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Mary J. Blige

Apple Music Live Concert Series: Mary J. Blige

by Gabrielle Babson August 1, 2022

written by Gabrielle Babson

Grammy award- winning and Academy award nominated artist, actress, producer and entrepreneur Mary J Blige celebrated her life and music in New York City for a Live Concert Series with Apple Music on July 13th. Grateful to be back home, the artist performed some of her most memorable records many of us still enjoy today. Taking over the United Palace, in Washington Heights, banners with her name and beautiful photos were hanging from wall to wall throughout the theater. To our surprise, Fat Joe and Remy Ma were spotted in the audience present to witness the icon herself.

“The last year of my career in particular has been an exciting ride,” said Mary J. Blige. “From continuing to act, to recording and releasing my 15th studio album, growing and expanding different businesses like Sun Goddess and Sister Love Jewelry, to performing at the Super Bowl, launching my Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit and now getting ready to go back on tour, it feels amazing to take this opportunity to celebrate, reflect and have an intimate night with my fans through this platform Apple Music is providing me.”

As she danced and shared her talent with us all, the band played interludes that referenced the likes of fellow icons such as Barry White. As the Queen of Hip Hop Soul and rightfully the recent recipient of the Billboard Icon Award, Mary J. Blige decided to pay homage to some of the most brilliant artists of our time while still celebrating her artistry and the sounds of true R&B and Soul!

Be sure to catch the Live Concert Series available to stream exclusively on Apple Music in over 165 countries on July 27th at 7:00 PM PST!

August 1, 2022 0 comment

Sevyn Streeter Is Going Through the Motions Just Like The Rest of Us

by Chantell Hayden May 12, 2022

written by Chantell Hayden

R&B vocalist Sevyn Streeter was enlisted by Mary J. Blige to perform at The Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit in Atlanta this past weekend. The show took place at The Tabernacle on Friday night, where she performed alongside Kiana Lede, Rubi Rose, Emotional Oranges and more.

In 2021, Sevyn released second album Drunken Wordz, Sober Thoughtz. On this project, she exercises a great amount of transparency and gives some insight on where she’s been these past few years. It has its introspective moments on songs like “Fall Back” where she speaks directly to the other half of a toxic relationship that is coming to an end. Then, there’s songs like “Wet Dreamz” featuring singer Jeremih and “Change My Mind” where Sevyn shows off her naughty side while delivering addictive harmonies.

The album is the perfect balance between sweet and sour and perfectly encapsulates how the singer has grown musically and personally.

The catchy melodies and flawless vocals are what draws people in to the world of Sevyn, but it’s her duality that hooks you. And at the end of the day, Sevyn is just like us. She, too, has her fair share of problems and emotions to sort through. The only difference is that she used those emotions to create one of the best projects of the year.

We spoke with Sevyn to discuss the inspiration behind the album, touring and what it’s like working in the studio with music industry vet Jermaine Dupri.

The Knockturnal: How have you been?

Sevyn: I’ve been amazing and in a good space, just creating new music.

The Knockturnal: I saw you linked up with Jermaine Dupri, so were you guys working on something?

Sevyn: We are working on my new project. We just started but we’re having a great time. He’s the G.O.A.T. and such a legend and it’s such a honor to work with him. He’s super cool and so talented. To sit there and watch him make a beat last night, I was just staring like “yo, you really that n***a.”

The Knockturnal: How are you enjoying Atlanta?

Sevyn: I love Atlanta. I’m a Florida girl, I’m a country girl. So, Atlanta feels very close to home for me.

The Knockturnal: I have been a fan since your first project Call Me Crazy, But… You’ve came a long way since then and you’ll only get bet bigger. But, I have been waiting to ask you this: you released your EP Shoulda Been There Pt. 1 seven years ago… your fans have been been begging for a part two since then. Will we be getting a part two?

Sevyn: Listen, Twitter is gonna love you for this cause they be on my head about that! I mean, Shoulda Been There was a little moment. I don’t know if I’ll ever do a part two, I’ll be honest. I feel so bad because I was gone for four years and left you guys but I’m not gonna do that anymore. I promise to give an abundance of music. That’s where my head is, just to give you guys more music and more visuals.

The Knockturnal: You released your album Drunken Wordz, Sober Thoughtz last year. What inspired the title of that album.

Sevyn: When you hear drunken words and sober thoughts you think, “Okay, Sis had one too many drinks and is telling all of her business.” And it’s a little bit of that because I definitely had a couple of drinks and told some of my business. But, when I really think about it in my mind when I was creating it, I felt like you can be under the influence of a million emotions. Anger, heartbreak, jealousy, love, so many different things. I wanted to write from all of those different spaces. I just like that at any given moment, no matter what you’re going through, you can pick one of those songs off the album and if you’re under the influence of a certain emotion then you can play that record.

