A Change for America - Monday Release Date, Nov. 24th, for Island Def Jam's Three Biggest Year-End Albums!! Nov 11, 2008
Its first single, the RIAA platinum "Money Maker" (featuring Pharrell Williams) hit #1 on the Hot 100 and R&B charts, and was followed at #1 by "Runaway Love" (featuring Mary J. Blige). Ludacris and Mary J. performed the song live with special guests Earth, Wind & Fire at the 49th annual Grammy Awards worldwide telecast -- where Release Therapy won for Best Rap Album. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Justin Timberlake Jumps On T-Pain's 'Can't Believe It' Remix Nov 11, 2008
" Pain's comes out on Tuesday. Guests on the album include Chris Brown on "Freeze" and Mary J. Blige, Diddy and Akon on "Change. " Akon also appears alongside T.I. on "It Ain't Me. (VHI.com -- Music News)
Jheryl Busby, 59, Reviver of the Motown Label, Dies Nov 8, 2008
Under Mr. Busby, the company also signed Mary J. Blige and the rappers Heavy D. and the Boyz to MCA.. By 1995, MCA was part owner and distributor of Motown. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Business)
2008 Hip Hop Albums: Jay-Z, Eminem,... Nov 7, 2008
Following up "Ain't I," released in early 2008, Jay-Z teamed with Mary J. Blige for the first time on a Jay-Z album for Blueprint III's "Your Welcome." Released on 6 November, "History" followed as the third track leaked from the album, with "Swagga Like Us" rumored as a fourth. Kanye West Graduates to 808s and Heartbreaks. (Suite101.com)
Jay-Z, Busta Rhymes, Common Celebrate Barack Obama's Win With New Tracks Nov 7, 2008
I.Am, Mary J. Blige also praise the president-elect. by Shaheem Reid. (VHI.com -- Music News)
Beyonce wants to play Obamas inauguration Nov 6, 2008
After going with hubby Jay-Z, Diddy, Mary J. Blige and others to states like Pennsylvania, Florida, and Ohio just before the election, she watched the returns Tuesday night with family and friends in her home. She was not only inspired by Obama, but McCains concession as well: McCains speech was so classy. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Actress Nia Long and Funny Man Chris Spencer Join Forces to Host BET J's First Ever VIRTUAL AWARDS Premiering on November 25 at 8:30 P.M. ET Nov 6, 2008
Album of the Year: -- Alicia Keys, As I Am, J Records -- Angie Stone, The Art of Love and War, Stax / Concord Music Group -- Erykah Badu, New Amerykah, Pt.1 (4th World War), Universal Motown Records -- Chaka Khan, Funk This, Burgundy Records -- Lenny Kravitz, It's Time for a Love Revolution, Virgin Records America -- Raheem DeVaughn, Love Behind the Melody, Jive Records/Zomba Label Group Song of the Year: -- American Boy, William Adans, Keith Harris, Josh Lopez, Spier Caleb, Estelle Swaray,... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Will Barack Obama's Inauguration Be The Star-Studded Affair His Victory Party Wasn't? Nov 6, 2008
" It seems likely that the events surrounding the inauguration will be the kind of star-studded affair that Obama's victory celebration Tuesday night was not. The day before the election, the Chicago Sun-Times reported that the Obama campaign had asked some of its famous supporters to stay away from Tuesday's rally. Although the campaign is reportedly grateful for the high-profile support, several prominent celebs had reportedly been asked "politely but very firmly" to skip the rally and focus... (VHI.com -- Music News)
Kanye West, Usher, Rick Ross, More React To Barack Obama's Historic Victory Nov 6, 2008
Fat Joe, Nick Cannon, Young Jeezy also celebrate the new president-elect. " Fat Joe yelled, watching the news of the Illinois senator's win from his home in Miami. Joe was shaking in his chair like a little kid. "That Latino vote. (VHI.com -- Music News)
Different moods as McCain, Obama sprint to the finish Nov 3, 2008
Recording artists Mary J. Blige, Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter and Sean "Diddy" Combs were to rally for him Monday in Ohio, and Obama's Florida stop Monday is set for Jacksonville, which has a high percentage of black voters who in recent elections have felt disenfranchised. (David Goldstein in Florida contributed to this report. (Anchorage Daily News)
Hip-Hop Stars Stump for Obama in South Florida Nov 3, 2008
Hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons, music executive Kevin Liles and fellow recording artist Mary J. Blige also joined them at the get-out-the-vote effort for Democratic nominee Barack Obama. "We stood in line to get the new Lil' Wayne CD," Liles said. (Time.com)
11/7: Carrie Underwood in Glendale Nov 1, 2008
