Mary J. Blige featured in the August Ebony

Jet, July 15, 2002

Queen of drama Mary J. Blige proclaims that her life is drama-free at last!

The hip-hop soul diva says she has a new lease on life and hopes her latest CD, No More Drama, conveys her positive outlook. After a string of bad relationships, her battle with drugs and alcohol and a poor sell image, the 31-year-old Blige says she is in deep love with her fiance and "soul mate," Kendu Isaacs. And she has a deeper love of life and a deeper spirituality.

"I know Mary is the queen of sad songs and helping women, but OK women, you can't be sad forever," Blige tells EBONY. "Jesus has reprogrammed me not to be a fool. I'm no longer selling my soul or selling myself short. I'm just being Mary." Join the songstress as she shares her poignant journey from self-destruction to self-love in the August EBONY.

And remember to check out the acting world's most talented, undiscovered Brothers--Don Cheadle, Delroy Lindo, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Ving Rhames and Jeffrey Wright--in "The 5 Best Underrated Actors In America."

Since the first day of school is just around the corner, the August issue also offers parents some great advice to make sure your sons and daughters have a safe and successful school year in "A Back-To-School Guide For Parents," "How To Raise A Genius (Or At Least A B-Plus Student)" and "How To Protect Your Children From Sexual Predators And Other Dangers."