The stars aligned virtually tonight for the MOBO Awards 2021.

For more than two decades, the ceremony has served as the top beacon of honour for music of black origin in the UK.

Returning to a live format at the Coventry Building Society Arena, this year’s edition of the world-renown show saluted the names and releases that have made the last twelve months so action-packed.

The evening, which was hosted by Little Mix’s Leigh-Anne Pinnock and comedian Munya Chawawa, brought with it seismic performances from the likes of Bree Runway, Tems, NSG, and Stefflon Don.

With the credits rolling, head below to find out who won big…

(more…)

Lil Nas X has been blazing quite the trail and was rewarded for his efforts at the Variety Hitmakers Brunch.

For, he was bestowed with the Innovator of the Year Award.

Whether it’s living his truth unapologetically, topping charts with infectious bops such as ‘Industry Baby’ and ‘Montero,’  or advocating for the LGBTQ community, the 22-year-old is unquestionably making a major mark.

It’s fitting, then, that Nas was honored for exactly this at the star-studded ceremony.

Chloe Bailey was on-hand to present the award and saluted her peer with an impassioned introduction that left the ever-animated star speechless.

Watch Nas’ presentation segment below…

(more…)

SZA has heeded the requests of fans who’ve been lobbying for her to release the song ‘I Hate U’ in full.

As a result, fans have sent the song soaring to peak positions on streaming services.

Full story below…

(more…)

Lorde is hot on the promotional trail.

Case in point, the New Zealand songstress is the latest artist to cover ES Magazine.

The pictures were shot by famed photographer Quil Lemons. In the shoot, Lorde is seen mostly in red, rocking some daring looks, and new trends.

Her cover of ES Magazine comes after she released her highly-anticipated ‘Solar Power’ album earlier this year. The set produced the singles: ‘Mood Ring,’ ‘Fallen Fruit,’ ‘Stoned At The Nail Salon,’ as well as the title track.

What are you waiting for? Check below for more from Lorde’s stunning shoot.

(more…)

2021 was full of shocking moments, whether that is for the good, the bad, or the indifferent.

Now, as the year comes to a close, That Grape Juice is reflecting on the moments that rocked – and to some degree reshaped – the Urban and Pop cultural landscape.

Next, we look at the explosive Oprah interview with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.

Join us below…

(more…)

8 Comments

Normani‘s shine intensified tonight at the Variety Hitmakers ceremony.

For, the rising solo star was honored with the Collaborator of the Year Award. 

The seismic salute recognizes the 25-year-old’s achievements with the ‘Wild Side’ – the Cardi B assisted scorcher that blazed its way to #1 on Urban radio.

It also toasts to her penchant for producing smash hit collaborations, such as those crafted with the likes of Sam Smith, Khalid, 6lack, and Megan Thee Stallion.

Full story below…

(more…)

Ayra Starr is shining on a global scale thanks to blazing bops such as ‘Bloody Samaritan’ and ‘Fashion Killer’ – both of which have helped her magnetize a rapidly growing fanbase.

And as the 19-year-old Afro-Pop princess struts forward on her path, she is keen to honor those that paved the way for her. Especially Rihanna.

Starr cites the billionaire Bajan belle as one of her biggest inspirations and toasts to RiRi’s impact on her sound with a spirited rendition of her hit ‘Man Down’ live on That Grape Juice.

The EXCLUSIVE performance follows the Mavin Records phenom’s stunning performances of ‘Bloody Samaritan’ and ‘Fashion Killer’ on TGJ.

Check out her offering above and head below for a special Q&A…

(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 Kim Petras, Joshua Bassett, Grimes, and Hippo Campus.

Join us inside…

(more…)

For the good, the bad, or controversial, 2021 was a year full of memorable moments.

Now, as the year draws to a close, That Grape Juice is reflecting on the events that rocked – and to some degree reshaped – the Urban and Pop cultural landscapes as we know it.

Up next, we take a look back on Morgan Wallen‘s racial controversy and the backlash that followed.

Join us below…

(more…)

Here at That Grape Juice, we love all things R&B! So, fittingly, we’ve teamed up with DJ Ace – one of the UK’s most revered R&B connoisseurs and host of BBC 1Xtra‘s weekly series Everything RNB (which airs Sundays at 10pm).

Each week he’ll be rounding up his latest show and previewing what’s upcoming on the next episode. Right here on That Grape Juice.

Without further ado, check out the latest installment with DJ Ace below…

(more…)

This week, Wizkid left no doubt nor debate about his status as one of music’s most potent titans.

Full story below…

(more…)

‘Candy Shop’ rapper 50 Cent didn’t exactly get the sweetest response from Madonna once she got word he was ridiculing her on his Instagram page.

As we reported here last week, the rapper shared a photo of the Pop Queen in a precarious position while captioning the post with ageist commentary.

After his stinging words topped headlines, Madge hit back with some fiery commentary of her own – a move that prompted Cent (born Curtis Jackson) to walk back his initial statement.

(more…)

**