#Mary j blige be without you album cover series#

The album was released on UptownВ’s parent label, MCA Records, and was notable for tempering the hip-hop stylings of her first two records in favour of a more straightforward urban R&B sound. According to her publicity handout, 1997В’s Share My World, BligeВ’s first album away from mentor Combs, marked В‘her personal and musical rebirthВ’ rebirth or not, it was certainly another excellent album, reaching the top of the US album charts and racking up multi-platinum sales. One of these, a duet with rapper Method Man on В‘IВ’ll Be There For You/В‘YouВ’re All I Need To Get ByВ’, won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group.

#Mary j blige be without you album cover series#

The following yearВ’s My Life was an edgy, raw set that dealt with the break-up of her relationship with K-Ci Hailey of Jodeci.ДЄfter a period spent dealing with various personal problems, Blige returned to music with a series of collaborations. When she journeyed to England for live shows in 1993 she was widely criticised for overpricing a set that was merely six songs long, but quality rather than quantity remains the keynote to BligeВ’s career. Guest appearances from rappers Grand Puba and Busta Rhymes were merely bonuses on this accomplished piece of work, which spawned the hit singles В‘You Remind MeВ’ and В‘Real LoveВ’. The hip-hop quotient was represented by bass-driven rhythms, the soul stylings including her affecting voice. After being promoted by her record company as В‘The original queen of hip-hop and soulВ’, her 1992 debut album sold over two million copies (many of the best songs being written for her by POV).

Blige was signed to Uptown Records by their head of A&R, Sean В‘PuffyВ’ Combs. Mary Jane Blige, 11 January 1971, the Bronx, New York, New York City, USA.