Latest news with #MaryJBlige
The Guardian
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
‘Is Peter Gabriel in my vocal range? I don't care. I'm singing it at karaoke': Xzibit's honest playlist
The first song I fell in love withFight the Power by Public Enemy from their Fear of a Black Planet album touched my soul. Hearing the vibrant production on that record is what really inspired me as a child to become a musician. I listened to it so much, I nearly wore it out. It was first single I boughtRuff Rhyme (Back Again) by my friend King T on cassette tape from Tower Records in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It has the Ruff Mix remix on the B-side, and to this day he and I fight about which is best. The song I do at karaokeIn Your Eyes by Peter Gabriel. Is it in my vocal range? I don't give care if I'm singing it right. I'll do my best. The best song to play at a party It depends on what they're serving. If it's a wild party and there's a whole bunch of drugs involved, it's gotta be uptempo. If it's kick back with some weed, then some 90s or 00s gangsta rap like Nuthin' But a 'G' Thang by Dr Dre featuring Snoop Dogg. The song I secretly likeI love Everything by Mary J Blige from her Share My World album, which samples You Are Everything by the Stylistics and The Payback by James Brown. I've been a fan of hers ever since she came out. She's one of my favourite artists who integrates hip-hop and R&B. The best song to have sex toIt's not about the music. Sometimes it's just about being into your partner: that's the music right there. Would I have sex to my own records? Hell no. Have you heard my shit, like Choke Me, Spank Me (Pull My Hair)? You can't have sex to those records. The song that changed my lifeBitch Please by Snoop Dogg featuring Nate Dogg and Xzibit was the beginning of an era. It launched us into the stratosphere, turned the page, and kicked everything up in my career. The song that makes me cryYou just reminded me I haven't cried in a minute. I gotta go look for that. Sign up to Inside Saturday The only way to get a look behind the scenes of the Saturday magazine. Sign up to get the inside story from our top writers as well as all the must-read articles and columns, delivered to your inbox every weekend. after newsletter promotion The song that gets me up in the morningYankee and the Brave by Run the Jewels because it's adrenaline and goes good with coffee. The song I'd like played at my funeralPlay This at My Funeral, the first song on my new album. Xzibit's new album Kingmaker is out now.
The Guardian
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
‘Is Peter Gabriel in my vocal range? I don't care. I'm singing it at karaoke': Xzibit's honest playlist
The first song I fell in love withFight the Power by Public Enemy from their Fear of a Black Planet album touched my soul. Hearing the vibrant production on that record is what really inspired me as a child to become a musician. I listened to it so much, I nearly wore it out. It was first single I boughtRuff Rhyme (Back Again) by my friend King T on cassette tape from Tower Records in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It has the Ruff Mix remix on the B-side, and to this day he and I fight about which is best. The song I do at karaokeIn Your Eyes by Peter Gabriel. Is it in my vocal range? I don't give care if I'm singing it right. I'll do my best. The best song to play at a party It depends on what they're serving. If it's a wild party and there's a whole bunch of drugs involved, it's gotta be uptempo. If it's kick back with some weed, then some 90s or 00s gangsta rap like Nuthin' But a 'G' Thang by Dr Dre featuring Snoop Dogg. The song I secretly likeI love Everything by Mary J Blige from her Share My World album, which samples You Are Everything by the Stylistics and The Payback by James Brown. I've been a fan of hers ever since she came out. She's one of my favourite artists who integrates hip-hop and R&B. The best song to have sex toIt's not about the music. Sometimes it's just about being into your partner: that's the music right there. Would I have sex to my own records? Hell no. Have you heard my shit, like Choke Me, Spank Me (Pull My Hair)? You can't have sex to those records. The song that changed my lifeBitch Please by Snoop Dogg featuring Nate Dogg and Xzibit was the beginning of an era. It launched us into the stratosphere, turned the page, and kicked everything up in my career. The song that makes me cryYou just reminded me I haven't cried in a minute. I gotta go look for that. Sign up to Inside Saturday The only way to get a look behind the scenes of the Saturday magazine. Sign up to get the inside story from our top writers as well as all the must-read articles and columns, delivered to your inbox every weekend. after newsletter promotion The song that gets me up in the morningYankee and the Brave by Run the Jewels because it's adrenaline and goes good with coffee. The song I'd like played at my funeralPlay This at My Funeral, the first song on my new album. Xzibit's new album Kingmaker is out now.
