On June 25, 1996, Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, Dame Dash and Kareem “Biggs” Burke embarked on a creative journey that has morphed into a billion-dollar movement today with the release of the Reasonable Doubt LP.
Released courtesy of their independent Roc-A-Fella imprint, Jay’s premier album was promoted and sanctioned by the streets, with previews of the album via sampler cassettes hitting the streets in the winter of 1995. The album’s first single, “Ain’t No Nigga”, featuring a then-teenage Foxy Brown, was the introduction of “Jigga” to the industry that would eventually put him in the pole position of the rap game.
Other unforgettable tracks from one of the prototype LPs of the “mafia rap” era include, “Dead Presidents II,” “Can’t Knock The Hustle,” which features Mary J. Blige, “Brooklyn’s Finest” with the late Notorious B.I.G. and the introduction of Marcy young gun Memphis Bleek on “Coming Of Age”.
All-star production from the likes of DJ Premier, Irv Gotti, Ski and Clark Kent propelled the album along with Jay’s common street ethics surgically placed melodically on the beats.
Salute to Jay, Biggs, Dame, Pain In Da Ass and the rest of the old Roc-A-Fella staff for this timeless classic!
Blige’s fans were eagerly awaiting this collaboration, and the announcement sent shockwaves across social media platforms. During her recent Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit, Blige hinted at the upcoming collaboration, sparking excitement among her followers. Many took to social media to express their enthusiasm, hoping to own a pair of boots that emulate Blige’s iconic style. However, some fans voiced concerns about the price point, prompting a debate among admirers. While some staunchly supported Mary J. Blige and eagerly awaited the release, others questioned the affordability of “The Mary Boot.”
The boots themselves feature a thigh-high silhouette, dressed in metallic rose gold all over. Featuring a thick, 4.1-inch heel, these boots certainly make a statement. The distinctive and well-known styles of both artists are well captured by The Mary Boot. Statement boots have always been recognized as a hallmark of Mary’s style. Thanks to their partnership, the two have created the season’s must-have look by combining exquisite materials, inventive design, and meticulous attention to detail.
The Mary J. Blige x Giuseppe Zanotti Boots are currently available at giuseppezanotti.com. Also, the retail price of the boots is an astounding $1,295. Further, make sure to let us know what you think about these kicks in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the most recent updates and news from the sneaker community. We’ll make sure to offer you the newest products from the most notable brands.
Over the weekend, the third annual Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit took New York City by storm, thanks to the collaborative efforts of GRAMMY and Emmy Award-winning artist Mary J. Blige, PEPSI®, Live Nation Urban, and MVD Inc. From May 10th to May 12th, the vibrant city was swept up in a whirlwind of music, empowerment sessions, industry speakers, and heartfelt testimonials, all under the banner of female empowerment. The event-filled weekend included appearances by Taraji P. Henson, 50 Cent, Funk Flex, Jill Scott, Tasha Smith, Method Man, Marsai Martin, Larenz Tate, Angie Martinez, Pinky Cole, Robert Glasper, Crystal Hayslett, Jess Hilarious, The Lox, Misa Hylton, Bevy Smith, Claire Sulmers, Michael Rainey Jr., The Clark Sisters,and many more!
The festival, created and curated by Mary J. Blige herself, marked a significant milestone for the iconic American sports franchise, the New York Giants. It celebrated a century of gridiron greatness through a bespoke apparel collection developed in collaboration with Starter, one of the most esteemed sports apparel companies globally.
Mary J. Blige, reflecting on the electrifying weekend, remarked, “This past weekend was a whirlwind in the best way possible. Getting to bring this home to NYC is something I won’t forget. Thank you to everyone who came out, to all my family who participated, and to everyone involved, including my partners at Pepsi, who made this dream come to life. Until next year!”
The festival kicked off with an intimate welcome party hosted by Mary J. Blige at Corner Social in Harlem, followed by sold-out jazz shows headlined by 5x GRAMMY-winning artist Robert Glasper at the legendary Blue Note in Greenwich Village. The evening culminated in a soulful performance by Mary J. Blige herself, alongside Glasper, leaving the audience with an inspiring mantra: “Each one, teach one, help one.”
