The Original Manhattanite is a pop culture blog focused on entertainment, television, music, art, fashion and more, written by pop culture enthusiast, freelance writer, and the queen who wears her New York crown proudly and many hats, Chloe Jewel Riccardo her blog has been published and was created on October 21, 2008 in New York City.
Mariah Carey will be the recipient of the 2025 VMA Music Awards for the first time on CBS/Viacom/Paramount Networks presents on September 7, 2025
Mariah Carey's new album, "Here for it all" will drop on September 26, 2025
Mariah's new music video, "Type Dangerous" off her 16th album, "Here for it All"
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MJ, Pink, Nicki Minaj, Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Katy Perry and more have been honored to receive this incredible high honor in the music and entertainment industry. Voice of a heavenly angel when she sings even the birds want to join in, chirp, and tweet a little bit with her. Mariah Carey the youngest of three children she has an older sister and brother. Was destined to sing for the masses of people. With a gift like this you cannot deny it at all. People have commented when the they heard her debut album, “Mariah Carey” in June 1990 that the Music Universe has gained a queen. That she truly is a queen and diva. Diva by definition is an operatic female singer but diva definition in the 21st century is a woman defined as a female in control of her life, she’s outspoken, unapologetic, fierce, determined about her dreams, her career, her future, she’s successful, and she knows exactly what she wants and knows how to achieve it.
If she happens to be 5’8” biracial woman of Scottish, African American, and Venezuelan roots with beautiful honey caramel skin, and sandy brown golden curly locks then that’s okay too. She just fits the physical description and she’s not afraid of a 4 or 5 inch pump.
Mariah can sing with her 5 octave range which includes a whistle register notes that break glass windows and doors. Her voice is dynamic, angelic, and soulful. You feel her belief in God, her faith, her passion, her spirit, and what she has gone through in her life and career journey. You cannot keep the songbird caged she’s meant to fly and soar high.
Mariah’s discography and music history according to Billboard music includes over 15 albums, 19 number one hits, 50 songs on the Billboard charts, and 28 top 10 hit songs, she has toured all over the world and seen her millions of fans her “Lambs” as she likes to call them and continues to define music history. We have seen Mariah go from gospel, pop, dance, hip hop, powerhouse ballads and R&B hits. I haven’t seen her touch country or Latin music yet but I am sure that will be next on her agenda. Mariah has the ability to crossover and connect with her fans instantly through her lyrics they touch their hearts, makes them feel of value, appreciated, considered, and loved most of all. When you hear a song lyric like “When you love someone so deeply they become your life...” or “You will always be a part of me I am apart of you indefinitely”. Or “When a hero comes along with the strength to carry on”. Songs like this are meant to be shared and created. I am getting chills writing this her voice still gives me goosebumps and chills to this day. I started listening to Mariah I was probably about seven when I first heard “Hero” in the car with my mom. They were dedicating the song to Michael Jordan’s late father in 1993.
As I grew up I remember that was when I became a fan. Then seeing her videos, (1998) the VH-1 divas special, and more just instantly knew I need to know this woman’s music. I wanted to become a singer/songwriter at an early age. In 1997 when “Butterfly” was released I was a magnet had to hear and listen to this album at my tender age of 10 1/2. I knew there was something powerful when you see her image was changing, she was ready to break out not only as a female but as a recording artist, singer, and writer. She wanted more freedom and power as an artist and from her record label, and ex-husband, former CEO Tommy Mottola of Sony Music. “Butterfly” catapulted Mariah into the stratosphere showing the public not only could she reach gospel, R&B, but she can reach her hip hop/rap fans and sustain any genre of music. She truly is untouchable and she can work with any artist from Boys II Men, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Da Brat, Jermaine Dupri, Nicki Minaj, Ne-Yo, Jay-Z, Brenda K. Starr (who she was a backup singer with and gave Mariah her first start), Busta Rhymes, Rah Digga, 98 degrees, Joe, and countless artists who she has worked with behind th/e scenes in recording sessions or directly on her albums.