Daily Mail
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Mary J Blige fans demand REFUNDS after star gives up on choreography during live show
Mary J Blige haters have criticized the star after she appeared to perform half-baked choreography during a recent show - with some going as far as demanding a refund. The 54-year-old Family Affair singer had been playing to packed out crowds at London Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on July 3. Dressed in a bedazzled cobalt colored corset top and matching trousers, complete with oversized blue sunglasses, Mary showed off her hilarious and unbothered dance moves as she performed her hit track, Just Fine. A video of the performance, however, circulated far and wide on social media, with some users calling out her low effort movements. 'Paying to see Mary J. Blige perform LIVE is a choice I'd never make,' one X (formerly Twitter) user slammed. Another speculated: 'Mary needs to adjust her choreography to her capability. If that means she's standing still singing so be it. 'Right now, this looks bad and like she hates being on stage. Maybe she has aches and pains who knows.' 'The epitome of "go girl, give us nothing" and I love that for her,' another joked. 'Some people just gotta know when to hang it up,' another said, hinting at Mary's retirement. Others, however, loyally defended Mary and jumped to her aid as one snapped: 'She 54. What you want her to do a backflip of something?' Another pointed out: 'People go for her voice not her dancing lol.' A third added: 'She may be tired, sick, or even in pain. We never know what people like Mary J Blige are going through. 'She is on stage doing what she loves surrounded by people who support her. That's winning.' 'She's 54 man,' another said. 'I wouldn't be mad if she sat down the whole concert to hear her sing.' 'I would absolutely pay to see Mary J Blige dance like an aunty,' a fifth added. Mary had been performing the London show alongside 50 Cent as part of his Legacy Tour. 'I hope they enjoyed the show!' he captioned a picture of the packed stadium shortly afterwards. 'I love the energy it's just different.' Mary just wrapped up her For My Fans Tour, which kicked off in Greensboro, North Carolina, on January 30 with Neyo and Mario supporting. She has three upcoming shows in Europe, with the next performance set to take place in Portugal for Afronation on July 10. She will then play North Sea Jazz Festival 2025 in the Netherlands on July 11, before playing the Paris La Defense Arena on July 13.
The South African
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Mary J. Blige lights up Tottenham Hotspur stadium
Mary J. Blige delivered a spectacular performance at London's Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. She captivated the audience with her futuristic look and commanding stage presence. The legendary R&B and hip-hop soul queen embraced a bold, avant-garde style that perfectly matched the energy of the massive venue. Mary J Blige took to the stage dressed in a striking blue rhinestone-encrusted outfit by NAMILIA, which shimmered under the stadium lights. This dazzling ensemble, paired with her iconic thigh-high boots, made her look every bit the queen she is often hailed to be, according to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The outfit change came after an energetic first half of the show, where she wore a bright yellow two-piece that radiated confidence and star power. The futuristic fashion was not just a statement of style but also a symbol of her enduring influence in music and culture. The concert was part of a high-profile event that also featured hip-hop legend 50 Cent and American rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie. Mary J. Blige's set was a masterclass in live performance. Mary J Blige was backed by a six-person live band, three backing singers, and four dancers, creating a rich and dynamic soundscape. Throughout her set, she performed hits like Family Affair , Share My World , and the emotional No More Drama . The singer delivered them mostly without backing tracks—a rare feat that showcased her vocal prowess and authenticity. Behind her, a giant crown symbolised her queen status, while later video clips of her past interviews and music videos added depth and nostalgia to the experience. This blend of past and present resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom have followed her career for decades. 'Performing here in London, in such a grand stadium, feels like a full-circle moment,' Blige said. 'It's about celebrating where I've been and looking forward to what's next'. The concert also highlighted the growing trend of large-scale music events in iconic stadiums, which bring significant economic benefits. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium alone contributes roughly £344 million (about R 10.3 billion) annually to the local economy. Mary J Blige's futuristic look and powerful performance at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium were a testament to her enduring legacy. She continues to evolve as an artist while honouring her roots, making her a true inspiration for music lovers worldwide. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sean Combs: music pioneer, entrepreneur -- and convicted felon
