What's The 411? - Mary J. Blige

"What's The 411?" was the debut album from Mary J. Blige (MJB), a pioneer in her field as a Hip Hop Soul musician as she sings Soul music to Hip Hop-styled beats before the likes of Erykah Bad, Jill Scott and Musiq Soulchild came about. It came out in 1992 and immediately made her a star. 1. "Leave A Message" (Intro) 2. "Reminisce" As the first proper song on the album, thi was also one of the singles to the thing, and it has her kick something funky to show just what she is about after the intro showed her Hip Hop connections, she is forced to back it all up with a soulful groove which brings in subtle ...  Read the complete review

Mary J Blige hit the scene in 1992 with her debut album What’s the 411? A hip-hop album with an R’n’B twist. For me the album is one of her best, it shows her versatility and her unique rusky voice. Her first single Real Love is a true classic with fantastic remixes, which are still played in the clubs. The album when you realise the year is way ahead of it’s time. No one knew the now “Hip Hop Soul Diva” would woo the audience as much as she has. 1) Leave a message (INTRO) A spoken intro where Busta Rhymes (then unknown) leaves a message on Mary’s answer phone!! Simple as that!! When he is speaking a beat ...  Read the complete review