Mariah continues to expand as an artist and a songwriter. This September 7th, 2025 Mariah will receive the MTV Michael Jackson Video Vanguard for 2025 one of the highest achievements for Music Television among her peers. We all know music videos have and were another medium to promote the image, the brand, and most importantly the music of the artist. It also is a huge art form for all producers, film directors, the film crew, stylists, hairstylists, and more coming up with the concept and treatment for music videos. Some of my favorite videos “Always be my baby”, “Fantasy” the Remix (ft. ODB), “My All”, “Dream lover”, “Love Takes Time”, “Honey”, “Breakdown”, “Touch my body”, “We Belong Together”, “Thank God I found you” ft. (Joe & 98 degrees), “I will be loving you a longtime”, and “I still believe” these are some of my favorite songs and videos. She did a phenomenal job with her videos and continues to bring a great story line, fashion, and more to her music videos.
Mariah’s career and her many life titles and roles are not only a singer/songwriter, producer, but she’s a huge animal advocate, and is a mother two her beautiful twins she shares with ex-husband (married 2008-2016), Nick Cannon, their children, Monroe & Moroccan aka “Roc & Roe” who are 14 years old now.
Mariah with her twins, "Roc & Roe", 14
Nick Cannon, Mariah Carey and their twins
I hope all of you will tune in because this was well deserved when this award was announced. Tune into the VMAs will be hosted by a rap icon, the one and only, LL Cool J with tons of surprises, tons of guests, and more. Get ready. Look out for Mariah’s new single, “Type Dangerous” has been released this August and “Here for it all” will be released in September 26th For more information visit http://www.mtv.com, http://www.mariahcarey.com , and http://www.billboard.com on music, touring, and merchandise.
Ciara's eighth album, Cici was released Friday, August 22nd, 2025
Ciara's first album Goodies released September 28, 2004
Ciara: The Evolution released December 05, 2006
Fantasy Ride released on May 3, 2009
Basic Instinct released on December 10, 2010
Ciara released on July 5, 2013
Jackie released on May 1st, 2015 dedicated to her mother.
Beauty Marks released on May 10, 2019
I don’t know how she does it? The woman who was inspired to be Oprah and The Pope I remember she said in an interview. Ciara Princess Harris-Wilson is that girl and more. The sophisticated, classy, trendy, athlete, singer, songwriter, and actress. I say athlete because weknow how being a dancer is not just dancing and moving to music. As a dancer it is important to condition your body, treating yourself with healthy foods, beverages, tons of water, exercise, breathing, and strengthening your core. What I am saying is "Cici" or Ciara has incredible energy there's a fire, an attitude, and incredible drive she has for a woman whose career was inspired by Janet Jackson, Aaliyah, Whitney Houston, Monica, Brandy, and countless R&B divas. Ciara has been the one who can show you not only show you I sing yes but I can also show you how to keep our fans engaged, energized, and going.
Ciara’s fitness regimen is incredible we see it for a woman who can move, groove, and perform acrobatic moves on her chair similar to her music video, “Ecstasy” and flips. Plus the Matrix move she does and has been known for years since she debuted in 2004 with her first album , “Goodies", featuring “1 2 Step”, “Goodies” ft Jazze Pha, and “Oh”. I fell in love with her music around this time period when her videos were featured on 106 & Park but she really got me. I fell in love with her music especially "Get Up" featuring Chamillionaire was featured on the 2006 hit dance movie, " Step Up" the hit dancing film starring Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan.
Originally born in Fort Hood, Texas on October 25,1985 she's an army brat and later relocated as a child to Atlanta, Georgia, Ciara grew up doing cheerleading and track in high school. Straight A student and did extremely well she was discovered by Jazze Pha after graduating from high school at 17. She was signed to La Face Records and debuted with her first album on BET, MTV, and all music stations in 2004.
