5 Questions for Mary J. Blige on FFAWN Honors Concert

5 Questions for Mary J. Blige on FFAWN Honors Concert

ESSENCE Music Festival headliner Mary J. Blige is continuing on her pledge to give back to young women in our communities. This weekend the Grammy-winning singer will host the 2nd Annual Mary J. Blige Honors Concert to benefit her FFAWN Foundation (Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now). The star-studded concert will help raise money to provide young women with college scholarships. Guests will include Jennifer Hudson, Jill Scott and Anita Baker. ESSENCE.com sat down with Mary J. to discuss her FFAWN Honors Concert, her upcoming album and reveals one thing we'd be surprised to know about her...
5 Questions for Nadine Ellis on ‘Let’s Stay Together’

5 Questions for Nadine Ellis on 'Let's Stay Together'

Some actors might take any role offered to them without much contemplation, while actress Nadine Ellis has one specific requirement: the role must have a "redeeming quality." That's one reason the former Pussycat Doll took the role of Dr. Stacey Lawrence on BET's "Let's Stay Together," which recently wrapped up its first season to great ratings. ESSENCE.com spoke to Ellis about her role on "Let's Stay Together," Black comedies on the small screen and her thoughts on First Lady Michelle Obama...

5 Questions for Norwood Young on ‘Getting Back’

5 Questions for Norwood Young on 'Getting Back'

Riveting and shocking are the best words fit to describe Norwood Young's tell all memoir, "Getting Back To My Me." Young speaks candidly about his experiences in Hollywood amongst some of the elite, drug and alcohol abuse, being raped as a child, and his former obsession with plastic surgery. ESSENCE.com sat down with the singer and reality television celebrity, who starred in E's High Maintenance 90210, to take a closer look into his life as well as discuss his memoir, "Getting Back To My Me..."

5 Questions for Tatyana Ali on ‘Love That Girl’

5 Questions for Tatyana Ali on 'Love That Girl'

Tatyana Ali isn't a newcomer to the world of sitcom television. After her stint on the now iconic "Fresh Prince of Bel Air" alongside Will Smith, Ali took a break to attend Harvard University. She's now back to comedy with a second season of "Love That Girl" on TV One, about a recent divorcee trying to find her independence in California, with a cast of unpredictable family and friends aiding her on her journey. ESSENCE.com spoke with Ali about "Love That Girl," working with executive producer Martin Lawrence... and why she is a happy single gal...

5 Questions for Tichina Arnold on New Film

5 Questions for Tichina Arnold on New Film

Lena Baker was a maid who was brutally raped by her employer, and fatally shot him after he threatened to scar her with a scorching hot branding iron. An all-White, all-male jury convicted her of murder after a one-day trial where no witnesses were called. In 1945, she was executed. She is to date the first and only woman to be executed by the electric chair in Georgia. Sixty years after her execution, Lena Baker was pardoned by the state. Tichina Arnold took the dramatic role as Baker in "The Lena Baker Story," a far cry from her portrayal of Pam on "Martin." ESSENCE.com recently caught up with the actress to discuss the riveting dramatic role.
Sharon Leal Brings the Heat to ‘Hellcats’

Sharon Leal Brings the Heat to 'Hellcats'

Actor Sharon Leal plays a feisty, no-nonsense coach in CW's hit Television Show, "Hellcats," a series that depicts the drama-filled lives of cheerleaders. With strength and beauty Sharon Leal continues to climb her way to the top of the Hollywood ladder. Leal spoke to ESSENCE.com about her new hit series, reflects on women who check only for what's great on paper, and how she keeps her body toned and slender with a grueling schedule... Here's what you had to say: Tracee commented via Facebook: "It's good to see an AA female at the helm of a sport other than basketball." Sherita wrote via Facebook: "I did not expect 'Hellcats' to be as entertaining as it is."
Donell Jones Talks Love and ‘Lyrics’

Donell Jones Talks Love and 'Lyrics'

Donell Jones took time off from the music scene, and for the past few years, he's grown into a man that's about his business. More than just a singer, he's a father, songwriter, producer and now a media mogul. His new album, "Lyrics," weaves together songs that deal with the many faces of love. Jones spoke with ESSENCE.com about his new album, his new record label and the current state of R&B...
B.B. King’s Daughter Claudette Talks New Album

B.B. King's Daughter Claudette Talks New Album

Singer Claudette King is proud to say she gets it from her daddy. The sassy blues singer is the daughter of blues and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer B.B. King. Claudette has jammed with world-class musicians since the '80s and has created a name for herself in blues circles with her fierce vocals. Now she's ready to take her show on the road. King spoke to ESSENCE.com about her new album "We're Onto Something" and how Motown and soul equally influence her sound...
Y’Anna Crawley on Love and ‘The Promise’

Y'Anna Crawley on Love and 'The Promise'

As a student at Eastern Senior High School, Y'Anna Crawley sang background vocals for Aretha Franklin and Anita Baker. Music flows through Y'Anna's blood. She is the great-niece of acclaimed gospel singer Reverend Julius Cheeks, and the niece of gospel singer Genobia Jeter and R&B singer Glenn Jones. On BET's "Sunday Best," she moved the audience out of their seats each week with her soulful, gospel performances. It was no surprise when Y'Anna was announced as the winner of BET's Sunday Best competition. She's more than just a gospel singer, she is a woman who has endured a number of challenges -- such as having her first child at age 17 and moving away from a number of unhealthy relationships. Her challenges and triumphs are channeled into what has become her debut CD, "The Promise"...
Fred Hammond’s ‘Life in the Word’

Fred Hammond's 'Life in the Word'

Fred Hammond is the voice of gospel music. He recently received a major distribution deal with Universal Music Christian Group and released a highly anticipated gospel CD/DVD, "Life in the Word." Hammond's work is so musically captivating, "Word" debuted at number two on Billboard's Top Gospel Album Chart, giving Fred two CDs in Billboard's Top Gospel category -- his earlier album "Love Unstoppable" is still holding strong at number six...