Aquileo | ..::That Grape Juice // ThatGrapeJuice.net::.. || In Loving Memory Of Michael Jackson
Webmaster: Sam About Me: Urban Pop Culture Enthusiast From: London, United Kingdom Site Since: February 2007 Current Version: 5.1 Email:sam@thatgrapejuice.net Additional:
That Grape Juice aims to be a reliable source for all that is Urban Pop Culture. False information will never deliberately be posted on this site. By posting news, rumors etc, we are in no way stating that they are 100% accurate. Much of what is written will be from my own perspective, which I am damn well entitled to have! I do not own the rights to any of the pictures posted on here; if there are any problems with me using them, please do get in contact.
As many of you know, That Grape Juice will be moving over to the following address TOMORROW (Tuesday September 15th) for approximately 1 week, while the 'new' site is installed at this address (www.thatgrapejuice.net). I must stress this is for approximately one week only. In order to make you feel right at home, the 'temporary' site looks exactly the same as the one I'm typing on right now. The fun moves over to the following address TOMORROW (please be sure to bookmark the address):
Following her electrifying tribute performance at the VMA's, Janet Jackson gave her fans a 'special gift' on her official website in the form of a new song called 'Make Me'. Little officially is known about the cut, though it's assumed it was produced by longtime collaborators Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and that (for a fact) it isn't her new single - although it may feature on her new album.
Wow! This is Janet overload these last 48 hours! About the song, it's classic Janet served up with a helping of Funk and a helping of a contemporary Electro-Pop undertone. After years of hearing her singing (and whispering) over harder beats (See: 'Feedback', 'So Excited'), it's surprisingly weird hearing her sing (and she is singing here) on more light-hearted production on this - which IMO gives a nod to the Janet of 'All For You'. A little repetitive lyrically, but I'm liking this one.
The next few months should be uber interesting as we find out how Janet intends to proceed with this project of hers i.e. label, release window etc. Anyway, enough of my rambling...{Thanks Oggie!}...
UK'ers not living under a rock will be aware with the recent drama surrounding the country's top girl group, the Sugababes. With newest member Amelle Berrabah now at the center of the latest happenings, original 'Babe Keisha Buchanan has gone on record to say she thinks Berrabah wants to leave the group, insisting she is not the cause - as the media so ruthlessly seem intent on presenting as fact. Check out Keisha's interview with the News of The World yesterday:
KEISHA BUCHANAN last night sobbed as she told me how missing SUGABABE AMELLE BERRABAH ducked out of last week's gigs by claiming a pal had been in a CAR CRASH.
Giving an eXSclusive interview in her LA hotel room, Keisha broke down and wept: "We thought she was broken up about the accident and were really worried. We did two shows without her, genuinely thinking her friend's been in a really bad car accident.
"I said to our management can we please get the police around there because I'm really, really worried about her.
"That request didn't come from her family or (bandmate) HEIDI, it came from me. The police went round and checked on her. They said she's fine and had been home all week."
Yesterday Amelle, who vanished for four days, said she'd spoken to her bandmates but Keisha insisted: "She hasn't spoken to anyone."
Keisha, who is being comforted by close friend LEONA LEWIS in Los Angeles, says she will try and sort things out with Amelle IF she travels there to film the video for their new single this week.
"I'm not going to lie to you and say everything will be fine because I don't know. But as far as I'm concerned, we're the Sugababes; me, Heidi and Amelle.
"The reason why I'm panicking and the reason why I'm crying is because maybe Amelle wants to do things on her own for good." Keisha is distraught at claims she's jealous of Amelle's No 1 single with TINCHY STRYDER - ironically titled Never Leave You.
And she said ex-bandmate MUTYA BUENA, who Amelle replaced, is more talented.
She said: "What exactly is there to be jealous of? I've been doing things on the underground for God knows how long. Heidi's talented too. Amelle's really talented but the most talented person I've ever been around in my life was Mutya."
Keisha says Amelle, who recently dumped gypsy boyfriend Freddie Fuller, regularly went AWOL.
"Every couple of months it will happen. At certain times there are people thinking they're bigger than the band.
"She'd blame it on Freddie, she'd blame it on her family on all sorts of things. But what's the excuse this time?
"Maybe she doesn't have the balls to say she wants to go." Keisha also hit back at claims that she's bullying Amelle out of the band: "I say what's on our mind. But that's not bullying.