Step Up Movie released August 11, 2006 featuring Ciara's hit song "GET UP' ft Chamillionnaire
Like You ft Shad "Bow Wow" Moss (2006)
"Music make you lose control" Missy Elliott ft, Fat Man Scoop, Tommy Lee, and Ciara
(2005)
"Promise" released October 2006
Like A Boy one of my favorites released December 2006
"Love, Sex, & Magic" Ciara ft. Justin Timberlake (2009) featured on "Fantasy Ride"
True love and prayed for match made in heaven Ciara and Russell's wedding in Cheshire, England on July 6, 2016
Ciara with the hip hop icons, Missy Elliott and Busta Rhymes
People look up to her to set trends on and off the camera. Her new album “CiCi” she is teaming up with Jazze Pha again, she’s go back to her southern roots, and bringing more dance hits for her older and new fans. Ciara is guaranteed to have. Everyone up on their feet setting new dance trends on Tik Tok, Instagram, YouTube, and dance competitions worldwide. I would love to see her make an appearance on World of Dance one day because we know she would have tips and tools or “Dancing with the stars” she has incredible stamina, the energy, and drive to guide or teach new dancers and performers for sure. So this summer go get ready to party during the this football season, this holiday season with your family, kids, friends and stay in shape. Go get Cici in stores right now!!!!!! Adults visit http://www.tentoonerum.com , visit http://www.goodmanbrand.com to visit her clothing site LITA, and http://www.bebe.com , last but not least visit http://www.officialciara.com for more information and upcoming tour dates. You know your girl could not forget to put new music in here for all of the Ciara fans to listen to and go down memory lane with "Cici" too. Congrats on everything and cannot wait to see more.
Artists celebrating 20 Years in the Music Industry Special Anniversaries:
(Became solo artist or debuted their first album in 2005)
These artists are celebrating 20 years since their debut albums first came out in 2005. This is an incredible list because all of these recording artists have gone on to have major success not only in music but in television, film, and business ventures. All of them were either discovered by another recording artist or they were in a group, or just had natural born talent.
All of these musicians have continued to reinvent themselves staying current with the times, taking risks in music, and expanding themselves sown different roads in their careers. One thing they all have in common they believed in themselves, they had faith, their honored their calling to become artists and musicians. They were fearless and they have made a place for themselves. I wanted to honor all of these musicians because all of them I have grown up literally with them. I saw the beginning and witnessed their careers, the milestones, maybe some pitfalls, but also saw them bounce back stronger and have determination. I have seen 6 out of 12 artists in person I have met them directly, seen them perform, or have some connection to them. I have been blessed to have witness this and I am honored to write about their 20 or 30 year anniversary in a tough, dynamic, demanding, and transformative business in the music, recording, and entertainment industries. Here’s my list of recording artist celebrating their anniversaries in 2025.
Let’s go in chronological order by their debut album when it first hit stores, streaming online and made it to the radios everywhere.
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1. Number 1 is Omarion “O” Grandberry lead singer of the R&B/Pop group, B2K which stand for boys of the millennium he made his debut in 2001 with B2K in the group and his career advanced with the success and touring of the Millennium and Scream tours. He toured with Mario, Bow Wow, Chris Brown, and others. Then he reunited with his group recently 2 years ago to do it again with an all-star line-up including R&B, Pop, Hip-Hop artists. Omarion has grown in leaps and bounds as an artist. Born November 12, 1984 in Inglewood, California and raised mainly by his mother. He always was destined for success and a spot in the entertainment industry. Omarion’s career and transition to solo success was a smooth ride in terms of album sales but it was not always easy behind the scenes in terms of finding the right musical home, record label he went to a few different labels switching over until he found the right fit. He wanted more freedom as a recording artist, no restrictions, just making authentic music that came from his personal experiences, the producers he wanted to work with directly, and his own vision and foresight. Omarion will celebrate 20 years in the music industry as a solo artist his album debuted on February 22, 2005 and 23 years since his debut album with B2K. He has gone on to have success with multiple albums since then “O”, “21”, “FaceOff”, “Care Package 1, 2, AND 3”, “CP4”,,“The Awakening”, “The Kinection”, “Full Circle Sonic Book One and Two”, “SexSonics”. All of his albums have gone on for major success and collaborations. Omarion also came out with his book, “Unbothered: the power of Joy” came out last year. Omarion is currently on tour for the Millennium Tour with Trey Songz, Mario, Ying Yang Twins, Plies, Pleasure P, and Nivea right now this weekend.