I started a lot of [the album] before quarantine and I finished it during quarantine. We were all under the influence of different emotions during that time. Some days, I was sad. Some days, I was angry. Some days, I was so at peace and happy to be home. I just allowed myself to not be afraid of those emotions and just dive right in to them, then write from that space. That’s really where the title came from.

The Knockturnal: You hit 5 different cities during your tour for this album and it was very intimate but will we be getting a bigger tour from you soon?

Sevyn: We’re in talks of doing a bigger tour. It was a little warm up for me and I hadn’t seen [the fans] in so long. So, I wanted to be able to be so close that I could touch them. To be able to yell at them and they could yell at me back, it was very close and intimate and I love that. But, we are going to do a bigger tour and have more fun. I love live shows and going tour because my Street Team is crazy. They be yelling at me, telling me what songs I should sing. I live for it, though.

The Knockturnal: If you could open up for any artist who would it be? And don’t say Beyonce because everyone says that.

Sevyn: Actually, my old girl group RichGirl opened up for Beyonce’s I Am Sasha Fierce Tour back in 2009. That was fun. But that’s a great question. I would have to say Rihanna. I would love to open up for Rih, I think that would be so much fun. Once she has the little baby, if she gives us this album that we’re dying for then I would love to open up for Rih.

The Knockturnal: As a woman, where do you find your strength from and what is your greatest strength?

Sevyn: I find my strength from a number of different things. The older that I get, I find that I get a lot of strength from what I call my trinity: my mother, my aunt and my grandma. The three of them keep me together. I will call that four in the morning if I need to cry or vent or talk or just get some knowledge on things. We’re talking about three different women who have obviously lived different lives but they have so much wisdom to offer from their experiences, the good, the bad the ugly. They won’t lie to me and that’s what I love the most. Even when the conversations are not so great, they always end up in a positive light. There’s always something to be learned.

May 12, 2022 0 comment

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Kiana Lede Talks Atlanta, Mental Health and New Music at Strength of a Woman Fest

by Chantell Hayden May 12, 2022

written by Chantell Hayden

April 3^rd marked two years since R&B singer-songwriter Kiana Lede released her critically-acclaimed debut album KIKI. Despite dropping an album at the height of COVID-19, KIKI debuted at #30 on the Billboard 200 and #7 on the top R&B Album charts.

Releasing a major body of work during a fairly new global pandemic could be looked at by some as a risky move, but Kiana is fearless. Not only in her songs, but in the way she carries herself and how she speaks as well. She speaks in a way that is honest and transparent. She’s funny, quirky, a little awkward (but who isn’t?) and her confidence follows her in to every room, towering over her 5’2” frame.

Today, Kiana is still riding on the high of her first album, dropping new songs here and there and performing at festivals. Her most recent stop was in Atlanta, where we caught up with her before her performance at The Tabernacle during the Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit. Organized by R&B legend Mary J. Blige, Live Nation Urban and Pepsi, the 3-day weekend included a Friday night concert with an all women lineup.

Before she shared the stage with Rubi Rose and Omerettá the Great, singer Inayah, pop duo Emotional Oranges and MK XYZ, we caught up with Kiana to talk about her love for Atlanta, the importance of therapy and where she finds her strength from.

The Knockturnal: How’ve you been? How are you enjoying Atlanta?

Kiana: I’ve been great, thanks for asking! I love it here. I always love it here. I can’t wait to see some titties.

The Knockturnal: Is that like, a normal thing when you come here?

Kiana: Yeah, what?!

The Knockturnal: At your shows?!

Kiana: Strip clubs. I hope [that happens] at my shows!

The Knockturnal: I haven’t seen you live yet but do your shows get crazy?

Kiana: I mean, I might have to tell [my fans] to show me their titties now.

The Knockturnal: I know you’re from Arizona, does the heat in Atlanta compare to back home?

Kiana: I love the heat here cause it’s humid and I love humid! It’s good for your skin. Dry is just… ugh! It’s like your face is cracking. I love when my hair is curly from the humidity, I just like when my hair is crazy.

The Knockturnal: You recently dropped a single titled “Unpredictable” with Destin Conrad, how did you guys link up?

Kiana: I’ve known him for a really long time, since I was 16. We’ve always kept in contact and he’s a really sweet dude. I saw he was taking music seriously and how incredible he is. He’s an incredible writer and an incredible singer. I think he’s, like a really rare singer that we have right now and people are just finding out. I just wanted to support him! He sent me the song, I loved it and we just went from there.

