Mýa Says Marriage and Kids Were Never Her Focus: “I Looked Elsewhere”
Grammy-winning singer Mýa is opening up about her unconventional path and why marriage and children were never at the center of her plans. In a candid conversation on Melyssa Ford’s Hot & Bothered podcast, the 45-year-old revealed that traditional milestones like weddings and motherhood never appealed to her. “It’s not even my focus, and it never has been,” she admitted.
Mýa explained that her perspective comes from her personal upbringing and life experiences. Watching her parents’ divorce and the complexities of relationships around her, she said, left her cautious about embracing the fairytale ideals often pushed onto young girls. “As a little girl, the white wedding dress…I was very fearful of those things. I looked elsewhere and probably escaped too much in my work,” she reflected. That decision, she added, allowed her to live authentically without conforming to society’s expectations.
Still, Mýa hasn’t completely ruled out the idea of motherhood. While she admits she hasn’t felt a natural pull toward having kids, she treasures her relationships with godchildren, nieces, and nephews. “Not to say it’s not possible, and I’m not open to it,” she said. “I’m open to all things, but right now, I’m on a specific assignment.” Her outlook underscores a message she’s embraced throughout her career—that fulfillment doesn’t have to come from following tradition, but from creating a life that feels true to yourself.
Mariah Carey is opening up about a fleeting but unforgettable moment with late rap legend Tupac Shakur. During an interview on Power 106 Los Angeles’ Brown Bag Mornings , the Grammy-winning singer recalled a flirty backstage encounter at the American Music Awards that left her with “more than butterflies.” The meeting, she said, was brief but impactful, sparking what could have been a deeper connection. “He said it like, ‘Hi, Mariah,’ and I was like [screams],” Carey remembered with a laugh. At the time, she was hosting the AMAs and found herself looking for reasons to cross paths with him again. The pop icon even recalled Tupac arriving in a Rolls-Royce, a detail she had also shared in her 2020 memoir The Meaning of Mariah Carey. Carey went on to reveal she would have welcomed the chance to collaborate musically with Shakur, citing her long-standing love of Hip Hop. Her admiration is reflected in her 1999 track “How Much,” which samples his song “Me and My Girlfriend.” When asked if she and Pac could have become “the power couple of all power couples,” Carey didn’t hesitate: “I wish.” For fans, her reflection offers a glimpse into a what-if story between two icons gone unfulfilled.
R&B star Mario is preparing for a brand-new role—fatherhood. The 39-year-old singer, best known for his 2002 hit “Just a Friend 2002,” revealed on Wednesday, Aug. 27, that he and his girlfriend, Esmeralda Rios, are expecting their first child together. The exciting announcement came through Mario’s Instagram Stories, where he shared a tender moment with his partner. In the photo, the singer placed his hand lovingly over Rios’ bare baby bump, highlighting the couple’s joy as they look forward to welcoming their new addition. Adding to the heartfelt reveal, Mario captioned the post with touching words: “It’s a whole universe in there! 🥹 I can’t wait.” The post quickly drew attention from fans and followers, many of whom flooded social media with congratulations and well-wishes for the couple as they prepare to embrace parenthood.
French Montana is officially off the market. The 40-year-old rapper is engaged to Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Princess of Dubai, after proposing during Paris Fashion Week in June. A press release confirmed the engagement on Wednesday, Aug. 27, with TMZ first breaking the news. Montana popped the question just days after making his runway debut for 3.PARADIS’ Spring/Summer 2026 collection. Representatives for the couple revealed that while wedding plans are in motion, final dates and arrangements are still being worked out by both families, who are “excited and supportive” of the union. Rumors of their romance first sparked in October 2024, when Sheikha Mahra, 31, was seen giving the “Unforgettable” rapper a tour of Dubai. They went public this summer, appearing hand-in-hand at multiple Paris Fashion Week events. The princess, who shares a daughter with ex-husband Sheikh Mana bin Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mana Al Maktoum, finalized her split in July 2024. Montana is father to 16-year-old son Kruz.
Capleton teams up with Irie Ites Records and Evidence Music for the powerful new single and video, “No Sell Your Soul,” taken from the upcoming Hell A Go Pop Riddim album, set for release on September 21. Known as one of reggae and dancehall’s most influential voices, Capleton delivers a fiery message of integrity and strength. Irie Ites, internationally recognized since 2003, has collaborated with top Jamaican artists like Sizzla, Bounty Killer, Anthony B, Morgan Heritage, and veterans including John Holt and Max Romeo.
Grammy-winning R&B star Ella Mai returns with her new single “Tell Her,” produced by longtime collaborator Mustard and released via 10 Summers Records. The track, her first since 2024’s3EP, blends her soulful vocals with a smooth, modern bounce. Confident yet vulnerable, Ella explores love, trust, and honesty—marking an exciting new chapter following the enduring success of fan favorite “Little Things.”
DMV-born R&B artist and songwriter Danni Baylor (@alwaysdannimusic) makes a powerful statement with her surprise debut EP, Things About The World That Burden Me, out now via Global 7 Entertainment. The seven-track alt-R&B project explores overstimulation, disconnection, and seeking peace in chaos, highlighted by standout songs like “KOOLADE” and “DISTRACTIONS.” With soulful vocals, cinematic production, and raw storytelling, Baylor blends cultural commentary with emotional depth, solidifying her place as one of R&B’s most authentic emerging voices.
R&B/Neo-soul singer Jane Handcock has unveiled the visuals for her single “Can’t Let Go,” from her sophomore album It’s Me, Not You (via Death Row/gamma). Produced by Whoingodsname, the track captures Handcock’s vulnerability as she reflects on desire and temptation. Best known for her songwriting credits with artists like Kelly Rowland and Raphael Saadiq, Handcock steps firmly into the spotlight, delivering heartfelt lyrics such as: “ For my mind, my heart, my soul / When you’re near / I walk into your room / My morals disappear .”
Eric Roberson returns with his new single “TRUST IN LOVE,” featuring JayShawn Champion. The upbeat, soulful track is the third release from his 18th studio album Beautifully All Over The Place, available exclusively via EricRobersonMusic.com. Co-written and produced with Rodney Jones, the song blends heartfelt lyrics and smooth melodies, reaffirming Roberson’s status as a leading voice in the Neo-soul movement.
LA-based soul and contemporary R&B trio The Womack Sisters—BG, Zeimani, and Kucha—are keeping their family’s legendary musical legacy alive with their new single, “I Just Don’t Want You (To Say Goodbye).”Blending timeless soul with modern R&B, the group first made their commercial debut in the late 2010s and have since reintroduced themselves in the 2020s with a renewed sound and vision.
At just 18, Cali-born triple threat JayDon continues to heat up R&B with his latest video, “The Way You Move.” Produced by Blaq Tuxedo, the uptempo track blends crisp snares and wobbling 808s with JayDon’s soaring high tenor and playful energy. The video captures his charisma and dance skills as he cruises L.A. with friends before breaking into slick choreography—further building momentum toward his debut EP, Me, My Songs, and I.