Mary J. Blige: What's the 411? Album Review
If you are a fan of R&B and hip hop music, chances are you have heard of Mary J. Blige, one of the most influential and successful artists of the past three decades. But do you know how she started her career and what made her debut album, What's the 411?, a groundbreaking masterpiece that changed the landscape of music forever? In this article, we will review What's the 411? and explore its history, music, and impact.
Introduction
Who is Mary J. Blige?
Mary J. Blige is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who was born on January 11, 1971, in the Bronx, New York. She grew up in a troubled family and experienced poverty, abuse, and addiction. She found solace in music, singing in church and listening to her mother's soul records. She dropped out of high school and pursued a career in music, hoping to escape her harsh reality.
mary j blige what 39;s the 411 album download zip
What is What's the 411??
What's the 411? is the debut album by Mary J. Blige, released on July 28, 1992, by Uptown Records and MCA Records. The album was produced by Sean "Puffy" Combs, who was then an A&R executive at Uptown, and featured guest appearances by rappers such as Grand Puba, Heavy D, Busta Rhymes, and CL Smooth. The album consists of 14 tracks that blend R&B, hip hop, soul, and new jack swing styles.
Why is it important?
What's the 411? is widely regarded as one of the most influential albums of all time, as it introduced a new sound that fused R&B vocals with hip hop beats and lyrics, creating a genre that came to be known as hip hop soul. The album also showcased Blige's raw and authentic voice, which expressed her pain, joy, love, and strength with honesty and emotion. The album resonated with millions of fans, especially women of color, who related to Blige's struggles and triumphs. The album also paved the way for other artists who followed in Blige's footsteps, such as Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keys, Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Drake.
The Making of What's the 411?
How did Blige get signed to Uptown Records?
Blige got her big break when she recorded a cover version of Anita Baker's "Caught Up in the Rapture" in a karaoke booth at a local mall when she was 17 years old. Her mother's boyfriend at the time played the cassette to Jeff Redd, a recording artist and A&R runner for Uptown Records. Redd was impressed by Blige's voice and sent the tape to Andre Harrell, the president and CEO of Uptown. Harrell met with Blige and signed her to his label in 1988 The Impact of What's the 411?
How did the album perform commercially and critically?
What's the 411? was a huge success for Mary J. Blige and Uptown Records. The album debuted at number six on the Billboard 200 chart and number one on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, selling over 156,000 copies in its first week. It eventually sold over three million copies in the US and was certified triple platinum by the RIAA. The album also spawned six singles, including two top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100: "You Remind Me" and "Real Love". The album received widespread acclaim from critics, who praised Blige's vocals, lyrics, and style, as well as the production by Combs and others. The album was ranked among the best albums of 1992 by various publications, such as Rolling Stone, Spin, The Village Voice, and The Source. The album also earned Blige several awards and nominations, including two Grammy nominations for Best New Artist and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.
How did the album influence other artists and genres?
What's the 411? had a lasting impact on the music industry and culture, as it introduced a new genre of hip hop soul that blended R&B vocals with hip hop beats and lyrics. The album influenced many artists who followed in Blige's footsteps, such as Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keys, Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Drake. The album also inspired other genres, such as neo soul, contemporary R&B, and alternative R&B, that incorporated elements of hip hop soul. The album also established Blige as a role model and icon for women of color, especially in the hip hop community, who related to her struggles and triumphs. Blige's style, attitude, and authenticity also influenced fashion, beauty, and media trends.
How did the album establish Blige as the Queen of Hip Hop Soul?
What's the 411? marked the debut of Blige as the Queen of Hip Hop Soul, a title that she earned for her pioneering role in creating and popularizing the genre. Blige's voice, which was raw, powerful, and emotional, set her apart from other R&B singers at the time. She also sang about real-life issues that resonated with her audience, such as love, pain, joy, and strength. Blige's lyrics were honest and relatable, reflecting her own experiences and perspectives. Blige's style was also unique and influential, as she mixed feminine and masculine elements in her fashion and music. She wore baggy clothes, baseball caps, boots, and sunglasses, while also rocking long hair, makeup, and jewelry. She collaborated with rappers such as Grand Puba, Heavy D, Busta Rhymes, and CL Smooth, while also singing soulful melodies and harmonies. She bridged the gap between R&B and hip hop, appealing to both fans of the genres. She also challenged the stereotypes and expectations of women in music, especially in hip hop culture. She was confident, independent, and assertive, while also being vulnerable, expressive, and compassionate. She was not afraid to be herself and speak her mind. She was a trailblazer and a leader in her field.
: : : : : : : : : Conclusion
In conclusion, What's the 411? is a classic album that deserves to be celebrated and appreciated for its innovation, influence, and impact. The album introduced Mary J. Blige as the Queen of Hip Hop Soul, a genre that she created and popularized with her unique voice, style, and lyrics. The album also influenced many other artists and genres, as well as culture and society. The album is a testament to Blige's talent, resilience, and authenticity, as well as her ability to connect with her fans and inspire them with her music. The album is a masterpiece that will never go out of style.
FAQs
Where can I download What's the 411? album zip?
You can download What's the 411? album zip from various online platforms, such as iTunes, Amazon Music, Spotify, Tidal, and YouTube Music. However, we recommend that you support the artist by purchasing the album legally and streaming it on licensed services.
Who are some of the artists that Mary J. Blige collaborated with on What's the 411??
Mary J. Blige collaborated with several artists on What's the 411?, including rappers such as Grand Puba, Heavy D, Busta Rhymes, and CL Smooth, singers such as Jodeci and Christopher Williams, and producers such as Sean "Puffy" Combs, Dave Hall, Mark Morales, Mark Rooney, and DeVante Swing.
What are some of the awards and accolades that What's the 411? received?
What's the 411? received many awards and accolades, including two Grammy nominations for Best New Artist and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, three Soul Train Music Awards for Best New Artist, Best R&B/Soul Album - Female, and Best R&B/Soul Single - Female for "Real Love", two Billboard Music Awards for Top R&B Album and Top R&B Artist - Female, and one American Music Award for Favorite Soul/R&B New Artist.
What are some of the songs that sampled or covered What's the 411??
What's the 411? has been sampled or covered by many artists, such as Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, Nas, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez, Alicia Keys, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Ariana Grande, and Bruno Mars. Some of the songs that sampled or covered What's the 411? are "Juicy" by Notorious B.I.G., "Can't Knock the Hustle" by Jay-Z feat. Mary J. Blige, "One Mic" by Nas, "Honey" by Mariah Carey feat. Mase and The Lox, "I'm Real (Remix)" by Jennifer Lopez feat. Ja Rule, "Girl on Fire" by Alicia Keys feat. Nicki Minaj, "Best I Ever Had" by Drake, "Poetic Justice" by Kendrick Lamar feat. Drake, "Flawless (Remix)" by Beyoncé feat. Nicki Minaj, "Work" by Rihanna feat. Drake, "Break Up with Your Girlfriend, I'm Bored" by Ariana Grande, and "Finesse (Remix)" by Bruno Mars feat. Cardi B.
How can I learn more about Mary J. Blige and her music?
You can learn more about Mary J. Blige and her music by visiting her official website , following her on social media , watching her documentaries , reading her books , and listening to her podcasts . You can also check out her other albums , singles , collaborations , and live performances .
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