Celebrity Coverage
Mary J. Blige’s ‘Mary’ is a timeless classic that blends the past with the present – Essence
Mary J. Blige, deluxe edition of “Mary”, 1999.
For nearly 4 a long time, Mary J. Blige has crafted generational songs that have been the soundtrack to our lives. While lots of her albums have been standouts, her fourth studio album—released on August 17, 1999—was a defining moment in her profession, each as a personal statement of growth and a reflection of the evolving landscape of R&B. With this album, Blige moved away from the heavy hip-hop influences that characterised her earlier work, embracing a more mature and classic R&B sound. This shift not only showcased her versatility as an artist, but in addition placed her at the forefront of the entertainment industry.
The 14-track LP debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, selling 239,000 copies in its first week—a testament to Blige’s immense popularity and the expectations surrounding her growth as an artist. The album spent 57 weeks on the chart, and its success was sparked by five singles, including “Give Me You” and “Your Child,” leading critics and fans alike to praise the album for its depth and authenticity.
Babyface, Chucky Thompson, Diane Warren and legendary duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis were all credited with production and songwriting credits. These collaborators helped Blige create an album that was each timeless and contemporary, rooted in the wealthy traditions of ’70s R&B but with a modern edge. This mix of old and latest is perhaps most evident in Blige’s collaboration with Elton John on “Deep Inside,” where she reinterprets his 1973 classic “Bennie And The Jets” to explore the complexities of fame and the emotional toll it takes on personal relationships.
was also praised for its guest appearances, which added depth and texture to the album. The presence of icons like Aretha Franklin, along with contributions from artists like Jadakiss and K-Ci and JoJo, gave the album the perfect sonic balance. Additionally, Blige worked with cultural mainstays like Eric Clapton and George Michael; “I’m in Love,” “As,” and “Let No Man Put Asunder” are covers of songs originally performed by The Gap Band, Stevie Wonder, and First Choice, respectively.
One of the most vital songs on the album “All I can say,” written by Lauryn Hill, captures the essence of . With its soulful, introspective lyrics and Hill’s influence, the song set the tone for an album that was as much about self-discovery because it was musical exploration.
In retrospect, the album is a milestone in Mary J. Blige’s discography. It was greater than just a collection of songs; it was a statement of artistic intent and private growth. Taking a more vulnerable, introspective approach, Blige redefined her sound and solidified her legacy as the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul. As the latest millennium dawned, it was proof that Blige was not only a product of her era, but a timeless artist whose influence would endure for years to come back.
Celebrity Coverage
‘All The Queen’s Men’ Returns: Eva Marcille Hosts an Exciting New Season on BET+ – Essence
BET+ is ready to light up the vacation season with the highly anticipated return of season 4, premiering on Thursday, November 28, 2024. Fans can be treated to a gripping, two-episode premiere that may set the tone for what guarantees to be probably the most explosive season yet, with latest episodes published every week.
The hit series, which stars Eva Marcille because the fierce and fearless Marilyn “Madam” DeVille, dives into deeper waters as she embarks on an ongoing mission to destroy those behind her father’s kidnapping. This season’s plot delivers a symphony of intrigue, betrayal and unrelenting ambition as Madam fights fiercely to guard her empire and exact revenge.
Series regulars return to Madam’s dangerous journey, including Skyh Alvester Black (Amp “Addiction” Anthony), Candace Maxwell (DJ Dime) and Racquel Palmer (Blue), bringing greater intensity and complicated dynamics to the screen. With its distinctive mix of high-stakes drama and shocking twists, season 4 is prepared to thrill viewers from start to complete.
For those trying to revisit or catch up on the gripping saga, seasons one through three are actually available to stream exclusively on BET+. With its return, the platform continues to solidify its position as a middle for powerful storytelling and Black excellence in entertainment.
Take a have a look at the trailer below.