Underwood beat out Madonna, Justin Timberlake, Nickelback, Shakira and Mary J. Blige to score the largest-selling album of 2006 with Some Hearts, which has sold more than 7 million. Underwood and Daughtry were also the biggest winners at last year's American Music Awards, which are voted on by fans of all types of music across the nation. (AZCentral -- Entertainment)
Pharrell, Oakenfold, Of Montreal Remix Maroon 5 Nov 1, 2008
October 31, 2008 , 11:30 AM ET. Jonathan Cohen, N.Y. , Of Montreal, Deerhoof, David Banner and are among the disparate names joining forces for the remix album "Call nse," due Dec. 9 via Ane. (Billboard.com)
VH1 Soul Provides an Inside Look at New Music From Q-Tip in the Fifth Installment of 'SoulStage: Q-Tip Presented by Infiniti' Premiering Monday, November 3 at 9pm* on VH1 Soul and VH1Soul.com Oct 31, 2008
Launched in 1997, VH1 Soul is the 24-hour network that brings music lovers the hottest, soul, neo-soul an R&B hits from the 90s and today featuring core artists such as Alicia Keys, Jill Scott, Outkast, Mary J. Blige and Usher. VH1 Soul, the premier source for all R&B and soul music, is now seen in the Top 20 U.S. markets for African-Americans and is available in nearly 20 million U.S. households. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Designer's sexual assault trial nears its end Oct 30, 2008
He has worked with celebrities including Paris Hilton and Mary J. Blige. Most of the prosecution's case relies on testimony from women who made the accusations against Alexander. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Year of the Gentleman Oct 28, 2008
His time writing for Rihanna, Beyonce and Mary J. Blige was neither wasted nor faked. Here, there are no guns, no racked lines, no threats - only a chap who on Single sounds sincere when he offers to be a girl's boyfriend until the song goes off. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
She's banking on hitting the heights Oct 27, 2008
V, who lives with her mother, Jeannine Garcia, cites Mary J. Blige, Beyonc; and Pepe Aguilar among her favorite artists. She credits her father, Los Nopales band singer-songwriter Fausto Villanueva, as her first musical mentor. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Abodam to Join The Game and others at MAMAs Oct 23, 2008
Featuring a star-studded lineup including Mary J. Blige, Busta Rhymes, Dr. Dre, Eminem, 50 Cent and Kanye West, the album received instant critical acclaim, and attracted a Grammy nomination for The Game for smash hit single release Hate It or Love It. With worldwide album sales topping seven million, The Game dropped his third album, L.A.X, through Geffen/Interscope Records in Summer 2008. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Hollywood comes out in support of gay marriage Oct 23, 2008
Melissa Etheridge and Mary J. Blige performed at the sold-out event, which required a minimum donation of $1,000. The bash, which was attended by such celebs as Barbara Streiesand, David Hyde Pierce and Rob Reiner, raised over $4 million for the campaign, according to Lorri L. Jean, CEO of the L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center. (Yahoo News)
AC/DC makes a deal with ... Wal-Mart Oct 22, 2008
Said Circuit City spokeswoman Jennifer Sills: Circuit City has a long history in the music distribution business, and weve launched a number of successful exclusive distribution deals, including Mary J. Blige (Mary and Friends CD/DVD) and most recently Rihannas Good Girl Gone Bad Live Music DVD. We feel the added promotion around the business helps to build public interest and excitement. . (MSNBC -- Music)
50 Cent Promises 'The Return Of Slim Shady' With Eminem's Album Cameo Oct 22, 2008
" Unlike Curtis, which had cameos from Justin Timberlake, Mary J. Blige and Robin Thicke, it doesn't seem like 50 is too interested in having collaborators stop by the studio this time around. Eminem is the only name he shared. (The Queens native described the record "Norman Bates Motel" as "the return of Slim Shady. ") "So, far I've kinda kept to myself and wrote what I felt was exciting from my perspective," Fif said. "It's always fun working with Em for me. (VHI.com -- Music News)
Shows of the week Oct 21, 2008
but Mary J. Blige remains the undisputed Queen of Hip Hop Soul. The eight-time Grammy winner hits the Arizona State Fair in support of Growing Pains, a 2007 release that marked her fourth consecutive appearance at the top of Billboard's album chart. (AZCentral -- Entertainment)
Jose's new look Oct 21, 2008
Thicke, 31, is touring with soulstress Mary J. Blige. Photo gallery after the jump. (The Palm Beach Post)
