Mary J. Blige’s ‘For My Fans’ Concert Film Hits Theaters

Mary J. Blige’s concert film, For My Fans, which chronicled her April show at Madison Square Garden, hit movie theaters earlier this week. Just a few weeks back, the singer announced the movie’s upcoming release via a statement. The film debuted at select theaters on Wednesday, Nov.5, and Saturday, Nov.8. “Being able to share this moment globally with my fans, who can experience this together in a movie theater, is more special than I can put into words,” Blige said. “This tour was always for my fans and being able to make this into a movie for them means the world.”

Along with showcasing performances of her classic catalogue — which spans nearly three decades—viewers will also get behind-the-scenes footage, as well as, surprise guest appearances. “Mary J. Blige has always represented the heart and soul of New York, and her Madison Square Garden performance reflects that,” said Kymberli Frueh, executive vice president of programming and content acquisitions at Trafalgar Releasing. which will distribute the film. “We’re proud to share this historic hometown concert with audiences around the world through the magic of cinema.”

R&B Singer Case Recalls Almost Banned From Summer Jam Over Mary J. Blige

In other news, R&B veteran Case opened up about a surprising chapter in his career — his ban from New York’s Hot 97 radio station — during the October 30 episode of The Underground Lounge Podcast, hosted by comedian Spank Horton and former NBA star Lou Williams.

“Tell’em how you got banned from Hot 97… after Summer Jam,” someone blurted out behind-the-scenes to Case and the hosts. This led Spank to ask the singer to speak about the incident. “You got banned from Hot 97?” Horton said, looking confused. “An R&B guy? What happened, man? Com’n on, Case.” When the hosts pressed him about the incident, Case recounted how the ban originated from a spontaneous moment at Summer Jam in 1996, the iconic annual concert produced by Hot 97.

Although Case wasn’t billed to perform that year, he found himself backstage during Mary J. Blige’s set. According to Case, Blige, who had a 30-minute slot but planned to perform a shorter set, invited him to join her for his breakout single “Touch Me, Tease Me,” the 1996 hit featuring Foxy Brown that helped define his career. “The radio station was like, ‘Nah,’” Case recalled, noting that Hot 97 denied the idea. Still, when Blige mentioned his name onstage, the crowd erupted in chants demanding him.