label | ..::That Grape Juice.net::..

Music

7th Jun

According to AllHipHop.com, rapper Lil’ Kim has (re)signed with Diddy’s Bad Boy Records. The pint-sized star made her first appearance as a renewed Bad Boy artist during Diddy’s set at Hot 97’s Summer Jam event on June 3rd. This may come as a surprise to some, as the relationship between Kim and Diddy was rumored to be far from great.

I’m not entirely sure if it’s true, but it could be a good thing for Kim. Despite the obvious complications promoting her last LP ‘The Naked Truth’ (due to her prison sentence), Kim’s then-label Atlantic messed up the project with wack video’s and poor promo. Needless to say, the album tanked. Maybe Diddy will do her right with this new deal. Then again, when does Diddy do anyone right? 112, Danity Kane, Cheri Dennis….the list goes on.

Do you think Lil’ Kim is right to sign with Bad Boy?

Read This Story

8 Comments

Music

3rd Jun

Review: The Beyonce Experience (Wembley, London)

{Check out more pics at the bottom}

The Beyonce Experience tour made a stop in London last night, for the first of two dates here. Since purchasing my tickets way back in September, my interest in Beyonce had waned slightly after being let-down by her sophomore effort ‘B’Day’. However after yesterday’s show, I’m sold on the woman all over again. Absolutely fantastic.

After arriving at the arena around 7.30pm and purchasing the expected rip-off tour booklet (£12/$23!), we made our way to our seats. Once seated, I was surprised to see Matthew Knowles, as well as production trio The Bamma Boys, appear on stage to hype the crowd and introduce the opening act – Soul singer Katie Shotter. 20 year old Shotter was the winner of Matthew’s UK TV show ‘Chancers’ and is signed to his label Music World. She was generally well-received by the audience and her material was promising. Yet, by the third song it was like ‘hurry up and get off the stage’. Well, at least that’s what I was thinking Lol…

An already-hyped audience erupted at 8.50pm, when Beyonce finally hit the stage. The spectacle of her entrance alone was pretty amazing; raining pyro served as the backdrop to her grand entry. Beyonce then launched into a rousing performance of mega-hit ‘Crazy in Love’, which set the tone for the rest of the evening. I’d seen her live a few times before and she was great, yet it was evident yesterday that she was performing with increased vigour. She commanded that stage; it was if she was possessed. Sasha was officially in the building.

There were many highlights during the show; including the steamy ‘Baby Boy’ (which was remixed with Reggae classic ‘Murder She Wrote’) and her near-flawless rendition of ‘Dangerously in Love’. The Destiny’s Child Medley was also a standout, with Knowles singing a string of the group’s big hits- crowd participation here was off the charts. Knowles’ vocals were on-point throughout and all songs were sung live – aside from the passable ‘Suga Mama’.

Of the newer songs performed, I was most impressed with ‘Upgrade U’ and ‘Get Me Bodied’. Both performances stayed true to their video counterparts-hence the choreography was hot. Unfortunately the version of ‘Get Me Bodied’ she performed wasn’t the Extended Mix – so no ‘Naomi Campbell walk’ lol– but it was still great nonetheless. Even the limp ‘Flaws & All’ was brought to life via Beyonce’s raw stage presence; she shed a genuine tear during this performance.

The WHOLE arena – women, men, boys, girls and even the arena staff- went into a frenzy when the last song ‘Irreplaceable’ was sung. ‘To the left, to the left’, she encouraged us to sing ‘…even you gangstas too’ she added. At that point I let go of any reluctance and flung my hands up lol. Soon after, we we’re thanked for coming and she walked to the back. I knew that could not be the last song though. ‘Bass…High-Hat….808’ rang out and the audience went CRAZY, as Beyonce gave an encore performance of ‘Déjà Vu’.

So the night ended as just as it began – with a bang. The concert definitely lived up to its billing; it was an ‘experience’ and then some. On the night Beyonce showed just why – hate it or love it – she is the ‘Hottest Chick in the Game’.

Random points:

* Kelly Rowland was heavily promoted throughout the show – her ‘Like This’ video was played, Matthew spoke about her album and numerous promotional posters/handouts were spotted/given out

* Matthew Knowles sat right behind us for the entire concert at the mixing/recording pit

* Crowd was hyped all the way through

* Her band was incredible…very talented.

* She gave both her band and dancers time to shine.