Bobby Valentino's album debuted on Disturbing the Peace April 26th, 2005
Bobby is on tour for The Millennium Tour 20th Anniversary
2. Robert Marcel Wilson who is that oh that’s “Bobby Valentino” born February 27th, 1980 in Jackson, Mississippi and later migrated over to Atlanta, Georgia was originally in a group called “Mista” and grew up as a child and teenager listening to R&B classics, Soul, and Oldies from “The Isley Brothers” (one of my favorites too), Jodeci, Tony, Toni, Tone. Bobby Valentino had his first record “Blackberry Molasses” with his group Mistsa that debuted in 1996. The song did receive some attention and plays on the radio but they disbanded a year later. Wilson decided to pursue a solo career and winded up on the Disturbing the Peace label with Christopher “Ludacris. Bobby Valentino debuted with “Slow Down” at Number 8 on the top 100 charts, has gone on to have hits with “Tell Me” ft Lil Wayne, “Mrs. Officer” ft Lil’ Wayne, and “Pimpin’ all over the world” ft. Ludacris, and “Anonymous” ft. Timbaland. Bobby Valentino is on tour right now celebrating his 20th anniversary and featured on the Millennium Tour.
Bluestars the Miami Boys, Pretty Ricky's album debuted on May 24, 2005
3. OMG it’s Pretty Ricky is what they call them (lol!) I had to but Pretty Ricky bringing that Miami Heat is celebrating 20 years since they debuted their first album on May 24, 2005 “Bluestars” featuring hit songs, “Grind with Me”, “On the Hotline”, and “Your Body” were all featured on the top 20 Billboard Charts in 2005 and stayed on the charts for 20 -22 weeks for half of the year. You still hear their songs playing on the radio today. Major success for each group member, Marcus Cooper “Pleasure P”, Spectacular Smith, Diamond “Baby Blue” Smith, and Corey “Slick ‘Em” Mathis. Pretty Ricky they’re on tour right now for the Millennium Tour. All of them have gone on to dive into different business ventures. Pleasure P went solo with his successful album, “Introducing Marcus Cooper” with hits “Boyfriend#2” and “Under”. Spectacular Smith has gone on to become the CEO of Adwizar Inc. and became the president of Mula Music Group. He has even been featured in Black Enterprise Magazine as one of the top five celebrities in music and tech in 2018 and was featured on Love & Hip Hop: Miami. Go see Pretty Ricky on tour as they celebrate they celebrate their 20th anniversary.
4. Quatro goes to Keyshia Cole the Oakland girl (born October 18, 1981) with the golden soulful voice. Keyshia’s talent natural born, no groups, just a young woman with a talent that’s undeniable. She was discovered and crossed paths with the late, Tupac Shakur when she was a teenager. She later went on to record a song with Tupac using a sample of his voice featured in “Play your cards right”. Then she ended up being discovered to Alicia Keys mentor and business partner, Kerry “Krucial” Brothers when she came out with her first singles, “I just want it to be over” which Alicia Keys helped produce and write the song. “I changed my mind” feat. Kanye West, “Should’ve Cheated” were hit songs. Keyshia has gone on to become a television personality, star in her own film which was on Lifetime Network telling her autobiography, “Keyshia Cole this is my story” and has appeared in “Charming”, “Why did I get married too”, and Love & Hip Hop”. Keyshia has gone on to be nominated four times by the Grammys for “Heaven Sent”, “Let it Go”, received an ASCAP award for her songwriting of her songs. Nominated for her duet with fellow R&B singer, Monica “Trust”. Also received a RIAA platinum certification Just like You”. Keyshia is going on tour for her 20th anniversary stay tuned for dates and check Ticketmaster for the her tour. visit http://www.keyshiacoleofficial.com
Just gotta make it debuted on July 26, 2005 summer of 05 featuring numerous hits.
