On this definite highlight from the so-called My Life sequel, Blige stands tall on the promise that no outside interference will destroy the love between her and her man. “Don’t Mind” - My Life II: The Journey Continues (Act I) (2011) “Shake Down” with Usher - Growing Pains (2007)īlige called in back-up on this passionate frisk search where she and Usher went back and forth in their request for their partners to spread ’em. This record-breaking Jazmine Sullivan-penned single is impressive in how it is both throwback and modern, balancing out Blige’s emotionally-charged vocals with a quasi-Migos cadence.

“Thick of It” - Strength of a Woman (2017) Singing boisterously of unrivaled devotion and commitment, Blige showcases a lighthearted vocal over a StarGate production. “Come to Me (Peace) - Growing Pains (2007)īlige seemed to be in a softhearted space on this synth-filled album closer, reaching out her hand to a partner she wants to work it out with despite romantic conflicts. Paak to remind us that Blige can sharpen her endeared late ’90s sound without it sounding dated. “Love Without the Heartbreak” - Good Morning Gorgeous (2022) “We Ride (I See The Future)” - Reflections – A Retrospective (2006)īryan-Michael Cox and Johntá Austin had an impressive run with Blige in the mid to late 2000s, and it couldn’t have been better evidenced than in big love songs like this. Taken from Blige’s second full-length of 2014, this sleek cautionary tale moved her closer to establishing herself as one of the most ever-changing artists. Some of Blige’s best material is on this soundtrack, and this DJ Camper-produced cut is a terrific reminder. “Self Love” - Think Like a Man Too Soundtrack (2014) Undoubtedly, this schmaltzy, sampled-driven downtempo would have been in rotation on Soul Train in its ‘70s prime. Please note: This ranked list does not include songs on which she was featured. Blige’s trend-setting debut album, Rated R&B selected 30 of her best songs. In honor of the 30th anniversary of Mary J. Instead, Blige adapted to varying innovations while keeping her influential presence at the forefront of her music. She never shied away from a challenge musically, nor has she chased a wave and seemed out of place. She is a resourceful chameleon whose absorption of an era’s specific sound and image sets her apart from her contemporaries. Though the songs on What’s the 411? weren’t written by Blige, her authentic persona and range of musical influences, from Anita Baker and Biz Markie, inspired studio associates to carve a lane in which only she could inhabit.īlige’s consistency has been remarkably praiseworthy over the last three decades. How has Blige remained present on a throne she rarely acknowledged or, in a sense, didn’t fully comprehend until now? Maybe it’s because she was too busy existing, going through peaks and valleys to heal herself, and unknowingly helping a devoted audience transform their lives for the better. But I’m walking in it ‘cause obviously, I’m it.”

“I’m a fool not to receive who I am, who God made me to be, obviously because it could have been over. I never really did, but I have to walk in it now because it’s been so many years, and if I don’t walk in it like I’m a fool,” Blige explained to Martinez. What Blige said could be shocking to most. Martinez asked Blige to discuss the significance of the crown at this point in her career. The late cultural icon and Uptown Records founder Andre Harrell and Blige’s longtime collaborator and music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs dubbed her royalty ahead of her defining debut album What’s the 411?, which turns 30 on July 28. One item was a crown, suggesting the long-running title she holds as Queen of Hip-Hop Soul. In this game, she gave commentary on items and moments from her storied career placed in the box. In a February interview with long-standing friend and radio personality Angie Martinez, Blige dubiously played iHeartRadio’s The Box. Blige’s stature to finally see themselves as a queen. Thirty years seems like forever for an artist of Mary J.

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