Saturday saw the commencement of the highly-anticipated Strength of a Woman Summit at The Glasshouse, drawing over 4,000 attendees. The star-studded panels, including “Girl Talk with MJB” and “Our Men Honor the Strength of a Woman,” celebrated the magical bond of Black women’s friendships and delved into dynamic discussions led by industry luminaries.
The Summit also featured activations including a tooth gem station by Get Gem’d and a build-your-own bouquet bar. Attendees immersed themselves in “Mary’s Living Room,” featuring Sun Goddess wine and Sister Love’s jewelry designs. Pepsi Dig In Village showcased dishes from five female-owned restaurants, spotlighting the diverse flavors of the city.
The grand finale at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn saw Mary J. Blige and an ensemble of music icons, including 50 Cent, Jill Scott, Fat Joe, and Jadakiss, delivering electrifying performances. The evening celebrated the essence of Hip Hop, with surprise appearances and heartfelt tributes to “Hip Hop Moms.”
The festival concluded with a sold-out Mother’s Day Brunch Experience held at Brooklyn Chop House in Times Square. Hosted by Mary J. Blige, followed by an uplifting gospel concert presented by Femme It Forward, featuring The Clark Sisters and Jane Handcock.
This year’s festival expanded its reach across the city, embodying its mission of empowerment, elevation, and education. The event’s success was a testament to Mary J. Blige’s enduring impact and commitment to uplifting underserved communities.
As the curtains closed on another remarkable weekend, the Strength of a Woman Festival left an indelible mark on New York City, echoing Mary J. Blige’s message of love, empowerment, and resilience.
Mary J. Blige, the undisputed Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, has made a mark not only in music but also in the world of fashion. On Saturday night at her “Strength of a Woman” festival at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., Blige unveiled her latest venture—a collaboration with renowned shoe designer Giuseppe Zanotti. The highlight of the collection? The ‘Giuseppe for Mary J. Blige’ boot, an over-the-knee style boasting a bold block heel and a striking mirrored rose gold finish.
Mary J Blige rose gold slouchy boot
Blige, known for her signature style and penchant for statement boots, expressed her excitement about the collaboration, emphasizing the significance of this project for her fans and community. “My fans have been waiting for a boot from me for a long time, so I knew when I did it, it had to be right,” Blige stated. “From start to finish, Giuseppe just understood what I wanted and helped make this idea a reality.”
Priced at $1,295, the ‘Mary’ boot is set to hit stores on May 11, available for purchase both online at giuseppezanotti.com and at the Giuseppe Zanotti boutique in Atlanta. For Blige, boots have always been more than just a fashion statement—they symbolize strength and confidence. “Boots have always made me feel strong,” she explained. “There is something about putting on a statement boot that makes you feel ready to take on your day.”
Giuseppe Zanotti, renowned for his skill and creativity in footwear design, echoed Blige’s sentiments about the collaboration. “Mary is fierce, and she has a strong personality and unique sense of style,” Zanotti commented. “When I create something for Mary, I focus on enhancing her creative mood with designs that align with her music and her persona.”
This collaboration marks a significant moment in the fusion of music and fashion, showcasing the power of two icons joining forces to create something truly special.
At the moment, it looks like we may be in the final years of Mary J. Blige’s music career, and this is coming from Blige herself.
In an interview with Extra, Blige said, “Right now, I’m definitely gonna do some more acting and I’m definitely gonna retire in, like, five or six years.”
She also noted, “Right now, I’m still doing what I’m doing but not as often as I was doing it because I don’t have to now.” As for what she’s singing about these days, she said, “Mary is singing about life. Life… love… being stable and understanding you can have things like love. You can have a good life.”
Blige has remained relatively active in recent years: Her latest album is 2022’s Good Morning Gorgeous, which followed 2017’s Strength Of A Woman. Notably, she was part of the all-star 2022 Super Bowl Halftime Show performance that also included Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, 50 Cent, and Kendrick Lamar.
