Hello, readers!
I am so stoked to talk about our Artist Pick for this week, the Queen of Hip Hop, Miss Mary J. Blige! This is an artist who needs no formal introduction, but I am going to go ahead and brag anyways.
Mary J. Blige is the whole package. She is a singer, songwriter, rapper, and actress. These talents have won her nine Grammy Awards, four American Music Awards, and ten Billboard Music Awards. Blige has also been nominated for three Golden Globes and two Academy Awards.
The Brooklyn native’s legacy began when she dropped her massive and trailblazing debut album, What’s the 411? in 1992. It really introduced the conglomeration of a hip hop and R&B sound. In fact, it became the first album ever to feature a rap artist on EVERY track.
I wanted to commemorate her prestigious achievements by displaying inspired artists who have sampled her songs in their work as well as older artists that Mary was moved by herself.
Let’s start off with a song from What’s the 411?. “Real Love” is definitely a song that belongs on every Mary J. Blige “Greatest Hits” record.
Mary J. Blige: “Real Love” (What’s the 411?) -1992
Frank Ocean: “Super Rich Kids” (Channel Orange) – 2012
Lonnie Liston Smith: “A Garden of Peace” (Dreams of Tomorrow) – 1983
Mary J. Blige: “Take Me As I Am” (The Breakthrough) – 2005
Mary J. Blige: “Be Happy” (My Life) – 1994
Jazmine Sullivan: “Holding You Down (Goin’ in Circles)” (Love Me Back) – 2010
As always, there is plenty more where that came from! Three extra bonus samples can be found on the Sampl’d Instagram @sampld2022 https://www.instagram.com/sampld2022/