No matter what you’re dealing with, Mary J. Blige has a song that will get you through it. New romance, post-break up glow up, self-confidence pep talk and of course, heartbreak, Mary has you covered.
The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul is the soundtrack to Black culture. If you’re at a cookout, “Family Affair” is absolutely getting played. Later in the evening, your tipsy aunts will definitely belt out “I’m Goin’ Down.” She spans generations, gender, race and religion.
To celebrate her class of 2024 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, we’re highlighting some of our favorite Mary J. Blige songs. Also, shoutout to Kool & The Gang; A Tribe Called Quest; Big Mama Thornton; Dionne Warwick; and Suzanne de Passe, who are also set to be inducted.
‘Real Love’
We only needed the first minute of “Real Love” to know that Mary J, Blige was a once in a generation talent who was destined for greatness. Also, it’s still a jam that will pack the dance floor right now.
‘I’m Goin’ Down’
If you’ve ever seen Mary perform this live, you know it’s actually fans, not her that sings. That’s because this is thee seminal heartbreak song.
‘Sweet Thing’
Chaka Khan is a legend and the original will always be a classic, but MJB made this song hers without losing any of the qualities that made it unforgettable in the first place.
‘No More Drama’
Only Mary J. could take the theme to “The Young and the Restless” and turn it into a timeless classic ballad about needing less drama in your life.
‘My Life’
“My Life” is widely considered one of Blige’s best albums. After introducing herself, she showcased her maturity and growth as an artist with the album and title track.
‘Family Affair’
No hateration or holleration allowed in this dancery! After a string of ballads, this was sort of a comeback song that proved she can still get us dancing.
‘I Can Love You’ (featuring Lil’ Kim)
The way Mary’s flawless vocals blends with Kim’s hardcore rhymes made us want an album full of collabs the first time we heard this one.
‘Be Happy’
You can’t get more straight-forward than “All I really want is to be happy.” Mary’s willingness to be vulnerable in her art is what fans connect so strongly to her.
‘Just Fine’
Whenever Mary delivers one of these “I’m so awesome” confidence boosters, it’s like she knows each of us personally, because she drops it when we need it most.
‘Be Without You’
Whether it’s heartbreak or deep love, the passion she sings with makes every song feel absolutely necessary.
‘Everything’
On “Everything,” she perfectly captures that beautiful, “all is right with the world” feeling that comes with falling in love.
‘Share My World’
Is there a better way to express your love for someone than by asking them to “Share My World?”
‘As’ (Duet with George Michael)
If you’ve never heard these two legends duet on the Stevie Wonder classic, stop what you’re doing and listen to it immediately. It’s just pure R&B/soul at its best.
‘Not Gon’ Cry’
Who better than Mary J. Blige to embody the pain of Angela Bassett’s Bernadine in “Waiting to Exhale.” She makes us feel all 11 years of her heartbreak.
Straight From 
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