Mary J. Blige is giving you her love “25/8” on the blissful new single off her 10th studio album My Life II: The Journey Continues, due this October.

The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul effortlessly glides over the soulful Eric Hudson-produced beat. “‘Cause I got days and days of love for you boy/ And I don’t wanna have to rush, but 24/7 ain’t enough/ ‘Cause I got so much love for you boy/ I need another hour and a day so I can love you 25/8,” she sings.

The R&B veteran has been in the studio with Pharrell, Rico Love, Swizz Beatz, and Jermaine Dupri working on the sequel to her 1994 landmark album My Life. One listen and you’ll remember why MJB is still the MVP.

Mary J. Blige lends a reassuring voice on “The Living Proof,” the theme to the film The Help, in theaters now. The survivors’ anthem, produced by The Underdogs, was written about Aibileen (Viola Davis), the main character who plays a maid living in Mississippi during the 1960s. The video features footage of Mary in the studio interspersed with clips from the civil rights dramedy. Find your strength in the music.

If you weren’t excited for Mary J. Blige’s new album, Pharrell is about to change that. The super-producer, who usually keeps quiet when it comes to his collaborations, couldn’t contain his excitement over the R&B vet’s project.


“You got to hear her. All I’m saying is, When ya’ll hear MJB’s album, the queen is back! That’s all I gotta say,” said an enthusiastic Pharrell during an episode of Jermaine Dupri’s vlog series “Living the Life.”

My Life II: The Journey Continues, the sequel to Mary’s 1994 sophomore LP, is slated for a fall release. In addition to Pharrell, the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul has been in the studio with J.D., Rico Love, Swizz Beatz, songwriter Andrea Martin, and Nicki Minaj, who appears on “Feel Inside.”

“She’s brought black music back on such an incredible level,” added P. “It’s amazing the kind of musicianship and the kind of poetry that’s on this album. This is one of the most amazing albums I’ve heard in a long time. I am so honored to be a part of it because it’s someone I like, admire, and is also a legend. When you guys hear this shit, reefer sales gon’ go up.”

We’re not sure exactly what he means, but we’re sold.

Super-producer Jerry “Wonda” Duplessis has lent his Midas touch to records for the Fugees, Whitney Houston, and Shakira. But for his next high-profile project, he’s taking it back to the beginning.


The Haitian musician has a heavy hand in Mary J. Blige’s 10th studio album My Life II: The Journey Continues, having already helmed the lead single “Someone to Love Me (Naked)” featuring Diddy and Lil Wayne, as well as four or five other songs including the follow-up single. While recording a sequel to the 1994 classic could be daunting, the Grammy-winning producer is teeming with excitement over what they’ve already laid down.

“It’s like My Life, but with a 2011 sound to it,” he told Rap-Up.com. “Everything is all lovely with a hard bottom, but very melodic, clean music. You know Mary, she always comes with bangers. That’s why she called this one My Life II.”

Wonda, who is also working with Justin Bieber, Estelle, Melanie Fiona, John Legend, and Alicia Keys on their forthcoming LPs, originally produced the beat for “Someone to Love Me” for Diddy-Dirty Money’s Last Train to Paris, but passed it off to the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul after the Bad Boy mogul gave her his blessing.

“I just played the record. Mary was like, ‘Hold up! That’s my record!’ You know those two. They’re like brothers and sisters,” he said. “Puff came through Platinum Sounds—that’s where I’m at—and Mary’s like, ‘I need this record.’ Puff was like, ‘Yo, that’s it! You want it, no problem mama. Let’s go!’”

MJB decided to tack on a verse from Weezy and rename the tune to suit her mood. “The reason she called it ‘Naked’ was because she was like, ‘I’m just going to let it out, whatever’s inside of me,’” continued Wonda, who worked with Swizz Beatz on a few tracks for Mary. “That’s the record, my God! Everybody’s talking about it.”

