Mary J. Blige Breaks Down Her Career, from 'What's the 411?' to 'Respect' | Vanity Fair

[@virtuousAssassain]

Mary doesn't get enough praise. Her music will forever have a chokehold on our community and will stand the test of time like the all time greats. She need more flowers

[@Luminousone_624]

Facts

[@carlalinton1005]

Carla Linton. My Black Hip Hop Soul Sista Mary J Blige sure don't get enough praise. And her music 🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼 sure will forever have a choked hold on our community. And stand the test of time

[@Juggalo94]

She shoulda got that inclusion into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame her first year

[@whytfisthispoppingup]

we gotta stop holding Mary to our community, black people created music and Mary is one of many pioneers who pushed our culture forward for the world to see. She’s timeless, no matter who listens to her.

[@HoneyBee1980]

I AGREE

[@ScottThePisces]

Mary J Blige is literally the queen of this, I really hope her legacy is nurtured by the next generation. Her music has always been soo intimate and incredible. My Life is one of my favourites for a laid back Sunday.

[@zuzanna1456]

She’s already underrated while alive

[@kartanesibrf]

@@zuzanna1456

[@kartanesibrf]

@@zuzanna1456

[@eagleeyegordon9368]

All that I can Say'.....real Mary fans Don't skip the best eras.

[@Donwun]

telling me - why they skipping that Mary album - her 2nd best after my life smh

[@CJLX805]

exactly.....I love that album...*All That I Can Say

[@dsmith9214]

Oh and The Life & Life Album.

[@CJLX805]

@@dsmith9214 you mean *Love & Life

[@tellyhennessey5422]

Godspeed and May God continue to bless you Mary 🙏.... Was introduced to you 1993 in my junior year in high school; and now at 45😭😭😭😫😆😫😆 I am still here with and listening to you; am so very very happy that you have stood the test of time

[@jronn76]

Give Mary all her flowers 💐

[@andreadavis1388]

Definitely 💐💐💐

[@DavidRichardson95]

_What's the 411?_ turns 30 next year, I hope we get a super deluxe edition soon and at least remaster _Real Love_ and _You Remind Me_ in 4K. That _Growing Pains_ album is what made me a lifelong fan at the age of 12. Too many people slept on Mary's later albums. Can't wait for _Ghost_ season 2!!!! Love this woman.

[@Frenchkidding]

And Share my World turns 25 next year TOO

[@OfficialJalenHemphill]

The Queen of Hip Hop Soul. Almost 30 Years Strong.

[@OfficialJalenHemphill]

@Angel Johnson Yes, I’m Part of The Fan Page But I’m No Longer a Moderator. Too Much Upkeep For Me. LOL!

[@ITSMRZFG]

33 actually

[@OfficialJalenHemphill]

@@ITSMRZFG “What’s The 411?” Was Almost 30 Years Ago. July 28th, 2022.

[@ITSMRZFG]

@@OfficialJalenHemphill she been active since 88 is what I meant lol

[@OfficialJalenHemphill]

@@ITSMRZFG I Know What You Meant But I Was Specifically Talking About Since 411 Itself. Either Way, The Legacy Still Strong. 👸🏾🥳🙌🏾💯

[@GETOSUPASTAR]

Mary's career is the soundtrack of my childhood... every single/album has a memory attached for me to where i was or what i was doing at that point and age. Thank you Queen for your music has been the therapy i needed throughout MY LIFE!❤

[@prettytalia143]

Same! And I didn’t realize it until I watched the documentary, My Life. So good!

[@PaolaEnergya]

The world is a better place because of Mary J B. Loving all her interviews this week

[@ChicagoDefense]

She doing this press run for a reason. I think a verzuz battle is on the way.

[@MariahBraxton1]

@@ChicagoDefense She’s promoting her Amazon My Life documentary. I don’t think she will do a Verzuz battle.

[@tonylancer7367]

@@MariahBraxton1 Which is good, but I wish had more chapters and more music! But it's a wonderful documentary.