"It's a huge accusation to make and I'm not going to let it lie. I was f***ing bullied myself at primary school.
"She's thinking about leaving but I'm not going to be used as the scapegoat. These things make me stronger. I'm going to use this and write a killer song and I'm going to be fine."
Not a good look with a new single and album around the corner. That said, if they weather this, I'm sure it will play out as 'any publicity is good publicity'.
The 2009 MTV Video Music Awards took place tonight in New York's Radio City Music Hall. Peep That Grape Juice's performance review at the end of the post, in the meanwhile, enjoy the performances below!:
Janet Jackson - Michael Jackson Tribute
Kanye West / Taylor Swift Incident
Lady GaGa - Paparazzi
Beyonce - Sweet Dreams / Single Ladies
Pink - Sober
Beyonce Gives Taylor Swift Acceptance Speech Time
Jay-Z & Alicia Keys - Empire State of Mind
The dust has settled and the many stories that emanated from last night's MTV Video Music Awards 2009 are making the rounds. Prior to giving my 2 Pence on last night's happenings, I must give MTV kudos for delivering their best show since 2003. From the outlandish outfits (GaGa had me rolling with her final ensemble) to the shocking unscripted moments and of course the great performances, MTV did the damn thing last night and deserve a lot of credit for it.
As expected Janet Jackson stole the show with her electrifying tribute to her late brother, the King of Pop Michael Jackson. The performance, which saw a fantastic introduction from Madonna, lived up to my expectations, yet wasn't what I expected (if that makes any sense?). Since news broke of Janet's performance, I envisioned she'd be dancing like Michael, be dressed like him etc. Instead we get the fierceness that is Janet still do 'her' during 'Scream', whilst giving a nod to her brother. Ms. Jackson (if you're nasty!) tore down the house (snatching wigs off many of today's 'stars' in the process!). As we collectively say goodbye to MJ, we should be saying hello again to Ms. Janet, as she is officially back! Not being insensitive about the situation, but after last night, I'd imagine many a label will come a knocking - and rightfully so. She is still beast of a performer on stage. Loved it!
The night's other show-stealers were IMO Beyonce, Pink and Lady GaGa to a lesser extent. After thinking we were in for another, (albeit great...but another)...standard 'Single Ladies' performance, Bouncy proved once again why she is the very best at the moment. As ever, killer vocals and incomparable energy, Ms. Knowles-Carter gave visual spectacle with her mass routine, a showing that encapsulated everything that should be a great award show performance. Say what you want about her, but she is the business!
Can't say much more than I love Pink! While many in our Urban domain still harp on about her ditching R&B, as a MUSIC lover myself, I feel she has been creatively consistent and continually bettering her artistry with every album and with her stage show. Original, daring, and awesomely executed, her performance of 'Sober' ensured she continues to earn my respect. More power to her.
Is it me or was GaGa's pretty cool performance, hampered by some questionable vocals? I mean close your eyes and listen to it and see if you don't screw your face up at some parts. Perhaps it's may be because 'Paparazzi is my least favourite song of hers' . Still, I guess much of her appeal is her eccentricity and stage theatrics, which were served up plentifully last night.
I probably am the only one, but Jay-Z's 'Empire State of Mind' doesn't really rock my world, hence neither did his and Alicia's performance. By no means bad, just not as great as folk seem to be hyping it up to be...IMO. Lil' Mama, love, what were you doing?! No, but really. I nearly peed myself when neither Jay or Alica even acknowledged her. How embarrassing.
KANYE...Kanye, Kanye, Kanye. If ever there was a hot ass mess embodied, it would just have to be Kanye West. His behaviour towards Taylor Swift was the epitome of uncalled for, and has IMO done some irreparable damage to his career. Does he think industry folk are gonna be flocking to work with him? Fans rushing to support his singles anytime soon? I mean stranger things have happened, but as powerful as he may be in today's industry, the media machine that powers this all, is much more powerful - and they aren't gonna let this one go for a while. I mean, aside from the fact he made himself look like a buffoon, as he wasn't even nominated in the category he was whining about, he couldn't have picked a worse 'victim'. Taylor Swift: Caucasian, young, blonde, pure and innocent seeming. And before you think it, 'Yes I went there!' Really not wanting to play the race card, but Kanye really didn't represent my people in a good light at all. No he's not an embodiment of every black person, but the way the media can and probably spin it, such generalised undertones will be present. Such a shame. Such a shame.