Read This Story

13 Comments

Music

2nd Jun

Cheri Dennis Update

Bad Boy Records artist Cheri Dennis is finally set release her long-delayed debut album, with the Yung Joc collaboration ‘Portrait’ as the CD’s first official single. Label head Diddy confirmed the news at the ‘Bad Boy Upfront’ event in New York this week. For those not familar with Cheri, the talented singer/songwriter has been signed to Diddy’s label for several years and her project has constantly been pushed back in favour of other artists- including Diddy himself. The hold-ups haven’t stopped Cheri from carving out her own way through the industry; she has written tracks for numerous artists including Olivia and Danity Kane. Dennis also sang the theme tune to MTV’s ‘Making The Band’ – ‘Oh La La’. The currently untitled album is slated for a summer release and will feature productions from Ryan Leslie, Byan Michael Cox and Rodney ‘Darkchild’ Jerkins.

I’m really hoping her album sees the light of day. If anyone thinks Mya and Kelly Rowland have been pushed back into oblivion, then they don’t know about Cheri. Anyway, the single ‘Portrait’ – which surfaced a few months ago- is a great track and I think it’ll do well. Check it out…

Will you be checking for Cheri?

{Link Removed As Requested}

Read This Story

1 Comment

Music

1st Jun

New Song: Jagged Edge ‘Put A Little’ (ft. Ashanti)

Having been signed to Island Def Jam by the label’s newly appointed President of Urban Music, Jermaine Dupri, Jagged Edge are back. The R&B quartet have enlisted the help of Ashanti on the JD-produced ‘Put A Little’; the song will apparently feature on their upcoming new album. I’m liking the track alot; it’s reminiscent of their trademark slow jams. Ashanti really comes through on this one and her verse is the highlight of the song.

Hit or Miss?

{Link Removed As Requested}

Read This Story

14 Comments

Music

1st Jun

Rihanna GIANT Magazine Shoot

{Click pics to enlarge}

Rihanna flaunts more of her new ‘image’ in the upcoming issue of GIANT magazine. The stunning 19 year old star, whose hit ‘Umbrella’ is at the top of both the UK and US charts, strips down to her lingerie in the photo shoot. In the issue, the Bajan beauty speaks on her father’s cocaine addiction, as well as the rumoured ‘beef’ between herself and Beyonce over Jay-Z. On the Beyonce situation, she said:

I guess it’s just the affiliation with him. Being a female and being on his label and having a close business relationship. I guess that sparks the rumors. I’m guessing. Because there’s no other way. At first it was funny, like Ah this is so funny! Why would they think this? Really? Ew. Then it was like they’re still talking about this? This is getting a little frustrating now. Can they cut this out? Because it got really intense where people just weren’t letting up. Then it turned into a “beef” between me and Beyonce. I was like where are these people going with this? This is crazy.

Nice to see her address the Beyonce/Jay-Z matter; although I doubt it will quash the rumours. Though her music doesn’t move me, I must say that Rihanna knows how to take a picture. If the music career dries, modelling is her best option. The pictures are hot…

What do you think of the pics?

Read This Story

3 Comments

Music

31st May

New Mario Track – ‘Why?’ (Snippet)

This new clip is from one the songs on Mario’s upcoming third album ‘Go!’ – due July 31st. As with most of the material I’ve heard from the set, I’m really liking the Underdogs produced ‘Why’. Mario seems to have stepped up majorly from his previous efforts and ‘Go!’ is shaping up to be one great album. The only thing I don’t understand is why his label, J Records, opted to go with ‘How Do I Breathe’ as the lead single when there are much better tracks on the CD. Anyway, check out the song…

Are you liking it?

{Link Removed As Requested}

Read This Story

2 Comments

Music

30th May

Mya Pushes Album Back Again

In news that is sure to disappoint Mya’s fans, the singer has once again pushed back her new album ‘Liberation’. The CD, which was due to hit stores on August 14th, will now drop on September 18th -as confirmed by her label Universal/Motown.

This is almost becoming pathetic. Whereas before I assumed the delays were caused by the label trying to get things right, it’s evident that the project has no sense of direction. The album’s first single ‘Lock U Down’ is under-performing and a follow-up single -‘Walka Not A Talka’- has already been lined up. Yet with the album being released in September (if not pushed back again…), a third single will be due by then. My interest in the album and Mya in general is waning. A mess.

Will you be buying ‘Liberation’ whenever it drops?