[@jacarriusdoesthings]

The Breakthrough and Growing Pains was Mary J’s best albums to date. Mary really did her things on every single on her singles. She is also the best actress, don’t care what anyone says. She doing a good job as Monet.

[@MrEOM41]

Mary whole catalogue is 🔥 💿

[@talented1602]

Gosh!! I never get tired of hearing this women's story. I've been intrigued by you since 1992. Every album it's like we've grown, cried and rejoiced with you. You're true fans are here to stay no matter what. Love you Queen😘😘.

[@RebelBuddha1971]

@Talented1 So well said!

[@jonatanmejia7825]

Idk MJB on a personal level (clearly like most of us) but I’ve always felt such a fond connection to her a child. She carries this wisdom about her that when she speaks you listen just like her music. She’s a gem that needs to be nurtured.

[@BillykOTW]

You a real one for this Vanity

[@mysoullovessoul558]

They skipped the "Mary" album...!?! It is a definitive MJB album and sound. I can't...

[@TheDiamondLife90]

Ans her last in the 90s!

[@dimepiecetia]

I love that album

[@joyakahome7594]

I get chills over my body every time I watch Mary j Blige. Goosebumps all over! She is such a beautiful soul.

[@tingztingz3251]

Her impact and career are underrated

[@lesjones7818]

she definitely should’ve been bigger commercially but she was too REAL, Mary made music for the culture 🔥

[@_nolan_nolan]

@@lesjones7818 I mean she did sell well Commercially. She has sold over 100 million records and to be considered one of the best selling artist you have to sell over 75 million records

[@sugarbaby547]

@Diamond WISE exactly. I have no idea what these people are talking about. She dominated the charts...she is not the Queen of Hip Hop Soul for nothing...

[@sheskates6551]

She’ll be releasing albums when she’s 60+ slow and steady wins the race 🔥

[@Dr.JudeAEMasonMD]

I cannot WAIT to hear MJB’s album when she finally finds that real love. She deserves it.

[@BeautyLoves88]

♥️♥️🥲🥲

[@taneeshathomas2090]

Give this Icon her flowers now...She's the Aretha of our generation ♥

[@yep2088]

Aretha, honey don't shame her name while she resting in peace. If Aretha was alive, she would surely check you.

[@taneeshathomas2090]

@@yep2088 Aretha can't check nobody... i used her as a reference people could relate to because she's an icon but she's not a great vocalist in my opinion...she's just alright... same way a lot of people feel about Mary...nevertheless they've both made an impact & important contributions to the culture as a whole

[@chills3956]

You nailed ! I love aretha and baby Mary is up there ! Respect

[@clarissakrigger4599]

When I tell you Mary is my go to for whatever I'm feeling. Happy. Hype, hurt, lonely, angry, there was a song for it. Mary is the Queen.

[@andreln75]

Of course I love her music, been with her since what's the 411, but as a Sci fi and comic fan, she impressed the heck out of me in the umbrella academy

[@anthonywashington5350]

I don’t like the fact she skip the “Mary” album. The Mary album is a classic album. I’ll say myself “Mary” album is truly her My Life 2.

[@anthonywashington5350]

All that I can say, deep inside, beautiful ones, don’t waste your time(Aretha Franklin), your child, checkin for me, sincerity,(nas & Dmx) the love I never had . Even the album cover is classic.

[@ShayneMor]

Yes!!! The Mary album is a classic and so heartfelt.

[@hasan1231]

I totally agree! That album is 🔥

[@Harlow65220]

Yes!!! Especially my #1 favorite no happy holiday.

[@Idontwannaknowu23]

I know I'm late, but I actually heard once before that they discuss everything and then Vanity just decides what to keep when they edit these. These interviews take hours.

[@dlove2830]

I love how innocent and vulnerable Mary is in this interview. All her life, she's been a fighter...and still is. However, it is such a blessing to see her reflect on how she came THRU all that ish, to see the rainbow after years of being in the storm. THAT'S why I will forever love her. We're both '71 babies, and its good to see the 'Sunshine Goddess' basking in her well-deserve glory.

[@acbanks76]

My Life album is still one of favorite albums of all time. Still in the rotation.