The Knockturnal: It’s been about 2 years since your debut album KIKI dropped. Are we getting new music soon?

Kiana: You… are getting new music before the end of the year.

The Knockturnal: Is there anything else you can tell us about it? We’re in Atlanta, there’s a lot of producers here. Have you been working with anyone we may know?

Kiana: I have…

The Knockturnal: Can we get a hint?

Kiana: (Shakes head) Mm-mm. The hint is that they’re from Atlanta. You can guess but I’m not gonna tell you, though!

The Knockturnal: Switching gears to a more serious topic, you made a post on Instagram back in December about people calling you underrated and how, in spite of where people may think you should be career wise, where you are right now as an artist and a person is enough and you’ll only get better. I think that’s something a lot of people can relate to so what do you have to say to those who may feel like their progress just isn’t enough?

Kiana: It’s hard because I’m still figuring it out every single day. One of the things that makes me feel good is what my therapist told me, “you are exactly where you need to be at the time you need to be there.” Something she told me recently was, “today, you are the person that you needed when you were younger.” So you’re always growing. No matter what it is, we are always growing and getting somewhere. We may not know where that somewhere is cause we don’t know where we go after this but it never ends. We just have to enjoy every single second and realize, wherever we are, we need to be grateful.

The Knockturnal: I think that’s very interesting because I’ll always see people on social media say “my therapist said…” and I wonder do I need a new therapist? Because mine just stares at me like I’m crazy for an hour.

Kiana: They’re important, therapists are really important. I ran away from different therapists that I was talking to. I got diagnosed with Bipolar [Disorder] during COVID, almost 2 years ago. I had that diagnosis before by a couple of people and I ran away from it because I didn’t trust it. I didn’t feel safe. But, I found a black female therapist and that is where I felt the most protected and safe. I felt like she would understand some of the cultural things I’ve been talking about, you know? When it came to family and just culture in general, and my experiences as a black and mixed woman. So, I didn’t have to explain shit, she just got it and that’s what made me feel safe enough to accept the diagnosis and move forward from there.

The Knockturnal: This is the Strength of a Woman Fest so I have to ask, where do you find your strength from and what is your greatest strength?

Kiana: There are so many things I work on feeling strong in. Even my work, even writing songs. That’s where I should feel the most strong and I almost have to convince myself to feel strong in those areas. But, I think where I feel the most strong is in conversations like this. Being open enough and opening up other people that probably wouldn’t be able to talk about these topics, by opening up myself. I think that’s something really beautiful. That’s actually a strength that I have and when I feel the strongest.

May 12, 2022 0 comment

Entertainment Events Music The Latest

On The Scene: Mary J. Blige Brings Strength Of A Woman Festival To Atlanta

by Chantell Hayden May 12, 2022

written by Chantell Hayden

Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit Day 2 State Farm Arena Concert

Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit – Day 3 – Gospel Brunch

Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit – Day 1 – Comedy Night

Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit – Day 1 – Gen Z Concert

Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit Day 2 Strength Of A Woman Summit

This past weekend, Mary J Blige, with the help of Live Nation Urban and Pepsi, kicked off her inaugural Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit in Atlanta.

The 3-day fest was jam-packed with a comedy show, 2 concerts with an all-women lineup, and a Mother’s Day Gospel Brunch.

The Friday night comedy show included comedians Ms. Pat, Erica Duchess, and Taneshia “Just Nesh” Rice. Following the comedy show was a concert at The Tabernacle in Downtown Atlanta with performances by Kiana Ledè, Emotional Oranges, Rubi Rose, Sevyn Streeter, Inayah, MK XYZ and Omerettá the Great. It was the ideal ladies night.

Pink and purple seemed to be the official colors of the weekend, as the fluorescent colors lit up every room we walked in. There were interactive Strength of a Woman photobooths on display all around the venue for fans to enjoy, along with refreshments courtesy of Pepsi and Strength of a Woman merch booths scattered around. And, of course, a hot wing booth selling some of the best assorted chicken wings we’ve ever ate because when in Rome, right?

Fans watched on as their favorite artists put on a hell of a show. ATL natives and rappers Rubi Rose and Omerettá commanded the stage while performing their most popular songs. Rubi even added a twerk competition mid song as she rapped the sexy yet playful lyrics to her single “Hit Yo Dance” featuring Yella Beezy and NLE Choppa.

