Mary J Blige, also known as the “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul,” has had an illustrious career spanning over three decades. With over 80 million records sold worldwide and nine Grammy awards under her belt, she has become one of the most influential and beloved artists in the music industry. Blige’s music is a fusion of hip-hop, soul, and R&B, and her powerful vocals and emotional lyrics have resonated with fans all over the world.
In this article, we will take a look at the 10 best Mary J Blige songs of all time. From her early hits like “Real Love” and “Not Gon’ Cry” to her more recent collaborations with artists like Disclosure and Sam Smith, Blige has consistently delivered music that touches the heart and soul of her listeners. Each song on this list showcases Blige’s signature sound and highlights the unique talents that have made her a music icon.
As we delve into this list of her greatest hits, we will explore the stories behind each song and how they have impacted the music industry and Blige’s career. Whether you are a longtime fan of Mary J Blige or new to her music, this article will give you an in-depth look at the best songs from one of the most influential artists of our time.
1. Real Love
“Real Love” is a classic R&B and hip-hop hit by Mary J Blige that was released in 1992. Produced by Puff Daddy, the song features a sample from Audio Two’s “Top Billin'” and showcases Blige’s signature style of blending soulful vocals with hip-hop beats. The lyrics are about searching for true love and finding the strength to move on from past relationships. The song’s catchy chorus and infectious beat make it a perfect dance floor anthem, and its music video, which features Blige dancing and singing on the streets of New York City, helped to define the “hip-hop soul” genre.
2. Not Gon’ Cry
“Not Gon’ Cry” is a powerful R&B ballad by Mary J Blige that was released in 1996. Written and produced by Babyface, the song was featured on the soundtrack to the film “Waiting to Exhale.” The song’s lyrics are about overcoming heartbreak and finding the strength to move on. Blige’s emotive vocals and the song’s powerful instrumentation, including a stirring string section, make it a stirring anthem for anyone going through a difficult time. The song’s music video features Blige in a stunning red gown, performing the song against a dramatic backdrop of crashing waves. “Not Gon’ Cry” remains an iconic song in Blige’s catalog.
3. I Can Love You ft. Lil’ Kim
“I Can Love You” is an R&B and hip-hop collaboration between Mary J Blige and Lil’ Kim that was released in 1997. The song, which was produced by Rodney Jerkins, features Blige’s signature soulful vocals and Lil’ Kim’s fiery rap verses. “I Can Love You” was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s lyrics are about a woman who is willing to love and support her partner, even in the face of adversity. Blige’s vocals are powerful and emotive, while Lil’ Kim’s rap verse adds a touch of attitude and edge to the track. The music video for the song features Blige and Lil’ Kim performing in a club, surrounded by dancers and flashing lights. “I Can Love You” is a standout track in Mary J Blige’s discography, showcasing her versatility and range as an artist. The song’s powerful vocals, infectious beat, and memorable lyrics make it a fan favorite to this day.
4. Be Without You
“Be Without You” is a soulful R&B hit by Mary J Blige that was released in 2005. The song, which was produced by Bryan-Michael Cox, features Blige’s powerful vocals and a memorable hook. “Be Without You” was a massive commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and earning Blige a Grammy award. The song’s lyrics are about the strength and resilience of a woman in love, even in the face of challenges and adversity. Blige’s emotive vocals and the song’s catchy beat make “Be Without You” a timeless anthem for anyone who has ever experienced the ups and downs of a romantic relationship. The music video for the song features Blige in a stunning red dress, performing in front of a dramatic backdrop of city lights.
5. You Bring Me Joy
“You Bring Me Joy” is a classic R&B and soul hit by Mary J Blige that was released in 1992. The song, which was produced by Sean “Puffy” Combs, features Blige’s soulful vocals and a catchy beat that incorporates elements of funk and hip-hop. “You Bring Me Joy” was a commercial success, reaching the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s lyrics are about the joy and happiness that a new love can bring. Blige’s powerful vocals and the song’s infectious beat make “You Bring Me Joy” a classic dance floor anthem that still resonates with audiences today. The music video for the song features Blige dancing and singing on the streets of New York City, showcasing her signature style and attitude. “You Bring Me Joy” is a standout track in Mary J Blige’s early discography, showcasing her unique blend of soulful vocals and hip-hop beats. The song’s catchy chorus and memorable lyrics make it a fan favorite to this day.