[@dearjourneyxokamiahmonique]

Mary is such a gem, and a real girl’s girl! She’s intelligent, funny, beautiful and aging with grace and wisdom. It’s a pleasure seeing this side of her! ***and to know that her discography is so extensive, they actually skipped a few albums on here! MJB ♥️💞✨

[@zairehaylock4974]

My favorite Mary J. Blige song is "You Bring Me Joy".

[@amrapalibhagat1111]

I love her collaboration with George Michael in" As" song.❤️ So beautiful song.

[@Lee-di9jn]

That’s when her voice was very raspy I loved it she did her thing and so did George I’m gonna play that song right now lol love you Mary

[@amrapalibhagat1111]

@@Lee-di9jn 🙏❤️

[@kozmikoblivion]

*MARY* is one of my favorite albums. It was a tipping point album. Y’all need to go back and revisit it.

[@shahawndonaldson9674]

I have all of her albums even her new album"GMG" I think I play that CD 10 times already since I bought it,what a masterpiece. Love and respect to MJB Queen of Hip Hop Soul 💯💯

[@Jay-tp8ol]

She skipped some of her fire albums but then again when your discography is 🔥 I guess that happens!

[@sweeetzz]

Probably because they are dedicated to her ex husband

[@joshuamcdowell9745]

@@sweeetzz Love & Life was one of her best yet underrated albums

[@3BuckHead]

@@joshuamcdowell9745 Amen!!

[@Jay-tp8ol]

@@sweeetzz I can definitely see that for Love & Life and Growing Pains especially but even two pre-demon ex albums: Mary and the Tour album came to mind. I’m sure she has her reasons but again she has soooo much good music so it may have been time or they may have edited it out

[@CJLX805]

The Mary album is my fav though......why skip it!!!!!

[@janetjones5959]

I cried watching the documentary. I remember what I was going through in my personal life when My Life got released back in 1994. Thank you for sharing your pain with us so we can heal. We love you MJB ❤❤❤

[@designermarket6334]

She is literally my favorite artist EVER.......I LOVE HER DEEP!!!!!!!!

[@andreadavis1388]

Mary is always appropriate for every occasion. I’ve loved loved her my whole life❤️❤️❤️ I’m glad she’s opening up in a different way for her. She’s a Queen, period!

[@shivajackson214]

She’s legendary

[@sippinthemontea2045]

This woman has been hurt and broken her WHOLE LIFE! I hope she TRULY finds that peace she needs

[@stephenchristian3636]

@ Sippin’ The Montea Right her music is the soundtrack to our lives !!!

[@davept2580]

Mary you have given us so much. blood, sweat and tears - and we've been here, all the step of the way. I love you.

[@jacquir8331]

Mary has never looked better! My "Share My World" cd got burned out!

[@jamilbelle]

Let’s go queen 👑

[@immature1990]

I love all her albums but what’s the 411,My Life and share my world are my favorites

[@jamespittman7260]

I like Mary j. Blige she is a great singer.

[@yep2088]

Lol

[@andrewmurray1478]

Mary is just everything ❤ she's an inspiration, a beacon of resilience and an icon of showing strength through almost insurmountable adversity. She's phenomenal 👏🏼👸🏾

[@Anna-zq1zw]

MJB’s the breakthrough is a no skip album

[@lesliejones8552]

Mary J BILGE Music had such a powerful affect on the world 🌎 hands down especially for black African Americans she truly is a loving ❤️ warrior and she has made us feel special emotionally you are Indeed the Best Music 🎶 singer we have ever met ❤️congratulations to you for never giving up

[@missmeyon]

I'm 39yrs old. Been a fan since DAY 1.

[@shawtyshawty6431]

“I KNOW IT IS HARD, BUT WE WILL GET FAR” that pen game is 🔥🔥

[@LD-dv3qh]

This deserves more views omg

[@gametyte924]

I couldn't imagine my [personal] life without the Mary J Blige soundtrack. Thank you Mary. Thank you Vanity Fair 💯

[@ShinyWon]

We really don’t deserve Mary. I’m so blessed to have been in middle school when Whats the 411 came out. It feels like I’ve always had her. Love you Mary!🤎

[@Dr.JudeAEMasonMD]

Facts. I’m was 14 when 411 came out. I wore that CD and My Life out!

