Subscribe
Hellobeautiful Featured Video
CLOSE
BET Experience Africa 2015

Source: Gallo Images / Getty

Mary J Blige turned 45 today and #teamBeautiful celebrates the queen of hip-hop soul by revealing our favorite Mary songs. From ‘Everything’ to ‘No More Drama,’ reminisce with us on our favorite Mary joints.

Rainy Days

“You could always count on MJ to write a women’s empowerment banger that brings you up whenever you’re feeling down. I think she’s a must-have in any woman’s music collection because she’s unapologetic in talking about her emotions, whether she’s angry and depressed or excited and in love.” -Monique John, Contributing Writer

I Can Love You

“It’s just so real about love and wanting someone who doesn’t want you back. To be a strong Black woman but still admit the vulnerability of being in unrequited situation speaks to so many of our struggles.” -Allison McGevna, Managing Editor

Not Gon’ Cry

“‘Not Gon’ Cry’ is the ultimate female anthem and my favorite Mary song. Its true-to-life lyrics capture the raw emotional of a failed relationship and doubles as a therapeutic experience.” -Shamika Sanders, Entertainment Editor

Real Love

“I feel at some point in all of our lives, black women have felt like this they were searching for someone to set their heart free. Plus the remix with Diddy (then Puffy) and Biggie was everything.” -Danielle James, Style & Beauty Editor

All That I Can Say

“Lauryn Hill wrote ‘All That I Can Say’ and it’s so pretty and simple. Mary sounds great. It reminds me of their partnership ‘I Used To Love Him.” -Leigh Davenport, Editorial Director

No More Drama

“That ‘young and restless’ sample was fire and the choir coming through at the end sounded like the a cleansing of my dramatic life.” -Keyaira Kelly, Staff Writer

Love Without A Limit

“Mary J. just gives you her all on this track as she professes her love for her boo. I always thought that was so bold and sexy. I have so many memories of me and my mom singing our hearts  out as it played in the car.” -Kai Miller, Social Media Strategist

RELATED STORIES:

New Photos Of Mary J. Blige SLAYING Her Wicked Witch Costume For ‘The Wiz’

Mary J Blige Helps Taraji K.O. Terrence Howard In The Ultimate Lip Sync Battle

GET THE LOOK: Mary J Blige’s Sizzling Red Jumper

 

For 2024’s iteration of MadameNoire and HelloBeautiful’s annual series Women to Know, we knew we wanted to celebrate the people who help make the joys of film and television possible. To create art is to create magic. This year, we spotlight Hollywood Executive’s changing the face of cinema.