Hip-Hop Game Changer: Mary J. Blige

Mary J. Blige is the queen of hip-hop. She is not the queen because of her dope lyrics or masterful producing, she is the queen because of her classic hooks and symbolic meaning to the culture. Mary took some of hip-hops greatest beats and turned them into love ballads She gave the music a conscience and became the soul of the streets and the voice of the hustlers. Mary depicts the struggles of urban life, love, and heartbreak with a strength and energy people are drawn to. Her defining moment was the classic song You're All I Need where Mary and Method Man transformed into the modern day Marvin Gaye and Tammy Terrell. The blend of rugged lyrics with soft sweet melodies made Mary the ultimate ride or die chick. She has also collaborated with such artists as Jay-Z, The Notorious B.I.G., Wyclef Jean, Jadakiss, and Ludacris. Mary will be remembered most for her strength and courage to persevere through challenging times, but lets not forget her contributions to hip-hop. This is where Ashanti and Lauren Hill say thank you for my career.