With My Life II landing in stores in September, Wonda is currently focused on his upcoming projects, with credits as executive producer on Musiq Soulchild’s MusiqInTheMagiq and producer on Akon’s forthcoming single.

Mary J. Blige paid a visit to the “Today” show earlier this morning to promote her new fragrance My Life. Clad in a black overcoat, the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul spoke on how her perfume sold 60,000 bottles in six hours on HSN and how a dollar of every purchase goes to her FFAWN foundation to better women.

“Educating them, empowering them, and encouraging them,” said Mary of her intentions. “Giving them a second chance, whether they be young or old. You have some people give up in life. I was one of those women who gave up, and I just want to be one of those women to reach out and show women that if I can do it, we all can do it.”

MJB also provided an update on the status of the oft-delayed Nina Simone biopic in which she stars. “They keep pushing it back. It’s not my fault. I’m ready,” she told hosts Kathie Lee and Hoda Kotb. “I went to the acting class, I learned ‘Ne Me Quitte Pas.’ I know all French, whatever—so I’m doing my job.”

Top Hollywood divas rocked the red carpet at Lorraine Schwartz’s “2BHAPPY” jewelry collection launch on (November 22) at Lavo in New York City. Along with Beyonce, the host of event, sexy Blake Lively and Kim Kardashian flaunted bold fashion statement. Hollywood beauties wowed the audience as they hit the event and turned the launch party into an amazing fashion night. Also in attendance was Ashanti, Mary J. Blige and Tina Knowles.

Meet Starshell, the first female artist signed to Mary J. Blige’s Matriarch Records. The 21-year-old singer-songwriter behind MJB’s “I Can See in Color” and “Closer” channels the 1985 sci-fi flick Weird Science in the Petro-directed music video for “SuperLuva.” In the retro clip, the up-and-comer sports a handful of looks while commanding a group of backup dancers, posing with her mentor who makes a cameo.  Is there any room in the game for Starshell?  Where does she fit with Rihanna, Beyoncé, & Gaga?  It's definitely a pop hit.

In addition to the Fernando Garibay-produced lead single, Starshell has worked with will.i.am, Scott Storch, Jerry Wonda, Swizz Beatz, Ne-Yo, and Jeff Bhasker on her 2011 debut.

Get acquainted with the new starlet by watching below.

Mary J. Blige stepped on stage in a form-fitting shiny bodysuit and boots on the first date of her “Music Saved My Life” tour at Chastain Park Amphitheater in Atlanta on Saturday night (Oct. 2). Before taking the stage with hits like “No Drama” and “I’m Goin’ Down,” Miguel and Jazmine Sullivan warmed up the crowd with their soulful music. MJB and Jazmine recently teamed up for the Swizz Beatz-produced remix of “Holding You Down (Goin’ in Circles)” from Jazmine’s sophomore album Love Me Back, now due November 30.

The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul has been in and out of the lab cooking up her 10th studio album. “Yes, we’re working on one,” she tells the New York Daily News, revealing that some of the guests may include Jay-Z, Swizz Beatz, Johnta Austin, and Ryan Leslie. “I don’t know what we’re calling it. I’m not rushing to come out with it. When it is done, it is done.”

Trey Songz celebrated Independence Day by performing on Day 3 of the ESSENCE Music Festival at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans. He and Mary J. Blige set off sparks when they dueted on their collaboration “We Got Hood Love.” “Just got off stage wit MjB…life is great!! Happy Independence Day, once again. I’m on cloud 99,” an overjoyed Trey tweeted.

Jill Scott, Earth, Wind & Fire, Estelle, and Melanie Fiona also participated in the final day of the festival.

Nicole Kidman dons a black bikini, sparkly kaftan and floppy sun hat to film poolside scenes for "Just Go With It" in Maui, Hawaii. Dressed in a coral pink sun dress, Jennifer Aniston joined Nicole for to film more scenes for the romantic comedy.


