MARY J. BLIGE: All Brand New & 'Growing' Up

By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices

Like always when she puts out a new album, Mary J. Blige is rocking a new look.

And with the upcoming release of 'Growing Pains,' the world renowned Queen of Hip-Hop Soul is looking great and sounding great

"It's not reliving where I been. [The album is] just based on where I am," the six-time Grammy Award winning diva told MTV News.

The opus, due out Dec. 18, has already yielded the single 'Just Fine,' which was produced by Tricky Stewart and the Dream, the duo behind Rihanna's mega hit 'Umbrella.'

Watch the music video for 'Just Fine' below.

"[That song] was written based on me having a good day," Blige explained. "You know, I can have 30 or 40 [bad days]. I can have as many bad days as anyone. But I choose to say, 'I'm just fine.' Right now. You know those days when your hair looks good, you're not sitting in traffic, your man's not acting like an idiot. You're just fine. So it's OK to have those days. So instead of coming with something ungrateful to the universe, how about I come with something first that's says, 'You know what? It's OK. Enjoy this day if you're having a great day.' "

Ne-Yo, Stargate, Dre & Vidal, and Timbaland are reportedly among the hit-makers assembled for 'Growing Pains,' but a record label new media rep wouldn't confirm it at deadline.

Blige, who just returned from performing her very first concert in Cape Town, South Africa, appeared on a recent episode of Tyra Banks' wildly popular reality series 'America's Next Top Model,' is confirmed to perform during 'Movies Rock,' a two-hour live event and television special that celebrates the powerful relationship between music and film.

The all star show, which includes Beyonce, Carrie Underwood, Sir Elton John, Fergie, Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Lopez, John Legend, Marc Anthony, and Nelly, will take place at the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles on December 2, and will air on December 7 on CBS.

And if that's not enough, the Geffen Records recording artist and Chevrolet pitchwoman is also featured on Aretha Franklin's new album, 'Jewels In The Crown: Duets,' which assembles the Queen of Soul's collaborations with pop music stars including Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Annie Lennox, George Benson, John Legend and Fantasia.