(The Root) — “The fact that I can record My Life II after what we’ve been through with My Life I is a blessing!” said Mary J. Blige to adoring fans at the Essence Music Festival on Saturday, July 7. The New York native, donning a gold sequinned jacket, signature black stretch pants and stiletto knee-high boots,…

(The Root) — “Girl, it’s only you, have it your way,” sang D’Angelo, alone onstage after playing the first few keys of “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” on Saturday night at the Essence Music Festival. Amid screams from the packed Superdome audience, the R&B singer stood up from his piano and walked to the front of…

(The Root) — Diggy Simmons, Disney star Coco Jones and the OMG Girlz headlined the Essence Music Festival’s evening for families, entitled “New & Next,” on Thursday. The OMG Girlz, a pint-sized trio counting the daughter of  T.I. and wife Tameka “Tiny” Harris as a member, made the young crowd scream with their pop hit…

(The Root) — The Essence Music Festival kicks off today (July 5) and bumps through New Orleans until Sunday, July 8. The Root has headed down to the Crescent City to catch black music’s brightest stars in action. It’s a weekend that’s not just for grown folks, either. For the first time in its 18-year…

This week, the Supreme Court ruled on Obamacare; however, Florida Gov. Rick Scott says he doesn’t care. So disinterested is Scott that, according to a Fox News interview highlighted in the Tampa Bay Times, the politician announced that he will not put Obamacare into action in his state. “We’re not going to implement Obamacare in…

MSNBC’s Melissa Harris-Perry and her guests discussed the Atlantic’s controversial cover story, “Why Women Still Can’t Have It All,” by Anne-Marie Slaughter. The discussion tackled feminism and the way the conversation about the issues — and who is taking part in the debate — is evolving. Watch Melissa Harris-Perry and her guests explore this subject…

Recently Oprah Winfrey drew criticism for interviewing the Kardashian family on her OWN series Oprah’s Next Chapter, but maybe her next chat will appease fans. The Chicago talk show guru is sitting down with 2012 NBA Finals champions and Miami Heat players Lebron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh to catch up with them about…

Many Americans are enjoying summer fun these days, but residents in Maryland, Ohio and Virginia are battling soaring temperatures and fierce storms. According to the Guardian, a state of emergency has been declared in these areas and others, and officials aren’t sure when the power will return, leaving residents to camp out in malls and…

On Friday, Mohamed Morsi was officially sworn in as Egypt’s first elected president, in Cairo’s Tahrir Square. Last week, Morsi was declared the winner of the country’s highly contested first democratic election, during which his chief opponent was Ahmed Shafik, according to the Guardian. Morsi was the candidate of the Muslim Brotherhood. The swearing-in location…

After Venus Williams was dismissed early on in the Wimbledon competition, many were afraid that her sister Serena might follow. But, according to USA Today, Serena defeated her opponent Zheng Jie and will advance to the next round of the British tennis event. Williams, who erased all six break points she faced, served three times…