoirs of An Imperfect Angel’, and Mariah Carey‘s indignation with the handling of the record, sources close to That Grape Juice have informed us that the songbird may just be ready to take flight to a new label. There is reliable word that Carey has been at logger-heads with label-head LA Reid for several months now.

The 39-year old diva has been signed to the Island Def Jam Music Group since 2002. The terms of the singer’s deal entail a minimum of 3 albums for the grand total of 22.5 million dollars, with her being named a joint partner with the Universal Music Group. Carey’s first LP released under the agreement was 2002’s ‘Charmbracelet’ which was followed by the 6x platinum ‘The Emancipation of Mimi’, ‘E=MC²’ and ‘Memoirs…‘, which was released on September 29th 2009.

If Carey decides to leave IDJ, I will not be shocked. The promotional efforts behind ‘Memoirs…’ reflect less than half of the energy that the label placed into the ‘Emancipation’ project. Has anyone else noticed that she has barely taken any new promotional pictures for this record with the exception of her single covers and the album booklet? Add that to Carey’s criticism’s of ‘I Want To Know What Love Is’ being chosen as a single in place of ‘H.A.T.E.U.’, and it’s easy to understand why she might be preparing to ditch the label.

It is no secret that several labels have been itching to sign Carey since she left Virgin Records in 2001. Clive Davis (Whitney Houston, Leona Lewis, Jennifer Hudson) at J Records, for instance, tried to get her to join his team. The real question is: should Carey leave IDJ, where would she fit in? I personally think that her best move would be to go back to Sony, where she would be able to get the attention and funding she deserves; a plausible option now that ex-husband Tommy Mottola is no longer with the company. Either way, with a rare talent like hers, she would be an invaluable addition to any label’s lineup.

What do you think Mariah’s next move should be?

The legendary Whitney Houston performed on the finale of ABC’s Dancing With The Stars a few hours ago, offering a rendition of current single ‘Million Dollar Bill’ (which you can watch above), as well as her classic ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ (below). Scroll down for our take each showing…

Nippy has certainly had better live outings vocally, and really could have done without that performance of ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’. That said, ‘Million Dollar Bill’ wasn’t bad…I rather enjoyed it in fact. I’m assuming she’ll be resting her voice over the Holiday period for her upcoming tour which kicks off early next year.

What do you think of the performances?

Peep R&B star Ciara starring in the commerical for Verizon’s new LG Chocolate Touch phone. The 23 year old singer recently signed a major dollar deal with the company to front their campaign (print and TV) for the the line of phones {Source}

More power to Ms. Harris for getting her endorsement on! In an industry which is ever-uncertain, it’s all about expanding your profile any which way possible.

Your thoughts?

In a recent interview with Billboard, rapper 50 Cent weighed in on the seemingly ever-raging debate about Destiny’s Child alum’s Beyonce and Kelly Rowland. Speaking of his ‘Baby By Me’ co-star, 50 said:

“You can’t forget all the work she did with Destiny’s Child. The difference between Kelly and Beyoncé is the extreme focus they put on Beyoncé to make sure she was completely right. Kelly wasn’t held in the same regard, so, in order for her to mean anything to America, they’d have to match the marketing dollars spent on Beyoncé. She never received the superstar treatment.”

While ol’ Curtis usually spouts the utmost of caca, I do actually agree with him here. Never one to explicitly compare the two myself, it’s quite a valid point that had Kelly, who is as fundamentally talented Beyonce IMO, had the machine that powers Bouncy’s brand given to her, she too would be a world-renown star. It’s important to stress that Beyonce’s current industry position isn’t based on the ‘machine’ alone; clearly the work she puts into her craft and artistry is what has taken her to that ‘future Icon’ status. However, had Kelly had it psychologically programmed into her that she was the business and was a ‘superstar-in-the-making’ in the way Beyonce had (see: pretty much everything Destiny’s Child), I imagine she’d be one of the world’s biggest stars today too. I mean if Rihanna can do it with next-to-no talent and soley the ‘machine’ powering her hype, then Kelly sure as hell could with her undeniable talent.

Some of you may wonder why I rep so hard for Ms. Kelly. Well, when you see talent of her calibre shunned and arguably made (inadvertently) to feel they are lesser (the reason I feel behind some of Kelly’s not-so-great performances), you can’t help but ‘stan’. For you know what they are capable of and able to achieve should all the right pieces of the puzzle be affixed. One need not look further than the undeniable swagger Kelly was exuding during the ‘Destiny Fulfilled project’, where I’d argue she gave Ms. Knowles-Carter a run for her money more times than not – everything from the weave-tossing, Naomi Campbell Walk’s and even, at times, vocals.

I never understood how it made more sense to some (who shall remain nameless) to not maximise the Destiny’s Child brand by ensuring each was as big a solo star as the possibly could be – a super group almost. In simpler terms, imagine a group – for example – with the individual ‘star-power’ of the Beyonce, Ciara and (because I couldn’t think of another name) Rihanna? That would be off-the-charts!

Again, I reiterate that this is in no way any shade on Beyonce, who we love around here. Just telling it like it is…

In any case, in being forward thinking, things are definitely looking up for Kelly, with her new team, soon-to-be-announced new label etc. Let’s just hope she gets the success she deserves this go round. (In true ‘stan’ fashion lol), I shall leave you with some of Kelly’s best showings…

Your thoughts?

Continuing her global comeback campaign, superstar Whitney Houston recently filmed an interview for Australian show ‘Sunday Night’. Coming across very well, Ms. Houston expectedly talked about her ‘I Look To You’ LP, touched upon her ‘struggles’, and addressed her X-Factor UK ‘wardrobe malfunction’. Good stuff.

Tidbit: In other Nippy news, her current single ‘Million Dollar Bill’ is continues to show its staying power on the UK’s Official Top 40 Singles Chart, holding strong at #8 this week. Go Whitney!

Your thoughts?