Today From The Vault salutes the one and only Queen of Hip-Hop/Soul. This week’s pick is Mary J Blige with the R&B classic ‘Just Fine.’
After finally finding love and peace, MJB felt it time to switch things up and record more upbeat songs.
‘Fine’ was exactly that and was released as the first single from Blige’s 2007 album ‘Growing Pains.’
The cut was helmed by Tricky Stewart and The Dream with additional production from Jazze Pha.
It was a critical home-run, earning multiple Grammy nods, and was also a moderate chart hit peaking at #22 in the US and #16 in the UK.
**************
Chris Applebaum directed the song’s visual which was nominated for Best Hip-Hop Video at the 2008 VMAs. The clip depicted Mary showcasing her signature dance moves in front of various backdrops, and rocking high fashion couture. Although she is the only protagonist in the vid, her charisma and all around swag are alone to make it a highly enjoyable moment.
**************
Though recent years haven’t been her most prolific on the chart front, it seems Mary’s legendary status has only grown stronger.
25 years + later, she hasn’t lost any of what made her a class act — unlike some of her peers.
At a time where power ballads are as big as turn up anthems, maybe Mary can score herself another big track a la ‘Be Without You’ or ‘No More Drama’? Or, given how versatile she is, perhaps a fun song akin to ‘Just Fine’ is what the comeback doctor ordered?
Tyson Beckford‘s feud with Kim Kardashian continues to rage reach new highs (or lows) this week.
Fans of the African-American supermodel were stunned to see Kardashian suggest that he was a closeted homosexual after he criticised her supposedly botched cosmetic surgery.
As new TV shows go, few can rival the immediate impact of ‘Pose.’
Created by Ryan Murphy and Steven Canals, the FX smash chronicles the ball culture world of 80s New York, with gay and transgender “houses” doing battle in underground competitions.
The period piece resonated powerfully with audiences and has been commissioned for a second season.
And in a new interview, Murphy spills the tea on what viewers can expect.
September 21st can’t come fast enough for fans of actress Sanaa Lathan as the date is set to bring with it the premiere of ‘Nappily Ever After,‘ a film adaptation of the famed Trisha R. Thomas book of the same name.
Also starring Ricky Whittle, Lynn Whitfield, and more, the flick follows Lathan’s character as she goes on a journey of love and self-discovery that sees her find new meaning and new beauty in her ethnic hair (or its absence).
Channeling the emotional rollercoaster of ‘the big chop’ onto the small screen, look inside to see the movie’s first official trailer:
What Destiny’s Child ‘Get on the Bus‘, Mel B & Missy Elliott‘s ‘I Want You Back’ & En Vogue’s ‘No Fool No More’ have in common?
They all appear on the ‘Why Do Fools Fall in Love’ soundtrack!
Released in 1998, the movie starred Larenz Tate, Halle Berry, Little Richard, Vivica A. Fox and Lela Rochon and tells the real tale of the Rock & R&B performer Frankie Lymons and his eye for the ladies.