5. Number 5 goes to multiplatinum, R&B Prince (King in the making) “Trigga” Tremaine “Trey Songz” Neverson born on November 28, 1984 in St. Petersburg, VA debuted his first album, “Just Gotta Make It” on July 29, 2005 summer of 2005. Trey’s first song, “Just gotta make it” debuted on 106th and Park and MTV stations globally. His album was released featuring hit songs, “Girl Tonite”, “Gotta Go Right Now”. All of these hits made the top 100 hit songs on the Billboard charts. Trey has gone on to release 12 albums, wrote over 50 plus songs, and remember some songs have not been released or are in his musical catalogue as well. Trey has had so much success with his music also as an artist being featured on or collaborated with Jim Jones, Fabolous, Toni Braxton, Chris Brown, Jill Scott, and Drake. He continues to reinvent himself and expand himself making sure to take current with the times. He’s an incredible songwriter one thing I respect about him is he gives insight into the male point of view. From a romantic perspective and even his point of view as an artist. You can hear the incredible growth since he debuted 20 years ago. I would love to see him expand more as a recording artist, actor, and songwriter. He can teach the next generation coming up on perfecting that craft, the image as an artist.
6. Number 6 goes to Young Jeezy (Jay Wayne Jenkins) born September 28, 1977 in Columbia, South Carolina whose album debuted also summer of 2005 on July 26, 2005 “Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101”. Hits included were “Soul Survivor” featuring Akon was a hit, “And then what” ft Mannie Fresh, and “My Hood”. His album debuted at Number 2 on the Top 100 Billboard Charts. I still listen to “Soul Survivor” for my own motivation when you need that boost in dark times you need that extra hit to keep you going. Jeezy has worked with one of the artist featured on this list, Rihanna on her hit song “Hard”, had a huge hit with the remix of “Love in this Club” Part 1 by Usher, “Leave You Alone” ft Ne-Yo , collaborated with R. Kelly on “Go Getta”, and he was featured on with Christina Milian on her “Say I” single for her debut album. Jeezy just announced he will also be doing a 20th Anniversary tour to celebrate his first album. Billboard just announced it yesterday on April 24, 2025 that he will be featured with a live orchestra behind him while he performs hits from his first album and others.
8. The Pussycat Dolls or “PCD” will celebrate their 20th anniversary in the music industry although they separated a few years later after much success. This group had some incredible talent in their group and hit songs, “Buttons”, the Buttons remix ft. Snoop Dogg, “Stickwitu”, “I don’t need a man”, “Don’t Cha”, “ frontwoman, Nicole Scherzinger had a way of giving the group that extra oomph they needed with her voice. The Pussycat Dolls originated in Las Vegas was actually a live dance performance show and later expanded into a musical group. Auditions were taken place a year prior before the group was formed and they debuted their first album and it debuted, September 12, 2005. Their first single “Don’t Cha” peaked at number 2 and was on the Billboard charts for 40 weeks that year. I remember me and my 19 year old self blasting this on my ipod this song was my anthem that year. I loved it was original and just loved every woman can own her confidence with this song. This was such a big year for music the hits were just pouring out of the studio. Front woman Nicole is now on Broadway performing on Broadway in Sunset Boulevard. The band members have gone to win Master Chef, have become parents children, marriage, have been on musical competition shows, reality shows, and are still working on their craft too.
