by Mary J. Blige: An Influential Songwriter for Other Artists
Mary J. Blige is one of the most iconic R&B singers of our time. With her powerful voice and emotional songwriting, she helped define the hip-hop soul genre in the 1990s. But Blige’s influence extends beyond her own music – she has also generously lent her songwriting talents to enrich the work of other artists.
Blige got her start in the music industry as a background singer and songwriter for artists like Father MC and Uptown Records. Her big break came in 1992 with the release of her debut album What’s the 411?, which launched her successful solo career. But even as her own star rose, Blige continued to write and collaborate with other artists.
Some of Blige’s most notable songwriting contributions include:
“Fancy” by Drake featuring T.I. (2014)
While Blige was not officially credited as a songwriter for this hit single, Drake and T.I. drew inspiration from Blige’s demo version of the song. The melody and structure of “Fancy” closely resemble Blige’s demo, showing her influence on the final track.
“Stay Blessed” by Bryson Tiller (2016)
Blige co-wrote this gospel-infused song with Bryson Tiller. The track draws inspiration from Blige’s own song “Don’t Go.”
“Weston Road Flows” by Drake (2016)
Again, Blige’s song “Mary’s Joint” served as a foundational sample for this Drake track, though she was not officially credited.
“Whole Damn Year” by Alicia Keys (2016)
Blige co-wrote this empowering anthem about resilience with Alicia Keys and others. Blige’s vocals also feature on the track.
“Why” by Ne-Yo (2017)
Blige and Ne-Yo combined their soulful voices and co-wrote this poignant ballad about heartbreak.
“Real Love” by Ashanti featuring Ja Rule (2003)
Blige contributed to the lyrics of this romantic duet between Ashanti and Ja Rule.
“The Game of Love” by Keyshia Cole (2003)
Blige lent her songwriting expertise to this emotional track on Keyshia Cole’s debut album.
“Love Is Like a Drug” by Jennifer Lopez (2004)
Blige added her signature touch as a co-writer of the lyrics for this dancefloor anthem.
“Stronger” by Mary J. Blige featuring Lil’ Kim (2007)
While primarily her own song, Blige collaborated with Lil’ Kim on a verse for this empowering anthem.
“It’s Good to Be Alive” by Jennifer Hudson (2018)
Blige co-wrote this uplifting gospel-tinged track on Jennifer Hudson’s album “Redemption.”
Beyond these official writing credits, Blige’s influence and creative energy likely extend to other songs where her contributions have not been publicly acknowledged. Her talent as a songwriter continues to enrich the music of other artists, adding depth and emotional resonance to their work.
In summary, while Mary J. Blige is best known for her own music, her songwriting skills and creative collaborations have also had a profound impact on the work of other artists. Her contributions have helped shape the hip-hop soul genre and define a new era of R&B. Blige’s generosity in sharing her gifts has enriched the music industry as a whole.
