Long hailed as the “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul,” Mary J. Blige is an enigma of resilience and artistic versatility. She’s not only conquered the realms of R&B and pop, but she’s also ventured into dance music, making her one of the most comprehensive music artists of our time. With numerous accolades and chart-topping hits to her name, her imprint on popular culture is indelible. However, her journey hasn’t been a smooth ride—she’s battled substance abuse, which makes her resurgence and continuing influence even more awe-inspiring.
When you think of Mary J. Blige, hits like “Family Affair” often come to mind. This classic has been given a fresh feel with the Spanish Fly remix transforming an already iconic song into a dance floor juggernaut. But Mary’s dance catalog doesn’t stop there. “No More Drama (Thunderpuss Remix)” and “Your Child (Junior Vasquez Remix)” quickly became massive gay anthems, proving her inclusivity and wide appeal.
Arguably, Mary’s most significant crossover success is her towering hit, “Be Without You.” This emotional ballad experienced a second life with the uplifiting Moto Blanco Vocal Mix, which introduced her to a whole new audience that thrives on electronic beats and soaring vocals. Her duet with the iconic Chaka Khan on “Disrespectful (Paulo & Dutkevitch Creative Mix)” is another testimony to her ability to collaborate across genres while staying true to her musical roots.
The struggle with substance abuse could have marred Mary J. Blige’s story, but instead, it adds another layer of depth to her persona. Her openness about her addiction and the struggle to overcome it has helped end the stigma often associated with substance abuse. Her recovery has not just been a personal victory but also an inspiration for countless fans who’ve been through similar hardships.
In a society that often tries to pigeonhole artists, Mary J. Blige stands as a multi-faceted gem. From her ground-breaking influence on R&B and pop to her lesser-known but significant contributions to the dance music arena, Mary is a living testament to the transformative power of music.
Her lasting impact on the music industry, her meaningful engagement with social issues, and her personal struggles and triumphs are what make Mary J. Blige more than a diva; they make her an icon. She has taken each phase of her career and each personal setback as an opportunity to grow, proving that the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul is a dance floor diva in her own right.
If for no other reason than her just being Mary, she’s rightfully earned her place in our exclusive Diva Hall of Fame.
Until the next time…ENJOY!
Album : Mary J. Blige
Genre : Club, House
Year : 2010
Total Time : 1:23:21.00
- Family Affair (Spanish Fly Remix)
- We Ride (Moto Blanco Remix)
- Give Me You (Extended Nino Radio Mix)
- Just Fine (Moto Blanco Club Vox)
- I Am (Nick Harvey Private Club Mix)
- No More Drama (Thunderpuss Remix)
- Deep Inside (Hex Hector Remix)
- Magic (Moto Blanco Club Mix) [with Robin Thicke]
- Be Without You (Moto Blanco Vocal Mix)
- Stronger (EDX’s Belo Horizonte At Night Mix)
- He Think I Don’t Know (HQ2 Club Mix)
- Rainy Dayz (Thunderpuss Remix) [with Ja Rule]
- Disrespectful (Paulo & Dutkevitch Creative Mix) [with Chaka Khan]
- Your Child (Junior Vasquez Remix)