Celebrity Coverage
ICYMI: Cardi B’s rally look, Adut Akech’s baby bump and more – Essence
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Ahead of the 2024 election week, stars supported each political and classic hair and makeup moments. From micro bobs and presidential updos to butterscotch lipsticks with matching manicures, moderate shades complemented this season’s trendy hairstyles.
Cardi B’s updo meant business Kamala Harris rally in Milwaukeeturning a straightforward sleep pin-up right into a political statement. The rapper’s beauty moment was the most recent after last week’s rally star look “dance party” with Beyoncéblonde bombshell and microbob Kelly Rowland. However, dominant hairstyles weren’t limited to election campaigns.
Traditional, edgy styles like Coco Jones’s bob and supermodel Anok Yai’s ponytail are transformed into prim and proper with curled ends. The former combined an asymmetric cut with undecided French suggestions: black on one side, white on the opposite. Meanwhile, a sensual nude manicure rested between her lips. To end the week, pregnant Adut Akech styled her baby bump with blackberry nails to match the thick, dark line of her fall lip.
In case you missed it, take a have a look at 9 celebrity beauty moments from the week.
Celebrity Coverage
Quincy Jones, iconic producer and entertainment mainstay, dies at the age of 91 – Essence
Quincy Jones at TIFF in 2018 (Photo: Chris Pizzello / Invision/AP)
Quincy Jones, a outstanding figure in the music and entertainment industry, died peacefully on Sunday at his home in Bel Air, California, surrounded by family members. He was 91 years old.
“Tonight, it is with full but broken hearts that we must share the news of the death of our father and brother Quincy Jones,” Arnold Robinson, publicist for the 28-time Grammy winner, said in an announcement. “And while this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the wonderful life he lived and know there will never be another like him.”
Born on March 14, 1933 in Chicago, Quincy Delight Jones was raised in a turbulent environment marked by the Great Depression and his mother’s mental illness. At the age of 11, discovering a piano at a neighborhood recreation center in Bremerton, Washington became the pivotal moment that modified his life from petty crime to a profession in music. He eventually mastered the trumpet and at the age of 14 was performing in jazz clubs with a young Ray Charles, which allowed him to showcase his limitless talent and set the stage for a unprecedented profession.
Jones’ journey began in earnest when he played trumpet in Lionel Hampton’s band at age 19, and continued as he collaborated with jazz legends equivalent to Dizzy Gillespie. In the Sixties, he began pursuing film scores, earning three Academy Award nominations in 1968 and 1969 for his work on , and , breaking barriers as one of the first black composers in Hollywood. His groundbreaking role as the first black musical director of the 1971 Academy Awards cemented his pioneering status.
Despite serious health problems in the Nineteen Seventies, including two life-threatening brain aneurysms that left him unable to play the trumpet, Jones remained undeterred. He then composed iconic themes for and Emmy Award-winning movies.
Most notably, Quincy’s profession peaked in the Eighties when he teamed up with Michael Jackson, producing the movies , and . itself secured eight Grammy Awards and became a cultural touchstone that transformed the music industry. In 1985, Jones organized and produced the all-star film “We Are the World,” which raised thousands and thousands for African famine relief and won three Grammy Awards. His work continued to influence the industry, from producing Sinatra to overseeing (*91*) Davis’ final album.
Known for his enduring versatility, Jones was the first African-American to carry an executive position at a significant record label, was a movie and television producer – directing such hits – and co-produced the 1985 and 2023 film versions of the film.
A loyal father, Jones’s personal life was full of complexities, including three marriages and seven children, amongst them actresses Kidada and Rashida Jones. The autobiography details his extraordinary journey from the gang-infested streets of Chicago to the pinnacle of global recognition, marked by each triumphs and challenges.
The iconic artist leaves behind an unparalleled legacy, combining music, film and television and inspiring future generations. His contributions to the arts and philanthropy proceed to resonate, highlighting the indelible mark left by a remarkable man whose story will remain a testament to resilience and innovation.
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