R&B singer Mary J. Blige is featured on the cover of the October 2009 issue of Essence Magazine and she talks about her forthcoming album, Stronger, her new movie, Tyler Perry’s “I Can Do Bad All By Myself” and her FFAWN foundation (Foundation for the Advancement of women Now), among other things.

Essence.com’s readers submitted hundreds of questions to MJB via Twitter and their own website and you can check out some of our favorites below:

Do you feel any pressure to keep pumping out hits because of the younger artists?—Angie Kyles, Los Angeles
MARY J. BLIGE: I feel no pressure. I pump out hits for my fans. They just want to hear from me. I don’t compete with the young generation, I learn from them. I listen to what they’re saying, so I can get a little bit of that, so we can cross, so we can have an understanding and hear each other.

Will you ever sing “I Don’t Want to Do Anything Else” [her duet with Jodeci's K-Ci] live again? Angela Ervin—Greensboro, North Carolina
No. I mean, if I sing it with someone else, yes.

How would you encourage a single woman who is feeling depressed because of this recession? Claudine Browne—Kingston, Jamaica
Don’t be defined by what your circumstances are. Free your energy up. Don’t think that money or being able to pay your bills makes you who you are. God made you the way you are, so don’t let not having money take that away.

CONTINUE READING

The leading ladies in Tyler Perry’s latest film, “I Can Do Bad All By Myself,” were spotted by the paparazzi as they were outside their hotels in Manhattan, New York City. Mary J. Blige, Taraji P. Henson and Gladys Knight were all on their way to promote the movie, which hits theaters this Friday, September 11th, which is also Taraji’s 38th birthday.

Geffen Records recording artist Mary J. Blige premiered “The One,” her new music video featuring up and coming rapper Drake, over the weekend. This track is the lead single from the R&B singer’s upcoming ninth studio album, Stronger, due in stores November 24th!

Continue reading to check out the new video!

CONTINUE READING

R&B songstress Mary J. Blige premiered her new music video for “Stronger,” a song from the Lebron James Nike documentary “More Than a Game.” The documentary follows Lebron James and his childhood friends from grade school to playing at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio to being drafted in the NBA. Directed by Kristopher Belman, the film is set to be released to select theaters on October 2nd.

Also, be on the look-out for Mary J’s forthcoming ablum, Stronger, due in stores November 24th. Continue reading to check out the video!

CONTINUE READING

Here’s a short clip of Mary J. Blige performing “I Can Do Bad All By Myself” in her new movie, which holds the same title. The film, directed by Tyler Perry, also stars Taraji P. Henson, Brian J. White and Gladys Knight, and is set to hit theaters on September 11th! Continue reading for the video.

CONTINUE READING

Queen Latifah is returning to her rap roots with her upcoming album, Persona, due in stores August 25th. And here’s a track from the LP, titled “People,” which features R&B singer Mary J. Blige. The Queen is back y’all!

In related news, it’s being reported that she, along with Victoria Beckham, is in line to take Paula Abdul’s spot in the upcoming season of American Idol. Despite reports of Jennifer Lopez being set to be the new judge, reports state that she’s only been asked to do a couple of guest spots in the future. But all of this is pure speculation as nothing has been confirmed by Fox or American Idol execs.

D/L: QUEEN LATIFAH – PEOPLE

The paparazzi caught a glimpse of Mary J. Blige as she made her rounds in the SoHo district of New York City Wednesday (Aug 5). The R&B singer stopped and grabbed a soft-serve ice cream cone before making her way to NYC’s Da Silvano Restaurant to eat lunch with a friend.

In related news, Mary J. Blige and Drake shot the video for their single, “The One,” last weekend. Drake made it to the set just one day after re-injuring himself on stage in Camden, NJ.

PHOTOS: WENN / GETTY IMAGES

T.I. recently premiered the video for his duet with Mary J. Blige, “Remember Me,” a song that was supposed to be featured on the Atlanta rapper’s upcoming Paper Trail album re-release titled Paper Trail: Case Closed. But according to MTV, that re-release will not be happening as it has been shelved indefinitely by Atlantic Records.

Though no reason for the album being scrapped was given, a spokesperson for the label said that “the re-release is definitely not happening” and that they plan to release the new songs digitally.

Anyway, continue reading to peep the new video!

CONTINUE READING

Rappers Soulja Boy and Bow Wow were among the many performers who took the stage Saturday night (Jun 20) in Atlanta during the 2009 Birthday Bash at Philips Arena. Hip-Hop and R&B acts alike all performed short sets during the 14th annual event, hosted by popular Atlanta radio station Hot 107.9. Continue reading for pics of Keri Hilson, Trey Songz, Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy, and much more!

CONTINUE READING

Singer/songwriter Terius Nash, best known for his stage name The Dream, was one of many hip-hop and r&b acts to perform Sunday (Jun 7) during the 2009 Hot 97 Summer Jam at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. Other performers included Lil Kim, T-Pain, Mary J. Blige, Maino and others. Continue reading for much more!

CONTINUE READING