Best dressed Oct 19, 2008
The Mary J. Blige Lookalike Award: V-103 s Portia Foxx, who officially opened the red carpet at 4:03 p.m. with a throng of media representatives from around the country. The Don t Tell Alvin Award: Rappers Skepta and Chipmunk, who were among the first three artists to walk the red carpet. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
U2 eclipse Mariah Carey at Grammys Oct 19, 2008
Friday February 10 2006. If you think this is going to go to our heads, it's too late. (Yahoo News -- Grammy Awards)
10/22: Mary J. Blige Oct 18, 2008
by Ed Masley - Oct. 16, 2008 05:10 PM The Arizona Republic. Sound: It's been a while since What's the 411. (AZCentral -- Entertainment)
AMA Nominees Oct 16, 2008
Soul/Rhythm Male artist: Chris Brown, J. Holiday, Usher Female artist: Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys, Rihanna Album: "Growing Pains" (Mary J. Blige), "E=MC2" (Mariah Carey), "As I Am" (Alicia Keys). Soundtracks Album: "Alvin and the Chipmunks," "Juno," "Mamma Mia!". (AZCentral -- Entertainment)
Music stars set for Mobo Awards Oct 16, 2008
Page last updated at 10:37 GMT, Wednesday, 15 October 2008 11:37 UK. Estelle has been nominated for five awards at this year's ceremony. (BBC News -- Entertainment)
5 American Music Award nods for Alicia Keys Oct 15, 2008
Soul/rhythm & blues female artist: Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys, Rihanna. Soul/rhythm & blues album: Growing Pains (Mary J. Blige), EMC2 (Mariah Carey), As I Am (Alicia Keys). (MSNBC -- Music)
10/21: Sheryl Crow Oct 15, 2008
Oct. 13, 2008 05:10 PM Arizona Republic Staff. Sheryl Crow burst on the national music scene in 1994 as a woman who just wanted to have some fun in her breakthrough single All I Wanna Do. (AZCentral -- Entertainment)
Keys, Coldplay, Eagles Lead AMA Nominations Oct 15, 2008
Other artists receiving multiple nominations are Mary J. Blige, Garth Brooks, Mariah Carey, Daughtry, Flo Rida, Rihanna, Carrie Underwood, Usher and Kanye West. Voting for the awards is done online via ABC.com's American Music Awards website. (Billboard.com)
Coldplay nominated for US awards Oct 15, 2008
Page last updated at 18:31 GMT, Tuesday, 14 October 2008 19:31 UK. Coldplay's Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends is up for an award. (BBC News -- Entertainment)
Alicia Keys leads American Music Award nominees Oct 15, 2008
Soul/Rhythm & Blues: Male artist: Chris Brown, J. Holiday, Usher; Female artist: Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys, Rihanna; Album: "Growing Pains" (Mary J. Blige), "E MC2" (Mariah Carey), "As I Am" (Alicia Keys). Soundtracks: Album: "Alvin and the Chipmunks," "Juno," "Mamma Mia!". (WSVN-TV Miami, FL)
Heavy D Returns with Hit Reggae Album Vibes Oct 15, 2008
One of the first rapper-turned-label-chief/A&R execs, he eventually became President of trailblazing urban music imprint Uptown Records, helping to nurture the careers of artists such as Mary J. Blige and Jodeci, as well as a budding, streetwise mogul-in-the-making named Sean Puff Daddy Combs. Hev has also established a solid acting resume, by becoming an award winning theater actor and appearing in breakthrough movies such as Oscar nominated The Cider House Rules starring Tobey Mcguire and... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
'2008 American Music Awards' Nominees Announced Oct 15, 2008
Mary J. Blige/ Growing Pains 2. Mariah Carey/ E=MC2 3. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Lil Wayne, Coldplay, Alicia Keys Lead 2008 American Music Award Nominees Oct 15, 2008
Chris Brown, Mary J. Blige and the Jonas Brothers will also vie for prizes during November 28 broadcast. by Chris Harris. (VHI.com -- Music News)
To 11/2: Arizona State Fair Oct 13, 2008
Pick a concert on a discounted-admission day and spend even less to see Weezer, Sheryl Crow, Mary J. Blige, Larry the Cable Guy, Meat Loaf and other acts. General-admission seating in the 14,000-seat Veterans Memorial Coliseum is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis, so get there early. (AZCentral -- Entertainment)
'Folsom Prison' boxed set dispels myths Oct 11, 2008
Andy Roddick play in a charity tennis tourney; Mary J. Blige, Taste of Atlanta and more. Forget waiting in line. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Younger Thicke sexes up Sunrise Oct 11, 2008
Thicke, 31, is touring with soulstress Mary J. Blige. . (The Palm Beach Post)
Where do you find cheap tickets? Oct 10, 2008
