The Queen of Hip Hop Soul is going classic rock! Mary J. Blige is just one of the big names starring in the upcoming film adaptation of the popular Broadway musical, Rock of Ages.

In the film MJB plays club owner Justice Charlier, and takes on Journey’s 1980 hit, “Any Way You Want It.”

Rock of Ages: The Musical opened on Broadway in 2009, and tells the story of a waitress who falls in love with a busboy who fall in love during the pop metal era of the 1980s. The show, like the movie features music from famed rock acts, Styx, Journey, Bon Jovi, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Steve Perry, Poison and Europe.

Directed by Adam Shankman, the film also stars Julianne Hough, Tom Cruise, Catherine Zeta Jones, Alec Baldwin and Russell Brand.

Rock of Ages hits theaters nationwide June 15.

(New York, NY) Proving she’s more than just the wife of one of the music industry’s biggest executives, Erica Reid, wife of Antonio “L.A.” Reid, celebrated the release her first book, The Thriving Child, with a party hosted by her husband.

Held at the couple’s private residence, the exclusive event attracted a slew of the couple’s colleagues and celebrity friends including Beyonce Knowles, Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Tina Knowles, and Amy Heidemann and Nick Noonan of the pop duo Karmin.

The evening’s festivities were marked by a performance by new singer Kandace Springs, who serenaded the audience with a short set.

The Thriving Child, serves as guide for parenting children through asthma, allergies, and other common challenges. It also serves as a how-to for creating healthier environments for your children.

The mother of two, also enlisted help from expert doctors and first hand stories from other celebrity moms—Holly Robinson-Peete, Ricki Lake, and Melissa Etheridge among them.

The Thriving Child is available online and in bookstores now.

1. What Is World AIDS Day
Dec. 1 commemorates those who have passed on due to AIDS complications while creating an awareness of HIV and those living with HIV/AIDS. [Read more]

2. HIV in Black Women: It’s Not About Men on the Down Low
Four experts weigh in on how misleading data paints a false picture of Black men. [Read more]

3. Rihanna, Mary J. Blige Albums Debut in Top 5
The Billboard charts got a double dose of powerful female voices this week, with new records by Rihanna and Mary J. Blige both debuting in the Top 5. Rihanna’s Talk That Talk cruised to number three on the charts, selling 197,000 copies in its first week, while Mary J.’s My Life II: The Journey Continues (Act I) debuted at number five with 156,000 copies, according to Nielsen Soundscan. [Read more]

4. Steve Harvey Says He’s Retiring Next Year
While answering listener questions on his radio show, The Steve Harvey Morning Show, recently, Steve Harvey gave fans some surprising news: He’s quitting standup comedy next year. With several gigs still on his plate—from hosting Family Feud to running his radio show—it’s certainly not a true retirement, but fans will surely miss seeing the king of comedy live. [Read more]

5. Minorities Will Lose the Most if the Affordable Care Act Is Repealed
The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear arguments in March for and against the Affordable Care Act and whether the mandate requiring individuals to purchase health care coverage is constitutional. How the justices will rule is anyone’s guess, but there is no question, experts and advocates say, about who has the most to gain or lose if the law is repealed: African-Americans and other people of color. [Read more]

For more news and updates visit BET.com/news

Last night’s 39th Annual American Music Awards was jammed packed with stellar performances from the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Nicki Minaj, Will.I.Am, but the red carpet was a show in itself. This year’s arrival ensembles ran the gamut—from sexy to ”original”. Jennifer Hudson took the less is more approach in a glittery mini-dress, while J. Lo vamped it up in an ultra sexy full length gown.

See who else was spotted on the carpet:

1. Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Hudson Tapped for VH1 Divas
The “Queen of Hip Hop Soul,” Mary J. Blige, will join Jennifer Hudson, Florence + The Machine, Kelly Clarkson, Jessie J and Jill Scott in a special VH1 Divas concert paying homage to the cities that gave birth to soul music. [Read more]

2. Artur Davis Supports Controversial Voting Laws
The former congressman and friend to the Obama administration has now come out in favor of laws that could make it difficult for Blacks to vote. [Read more]

3. Study: Fewer Black College Students Receive Merit-Based Aid
During the 2007–08 academic year, undergraduate students received $62 billion in financial aid through the government, educational institutions and other sources, according to a new report from the U.S. Department of Education. During that same period, the department found that Black college students were less likely than white students to receive merit-based financial aid, but more likely to receive aid based on financial need. [Read more]

Beyoncé Takes Over BET.com This Weekend
Music fans get ready because mother-to-be and mega-performer Beyoncé is taking over BET.com’s homepage from Friday (October 28) through Sunday (October 30). [Read more]

For the latest in news and updates, visit BET.com/News

Take a style cue from Mary J. Blige (pictured performing at this year’s Black Girls Rock! awards special) and trade in that drab beanie for a fancy wide brim fedora that screams: “I’m sleek, I’m chic and I’m sexy.”  