Anyway, with any good award show being about memorable moments, Beyonce earned new level of respect from me when she graciously called Taylor back on stage to have her 'moment'. While some will argue it was contrived and she did it for strategic reasons, I feel otherwise. She deserves kudos for that...major props. I can't say I care too much for Taylor just because of what happened, but how cute was her acceptance speech? Great stuff.
After a series of disappointments in recent years, MTV really came through with the quality of last night's show; it was well-produced, had great cast of performers and presenters and above all kept me on the edge of my seat. This is how an award show should be done!
Randomness:
* It's kinda ironic that Janet stole the show this year, as part of the reason the VMA's have been so rubbish in recent years was because of the repercussions they suffered after the Superbowl. As producers of the infamous half-time Superbowl event in 2004, they received heavy fines and subsequently their live programming steered away from any 'risqué' content, which was dry as that is exactly what makes great television! Thank goodness they got it right this year!
* Did anyone else notice Jennifer Lopez wildly cheering on Janet's performance, which prominently featured her ex husband, dancer Chris Judd - while standing with new hubby Marc Anthony. No, I'm not being messy, just an interesting observation (the connections in the room).
* During Janet's performance did anyone else spot the dancer almost fall over during the 'lean' in 'Smooth Criminal'? I was like "don't mess up my Michael's ish!!!"
* Beyonce's bodyguard Julius got the side-eye from Bouncy if there ever was one when he was being abrasive and rude during the pre-show. Not professional on his part at all.
* I have had approximately 2 hours sleep, as the show ended London time 5.00am. It was worth it though. Shout-out to those who kept me entertained and were hopefully entertained by our live commentary on Twitter!
With the eagerly anticipated 2009 MTV Video Music Awards about to get underway live from the Radio City Music Hall in New York, That Grape Juice's 'VMA 2009: Your Shout!' area goes live right now! Tonight's show boasts performances from Beyonce, Lady GaGa, Pink, Jay-Z & Alicia Keys, and of course Janet Jackson - who the world's eyes will be on in her much hyped tribute performance to her brother Michael Jackson. Something tells me this VMA's will be one for the history books.
Here you can post your views on anything and everything regarding the show. Pre-show rumors...Who you're looking forward to seeing... Who you feel rocked the red carpet, who should have skipped it altogether LOL...Who deserved to win what...performances...and all that good stuff while the show is going on and after.
The fourth week of X Factor 2009 audition stage aired last night here in the UK. Check out my 2 Pence below:
{For those unfamiliar with the show; The X Factor is the UK's version of American Idol - with a twist in that groups and over 25's are eligible to enter. The show also birthed the career of a certain Leona Lewis, as well as Alexandra Burke}
I'm still awaiting that 'WOW' moment with this year's auditions, yet can't help but feel that it may not actually be coming. That said, from last night's episode, Lononder Shanna Goodhead really stood out. When watching shows like this I tend to look at whose prospects are best in terms of a viable music career, and thus far Shanna joins a small amount of auditions on that list. Her voice wasn't outstanding, but, as Cheryl said, she has a raw talent. Check it out:
Check out these promotional shots for Alexandra Burke's new single 'Bad Boys'. The weave does looks a little Bargain Bucket, but she looks great all-in-all.
Diva Mariah Carey gave a special intimate concert in Las Vegas last night. During her set, the 39 year old performed new song 'Up Out My Face' from forthcoming LP 'Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel'. Though so heavily backed by the backing track that her live vocals often got lost in the mix, Ms. Carey-Cannon did a great job. I am loving this song and feel it definitely needs to be a single. Good stuff. You can listen to the audio of the performance below (no vids available yet) {Thanks Trent!}:
With Michael Jackson's eagerly anticipated 'This Is it' movie trailer set to air during tomorrow night's MTV Video Music Awards, a brief snippet of what to expect was aired during the network's News piece last night. Check it out above!
This is does seem like it'll silence those who said he (physically) wasn't up to the task of doing the shows at the time of his death. I'm seeing it more as a case of his own inner-problems as well as the idiots who facilitated it as being the reason why he's not here today. Anyway, without drifting off-topic, only MJ could have folks this hyped over a preview of a trailer lol. Long live the King...