Fellow blogger, Sonia Murray, writes about for Mary J. Blige and Robin Thicke concert tickets. Let s hear your experiences, good or bad, from buying tickets outside an event. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Mary J. Blige, Robin Thicke at Lakewood Oct 10, 2008
The entry titled "Half Off Mary J. Blige and Robin Thicke Tickets Friday," and any of the comments about it ... Half Off Mary J. Blige and Robin Thicke Tickets Friday ... But thank tough economic times coupled with the fact, probably, that the headliner s most recent CD is nowhere on the Billboard 200 charts and you ve got a half price ticket sale tomorrow for the Mary J. Blige show this weekend at Lakewood Amphitheatre. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
BlackBerry tackles iPhone Oct 10, 2008
BlackBerry Storm has touch screen you can feel. Phone is built with springs, so when pressed, it gives under the finger. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Second Annual 'CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute' From Hollywood's Kodak Theatre to Air Thanksgiving Night Oct 10, 2008
The inaugural CNN Heroes tribute broadcast in 2007 featured appearances by Glenn Close, Harry Connick Jr. and Jimmy Smits, as well as performances by Mary J. Blige, Sheryl Crow and Wyclef Jean with Norah Jones. In the United States, a cumulative 7. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
She's pushing rock's boundaries Oct 6, 2008
In addition to working at Berklee on and off for the past 11 years, Kai has logged many hours as a live and session backing vocalist for artists such as Chaka Khan, Anita Baker, and Mary J. Blige. But the Memphis native's true love has always been rock 'n' roll. (Boston Globe)
Tyler Perry Unveils Multimillion-Dollar Studio in... Oct 6, 2008
R&B singer Mary J. Blige was to perform. Perry, 39, said the studio features five sound stages that will be named after Quincy Jones, Sidney Poitier, Ruby Dee and Cicely Tyson with one still unnamed. (Fox News)
Thicke celebrates the human touch Oct 6, 2008
His career stalled after a dead-in-the-water 2002 debut, but was resurrected by his 2006 sophomore release, The Evolution of Robin Thicke, which spawned the R&B chart-topping "Lost Without U" and landed him opening-act gigs with Beyonc and Mary J. Blige. Now the new album's first single "Magic" is in Billboard's R&B Top 10. (Toronto Star)
Robin Thicke learns to love himself Oct 3, 2008
Hes on a tour with Mary J. Blige, the CDs first single Magic is hit, and at a party to celebrate the albums release, none other than Jay-Z and Diddy showed up to pay their respects. advertisement. (MSNBC -- Music)
Jennifer Hudson returns to first love -- music Oct 3, 2008
She doesn't fit the gritty soul diva role like a Mary J. Blige or Keyshia Cole, or the glamour queen part like Beyonce, or the lithe singer type of a Rihanna or a Ciara. Slide show. (MSNBC -- Music)
Robin Thicke: White Like Me Sep 25, 2008
Although the album was an economic failure, I had Usher, Mary J. Blige, Faith Evans, Lil Wayne, Pharrell, Puff Daddy and others calling to work with me ... I look at Mary J. Blige, somebody who has had only a few pop hits and yet has changed culture, generated new sounds and inspired leagues of artists ... But the older I got I realized that white kids weren't doing what I was also doing at 13, singing songs by Aretha Franklin, Jodeci, Mary J. Blige, Guy and Boyz II Men. (Billboard.com)
Robert Wagner-Barbara Stanwyck Affair: FOX411's Original Scoop Sep 24, 2008
Note to the producers: Jennifer Hudson is not Mary J. Blige. But she can sing, just about better than anyone out there right now. (Fox News)
Who's Getting a Chunk of Wood? Emerging Artists Vie for 2008 mtvU Woodie Awards Sep 23, 2008
Who's Getting a Chunk of Wood. Emerging Artists Vie for 2008 mtvU Woodie Awards: Financial News - Yahoo. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
On the Record Sep 21, 2008
The album warms up with songs from Ne-Yo, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna and Jay-Z, and reaches the middle part with the Snoop Dogg club anthem "Drop It Like It's Hot". Each song's duration is short for a reason. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Features)
Rod Stewart, Sheryl Crow, The Killers and David Spade to Headline Andre Agassi's Grand Slam for Children Benefit Concert Sep 17, 2008
Since its inception in 1995, the Grand Slam for Children has been distinguished by its roster of entertainers, including Barbra Streisand, Sir Elton John, Billy Joel, Phil Collins, Jerry Seinfeld, Stevie Wonder, Ellen DeGeneres, Jamie Foxx, Robin Williams, Celine Dion, Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Rod Stewart, Tony Bennett, Luther Vandross, Usher, Matchbox Twenty, Goo Goo Dolls, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Mary J. Blige, Kelly Clarkson, John Mayer, Dennis Miller, Ray Romano, Lionel Richie, Carlos... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
