Hip Hop fans are excited about this year’s Super Bowl halftime show headlined by Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar. Earlier this week, we did a debate regarding Dre and the rappers that’s on the bill. We left Mary out — on purpose — because she’s worthy of a debate all by herself. With that being said, let’s talk about Mary and her impressive collection of albums.
In 1992, Mary released her debut, What’s The 411? It served as the launching pad for what would be a lengthy career. The production was R&B infused with Hip Hop, which gave it an authentic sound. In addition to her soulful voice and Hip Hop attire, it validated and differentiated her from the competition.
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“You Remind Me,” the album’s first single, did well on the charts, reaching number 29 and number 1 on Billboard Hot 100 and Hot R&B Singles chart, respectively.
“Real Love,” “Reminisce,” “Sweet Thing,” and “Love No Limit” were the other singles, which all found success on the charts as well and helped the album peaked at number six on the Billboard 200 and number one on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. It was certified 3X Platinum.
In 1994, Mary released her sophomore, My Life. Unlike her debut, the album wasn’t cross breaded with Hip Hop. It had more of a pure R&B feel to it. She handled majority of the writing duties which made the album personal. Reportedly, Mary was dealing with drug and alcohol abuse. In addition to, being in an abusive relationship with K-Ci of Jodeci.
The album was promoted by six singles; “Be Happy,” “I’m Goin’ Down,” “Mary Jane (All Night Long),” “You Bring Me Joy,” “I Love You,” and “My Life.”
My Life peaked at number seven on the Billboard 200, one spot lower than What’s The 411? However, it’s success would be equivalent on the charts on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, reaching number one. It was certified 3x platinum.
Mary released her third album, Share My World in 1997. The album became Blige’s first to open at number one on the US Billboard 200 album chart. This solidified her as a top tier R&B artist.
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Ms. Blige released Mary and No More Drama in ’99 and ’01, respectively. Dr. Dre would oversee the latter project, in addition to providing production for her hit, “Family Affair.”
The Bronx native kept albums coming throughout the first two decades of the 21st century. Love & Life (2003), The Breakthrough (2005), and Strength of a Woman (2017), just to name a few, were some of the albums that helped her remain superior among new listeners.
Good Morning Gorgeous, her most recent release, hints that she has no plans of slowing down.
When it comes to music catalog and longevity, there’s only a handful who can compare to Mary J. Blige. It doesn’t matter which album you pick, each one has played an important role in her career and has helped earned her the title, “Queen of Hip Hop Soul.”
In Your Opinion, Which is the Better Mary J. Blige’s Album?
Polls Are Closed!!
My Life – 50%
What’s the 411? – 25%
Share My World – 25%
Strength of a Woman – 0%
The London Sessions – 0%
A Mary Christmas – 0%
My Life II… The Journey Continues (Act 1) – 0%
Stronger with Each Tear – 0%
Growing Pains – 0%
The Breakthrough – 0%
Love & Life – 0%
No More Drama – 0%
Mary – 0%
Good Morning Gorgeous – 0%