[@koolaid1982]

MY LIFE IS MY FAVORITE ALBUM 💿 CUZ IM ALSO A FAITH EVANS FAN AND SHE WROTE A FEW SONGS FOR THAT ALBUM AND SUNG BACK UP

[@alonzoeley9330]

Those Songs Were "Never Gonna Live Without You", And " Gotta Believe"

[@alexanderwilliams1731]

Please give this woman her flowers 💐 she deserves them❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️😃

[@melindamullins9971]

what an iconic legend wow so glad to see she has come out on the other side of the darkness in lifes negative obstacles she loves herself now and it really shows and that helps so many of us.

[@cdot.8492]

She is one of my all time favorite

[@cordelia3377]

MJB's entire career is the soundtrack to my life!!! Real talk 💯‼️💥...Thank you sooooo much MJB for the memories, the music and the gift💋❤️💥

[@markpeter4304]

Beautiful one is my favorite....allowed me to deal with the deaths of my father and brother, and not withstanding those tragedies its still such a " beautiful" song

[@theoutthinkers31]

Mary will forever be the Queen in my eyes.

[@Evette7Coach-Author]

Love Queen MJB's raw , genuine inner & outer Beauty 👑 🌺 a grand Icon

[@3BuckHead]

I hate that she always brush over "Love & Life". I love that album so much. Mary, please acknowledge this album!!!!

[@prismatism]

I wished they’d release unedited, uncut versions of these videos, same with the Vogue 'Life in Looks'. I love to hear artists who inspire me talk about their inspirations.

[@mattd501]

Such respect for this truly inspiring and quintessential jewel to our music history...Just REAL

[@LordArkanaNavy]

My favorite eras What’s the 411?, Share my world and The Breakthrough

[@chickennuggsd4094]

My girl is so humble. I love her spirit 💛

[@samiaterrell4865]

I hate how no one recognize the Mary album

[@TheNatashaNicole]

Ikr. All that I can say, Deep Inside, Give me you, Your child, and my personal favorite Sincerity. Folks need to put some respect on the Mary album. That and the London Sessions.

[@justjassssss]

Right! Mary is one of her BEST albums imo

[@riritheedon8967]

Mary J my influence 😍😚

[@true90skid]

Mary has always been a fashion icon 🔥

[@alexanderwilliams1731]

The Breakthrough album is when I first got to know her Ms. Mary j blige!!!!!!!❤️❤️❤️

[@jaewilliams9685]

4 Classics in a row (411,MyLife,SMW,Mary) 1 Classic in the 2000s (The Breakthrough) Near Classic (Growing Pains) Underrated (No More Drama, Love & Life)

[@lucybunwa5833]

“I have always wondered, why? Why I can't live without you babe and I'm longing to be your lady I understand that you are leaving Please don't leave here without me baby 'Cause I think I might go insane”😍😍😍😍

[@blkdevil20]

YESSS!!! I immediately started to sing that when they skipped over the Mary era😂😂

[@lucybunwa5833]

@@blkdevil20 FOR REAL !

[@lucybunwa5833]

@Angel Johnson BIG TUNE

[@kyanamorsell1]

Guys, please watch Mary’s documentary on Prime Video. It was amazing!!!

[@alishaxoxos]

💕💕💕I’m so happy to see this!!

[@SomeGuy-mg5jy]

I respect Mary so much as a singer and overall artist. I'm the same age as Mary and I've always said Mary is the greatest singer of my generation. I wish she had touched on The London Sessions. It is unique in her catalog and one of my favorite Mary albums.

[@CRPFilmsChristianRaymundPastor]

This is so awesome, thanks for sharing.

[@stevie9028]

An amazing artist. So hard to pick favourite albums but if i had to, Share My World, No more drama, Love and Life, The Breakthrough and Growing Pains. But again they are all great. Still need to watch the documentary.

