Photo via AJC

Antwan “Big Boi’ Patton and Mary J. Blige sit beside Reynoldstown neighborhood resident Paris Rhoden, 44, who used the services of Resources for Resources and Communities to find a place to live. Blige and Big Boi were part of a foreclosure seminar in Atlanta on Saturday, April 18, 2009 as part of the “Bringing Hope Home” tour to prevent foreclosure.

“Anything they need from me, I’m here,” said Big Boi, fellow ATLien and half of the duo OutKast. “I’d see all these boarded up houses and think ‘What’s going on?

The tour of hard-hit cities, including Newark, Miami and Cleveland, made Atlanta its second stop. During stops in Reynoldstown, Kirkwood and downtown, celebs and counselors warned about for-profit counseling scams and urged people to call free resource centers. The number of calls from Georgians to the Hope hotline more than doubled in 2008.

“It’s free help, it’s confidential,” said Suzanne Boas, president of the Atlanta non-profit Consumer Credit Counseling Service, a service that handles hotline calls and local counseling. “You really don’t need to feel embarrassed — you do need to reach out.” (More)

The bright blue and yellow Bringing Hope Home tour bus rolled through Atlanta over the weekend plastered with number of the hotline for the foreclosure prevention group Hope Now Alliance, based in Washington, D.C. They’re next stop is Miami for a similar workshop. If you missed last weekend’s seminar and need assistance, it’s not too late. Contact them at 888-995-HOPE for more information.

In case you missed it:

Video ~ BIg Boi ft. Mary J. Blige ~ “Something’s Gotta Give”
Big Boi Announces his “Official” Twitter + Album Update
Big Boi Reminisces About Charles Disco (Video) + SpottieOttieDopalicious

Monica did a tribute to Mary J. Blige during the 2009 BET Honors and completely ripped Mary’s ‘Not Gone Cry’! She had the entire audience in tears as she thanked Mary for being her inspiration.  In case you missed it, check out the performance below:

“Thank you for giving me the motiviation to love ME first and to let him learn to catch up with the woman I had become. I thank you and I love you. Every lecture and every prayer I heard you.”

When she got down and thanked Mary at the end of her performance, that was it for me. Mo had officially stole the show!

CLICK HERE to view more photos of Monica from this event.

In case you missed it:

Video ~ Monica, B.Cox & JD in the Studio
Exclusive: Monica ~ “Still Standing” (Part I)

President-elect Barack Obama’s Inauguration Celebration began today with the “We Are One” inaugural opening celebration. The star-studded event was aired live on several channels, however HBO picked up the show and added it to their Sunday evening line-up. There were several performances but a few to note were Usher, Stevie Wonder, and Shakira’s performance of Stevie’s Higher Ground; Mary J. Blige performed Lean on Me; Jamie Foxx wowed the crowd with his Obama impression and Beyonce closed out the ceremony with her rendtion of America the Beautiful.  If you missed it…check out a few clips below:

Usher, Stevie Wonder & Shakira perform “Higher Ground”

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Singler Mary J. Blige recently signed a deal to launch her own fragrance line. According to Women’s Wear Daily, the perfume will be available at the end of 2009 and will be distributed by Carol’s Daughter which is partially owned by Jay-Z, Will Smith and Jada-Pinkett Smith.

“The name of it just came to me, but I can’t tell you”, Mary told the publication. “I’ve always wanted to do a fragrance because I love when men and women smell good.”  

In related news, ticket sales for Mary’s Atlanta concert have been sooooo bad that ticket prices are now 1/2 off. The concert is scheduled for Sunday (10/12) at Lakewood Amphitheater and the queen of hip-hop will be joined by Robin Thicke.

Click Here for information on how to take advantage of the half price offer. Act fast…the price break ends at MIDNIGHT TONIGHT! (10/8)

Related Posts:

Video ~ Chevy’s New Ad Makes Us Reminisce with Mary J. Blige

New Musiq feat. Mary J. Blige ~ “If U Leave”

I’m a MJB Fan for life and Chevrolet got down on this new Mary J. Blige commerical!  In the spot, Mary picks up all prior versions of herself in the new Chevy Traverse.  My favorite “Mary” is the What’s the 411 chick…with the new Mary running a close second.  That’s right Mary!  Leave that baggage behind girl…

A blast from the past under the cut to refresh your memory: (more…)

LA Reid hosted a “Summer of Love” bash at his Hamptons home yesterday.  Ciara was there looking summer fresh and a ton of other celebs breezed through for ribs and hot dogs.  Spotted at the bash were Tyler Perry, Oprah’s BFF Gayle King, LL Cool J, Mary J. Blige and more.  Paris Hilton’s mom & dad were even chillin at the “Q”.  I wonder who brought the ice?  Check out the flix of all the beautiful rich people under the cut: (more…)

Lil Jon’s “Crunk Ain’t Dead” pendant is set to be auctioned off during Phillips de Pury & Company’s “Hip Hop Crown Jewels Auction” scheduled for October 1st.  Lil Jon is one of many blinged out celebs who have joined in on the action to fund a worthy cause.  Other pieces that will be available include Missy Elliot’s diamond, black diamond and gold turntable ring, Biz Markie’s black and white diamond headphones pendant, Sean “Diddy” Combs diamond and platinum bracelet, Pharrell Williams’ pave diamond Gucci link necklace and Slick Rick’s multicolor diamond-set eye patch.

Lil’ Jon’s famous diamond “Crunk Ain’t Dead” pendant weighs nearly 12 pounds and boasts a total of 3,756 round-cut white diamonds set in 18K yellow and white gold.

A portion of proceeds from the sale will benefit Russell Simmons’ Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, the Hip Hop Summit Action Network and the Diamond Empowerment Fund.  If you have fat pockets and are interested in owning a part of hip-hop history, check out pictures of the items up for sale and additional auction details under the cut: (more…)