Even during his federal criminal trial in New York, the descriptions of Sean Combs were frequently those of awe: one former assistant called him "a god among men." "Larger than life," said witnesses over and over -- his accusers included. And that he was, until it all came crashing down. The music and entertainment titan known for his legendary A-list "white parties" had multiple mansions, a private jet, a business empire and scores of accolades. Then in September 2024, he was arrested on sweeping charges including running a criminal ring that allowed him to commit harrowing sexual abuse. And after a two-month long courtroom saga, a jury of 12 New Yorkers on Wednesday found him guilty of two prostitution-related counts -- but acquitted him of more serious allegations of racketeering and sex trafficking. The outcome was not what prosecutors had hoped for -- a decisive conviction for grave crimes that could have kept him incarcerated for life. Nevertheless, even before the blockbuster proceedings began, Combs's reputation was in tatters. The 55-year-old still faces dozens of civil lawsuits in which he is accused of lurid abuse. And even his own team's defense came back to haunt him: the federal judge denied Combs bail as he awaits sentencing, reading back his attorneys' words in which they conceded again and again that he has a record of violence. - Rebrands upon rebrands - Combs, the founder of Bad Boy Records whose proteges included the late Notorious B.I.G. and Mary J. Blige, was known as a high-flying, smooth-talking kingpin who ushered hip-hop from the underground to bottle-service clubs. He was continuously rebranding -- his monikers include "Puff Daddy," "P Diddy" and, more recently, "Brother Love." Court proceedings revealed a much seedier side, casting him as a violent, domineering boss whose inner circle helped him live life with impunity. Even before his arrest, the mushrooming accusations and legal action left many of his businesses reeling. There were symbolic measures as well: the city of New York had rescinded the honorary key they had bestowed upon him. But as was clear outside the courthouse throughout the proceedings, he still has a loyal fan base, especially in the city where he made his name. - Party boy and hip-hop mogul - Born Sean John Combs on November 4, 1969, in Harlem, the artist entered the industry as an intern in 1990 at Uptown Records where he eventually became a talent director. He gained clout as a party planner, which would remain central to his brand. In 1991, he promoted a celebrity basketball game and concert at the City College of New York that ended in a stampede, leaving nine people dead. The event was over-capacity by the thousands and resulted in a string of lawsuits, with Combs blamed for hiring inadequate security. He was fired from Uptown, and founded his own label, Bad Boy Records. Thus began his quick ascent to the top of East Coast hip-hop. The Notorious B.I.G. became the genre's king following the release of his landmark debut album "Ready to Die" in 1994, up until his shock murder in 1997. Combs boasted a number of major signed acts and production collaborations with the likes of Blige, Usher, Lil' Kim, TLC, Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men. He was also a Grammy-winning rapper in his own right, debuting with the chart-topping single "Can't Nobody Hold Me Down" and his album "No Way Out." The smash hit single "I'll Be Missing You" was a tribute to Biggie. His other major tracks included "It's All About The Benjamins" and "Been Around the World." He built an image as a brash hustler with unapologetic swagger, a major producer who also ventured into Hollywood, reality television and fashion. He was known as a ladies' man -- he had a high-profile relationship with Jennifer Lopez. - 'Next chapters' - As recently as 2023, Combs was still on top of the world -- releasing a new album and taking a victory lap as he accepted lifetime honors including a "global icon" award from MTV. But his star plummeted rapidly in November of that year, when his former partner of 11 years, Casandra Ventura, filed a civil suit with a litany of allegations including a 2018 rape. Combs settled the suit almost immediately, but months later, it became clear that federal investigators were trailing him. His mansions were raided and many possessions seized. Then came his arrest and, nearly eight months later, his high-stakes federal trial. Combs's defense conceded that he committed brutal violence. But they insisted that those instances did not amount to the extensive charges he faced -- and won. Combs routinely brought self-help books or Bible passages with him to the courtroom, and his lawyers argue he's an evolving man. He has six adult children, and a two-year-old named Love Sean Combs. "He's been given his life back," his attorney Marc Agnifilo said Wednesday. "He's going to have next chapters of his life." mdo/sst