9. Carrie Marie Underwood (born March 10, 1983 in Muskogee, Oklahoma)-the angelic blonde from Texas who can sing absolutely anything country, pop, country rock, and gospel. One of American Idols winners in the fourth season twenty years back in 2005 and she is now a seasoned professional singer and artist. Her first album debut took place on November 14, 2005. Carrie’s has had some hits on the Billboard charts like “Jesus take the wheel”, “Before he cheats”, and “Inside your heaven”. She did a crossover album in 2015 with her fifth studio album, “Storyteller” with “Something in the water”. She has gone on to have multiplatinum albums, “Cry Pretty”, “My Gift”, “My Savior”, and “Denim & Rhinestones”. Carrie has gone on to have one of the highest grossing tours, has been featured in the Guinness World Records for successful country albums and tours. Has been honored by the Grand Ole Opry, and has been declared as one of the most successful American Idol recording artists. Make sure you tune into American Idol with her Ryan Seacrest, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan on Sundays and Monday nights on ABC check your local listings.
10. Number 10 goes to this former 15-year-old unknown singer from Tappahonnack, Virginia he was born Christopher “Chris” Maurice Brown on May 5, 1989 he has broken records written 118 songs have been featured on the top 100 Billboard charts just won a Grammy this past February 2025 finally getting the much credit he deserves 11 albums yes 11 albums with number 12 on the way sometime this year. Chris is a recording artist, dancer, graffiti artist, painter, singer, songwriter, actor, and continues to show more range as an entertainer and busincarressman. I was impressed to find out what he has been diving into other than his music career. He has continued to show that he was destined to be a musician and artist. Chris probably has close to 200 collaborations whether in studio, on radio, mixtapes, features, or on his own personal albums. Chris just did an incredible tour for the 11.11 tour and now will celebrate his 20th anniversary with Breezy Bowl this summer. Chris just putting this out there to the universe when you decide to name the 12th album I have a genius name “Ladies Welcome to Hotel CB12” then you have room 1-song 1, room 2 etc. This will take him to a whole different mature level there’s a lot he can do with that concept. The number 12 is symbolic just as 11 symbolizing completion, divinity, the number 12 symbolizing creativity, self-expression, tolerance, communication, and self-determination. There is no one who has worked so hard and been relentless with a 45 song album, remember “Heartbreak on a Full Moon”. He continues to defy the odds mixing dancehall, dance music, Afrobeats in his music especially with 11.11. We are all in for a treat with number 12. So had to make sure he was added to the list. Congratulations on 20 years in the music industry from that 15 year old kid in “Run It” to a full-fledge artist you have reached incredible heights. I am noticing with all of these artists I chose they are all having full-circle moments. It feels that way now that they have spent two decades in the business.
11. Last but certainly not least is the phoenix who rose from the ashes, the real life superman who has surprised us all with a great comeback 2024’s Netflix comedy special, Mr. Jamie Foxx. Congratulations Jamie on absolutely everything successful Oscar winning films, his standup comedy, movies, tv shows, books, even the way he has raised his beautiful and talented daughters , Corrine and Annaliese. After a medical crises that came up 2 years ago Jamie is back better, funny, introspective, and not slowing down. He is exposing it all. Jamie Congratulations on everything. From Living Color to films and multiplatinum albums. I hope we receive a new album in the future Jamie has collaborated with Kanye West, The Dream, Ne-Yo, Fabolous, and many other stars.
12. BONUS- Monica celebrating 30 years since her debut album, Miss Thang came out summer 1995 on July 18, 1995. Monica has had 8 studio albums has been featured on VH1’s “Celebrity True Crime” since 2023, “Celebrity Squares”, “Khloe & Lamar”, “The Real”, and others. Monica has gone on receive multiple Billboard Music Awards, MTV Nominations and Awards and BET Awards. Her voice continues to be like butter, silky, soulful, and sultry still to this day. So to this amazing child star who continues to evolve with music and entertainment congratulations Monica on 30 years in the game since “Miss Thang”. She’s on tour with Lil Kim, Monica, Mya, and Keri Hilson performing this weekend I am sure we can expect more dates to come on ticketmaster.com.
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