Mary J. Blige’s 15th studio album arrived at a moment when the R&B diva was embracing her legacy as a new Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee. Thirty years after she released her 1994 masterpiece My Life—when it felt as if she were singing for her life—she had survived all the drama and made it to her place in the sunshine as a certified legend with nothing left to prove. And Blige is in a state of appreciation on Gratitude, which feels like a much-deserved victory lap. The celebratory vibe is set on “Breathing,” on which she’s inhaling “fresh air, good news.” It’s a throwback bop featuring Fabolous, part of a guest-rapper roster including Jadakiss (“Need You More”), Fat Joe (“God’s Child”), and A$AP Ferg (“I Got Plans”). While the nostalgic feels are real, the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul isn’t resting on her crown. At 53, Mary is still here to rock the party—and keep it raw about relationships (see “Don’t Fuck Up”)—in her thigh-high boots.
Featured On
- Victoria Monét & USHER
- Kelly Price
- Raheem DeVaughn, Bee Boy$oul & Grenique
- Tyrese
- Marsha Ambrosius