Beyonce was among the many artists in the house last night at husband Jay-Z's 'Answer The Call' 9/11 charity concert in New York. The 28 year old superstar surprised viewers with a performance of 'Diva'. Put simply, Ms. Knowles-Carter did the damn thing; she actually killed it. Watching this kinda had me a little irritated at the fact she hasn't performed this live anywhere other than on tour. As not the biggest fan of the song, Bouncy, as usual in such cases, manages to sell it like her life depended on it, with her stellar live performances. Hate it or love it, she really is the 'baddest chick in the game'...
Jay-Z's much-hyped 'Answer The Call' 9/11 charity concert took place in New York's Madison Square Garden last night (and aired on FUSE). A host of fellow artists joined the rapper, whose Blueprint 3 LP aptly dropped this week, including Rihanna, Kanye West, Kid Kudi and John Mayer. Check out the performances below:
Run This Town / Can't Tell Me Nothing (w/ Rihanna & Kanye)
Already Home, Heart of the City, D.O.A (w/ Kid Kudi & John Mayer)
I really enjoyed all the performances, though I must say Ms. Fenty did remind me why she doesn't get my support with her live performing (no stage presence+annoying yoodling+no believe'ablity=not hot).
The lead single from Toni Braxton's Atlantic Records debut ('Pulse'), premiered today. Produced by DJ Frank E, 'Yesterday' is an epic ballad, which effectively manages to stay true to Toni's appeal (i.e. a vocalist rather than one trying to compete with the R&B chicks of today), while also encapsulating enough contemporary R&B/Pop elements to make this chartable in this day and age. I can't say this is rocking my world, but a solid effort nonetheless. It will be interesting to see what Ms. Braxton serves up with the rest of her new album, which is set to hit stores February 2010.
The rumours are apparently true; according to US Magazine, Christina Milian and The-Dream are OFFICIALLY married - and expecting their first child:
Christina Milian is pregnant with her first child, Usmagazine.com has confirmed.
The singer, 27, wed music producer The-Dream, 27, on Sept. 4 at the Little White Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas. Us first reported their engagement two months ago.
"The pregnancy was a surprise, but they were getting married regardless," a source tells Us.
Milian has already been talking about children.
"Of course, I would love to have kids," she told Us earlier this summer at the premiere of Bring It On: Fight to the Finish in NYC. "I think that's some of the reasons why I do movies like this."
Even The-Dream (real name: Terius Hagert Youngdell Nash) -- who proposed to Milian with a six-carat sparkler from Ivanka Trump's jewelry line -- has been talking about a family.
"I love kids, and [Christina] loves kids probably more than I do," he told Us in July. "She'll make that time [to have a baby]. In the next couple of years, there'll be something around."
Wow. Not sure what to think of this. Errr....congratulations?
Randomness: The-Dream already has 3 kids with R&B singer Nivea - his ex-wife.
After being dropped off the CW schedule earlier this year, despite a petition signed by a million, popular US comedy-drama The Game has been picked up by BET, as confirmed by one of the show's producers Matthew Cherry on Twitter:
@Director_Cherry CBS Paramount and BET have reached a deal with the canceled CW Series The Game.
less than a minute ago from web
@Director_Cherry The first hurdle has been crossed for new epsiodes of the show to be produced for BET. Now actor and producer contracts must be worked out.
half a minute ago from web
# There are still a lot of particulars that need to be worked out but CBS Paramount has agreed to license the show to BET.
# If everything continues to work out then new episodes of The Game will likely air in the fall of 2010 on BET.6 minutes ago from web {Source}
Believe it or not, I have never seen an episode of this show, despite its worldwide popularity - thanks to Youtube. It's quite rare a cancelled show is recommisioned for new epsiodes on another network, so it's definitely a great development for the fans of the show.
As Kelly Rowland continues to work hard away at her 3rd solo LP, we can exclusively reveal that hitmaker Jermaine Dupri can be added to list of producers working on the as-yet-untitled project. Dupri joins Jim Jonsin ('Sweet Dreams'), Adonis ('My Boo', 'I Stay In Love', 'Too Grown For That'), David Guetta, Brian Kennedy ('Disturbia') and The Stereotypes ('Damaged') as a fellow contributor on the record. Late 2009, early 2010 is the reported release window for the album. You know where to get your Kelly fix!
Kelly really is spreading her wings and I'm loving it! JD is quite versatile as a producer, so I'm eager to see what he serves up for Kelly. With her desire for this record to be a Dance-meets-R&B uptempo affair, I'm hoping we get something in the vein of Janet's 'So Excited' or more plausibly 'Rock With U' from the pair's creative union. Exciting stuff.
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