by Mary J. Blige is undoubtedly one of the most influential R&B artists of all time. Over the past three decades, she has released 13 studio albums, won 9 Grammy Awards, and cemented her status as the “Queen of Hip Hop Soul.” From her 1992 debut album What’s the 411? to her latest release Good Morning Gorgeous, Mary’s powerful vocals and vulnerable songwriting have inspired generations of artists and listeners alike.
One artist who has frequently cited Mary as a huge inspiration is the one and only Kendrick Lamar. In my opinion, Kendrick is one of the greatest rappers of all time. Over the course of his career so far, he has released 5 critically acclaimed albums, won 14 Grammys, and has been hailed as the voice of this generation. When Kendrick and Mary came together to collaborate on the 2015 track “We Gon’ Be Alright”, it was a match made in musical heaven.
In a recent interview, Mary opened up about working with Kendrick, calling him the most “exciting” artist she’s ever collaborated with. She went on to praise his creativity, intelligence, and ability to forge deep connections with listeners. Having been a fan of both these music titans for years, I couldn’t agree more with Mary’s assessment. Kendrick truly is one of a kind.
When I first heard that these two were teaming up, I was ecstatic but also a bit nervous. I wondered if their styles would mesh well together or if one would outshine the other. But as soon as I heard the vibrant, jazz-inflected production and Mary’s smooth voice blending perfectly with Kendrick’s lyrical fire, all my worries disappeared. “We Gon’ Be Alright” ended up being one of my top tracks of 2015.
Looking at the lyrics, the song is an anthem of hope during trying times. Mary sings assurances that “we gon’ be alright”, encouraging us to keep our heads up. Meanwhile, Kendrick reflects on police brutality and racial injustice, urging us to come together in love. The blend of Mary’s uplifting vocals and Kendrick’s hard-hitting bars pack an emotional punch.
Beyond just this one great track, I believe Mary and Kendrick have a deep artistic chemistry. They’re both able to write passionately about their lives and deeper societal issues, while making music that moves both your feet and soul. There’s a realness and authenticity that shines through in everything they create.
In my opinion, Kendrick Lamar is the most groundbreaking hip hop artist to come along in the last decade. Songs like “Alright”, “HUMBLE.”, “Swimming Pools”, and “DNA” showcase the diversity of his musical styles and talents. He can rap over old school west coast G-funk, jazz-laced instrumentals, glitchy electronica, and everything in between. And his storytelling ability is second-to-none. Tracks like “Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst” and “The Art of Peer Pressure” feel like mini-movies in song form.
Beyond his technical rapping skills, I’m most impressed by Kendrick’s vulnerability and honesty in his writing. He pours his heart out on tracks like “u” and “Mother I Sober”, opening up about his struggles with depression, survivor’s guilt, and more. You can hear the pain in his voice, but also the hope.
The way he’s able to translate his personal experiences into profound universal themes is pure artistry. He makes music that helps us understand what it means to be human. Mary is another artist who bares her soul in her music, getting at those raw emotions. When these two vulnerably gifted musicians come together, it’s no surprise they make magic.
While he’s often labeled as a “conscious rapper”, I appreciate that Kendrick doesn’t stick to just one style or message in his music. He explores the full range of the Black experience in America through his lyrics. One minute he’ll drop bars celebrating Compton pride, the next he’s wrestling with his own demons and regrets. The honesty and complexity of his catalog is unmatched in the game today.
Of course, Kendrick also just slays every beat he hops on! His flow is so versatile – he can rap double-time like on “DNA”, get rhythmic and jazzy on “King Kunta”, or lay back with a melody like on “LOVE”. And his storytelling is so vivid, I feel like I’m right there with him in Compton going through the journey. Kendrick has completely mastered the technical and creative sides of lyricism. That rare combination is part of what makes him the GOAT.
Beyond his own work, Kendrick selflessly uses his platform to uplift important issues and other black artists. He’s helped bring the injustice of police brutality against the black community back to the forefront of the national conversation. Songs like “Alright” became anthems for the Black Lives Matter movement. And he consistently collaborates with and endorses rising talents like SZA, Baby Keem, and YG. The way he empowers his community is so inspiring.
Of course, I’d be remiss not to mention Kendrick’s electric performances and impressive catalog of iconic music videos. From his energetic stage presence to visual masterpieces like the “HUMBLE.” video, Kendrick is a consummate entertainer. He even assembled the most legendary rock performance since Woodstock with his Grammy stage production of “XXX” featuring U2 and Dave Chappelle. The vision and attention to detail Kendrick brings is incredible.
It’s no wonder that rap juggernauts like Mary J. Blige considers Kendrick Lamar the most exciting artist they’ve ever worked with. Throughout his career, Kendrick has consistently released groundbreaking, critically acclaimed music that defines the times we live in. He’s not afraid to push creative boundaries and introduce new styles. When you collaborate with Kendrick, you know you’re working with a once-in-a-generation talent.
Of course, Mary herself is an artistic genius as well. Her influence on R&B and hip hop is tremendous. She helped introduce hip hop elements to soul music early on, pioneering the “hip hop soul” sound. And her confessional songwriting ushered in a new wave of vulnerable, personal tracks in R&B. Without Mary’s innovations, I don’t think you see artists like Kendrick thriving today.
When she calls an artist like Kendrick the most “exciting” collab, it carries weight. This is someone who has worked with all the greats, from Whitney Houston to U2. So for Kendrick to stand out as exceptional in her eyes says it all. He’s continuing Mary’s legacy of making raw, heartfelt music that gives people hope.
Throughout his albums, Kendrick has explored so many themes from racism, depression, survivor’s guilt, faith, and more. But the one thread that unites his catalog is the resilience and beauty of the black spirit. In the face of injustice, he urges us to keep our heads up and come together. Even at his darkest moments, he reminds us that we gon’ be alright. He gives a voice to the young kids coming up in Compton and all our communities. Kendrick gives me hope for the future of hip hop and humanity. That light is what makes him the brightest star in the rap game today.
So when two artists as transcendent as Kendrick Lamar and Mary J Blige come together, it’s a moment to celebrate. We need more collaborations between legends like them. Their musical chemistry and powerful messages are so inspiring. I’m impatiently waiting for them to give us more tracks on that level of “We Gon’ Be Alright”. Kendrick brings out the best in Mary, and she elevates him. Long live the King and Queen of Hip Hop Soul!
