Mary J. Blige is making a big comeback to the world of radio. The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul and WBLS’ Creative Program Director DJ Funkmaster Flex have revealed that she will host a brand new radio show every Saturday on New York’s 107.5 WBLS, also known as the World’s Best Looking Sound.
Blige and her signees from Beautiful Life Productions, WanMor, appeared as guests on DJ Funkmaster Flex’s Thursday night show, where the announcement was made.
According to DJ Funkmaster Flex, the untitled show will involve Mary J. Blige personally selecting and curating a playlist of her favorite songs, while also engaging in conversation with the audience.
Blige’s upcoming radio show does not have an official launch date yet, but DJ Funkmaster Flex assures that it will be coming soon.
WBLS is the home of The Steve Harvey Morning Show, The Deja Vu Show, JusNik Show and more.
Additionally, as part of her time on DJ Funkmaster Flex’s segment, Blige premiered two new songs: “I Got Plans” and “I Still Believe in Love.” Both tracks are unreleased and expected to be released soon.
Blige teased in an interview with E! News that she plans to release new music this summer. “New music coming this summer. Great music,” Blige confirmed while promoting her two successful Lifetime original movies, Mary J. Blige’s Strength of a Woman and Mary J. Blige’s Real Love.
Signs of new music sparked when Blige was spotted in the studio with longtime collaborator and Grammy-winning songwriter and vocal producer Kuk Harrell.
The two worked extensively together, mostly on 2007’s Growing Pains, which won Best Contemporary R&B Album at the 51st Grammy Awards.
It’s unclear if Harrell vocal produced “I Got Plans” or “I Still Believe in Love.”
Blige’s most recent album, Good Morning Gorgeous, was released in February 2022. The expanded version arrived a few months afterward, leading her six nominations at the 65th Grammy Awards. Among those nods were two in the general field: Album of the Year (Good Morning Gorgeous [Deluxe]) and Record of the Year (“Good Morning Gorgeous”).
Circling back to Blige and DJ Funkmaster Flex, the two will spend more time together on Sept. 15 at the WBLS and Hot 97-powered Hip Hop Forever concert.
The show, which commemorates the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, features Blige as a top performer along with Tyrese.
Taking place at Madison Square Garden, the Hip Hop Forever event will feature live performances from Wu-Tang Clan, Sean Paul, and EPMD, with guest appearances by Mariah Carey and Maxwell. Get tickets and more information here.
On July 28, Blige is playing night one of the second annual Blue Note Jazz Festival Napa. Rap acts Nas and Chance the Rapper also are top of the bill.
Then, later this year, Blige will headline the inaugural Honeyland Festival in Sugar Land, Texas. The two-day event is set for Nov. 11 and Nov. 12. Grammy winners Jazmine Sullivan and Miguel also are billed as headliners.
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