Mary J. Blige had a blockbuster year in both 2022 and 2023, in part, to the release of her lauded album, Good Morning Gorgeous, an Emmy-winning, co-headlining Super Bowl halftime show, and a multitude of other accolades.
The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul is now preparing for another fruitful run. She recently announced that her 15th studio album will be out this fall, following a hint of a final album.
“It’s probably my last studio album,” Blige noted earlier this year.
Blige’s new album is timed to coincide with her induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2024.
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Blige will be received into the performer category at the star-studded ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 19, at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio.
Below, Rated R&B provides the latest information about Blige’s new album to build anticipation for the release.
How long has it been since Mary J. Blige released an album?
It has been over two years since Blige released a full-length album. Good Morning Gorgeous was released on Feb. 11, 2022, just ahead of her Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show performance. The standard version consisted of 13 tracks, whereas the expanded edition included six bonus tracks.
Two of the album’s singles were “Here With Me” featuring Anderson Paak and “Good Morning Gorgeous.” The latter anthem, co-written and co-produced by H.E.R. and D’Mile, topped the R&B charts, won a BET HER Award, and received nominations at the 2023 Grammys.
What is the title of Mary J. Blige’s new album?
The R&B icon confirmed the title of her upcoming album, Gratitude, during an appearance on the season three premiere of SHERRI show on Sept. 23.
When will Mary J. Blige’s new album be released?
Gratitude will be released on Nov. 15 under Blige’s Mary Jane Productions, Inc., in collaboration with 300 Entertainment. Earlier this year, Blige hinted at a summer release before mentioning other months aligned with autumn.
What is the inspiration behind the title of Mary J. Blige’s forthcoming album?
In the same SHERRI visit, Blige spoke with host Sherri Shepherd about the intent behind the title of her new album, linking it to her 30-plus years in the music industry.
“It’s called Gratitude because that’s where I am,” Blige told Shepherd.
She went on to elaborate on what gratitude meant to her. “I mean, look at my life right now. I’m in a constant state of gratitude,” Blige shared. “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.”
What direction is Mary J. Blige’s upcoming album taking?
Mary J. Blige’s albums typically reflect her current life circumstances, as seen in her last two projects. Her 2017 LP Strength of a Woman captured her emotions during a difficult divorce, while its 2022 successor, Good Morning Gorgeous, showcased a rejuvenated Blige who prioritizes herself.
For her 15th outing, Blige will continue to center her music around life and love selflessly. “The overall theme is enjoying life and understanding that, again, life is what inspires me, whether I take the good with the bad. I look at every lesson as a blessing and I understand that I’m not the only one on the earth going through things. I celebrate my triumph, and I work through my hard times,” Blige told People.
While life has its ups and downs, Blige assures Gratitude will bring balance. “There’ll be things that are real and serious, but you’ll be able to dance to it or sing to it. There’s a bunch of different things — ballads, world music. There’s some good sh*t on here.”
What songs will appear on Mary J. Blige’s Gratitude album?
The lead single, “Breathing,” featuring Fabolous, will be included on the album. It was released on Aug. 16 via Mary Jane Productions, Inc. / 300 Entertainment.
Speaking on the inspiration of her latest single, Blige explained, “The story behind the track is what I’m doing finally, which is living, breathing, enjoying my life and celebrating the happiness and freedom I have that life brings. I finally get to exhale and inhale and then exhale and enjoy life, enjoy love.”
At the time of publication, “Breathing” is Blige’s 27th top 10 hit on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart, extending a record among artists. The S. Dot-produced track holds the No. 4 position after five weeks on the same chart.
“Superpower” is another track that will be on Gratitude. Blige confirmed the details in an August interview with HuffPost. “I have a song called ‘Superpower’ where I’m like, I deserve all the flowers because of this superwoman that I am,” Blige told Taryn Finley.
Mary J. Blige has not confirmed if “Still Believe in Love” featuring Vado will be on her upcoming album. The track topped Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart for eight weeks and is based on a Mtume sample. Blige referred to the 2023 track as a standalone, but there’s been no further clarification regarding its inclusion in the album rollout.
What features are on Gratitude?
Fabolous will be featured on the album, as he is on the lead single “Breathing.” Additionally, hip-hop artist Jadakiss will also be featured on the album, according to Blige. Through the years, Jadakiss has made guest appearances on three prior albums by MJB, namely “Can’t Get You Off My Mind” featuring The Lox from Share My World, “Sexy” from Mary and “Rent Money (Remix)” with Griselda on Good Morning Gorgeous (Deluxe).
Is there a tracklist available for the album?
Gratitude currently does not have an official tracklist available. We will update this information once it becomes public.
Is Gratitude available for preorder.
Mary J. Blige has not provided any announcement about preorders or presave links at this time.
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Is Mary J. Blige going on tour to support her new album?
Yes, the 9X Grammy winner has announced her headlining For My Fans Tour in conjunction with her appearance on the SHERRI show. The North American leg, which includes more than 25 dates, will kick off in January 2025. Ne-Yo and Mario will join Blige on the tour.
The story will be updated as more information is revealed about Mary J. Blige’s new album, Gratitude.