Whether you use it for hiding a bad hair day or as a statement piece to elevate your look, you can’t lose with this accessories—it’s a statement indeed.

Check out a few of our personal favorites below.

Catch MBJ flaunting her fab fedora on Black Girls Rock! premiering Sunday, Novemeber 6 at 8pm/7c only on BET.

(New York, NY) Paper Magazine’s 7th Annual Nightlife Awards presented by Hennessy was a veritable who’s who of celebrities, personalities and the city’s social and club scene leaders. Hosted by Wendy Williams, the event featured a performance from Mary J. Blige.

Check out our exclusive event photos: HERE

Check out Paper Magazine’s full cover story with Mary HERE

(New York, NY) If you live in New York, chances are you carry with you that amazing East Coast elitism that other regions can’t get enough of (sense the sarcasm?). Last night, marked Paper Magazine’s 7th Annual Nightlife Awards Presented by Hennessy—a veritable who’s who of celebrities, personalities and city’s social and club scene leaders. Hosted by daytime talk show host Wendy Williams, awards were given out in a slew of categories including, BEST DESIGNER WITH A NIGHTLIFE INFLUENCE, BEST RESTAURANT WITH A NIGHTLIFE SCENE, BEST HOTEL WITH A NIGHTLIFE SCENE, and BEST MUSEUM WITH A PARTY SCENE.

On hand to celebrate—and partake in the abundance of libations—was singer, Estelle (who looked amazing in an ensemble made of lace, satin and feathers), Swizz Beatz; pop singer, Jason Derulo; social maven, Bevy Smith, shoe designer (and Q-Tip’s ex), Vashtie; stylist and soon-to-be reality show star, June Ambrose; actor Jaleel White, stylist, Patricia Field; and noted publicist Marvet Britto.  

The show’s highlight was slamming, but short, performance from Mary J. Blige. Clad in a white catsuit and over-the-knee suede boots, MJB energtically blasted through a mixture of old cuts (“Real Love”, never sounded so good) and her latest single, “25/8″ (the second release off the upcoming My Life 2: The Journey Continues).

Photos by: Karl Ferguson/RageOneMusic:Images/@RageOneMusic

Check out our exclusive video of the event HERE

(New York, NY) Sephora’s 34th Street location was flanked by press, photographers and fans as Cassie, Solange Knowles and Selita Ebanks feted the launch of Carol’s Daughter’s new Monoi Repairing Collection—of which the ladies serve as spokeswomen.

From Knowles’ afro that seemingly defied gravity, to Ebanks’ short red razor cut bob, to Cassie’s partially buzzed coif; the celebration was a true testament to not only the product, but the diversity of hair.   

Also on hand to celebrate the launch, were Carol’s Daughter founder Lisa Price (pictured far left), current spokeswoman, Mary J. Blige; music industry execs, Capricorn Clark of Bad Boy Entertainment, Kevin Lyles and Steve Stoute.

ED NOTE: The Monoi Repairing Collection, which launched May 1st, promises to reduce breakage by 96%. Sounds Amazing right? Stay tuned for an upcoming product giveaway!

There is absolutely nothing that can prepare you for the pain felt when your heart gets broken for the first time.  No well-worn Harlequin novel, favorite romantic comedy, or even your favorite song on repeat can prepare you for that type of hurt.

A closet proponent for love, no one could have told me that I’d wait 29 years to fall in love, only to have my first love turn into a bittersweet memory.  In those tense moments of pain, every song of heartbreak became my reality.

Music has always been the most honest thing that I’ve known, and as I’ve dealt with my feelings—working on not succumbing to the title of broken-hearted girl—it has provided me with comfort.

As I move toward the “getting over it” stage, I’ve compiled a list of 25 songs that reflect the act of letting go and moving on. Here’s to getting back to me and finding my smile again. Read the rest of this entry »