6 to enter Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Sep 14, 2008
A.D. Washington, a recording studio executive who worked with Patti LaBelle, Bobby Brown, Mary J. Blige and Gladys Knight, among others. Dr. Sterling Williams, vice president for education of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in Washington and an accomplished classical music singer. (WREG.com, TN)
good girl going great Sep 14, 2008
Co-writer and producer Tricky Stewart penned the track with Britney Spears in mind, then shopped it to Mary J. Blige. "It's a magical record. Anybody would have a hit with it," Rihanna says. (Courier Mail)
2008 Mobo Award Nominees Sep 13, 2008
Singer/Rapstress Estelle looking at Five Awards. The Mobo (Music of Black Origin) Awards revealed their list of nominees this week which includes Estelle, Dizzie Rascal and X Factor favorite Leona Lewis. (Suite101.com)
Beyonce's New LP, Featuring Justin Timberlake, Due November 18 Sep 13, 2008
Songwriter/ producer Sean Garrett (Mary J. Blige, Usher, Fergie) revealed to MTV News on the VMA red carpet that he's been. "I got to get a big secret out: Beyonc?!" he said. (VHI.com -- Music News)
Lowcountry Classic III Sep 12, 2008
The Scholarship Benefit Concert featuring Mary J. Blige is set for 8 p.m. on Saturday at the North Charleston Coliseum. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Songwriters making music for Obama's cause Sep 11, 2008
In addition to that, there is Black President by Nas, Letter to Obama by Joel Ortiz, Youre All Welcome by Jay-Z and Mary J. Blige, and many others. But lots of pop songs have emerged as well, and they keep coming. (MSNBC -- Music)
5th Anniversary of Fashion Rocks Sep 11, 2008
Mary J. Blige, Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, and Kidd Rock joined on stage to tribute the 50th Anniversary of Motown and it's influence to fashion, singing a mix of some of the most popular songs to come from the label that brought great acts like the Jackson 5, The Supremes, Temptations, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder. Also throughout the performance models came out in fashion popular from that time period, afros included. (Suite101.com)
Football, fund-raising, music on tap at Lowcountry Classic III this weekend Sep 11, 2008
On tap for Saturday are the President s Fitness Walk, College Recruitment Fair, Lowcountry Classic III football game and the Scholarship Benefit Concert featuring Mary J. Blige ... The Scholarship Benefit Concert featuring Mary J. Blige is set for 8 p.m. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Remix Hotel Atlanta Announces Complete Programming and Panel Lineup Sep 10, 2008
In addition, this years series will kick off with a special Q&A session featuring Grammy Award-winning producer, Bryan-Michael Cox, who has produced records for Mary J. Blige, Chris Brown and Mariah Carey. Remix Hotel Atlantas panel topics include Atlantas New Producers, Mixing by the Numbers, How to Develop a Dope Live Show and Songwriting for Producers. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
A.M.STIR: Test your 'Project Runway' knowledge Sep 10, 2008
Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Fergie, Sheryl Crow, Melissa Etheridge, Natasha Bedingfield, Miley Cyrus, Leona Lewis, Carrie Underwood, Keyshia Cole, LeAnn Rimes, Ashanti, Ciara & Mariah Carey. 5. (Florida Times-Union)
In a star-heavy telethon, Hollywood takes a stand on cancer Sep 8, 2008
The only "We Are the World" moment that might have lent itself to parody was a performance, via remote from the rehearsal for the forthcoming "Fashion Rocks" concert, by a stage crammed with Beyonce, Carrie Underwood, Rihanna, Mariah Carey, Fergie, Mary J. Blige, and others. They belted out "Just Stand Up," and not a one of them was about to sit down. (Boston Globe)
Retro-licious Sep 8, 2008
Chris Brown goes from Sam Cooke's "Cupid" into his own single "Forever." Justin Timberlake sings falsetto for Marvin Gaye's "Got To Give It Up," while a black-clad Kid Rock and white-jumpsuited Mary J. Blige team up for a rock 'n' R of the Temptations' "(I Know) I'm Losing You." And Timberlake and Beyonc come back with Gaye and Tammi Terrell's "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing.". Fergie's version "Call Me" is a misstep, especially when Deborah Harry comes onstage midway through. (New York Post -- Entertainment)
