Month of Mary
Welcome To The Month Of Mary!
Can you believe that it's been fifteen years since Mary J. Blige's sophomore album, My Life, came into our lives? Fifteen years since Mary followed up her debut album with one of the most personal bodies of work that an artist has ever produced? What's the 411? let us know Mary's name. My Life let us know and experience Mary's pain. That rawness, that willingness to dig deep and expose her emotional scars is what resonated with any and everyone who listened, making the album a certified classic. A masterpiece, even. So much credit belongs to her then-mentor and manager, Sean "Puffy" Combs, who, while relying heavily on samples, did so perhaps in order to make us more comfortable with the heavy material he needed to pull out of Mary. That combination succeeded in pulling us into her life--flaws and all.
Since this groundbreaking body of work was released fifteen years ago this month, SoulBounce is celebrating the anniversary by declaring November the Month of Mary! Starting tomorrow, a portion of each weekday will be dedicated to the tracks that made up My Life, all leading up to the disc's original release date--November 29th. Throughout the month, we'll have some special treats in honor of the Queen of Hip Hop Soul, and near the end of the month, we'll have a wonderful surprise for every Mary fan, one that took some time and a lot of collaboration to coordinate, but will be well worth the wait.
It's more than a bit ironic that Mary's newest release, Stronger, is scheduled to drop the same week this year as My Life did fifteen years ago. Ironic because this latest album gives us Mary all healed, and beautiful and strong, while My Life was the beginning of her beautiful struggle. Her life lets us know that anything, and everything, is possible. That message makes My Life--and your life, for that matter--worth living to the fullest. So let's do it.
SoulBounce welcomes you to the Month of Mary!
Tags: mary j. blige, my life
Comments
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!! I Love Mary J. Blige. She so perfect!
Lucas* | November 3, 2009 8:20 AM | Permalinkyay! I'm gladd yall are celebrating her greatness during my birthday month =) "la dee da da daaa"
Anonymiss | November 2, 2009 10:57 PM | PermalinkStoney, you just lost the remaining ounce of credibility you had left. I'm going to use my magical powers to ban you from the site. Or maybe you'll ban yourself when you see it's a MONTH of Mary ;)
Anywho.
So yea, this is probably my favorite album of all time. And that's saying a LOT. A WHOLE lot. As I wrote in my diary, this album was often the soundtrack. Tear-stained pages as I warbled along to "Be With You" "You Gotta Believe" "Don't Go" "I Never Wanna Live..." Was this really 15 years ago?
It's hard because I haven't been completely in love with another Mary album like I STILL am with this one and I desperately want to be. But I know the pain from which it came and I know she'll never go back there. And who wants her to! But still...I miss the music and the way it made me feel
Thanks for doing this project SoulBounce!
Vivrant Thang | November 2, 2009 10:48 PM | PermalinkI am so thankful for being part of a generation that has had the opportunity to experience real music through MJB. i have been a fan from day one. the fact that someone is celebrating what MJB has brought into our lives is great. not too many artists can touch what she's been through and done w/ her life and music. i look forward to what Soul Bounce has in store for us this month!
Cindy | November 2, 2009 6:38 PM | PermalinkI LOOOOVVVEEE MARY!!! So I can't wait to see what you have in store!!
TiP | November 2, 2009 2:43 PM | PermalinkTo this date, "My Life" is the only MJB that I like totally. Ive never really been a fan of hers but this album speaks to me for some reason. Nothing that she released since then excited me.
But damn, 15 years ago???? I was 20. Kinda sacry when you put it into perspective!
Tafari
Tafari | November 2, 2009 12:38 PM | PermalinkCool project; I will be tuning in to the site to see how you guys represent the queen of soul!
virgoprincess | November 2, 2009 10:14 AM | Permalinkstylus you a FOOL, boy lol
huny | November 2, 2009 1:03 AM | PermalinkThat album changed my life 4 real. When is the concert for the album? Im hearing this month
Shekeia mccutchen - briley | November 2, 2009 12:25 AM | Permalinkmary has always been one of my favorite singers, not to mention babygirl is getting finer with age. the Breakthrough was my all time favorite album, Mary at her best. The my life album is probably one of my least favorite albums, I only liked maybe 3 cuts off of it. But since SB is like family, I will roll with the Mary week:)
stoneyisland | November 1, 2009 11:47 PM | Permalinkgreat idea! I will be tuning in! Mary is one of my favorites, can't believe it has been 15 years!
Reecie | November 1, 2009 8:47 PM | PermalinkWow. My Life was the soundtrack to my transition from a girl to a woman. Love it!
SoJo | November 1, 2009 6:21 PM | PermalinkThe Month of Mary is well-deserved. Her music has matured as she has over the years. I find her inspiring and a pleasure to listen to daily. Her "Just Fine" is part of my daily routine.
Shannon Renee | November 1, 2009 4:29 PM | PermalinkMy feelings on the matter, in order of how I'm feeling them:
1. http://is.gd/4Ko1z
2. http://tinyurl.com/2urnxp
DJStylus | November 1, 2009 4:07 PM | PermalinkWhat a great idea--I'm already dancing in my seat. The Month of Mary is right on time. Thanks, SoulBounce.
GailS | November 1, 2009 3:43 PM | PermalinkAwesome! I love Mary, Thank you!
msdailey | November 1, 2009 2:55 PM | PermalinkWhat a great idea! I love Mary...who doesn't?
prettypaula | November 1, 2009 2:27 PM | Permalink