[@swisschoklate736]

Moundbound performance, EPIC! Mighty River’s performance, EPIC!!!!!!! Mary is versatile!!!

[@trinaq]

While I love Mary J's music, she also impresses in her acting roles, particularly as a murderous, mask wearing assassin!🎭😍

[@Henley1446]

Mary i love you and i am one of your biggest fans you have got me through soo much!!! you really have no idea how much you have you been there for us!!! YOU ARE THE QUEEN!!!

[@godsuniqorn1043]

I LOVE THIS WOMAN, OH SO MUCH 💜

[@delrey874]

She's legend.

[@SandraWAsumu]

God I love this woman! Thank you Mary for sharing so much of yourself with the world. I’m so glad we are giving you your flowers while you’re still young.

[@yellagirl419]

I love me some Mary cant help but love, respect and appreciate you boo!

[@dreyday21]

Mary j has been my icon since I was a little kid I’m 21 now and I’m still up with her

[@Luminousone_624]

My Life and My Life II the journey continues and Share My World and Stregnth of a woman are my faves.

[@foxxminaj8419]

I got every Album 🎚️👑🏆🌡️🔥⛄🎼🎼🎺🎙️🎤🎻🎥🎥📼🎟️🎟️ Milwaukee in the building every time you came I was right there THE QUEEN OF HIP-HOP& R&B ❣️

[@bobbleheadmoe]

I loooooove them all but the Mary Album and love and life. Love those two

[@Ko-kf6lc]

Mary J still looking gorgeous 😍

[@ForeignFrederik]

Queen Mary J Blige❤️🎵🍃

[@hoodstar92]

Queen MJB ♥️

[@dreyday21]

I’m so happy I can relate to mary in my mind I tackled so much and only mary and only all her albums helped me so much❤ that’s why when people ask me who I look up took and admire just everything it’s mary just blige

[@CarlosC-lv1gm]

I HAVE A TRUE CONFESSION TO MAKE………I ONLY bought “What’s the 411”, My Life, and Share My World. *After those first three albums, they started taking your musical creativity in a OPPOSITE DIRECTION and I since then I’ve ONLY PLAY THESE THREE. GA always played all her hits, but I stopped buying albums around 1998. SO THE FIRST (3) are permanent certified albums because it set the standard of the industry and culture at the time and into the future.

[@breonemcnill1466]

NO MORE DRAMA album will always be my ultimate favorite album of MJB. It's the most versatile and the only album with all the heavyweight producers: Dr. Dre Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis Swiss Beats Rockwilda Neptunes Missy Elliott

[@ITSMRZFG]

Queen Mary 😍 been listening to her for as long as I can remember

[@Virginia-xk3nk]

Mary and Diddy as well as those who also were involved (R.I.P. Mr. Andre H) gave Mary some of the best music that will always live on. Thank You💜

[@theonlyseparation464]

Chucky Thompson RIP

[@littlegirl-lc8lh]

Hi J. Blidge thank you for taking care of little girls, and for making them happy and for your loving music!!!!!!!! Thank you very much War Lord!!!!!!!!

[@tionnejohnson226]

Aa that I can say. Written and Produced by Lauryn Hill who also is singing background vocals. One of my all time favorite songs by Mary. Love u Queen

[@derrickbraithwaite-mais8469]

I love her regardless Mary j bilge should get her respect ✊🏿 and flowers.👏🏿🙏🏿🇨🇦🇯🇲🇧🇧 💐🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@angelaalston971]

All hail the Queen💛 of Hip Hop & RB🖤

[@tashaparker1098]

Love Mary J Blige and her songs

[@scarboroughdebutante]

Mary is the realest

[@DevinSealyWilson]

I hate that y’all skipped over the Mary and Love & Life Albums!!!!!

[@erikadowdy686]

LEGEND AND ICON. 💜💟💜💟❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@wr513]

Love you Mary 😘😚😙😗

[@TheJadedFilmMaker]

Umbrella Academy!

[@jamarlbryant1445]

She’s amazing love her music 🎶