by A Musical Bond Between Friends: The Relationship Between Mary J. Blige and Usher
Mary J. Blige and Usher are two iconic figures in the R&B world who have built successful careers over the past few decades. However, beyond their individual successes, they also share a close friendship that is rooted in mutual respect and support for one another. While they don’t publicly discuss the friendship often, their collaborative work and public appearances together provide insights into the bond they’ve formed over the years.
Early Collaborations and Success
Blige and Usher first connected musically in the late 1990s/early 2000s as they both rose to fame. Blige, known as the “Queen of Hip Hop Soul,” had released several multi-platinum albums by the late 90s that helped establish her as a pioneering artist in the genre. Around the same time, Usher was emerging as a young R&B star with his breakout album My Way in 1997.
One of their earliest collaborations came in 1998 for the Dr. Dolittle soundtrack. They recorded a duet of “Kissing You” together that showcased their vocal chemistry and ability to blend styles. While it didn’t receive much promotion as a single, the track helped introduce Usher and Blige fans to one another.
A few years later, they would team up in a more prominent way for Usher’s 2001 album 8701. Blige was featured on the hit single “U Don’t Have to Call,” further cementing their working relationship and friendship. The song peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and helped 8701 go multi-platinum. Their vocal performance showed that Blige and Usher brought out the best in each other creatively.
By the mid-2000s, both were superstars in the industry with Blige releasing successful albums like Love & Life and Be Without You while Usher continued dominating the charts. Their momentum set the stage for one of their most iconic collaborations yet.
“Shake Down” and Continued Success
In 2007, Blige enlisted Usher to feature on her single “Shake Down” off her album Growing Pains. Released as the album’s lead single, the track became one of Blige’s biggest hits – peaking at #12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for 12 weeks.
The uptempo, club-ready song highlighted both of their dynamic vocals and chemistry. Music videos showed them dancing and singing together, further cementing their friendship. “Shake Down” remains one of Blige and Usher’s most memorable collaborations due to its commercial success and energy.
Beyond the recording, Blige and Usher promoted “Shake Down” together through live performances. One notable appearance was at the 2007 Fashion Rocks concert in New York City, where they sang the hit side by side. Their onstage charisma was evident and helped drive the single’s popularity.
Around this time, Usher also made an appearance in the music video for Blige’s #1 hit “Just Fine” from Growing Pains. These high-profile collaborations demonstrated that Blige and Usher had each other’s support both professionally and personally during one of the biggest peaks of their careers in the late 2000s.
Continued Support Through the Years
In the following years, Blige and Usher maintained a public friendship while focusing on their own projects. They occasionally posted about one another on social media or made supportive comments in interviews.
For example, in a 2010 radio interview, Usher praised Blige as an inspiration: “Mary J. Blige is one of my favorite artists of all time. I’m a huge fan and I think she’s one of the most influential voices we have in music.”
In 2012, Blige spoke to Essence about Usher being like family: “Usher is my friend. He’s been a friend for a long time. We’ve had our moments in the studio together and on stage together and he’s just a good friend. He’s like family to me.”
Their friendship endured as they each released more music, won awards, started families, and took on other business ventures. While they didn’t collaborate again in the studio, Blige and Usher’s support of each other was evident.
For instance, in 2017 Usher posted a sweet birthday message for Blige on Instagram: “Happy Birthday Queen! Continue to inspire us all with your gift and your light. Love you Mary! Have an amazing day.”
Most recently in 2022, Usher made a surprise appearance during Blige’s Strength of a Woman Festival & Summit, further emphasizing their bond has lasted through the test of time and transitions in their careers/lives.
An Enduring Friendship in the Industry
Today, Blige and Usher remain icons in the R&B/soul world. While their styles have evolved over the decades, they paved the way for many artists and influenced modern music significantly. Through it all, they have found an enduring friendship in one another.
Beyond collaborating musically at their commercial peaks, Blige and Usher have offered heartfelt words of praise, congratulated each other’s successes, and shown up in support of important projects. Their bond serves as an example of how artists can uplift one another personally and professionally for many years running.
Fans hope Blige and Usher may team up for another hit duet someday. But whether or not that happens, their musical history and genuine caring for one another over the long run speaks volumes to the friendship they’ve cultivated. Blige and Usher are proof that respect, loyalty and compassion can truly last beyond the ups and downs of show business careers.
