This week brought with it the 25th anniversary of the legendary ‘My Life’ LP by an even more legendary songstress.

Today’s From The Vault comes courtesy of the mighty Mary J. Blige. We give you ‘I’m Goin’ Down.’

For the moody set’s second single, Mary and team went for their Rose Royce cover. A critics favorite, the track’s production was handled by Diddy and Chucky Thompson; it would go on to peaked at #22 on the US Hot 100.

Matthew Rolston directed the song’s visual, a classy monochrome throwback that sees Mary assuming the role of a lounge singer passionately serenading a captivated audience – with lyrics that were ironically anything but romantic.

The shots of the multiple MJBs quite literally goin’ down now stand as some of the most iconic of her career.

25 years on, Ms. Blige is still reigning supreme over the Hip-Hop/Soul scene.

As history would have it, many have tried to drive in her lane but none have succeeded. Whether it’s her unmatched authenticity, poignant vulnerability, or her seismic strength, there’s definitely something about Mary that sets her apart from all her peers.

With a career soon to span over 3 decades, one thing is for sure, Mary will go down in history as one of the greatest to ever do it.

All hail Queen Mary.

Your thoughts?

The Pussycat Dolls are wasting no time getting their reunion popping on a global scale.

This week saw the fierce felines reform as a five-piece to announce a 2020 tour of the UK + Ireland and remind the masses of their performance gravitas on ‘The X Factor’ – where they debuted new song ‘React.’

Now, they’re going international.

Details on the latest move from Nicole Scherzinger, Carmit Bachar, Ashley Roberts, Jessica Sutta, and Kimberly Wyatt below…

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Gabrielle Union has been at the center of quite the firestorm following her axe from ‘America’s Got Talent.’

The actress’ departure from the hit series was initially spun as being “amicable,” yet it quickly became apparent that was far from the case. Especially when accusations of the racially coded variety were seeded by sources and confirmed as a concern by her husband Dwayne Wade.

Seemingly key to the fall-out was a complaint Union is said to have lodged with NBC higher- about an ill-conceived joke made by guest Jay Leno; one that the new mother offended the audience at the taping.

Per Union sources, nothing was done (despite alleged promises to the contrary), the said segment was simply left on the cutting room floor, and she was “coincidentally” let go upon the climax of the season. A reality, which if read a certain way, tells a story in and of itself.

With pressure mounting and Union receiving ample support from her peers and the public alike, NBC and AGT have issued another joint statement. One which suggests they may have pivoted on their initial, fairly-firm stance that touted the show’s “diversity” and “inclusivity.”

Their words below…

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In October (as we reported here), Ariana Grande sent fans into a frenzy by insinuating she had been saving vocals from her hotly-selling ‘Sweetener’ world tour ‘in case [they wanted] a live album one day.’

Yet, despite following the revelation with an announcement she was going to take a much-needed break from the music scene due to ‘feeling overexposed’ (click here to read more), she took to social media moments ago with news to confirm the live album is not only in the works, but that she’s nearly put the final touches on it.

Details inside:

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Dwyane Wade‘s made no secret of his support for son Zion, even making headlines earlier this year for accompanying the 12-year-old to Miami Pride Month.

Said stance was reinforced over the weekend when the former Miami Heat player took to Twitter (November 30) to speak out against the “hate” his family has been receiving in response to Thanksgiving photos his wife, Gabrielle Union, posted in celebration of the holiday (seen above).  After the actress shared the pic, commenters began weighing in on Zion’s pose, crop top, and gem-encrusted fingernails.

By Saturday, the basketball superstar had enough.  Look inside to see his classy clap back:

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Although it’s been over a year since Lifetime first announced its intent to bring the life stories of Gospel royals The Clark Sisters to TV screens (as we reported here), Thanksgiving weekend saw patient fans finally get their first taste of what the women’s network cooked up.

Produced by Queen Latifah, Missy Elliott, and Mary J. Blige, the film tells the tale of how the Clarks – comprised of Dorinda, Jacky, Twinkie, Denise, and Karen – went from humble Detroit beginnings to breaking music barriers with over five decades of Gospel classics and crossover hits including the likes of ‘You Brought the Sunshine,’ ‘Name It, Claim It,’ and more.

Starring Aunjanue Ellis as their mother, Mattie, singer Christina Bell stars as Twinkie, Kierra Sheard as her mother, Karen, Sheléa Frazier as Dorinda, Raven Goodwin as Denise, and Angela Birchett as Jacky.

Set for a Spring 2020 premiere, look inside for the long-awaited trailer:

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New York lawmakers are launching a campaign to protect young girls and women from the kinds of “virginity” tests the rapper TI forced his daughter to take.

Learn more below…

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To the general public, Azealia Banks is a foul-mouthed rapper most known for feuding with her peers.

To the creatively inclined, the controversial artist is a boundary-pushing artiste responsible for some of the most innovative pieces of work to be launched in the last ten years.

Today, she has announced that she is to retire from music.

Her announcement below….

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Beyonce has been notable in her absence from the spotlight of late, but music’s reigning royal stepped out in style last night to support ‘Queen & Slim.’

The gripping film, which is receiving showers of praise from critics, is helmed by Bey’s friend and longtime collaborator Melina Matsoukas – who directed the flick alongside Lena Waithe. 

An intimate screening was held by Matsoukas and was attended by Mrs Carter, as well as sister Solange, mom Tina Knowles-Lawson, and Kelly Rowland.

Peep pics below…

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The Pussycat Dolls are back!

After much ado, Pop’s fiercest felines gave their big reunion performance moments ago on ‘The X Factor: Celebrity’ live final.

While anchored by Nicole Scherzinger, the spectacle saw fellow members Ashley Roberts, Carmit Bachar, Jessica Sutta, and Kimberly Wyatt show up and show out. 

Together, the ensemble (who won’t be joined by Melody Thornton for this reunion) rocked the stage with hits such as ‘Buttons’ and ‘Don’t Cha.’ They also seized the moment to close out the performance with brand new bop ‘React.’

With a 2020 arena tour to sell, PCD show and prove why their trek is already one of next year’s hottest tickets.

Watch ’em werk below!

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Cop a gander of Jennifer Lopez, who covers the January 2020 issue of Marie Claire Australia!

The multi-hyphenate star stuns in the Ed Urrutia lensed feature, which arrives as she gears up to top-bill the Super Bowl Halftime Show alongside Shakira. It also comes on the heels of her hit movie ‘Hustlers.’

Within its inner-pages, J.Lo spoke on being a master of many trades, family, and more.

Pics and quotes below…

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Welcome to Retro Rewind, the TGJ original feature carved out to celebrate some of TV and Film’s forgotten gems.

Only right then, days after Thanksgiving, that we give thanks for ‘Burning an Illusion’…a  movie many consider to be one of the greatest British movies ever created.

The release is the second British feature film to be made by a black director and is celebrated for its decision to place a black woman at the centre of its story. Groundbreaking for a movie launched in 1981.

Love ‘The Imitation of Life‘?

Have a great deal of respect for Beyonce’s ‘Lemonade’?

‘Illusion’ awaits below…

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