The modern music market has evolved from localized pockets to a gargantuan global village.

Indeed, the power of modern technology has bulldozed barriers and created a world of exploration and opportunity for millions – both in the established music mega-spheres and in those developing their own.

The Middle East especially has emerged as one of the most activated arenas for the latter and it’s a trajectory that looks set to continue thanks to XP Music Futures and MDLBeast SOUNDSTORM.

Housed in the heart of Riyadh, the multi-day extravaganzas champion both the back and front ends of the industry.

Indeed, XP Music Futures magnetizes many of the key figures who are forces behind some of the world’s biggest record labels, digital platforms, and artists. Attendees are also given the opportunity to “meet the makers,” facilitating the rare one-on-one acquisition of knowledge and fostering unprecedented networking potential.

Following on its heels, MDLBeast SOUNDSTORM unites an eclectic mix of homegrown heroes with music megastars for a once-in-a-lifetime euphoric experience. Boasting state-of-the-art stages that must be seen to be believed, the festival plays host to electrifying performances that reverberate well beyond the final song. This year’s line-up was particularly popping with seismic sets from the likes of Bruno Mars, DJ Khaled, Post Malone, and David Guetta.

That Grape Juice was on hand for a rousing week in Riyadh. Check out our Top 5 moments from our unforgettable excursion…

(more…)

Jesy Nelson is ready to unwrap her next musical chapter – almost a year after her debut solo single Boyz.’

Full story below…

(more…)

SZA‘s long-awaited sophomore album, ‘SOS,’ had barely been out 24 hours before it was already making R&B history.

But, while most artists would be celebrating the record-breaking run, the GRAMMY-winning diva finds conflict with the genre labeling – a “limitation” she waxed honest about in the latest issue of ‘Consequence.’

(more…)

Three of modern R&B’s most prized voices – Kem, Ledisi, and Musiq Soulchild – are joining forces for an epic North American jaunt that kicks off in February 2023.

Look inside to see if they’ll be bringing their brigade of hits to a stage near you.

(more…)

Be it for the good, bad, ugly, or downright shocking, 2022 was full of memorable moments!

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

Next, we’ll revisit the Hip-Hop heavy Super Bowl’s boundary breaking showing.

Full story below…

(more…)

Music legend Gladys Knight can add another achievement to her already lengthy resume.

For, she was one of this year’s esteemed guests at the Kennedy Center Honors.

Full story below…

(more…)

Jennifer Lopez may have made headlines in the past for using her vocal chops to tackle one of Whitney Houston‘s most celebrated numbers, ‘Saving All My Love For You’ (as reported here), but that doesn’t mean she will be rendering other live renditions of the Pop icon’s challenging hits any time soon.

(more…)

Cop a gander of Usher!

The Diamond-selling R&B icon scorches on the cover of Numéro Netherlands magazine. 

Lensed by renowned photographer Chrisean Rose, the eye-catching snaps arrive during an action-packed frame of activity for the veteran.

Indeed, the superstar is in the midst of a much-loved residency in Las Vegas (which has been extended into 2023) and is gearing up to launch an exciting label venture alongside L.A. Reid.

In the here and now, though, peep more from Mr. Raymond’s feature in Numéro.

(more…)

After turning heads in 2021 with one of last year’s most talked about festive flicks, ‘Hip Hop Family Christmas,’ VH1 is looking to do the same this holiday season with ‘Hip Hop Family Christmas‘ – the sequel to the Ne-Yo and Keri Hilson-led film.

In addition to reassembling all of the major characters from the original’s star-studded cast like Serayah, Terrence J, MC Lyte, and Redman, ‘Christmas Wedding’ adds Urban superstars Cassie, Bow Wow, and many others to the list.

Ahead of its November 30 premiere, see the movie’s action-packed trailer inside.

(more…)

Alicia Keys rang in the holiday season with her freshly unwrapped album ‘Santa Baby‘ and is continuing the fun by pouring out more from the LP.

The festive set, which serves as the 15-time GRAMMY winner’s first festive project, also dubs as the diva’s first body of work since setting sail as an independent artist.

Armed with a renewed freedom, Keys introduced the masses to her fusion of Christmas covers and new jams by way of the album’s lead single ‘December Back 2 June.’

Now, she’s premiered the visual for the project’s title track.

Watch after the jump…

(more…)

Stormzy has unleashed his hotly anticipated new album ‘This Is What I Mean.’

Serving as the follow-up to 2019’s ‘Heavy Is The Crown,’ the ‘Hide & Seek’ led LP sees the British Rap royal unite an eclectic list of collaborators for his most compelling sonic offering yet.

Indeed, the project boasts contributions from the likes of India.Arie, Ayra Starr, Nao, Sampha, and Stormzy’s fellow 0207 Def Jam labelmates Debbie and tendai.

Ahead of its arrival, the superstar described the creative process as being unbridled and free-flowing – rendering the album unlike any body of work he’s released to date.

Take a listen below…

(more…)

Brandy is baking a brand-new album.

And it’s shaping up to be her most unexpected yet.

Full story below…

(more…)

**