Read This Story

8 Comments

Music

30th May

Teairra Marí Update

Ever since hearing about the ‘amicable’ split between Teairra Mari and Roc-A-Fella Records, I have been wondering where the Detroit singer has been. After having some success with hits ‘Make A Girl Feel’ and ‘No Daddy’ back in 2005, Mari kinda disappeared. When she debuted, Def Jam president Jay-Z touted her as the ‘Princess of The Roc’; so many were surprised when the label quietly released her in October 2006 – especially since her sophomore album ‘Second Round’ was already completed. Since then, Mari has signed a deal with Interscope Records and is set to release her 2nd album in the summer. The first single from the set is scheduled to drop anytime from now.Though many criticised Teairra’s first album for being too sexually suggestive i.e. ‘Make A Girl Feel’ (she was 17 when it was released), I enjoyed the CD. Aside from the singles, tracks like the Darkchild produced ‘Stay in Ya Lane’ were hot. I’m hoping she does well this time around as there are less-talented artists out now who are selling.

Will you be checking for Teairra?

Read This Story

11 Comments

Music

27th May

Kelly Rowland & Mya ‘Fashion Cares’ Performances

A couple of weeks ago, both Kelly Rowland and Mya gave performances at the ‘Fashion Cares 2007’ event in Canada. Check out the videos:

Kelly Rowland Performing Dilemma

I liked this performance; it seems Kelly has improved on her live vocals. The Patti Labelle ‘Love, Need and Want You’tie-in (the song Dilemma samples) was a nice touch. Although, it didn’t help that the crowd was almost completely dead. {LOL at the mess dressed in white..’Watch It’}

Mya Performing ‘I Am’

Watching this performance made me realise how much I actually like the song – why isn’t this a single? Anyway, the performance was pretty good. Mya’s vocals were on-point and the song works well live. As was with Kelly, the lack of crowd response slightly took away from the overall performance. I don’t understand why people go to these shows to sit silent and unresponsive.

What did you think of Kelly & Mya’s performances?

Read This Story

6 Comments

Music

25th May

Foxy Brown Sets Date for ‘Black Roses’

After numerous set-backs, including being struck with deafness, Foxy Brown has finally set a release date for her anticipated ‘Black Roses’ album. The controversial rapper revealed to Billboard that ‘Black Roses’ – her first album in 6 years – will hit stores on September 4th via her new label of the same name. Regarding the album, Foxy said ‘No disrespect to anyone, but gear up baby, because when I come, it’s over…this album is going to be a lyrical testimony of everything I’ve gone through and survived the last couple of years. It’s just incredible.’ Planned collaborations on the album are set to include Jay-Z, Baby Cham and Spragga Benz.

It’s refreshing to hear news regarding Foxy’s music and not a run-in with the law. With Eve doing her thing now as well, it seems female Hip-Hop is experiencing a revival. Lil’ Kim should follow suit and hurry-up with her post-prison album too.

Do you care for Foxy’s return?

Read This Story

4 Comments

Music

23rd May

Mario ‘How Do I Breathe’ Video

The video for Mario’s lead single – ‘How Do I Breathe’ – from his new album ‘Go’ premiered tonight. Whilst the song has grown on me, the video is a disappointment. After Mario being out of the limelight for a few years, I would have expected his label to spend more on this video; yet it comes across kinda cheap-looking. Personally I would have preferred Mario to stray from the sound of his biggest hit ‘Let Me Love You'(which ‘How Do I Breathe’ attempts to replicate) and come with something fresh. Still, there’s hope with some of the great tracks I’ve heard from the set such as ‘Kryptonite’ and ‘Crying Out For Me’. ‘Go’ drops July 30th.

Hot or Not?

Read This Story

3 Comments

Music

18th May

Kiley Dean Update

Some of you may remember Kiley Dean from her time as Timbaland’s protégé back in 2003/04. After releasing two singles on the producer’s label – Beat Club Records/Interscope, Dean seemingly disappeared when it went bankrupt – having not released an album. However, she has recently been signed to Matthew Knowles’ Music World label and will be releasing an album later this year. Producers set to feature on the CD include Bryan-Michael Cox and Tanya ‘Freckles’ White (Janet Jackson etc).

It’s great to see Kiley making a return to the music scene. I was really feeling alot of her material such as ‘Kiss Me Like That’ and ‘Who Will I Run To’. I’m hoping that Music World handle her properly as she is a true talent. Check out a few of her songs:

LISTEN: Kiss Me Like That
LISTEN: Who Will I Run To {Updated Link}

LISTEN: Make Me A Song (Samples Aaliyah’s ‘Rock Tha Boat’)

Read This Story

7 Comments