Jay-Z jetted from “SNL” rehearsals in New York City to Boston just in time to catch the Cleveland Cavaliers take on the Boston Celtics in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at the TD Banknorth Garden on Friday (May 7). Mrs. Carter was right by her man’s side in a pair of red heels and matching sunglasses.


Celebrities attend the Ana M Grand Opening Launch Party, hosted by Christina Milan, in West Hollywood. Regis Mijatovic, ex partner of Christian Audigier, is the owner of the new boutique with a clothing line designed by French artist Anthony Noble.




La Toya Jackson and a friend out shopping in Brentwood, CA. Upon leaving La Toya posed for photos with a fan and hopped into a Ferrari.



Christina Milian took a stroll through sunny Beverly Hills with her two-month-old daughter Violet Nash. The new mom will celebrate her first Mother’s Day this Sunday.


Can you get it up? Rihanna put on her hard hat and rode a pink tank during the opening night of her U.K. tour at LG Arena in Birmingham, England.



Following a whirlwind promo tour for The Back-up Plan, Jennifer Lopez catches up on family time Friday, taking daughter Emme, 2, to the carousel at a Monaco park.


Now that's a close shave, Oprah! The media mogul takes a razor to pal Dr. Phil McGraw's signature moustache while taping her talk show in celebration of the 10th anniversary of her magazine, O, at Radio City Music Hall Friday.



Toni Braxton traveled overseas to promote her new album Pulse. The sultry singer hit the red carpet at the 2010 Duftstars Fragrance Awards in Berlin, Germany, in a light blue Grecian gown



Eve posed for photos and signed autographs for fans at Journeys in New York City on the final stop of the Gumball 3000 rally.


A dressed-down Halle Berry – who recently announced her split from Gabriel Aubry – keeps it casual while making her way through LAX Friday.


Gisele Bündchen holds tight to 4-month-old son Benjamin Thursday during a family outing with stepson Jack (not pictured) to the Color Me Mine pottery store in Santa Monica, Calif.

Mary J. Blige helped inspire young women with her encouraging words during STRONGER: Girls’ Empowerment Day at Time Warner Center in Manhattan.

Sade performed something old and something new on Tuesday’s “Dancing with the Stars.” The band took it back to 1985 with “The Sweetest Taboo” and put the audience up on their new single “Babyfather,” for which Sade was once again joined by her daughter Ila Adu. Shout out to Antonio, Cliff, Johnny, and Dubs for putting it down with Sade! That's a good look!

Earlier in the day, Mary J. Blige invited Oprah’s cameras to the Yonkers projects where she grew up and toured her learning center for abused women. She also rocked out with her cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven.”

Mary J. Blige sheds a tear with her pal from across the pond, Jay Sean, in the black-and-white video for “Each Tear,” the new single from the international edition of Stronger withEach Tear. U.S. fans will hear her duet with Trey Songz on “We Got Hood Love,” for which a video was shot with Chris Robinson.

Mary J. Blige treated her hometown fans to a performance and interview on Tuesday’s “Late Show with David Letterman.” She returned for a 30-minute post-show concert streamed online from New York’s Ed Sullivan Theater, covering over 15 years of hits from 1994’s “Be Happy” to 2010’s “I Am.”

Twenty-five years after the original in 1985, artists from all genres of music come together for “We Are the World 25 for Haiti.” Producer Quincy Jones and co-writer Lionel Richie assemble an all-star choir including the late Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Celine Dion, Lil Wayne, Barbra Streisand, Usher, Mary J. Blige, Fergie, Jennifer Hudson, Kanye West, Toni Braxton, and countless others for a 2010 remake of the philanthropic anthem.

Watch history in the making below and download the song and video on iTunes. All proceeds go toward Haiti relief efforts.

The Grammys put on quite a show during the telecast, but the real spectacle was backstage and in the audience where a tea-sipping Lady Gaga chatted with Celine Dion, Jay-Z was introduced to Taylor Swift, Michael Jackson’s three children posed with their father’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and Solange’s 5-year-old son Julez stole the spotlight from his famous aunt and uncle.