Mary J. Blige pulled up on The Tamron Hall Show and spoke about being inducted to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
“I’m still trying to process this whole thing,” Blige said. “It’s a big deal. I’m just so grateful because I know it didn’t have to be this way but it is this way, and I give all the credit to God. I don’t even know what else to do. It’s just so humbling. I don’t know what to do besides be grateful and thankful.”
The inductees for the 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class have been announced. Headliners include Mary J. Blige, Kool & The Gang, A Tribe Called Quest, and Dionne Warwick.
Inductees include Jimmy Buffett, Cher, Dave Matthews Band, Foreigner, Peter Frampton, Alexis Korner, John Mayall, MC5, Ozzy Osbourne, Suzanne De Passe, Big Mama Thornton, and Norman Whitfield.
The 2024 ceremony will be held on Saturday, October 19th, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio.
Now, all the votes are in (including those of Uproxx’s own Steven Hyden), and last night (April 21), the Rock Hall revealed who’s getting in this year. The list is as follows:
Performer Category
Mary J. Blige
Cher
Dave Matthews Band
Foreigner
Peter Frampton
Kool & The Gang
Ozzy Osbourne
A Tribe Called Quest
Musical Influence Award
Alexis Korner
John Mayall
Big Mama Thornton
Musical Excellence Award
Jimmy Buffett
MC5
Dionne Warwick
Norman Whitfield
Ahmet Ertegun Award
Suzanne de Passe
The “performer” inductees are the ones selected by Rock Hall voters, while the other honors are doled out by the Rock Hall themselves.
As for nominees who didn’t end up get the votes for induction this year, that list includes Mariah Carey, Jane’s Addiction, Sade, Sinead O’Connor, Oasis, Lenny Kravitz, and Eric B. & Rakim.
Liam Gallagher presumably won’t be too upset about Oasis not making the cut this time around. After his band’s nomination was announced, he tweeted, “F*ck the Rock n Roll hall of fame its full of BUMBACLARTS,” as well as other things like, “I don’t need some wank award by some geriatric in a cowboy hat.”
The inductees for the 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class have been announced. Headliners include Mary J. Blige, Kool & The Gang, A Tribe Called Quest, and Dionne Warwick.
Inductees include Jimmy Buffett, Cher, Dave Matthews Band, Foreigner, Peter Frampton, Alexis Korner, John Mayall, MC5, Ozzy Osbourne, Suzanne De Passe, Big Mama Thornton, and Norman Whitfield.
The 2024 ceremony will be held on Saturday, October 19th, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio.
Mary J. Blige recently appeared on TODAY with Hoda & Jenna for a deep, enlightening, and pretty tender conversation about her life, career, and growth. Of course, they had a lot of great things to talk about concerning her artistry and her many accolades and successful ventures over the years. But even the most acclaimed and commercially dominant artists can struggle with reckoning with the exaggerated expectations that others, or themselves, set upon them. Moreover, the “Real Love” legend spoke to the program about how she didn’t like her voice before, and how she’s struggled with self-image throughout her life and continues to embrace herself today.
“I do now, I didn’t used to. I didn’t like the sound of my voice,” Mary J. Blige told the panel during her recent appearance on national television. “But now I listen to my music and now I love everything about me, I do. I used to hate everything about me. The sound of my voice, the sound of my speaking voice. And I used to just be afraid to hear any music back. We grow up thinking we couldn’t boast or brag or love on ourselves, and now I’m doing all that.”
Mary J. Blige Speaks On Self-Love & Self-Image On TODAY
Elsewhere, the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul also spoke on her current stance on love and partnership. “I still believe in love… I’m not gonna give up on love, I’m not gonna give up on romance, I’m not gonna give up on myself,” Mary J. Blige remarked. “I’m not gonna do that. I’m in love. I believe I deserve a good relationship with myself, with a partner. And you know, when you believe it, it comes to you.”
Meanwhile, we’re sure that the future will hold many, many more opportunities for celebration and due acclaim. After all, she is one of the nominees for the 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and with more performances, music, and career moves on the way, it’s clear that she’s still enjoying that process. But all of that is moot if one doesn’t have the confidence in themselves that others have for them, and it’s heartening to see that this is a path that continues to grow. For more news and the latest updates on Mary J. Blige, stay logged into HNHH.
