The easiest and most profound way I can describe the talent of Mary J. Blige is to say, she is to me what Aretha Franklin was to my mother. As Aretha was a voice of black women empowerment during the 1960’s and 70’s, Mary J Blige achieved the same for the women of my generation.
Throughout her career, Ms. Blige recorded music that seemed personally sung for me and the situations I was going through at the time. My first encounter with her music was when her emotionally strong voice would blast from very boom box and car stereo in the Lillian Ward Houses(housing project) down on the Lower East Side of Manhattan during the summer of 1992.
Here is what I consider the top ten songs by the Queen of Hip Hop Soul Mary J. Blige:
“You Remind Me” (1992)
This is the type of song that every young lady knew the lyrics too. But it was not only considered a “girly song”, the danceable beat made it a favorite of the young fellas as well.
“Real Love” (1992)
With a strong hip hop beat, “Real Love”, was a dance club favorite. Upon first hearing this song, my friends and I simply thought it was a remix of the rap tune “Top Billin” by the duo Audio Two. This song made the name Mary J. Blige known throughout the community.
“I’m Going Down” (1994)
This tune showcased Ms. Blige’s soulful vocal skills. A remake of the 1976 song by the R&B; group Rolls Royce, Mary J Blige took command of this song, made it her own and struck a cord with her current fans and introduced her to an older generation.
“Everything” (1997)
This smooth song touches the heart of women who ever was deeply in love with someone. This is the song you want playing in your car as you drive to meet up with your sweetie.
“Deep Inside” (1999)
This is where Mary J. Blige exposes herself to be more than just a hip hop soul singer. As the iconic Elton John plays the keys on this track, Ms. Blige asks her listeners to see her for who she really is beyond the music- simply Mary.
“Rainy Dayz” (2002)
Rapper Ja-Rule joins Mary J. Blige on this song. It’s a fun uplifting song that reminds you that even though we may be stuck in a cloudy situation, the sun will eventually shine.
“No More Drama” (2002)
This song was released during a time in which I had to say no to the drama going on in my own life. Mary J. Blige expressed through this song what I feeling. Once again she was able to tap into what so many women go through in dealing with personal relationships, life and love.
“Love @ First Sight” (2003)
Mary J. Blige teams up again with Sean Combs and delves back into her hip hop soul roots with this hard core beat driven song. This is a great dance/party song.
“Be Without You” (2005)
Simply put, Ms. Blige knocked it out the park with this tune. This is the type of song that makes you push aside all the little thing that drive you crazy about your spouse and makes you realize that you do indeed love him/her.
“Just Fine” (2007)
Currently this song is my personal anthem. During my life’s ups and downs, I will be just fine. Like the song says “You see I wouldn’t change my life, my life’s just fine…”
Other Mary J. Blige songs that I love and admire are “Love No Limit”, “Be Happy”, “Reminisce”, “You Don’t Have to Worry” and many more. Ms. Blige has always stayed true to the music game, we have watched her grow from the cute little young lady in the turned around baseball cap and Timberland boots, to the diva she was destined to be. Mary J. Blige is the undisputed Queen of Hip Hop Soul.