6. You Remind Me
“You Remind Me” is an R&B and hip-hop hit by Mary J Blige that was released in 1992. The song, which was produced by Dave “Jam” Hall, features Blige’s soulful vocals and a catchy beat that incorporates elements of hip-hop and funk. “You Remind Me” was a commercial success, reaching the top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s lyrics are about the challenges of moving on from a past relationship and finding new love. Blige’s powerful vocals and the song’s infectious beat make “You Remind Me” a classic dance floor anthem that still resonates with audiences today. The music video for the song features Blige performing in a club, surrounded by dancers and flashing lights. “You Remind Me” is a standout track in Mary J Blige’s early discography, showcasing her unique blend of soulful vocals and hip-hop beats. The song’s catchy chorus and memorable lyrics make it a fan favorite to this day, and it remains a testament to Blige’s enduring influence on the R&B and hip-hop genres.
7. Everything
“Everything” is a soulful R&B ballad by Mary J Blige that was released in 1997. The song, which was produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, features Blige’s powerful vocals and a memorable melody. “Everything” was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s lyrics are about the joys and challenges of a romantic relationship. Blige’s emotive vocals and the song’s lush instrumentation, which includes a soaring string section, make “Everything” a stirring and heartfelt ballad. The music video for the song features Blige performing in a variety of settings, including a desert landscape and a dramatic cityscape. “Everything” is a standout track in Mary J Blige’s discography, showcasing her ability to deliver powerful and emotional ballads. The song’s memorable melody and heartfelt lyrics make it a fan favorite to this day, and it remains a testament to Blige’s enduring influence on the R&B genre.
8. U + Me (Love Lessons)
“U + Me (Love Lessons)” is a soulful R&B song by Mary J Blige that was released in 2017. The song, which was produced by Brandon “B.A.M.” Hodge, features Blige’s signature soulful vocals and a smooth melody. “U + Me (Love Lessons)” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Adult R&B chart. The song’s lyrics are about the pain and heartbreak of a failed relationship, and the lessons that can be learned from it. Blige’s emotive vocals and the song’s minimalistic instrumentation, which includes piano and strings, make “U + Me (Love Lessons)” a stirring and heartfelt ballad. The music video for the song features Blige performing in a variety of settings, including an empty warehouse and a desolate beach. “U + Me (Love Lessons)” is a standout track in Mary J Blige’s more recent discography, showcasing her continued ability to deliver powerful and emotional ballads. The song’s honest lyrics and soulful vocals make it a fan favorite, and it remains a testament to Blige’s enduring influence on the R&B genre.
9. No More Drama
“No More Drama” is a powerful R&B and hip-hop hit by Mary J Blige that was released in 2001. The song, which was produced by Dr. Dre, features Blige’s soulful vocals and a memorable hook that incorporates elements of the 1970s soul classic “Nadia’s Theme.” “No More Drama” was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s lyrics are about overcoming the drama and turmoil of a difficult past and finding peace and happiness. Blige’s powerful vocals and the song’s driving beat make “No More Drama” a stirring and uplifting anthem. The music video for the song features Blige performing in a variety of settings, including a boxing ring and a dramatic cityscape. “No More Drama” is a standout track in Mary J Blige’s discography, showcasing her ability to deliver powerful and inspiring anthems. The song’s memorable hook and emotive lyrics make it a fan favorite to this day, and it remains a testament to Blige’s enduring influence on the R&B and hip-hop genres.
10. Family Affair
“Family Affair” is a funky and upbeat R&B and hip-hop hit by Mary J Blige that was released in 2001. The song, which was produced by Dr. Dre, features Blige’s soulful vocals and a memorable beat that incorporates elements of funk and hip-hop. “Family Affair” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s lyrics are about coming together as a family and having a good time, even in the face of adversity. Blige’s powerful vocals and the song’s infectious beat make “Family Affair” a classic party anthem that still resonates with audiences today. The music video for the song features Blige and her friends dancing and having a good time in a club. “Family Affair” is a standout track in Mary J Blige’s discography, showcasing her versatility and range as an artist. The song’s catchy chorus and memorable lyrics make it a fan favorite to this day, and it remains a testament to Blige’s enduring influence on the R&B and hip-hop genres.