The energy of the night became calmer once the R&B songstresses took the stage. Sevyn Streeter recently finished her intimate 5-city tour promoting her latest project Drunken Wordz, Sober Thoughtz but she made sure to bring some of that tour energy to the stage and performed songs like “Taboo”, “Before I Do” and “Nasty Girl”.

Kiana Lede closed out the night and did not disappoint. The singer-songwriter floated around the stage in a sultry, black skirt and bra set while serenading the audience as she sung her songs “Chocolate” and “Attention” from her debut album KIKI.

The festivities picked back up on Saturday with the Strength of a Woman Summit hosted by actress Taraji P. Henson. Guests enjoyed educational workshops and panels geared toward cultivating a community to empower and uplift women.

Trailblazing black women in various industries ranging from music and entertainment to hair care and culinary arts shared their individual stories about overcoming adversities, love, friendship and success. Mary J. Blige, Angie Martinez, Supa Cent, Tasha K. Smith, LaLa Anthony, Coco Jones, Naturi Naughton, Kandi Burruss and more were able to speak about their experiences with attendees.

Black-owned food trucks, a Strength of a Woman curated NFT gallery and music led by DJ Traci Steele are just a few of the fun things provided for everyone to enjoy and the entire experience was live-streamed globally on Amazon’s Twitch.

Carrying on into the night, a sold-out concert at State Farm Arena headlined by Mary J Blige was nothing short of magical. R&B group Xscape, Chaka Khan, City Girls, Yung Baby Tate and Queen Naija performed and kept the crowd hype but it was the grand finale that truly brought the night together.

Mary J Blige made the stage her own in an orange and magenta jumpsuit, along with her signature blond tresses and knee-high boots. The R&B legend gave the audience a lengthy but well deserved 2-hour set running through her extensive list of hits. “My Life,” “Real Love” and “Mary Jane (All Night Long)” are among the many songs that she performed.

She even brought longtime friend, and co-star on STARZ Power Book II, Method Man along to perform their 1995 hit “All I Need” while fans and special guests like LaLa Anthony, Kelly Rowland and Missy Elliot sang along. But the surprises didn’t stop there.

As the concert began to wind down, Usher, Summer Walker and Ella Mai joined Mary on stage to perform a few of their songs for the crowd. It was a perfect finale and an even more perfect night as Mary reminded us why she has and will always be the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul.

May 12, 2022 0 comment

Entertainment Lifestyle

Touchdown! Super Bowl Week Will Score Big with These LA Moments

by ElizaBeth Taylor January 21, 2022

written by ElizaBeth Taylor

Super Bowl is about to score big in Los Angeles with these amazing events.

January 21, 2022 0 comment

Entertainment Film The Latest Video

Exclusive: Marlon Wayans Talks ‘RESPECT,’ White Chicks 2 Possibility & So Much More! [Video]

by Parris Rose August 9, 2021

written by Parris Rose

Known for his classic, comedic films and stand-up humor, Marlon Wayans embodies a new persona and shows us he can do it all in the upcoming film, RESPECT.

August 9, 2021 0 comment

Entertainment Film The Latest Video

Exclusive: Kerem Sanga, Grace Van Patten & Jovan Adepo Talk ‘The Violent Heart’ [Video]

by Alexandria Garcia February 19, 2021

written by Alexandria Garcia

Interested in seeing a melodrama with a surprising twist? Then “The Violent Heart” is your movie to watch.

February 19, 2021 0 comment

Lifestyle The Latest Video

Exclusive: Mary J. Blige Discusses The Importance Of Breast Cancer Awareness Month & Wellness [Video]

by Dorissa White October 17, 2020

written by Dorissa White

October marks National Breast Cancer Awareness month. Millions of women are affected by breast cancer each year and the number is disproportionately higher for Black women. This month Black Women’s Health Imperative partnered with singer-songwriter Mary J. Blige to raise awareness about the growing issue.

October 17, 2020 0 comment

Entertainment The Latest TV Video

Exclusive: We Catch Up With ‘Power Book II: Ghost’ Powerverse Newcomer LaToya Tonodeo [Video]

by Parris Rose September 14, 2020

written by Parris Rose

Starz has introduced the new series Power Book 2: Ghost, the spin off of hit show Power and with a brand-new series comes new faces including LaToya Tonodeo.

September 14, 2020 0 comment

Entertainment The Latest TV Video

Exclusive: Leading Cast Member, Gianni Paolo Talks Power Book 2: Ghost [Video]

by Parris Rose September 6, 2020

written by Parris Rose

Power Book 2: Ghost, the spinoff of Starz hit show, Power has introduced a new lead cast that just might take us on an even crazier ride than the original.

September 6, 2020 0 comment

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