One of the steadiest and most consistent R&B talents of the modern era may be hanging it up soon. Mary J. Blige is back with her 15th studio album, Gratitude, and during the rollout she revealed that she's considering retirement. "It might be the last studio album. It might be," she told People. Then, on top of that, the New York native came across as at peace with where she's at in her life thanks to music. In speaking with the daytime talk show Sherri about the title of the album, she said, "It’s called Gratitude because that’s where I am. I mean, look at my life right now. I’m in a constant state of gratitude."
Blige added, "I feel good. I have jobs and opportunities. I’m healthy. My family’s healthy. I have people around that care for me and love me. And I have amazing fans. I’m so grateful to my fans for all the years of love that they’ve given me and support." We will just have to keep tabs on her going forward, especially when she heads out on tour. Mary J. Blige is taking Gratitude across the US starting at the end of January and wrapping things up on April 14. The For My Fans Tour will also include openers Ne-Yo and Mario, so it could be a nice victory lap for what's been a stellar career.
Gratitude - Mary J. Blige
- Breathing (feat. Fabolous)
- Need You More (feat. Jadakiss)
- Beautiful People
- You Ain't The Only One
- Never Give Up On Me
- Nobody But You
- Here I Am
- Don't F*** Up
- Superpowers
- Can't Wait For You
- God's Child (feat. Fat Joe)
- I Got Plans (feat. A$AP Ferg)
About The Author
Zachary Horvath is one of the Music Freelance News Writers at HotNewHipHop and has held that title since August 2023. Prior to this position, he held another freelance gig covering local high school football, girls and boys varsity basketball, in addition to recapping Cleveland Cavaliers games remotely.
He's taken the previous experience and used it to become a jack of all trades at HotNewHipHop. Zach has thoroughly enjoyed tackling some of the trending topics in sports, with a larger focus on hip-hop and pop culture. Some of those include Bronny James's draft stock, a multitude of angles swirling around the Drake and Kendrick Lamar beef, as well as Diddy's arrest and lawsuits. Separate from the headlines that everyone wants to hear about, he was fortunate enough to help spread Zaytoven's current thoughts at the time around mid-December in 2023.
Even though being able to give his expertise on these stories is fulfilling, being able to share his passion for releases trumps that ever so slightly. Having the chance to express his excitement indirectly about what he thinks our readers should be checking out/revisiting grows his passion for writing that much more.
...
