Mary J. Blige has reconnected with Grammy-winning songwriter and vocal producer Kuk Harrell in the studio.
Harrell posted a picture of the two of them smiling in the lounge. “Always an honor and always grateful to be able to do what I do with the level of artist that I’m blessed to be allowed to craft their gifts (voice) on special records,” wrote Harrell in a caption.
“I’m especially grateful to be back in again with @therealmaryjblige with whom my very first Grammy win was with back in the day!!!”
Harrell and Blige have worked together, specifically on the album, Growing Pains, released in 2007. This album won Best Contemporary R&B Album at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards in 2009.
Harrell vocal produced multiple tracks from Growing Pains, including the platinum-selling “Just Fine” and “Come to Me (Peace).” He co-wrote the latter track with The-Dream and Tricky Stewart.
Harrell returned to vocal produce songs on subsequent albums, including 2009’s Stronger With Each Tear (“The One,” “I Am“) and My Life II: The Journey Continues (Act I) [“Empty Prayers”].
Harrell is a talented vocal producer who has recently collaborated with Rihanna on “Lift Me Up” and Muni Long on “Hrs & Hrs.”
He helped co-write the latter song, which was a big hit on urban radio and even won Best R&B Performance at the 65th Grammy Awards. Meanwhile, this year, the former chart-topping track was nominated for a Best Original Song Oscar.
In an interview with E! News, Blige hinted that she plans to new music this summer. “New music coming this summer. Great music,” Blige confirmed while promoting her upcoming Lifetime original movie, Mary J. Blige’s Strength of a Woman.
Blige made her 300 Entertainment debut in late 2021, releasing two lead singles: “Good Morning Gorgeous” and “Amazing” featuring DJ Khaled.
The former was a self-affirming anthem that topped the R&B charts and served as the title track to her 15th studio album, Good Morning Gorgeous (Deluxe).
Good Morning Gorgeous was nominated for Album of the Year and Best R&B Album at this year’s Grammys, while the title track was also up for several awards, including Best R&B Song and Record of the Year.
Good Morning Gorgeous was featured on Rated R&B’s 30 Best R&B Albums of 2022 list.
During Black Music Month, Lifetime aired two original songs inspired by Blige’s music: Strength of a Woman and Real Love. Both films star Ajiona Alexus and Da’Vinchi in leading roles.
Read more about Blige’s empowering tune “Strength of a Woman” here. Also, revisit the history behind Blige’s breakout hit “Real Love” here.
View this post on Instagram
