For Mary J., she’s always been about speaking her truth. Whether she’s singing about any anthem, from a breakup (“Be Without You”), to unity (“One”), to strength (“No More Drama”), to many other amazing catalog of hits from this R&B queen… It’s all boiled down to one thing: Coming back stronger & being an overcomer. On May 15th, she will be awarded with the “Billboard ICON” award at this years Billboard Music Awards.
This legend has been through a lot of pain and heartache in her life, and from her personal life experience she’s cranked out some mega hits over the years that have shaped who is as an artist, songs that have become anthems for her fans lives as well (circa “My Life” album, 1994); some of that j just listed. But this is all about her latest LP, Good Morning Gorgeous. It released on February the 11th.
This latest work on her 15th studio album is a profound testament to the icon that she has become, with constant soulful affirmations to women and musical compliments in both Rap and R&B. …Gorgeous is also a great reminder to the fact that she is a living legend who is unwilling to retreat to the irrelevance that so many of today’s R&B artists fall into and fade from the forefront of paving their way in music for the long haul. Mary knows what it’s like to put in the hard work. She collaborated with some of today’s biggest hitters in the Hip-Hop and Soul genres. DJ Khalid’s (“Amazing”), Fivio Foreign (“On Top”), Usher (“Need Love”), H.E.R. (“Good Morning Gorgeous”), and Anderson Peak (“Here With Me”) to name a few of many.
This record is a great work of a comeback, as her last record 2017’s Strength of a Woman served as her “divorce” record from her long-time marriage to Kendu Isaacs. Mary J. spoke in a televised interview with the ladies of the talk show The View, “…Writing for this album felt amazing — I was free — the title came from a place of bondage and darkness and a broken place, and I had to learn how to speak positive affirmations… to get out of a dark situation. By the time I was writing for this album, I was already butterflying…”. Blige also adds, “… Peace of mind and taking care of myself… enjoying everything… you know, it’s a process every day…”.
Whether your a fan of R&B or just need some songs that encourage and bring positivity, Good Morning Gorgeous is a record to remind yourself to stay true to who you are. The album is available to stream or download on any and all musical platforms today.
The Neiman Cruse Report 
You must be logged in to post a comment.