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What's The 411?

Mary J. Blige

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iTunes Review

No one quite knew what hip-hop soul might be when Mary J. Blige's debut appeared in 1992, but the young singer schooled everyone quickly. What's the 411 is R&B with the street edge restored; there is little old-school showbiz in the stripped-down piano-with-beats "Real Love" or the ghetto-ready Quiet Storm of "Slow Down." Blige here is as likely to deliver lyrics in a staccato, rap-informed blitz as she was to drop melismas. This new sound is irresistible, down to its acknowledgement of roots on the Rufus/Chaka Khan oldie "Sweet Thing." With this album, Blige offers the blueprint that many singers would follow over the next years, though no one quite caught her mercurial personal style.

Customer Reviews

Big L

Reflecting back on the years, who knew this first release would be a classic. In addition to the launch of a star studded career for one of the legendary artist of the modern R&B era. Mary you have reached the summit. A job well done!

Mary J. Blige's BEST ALBUM!!!

Mary J. Blige's 1992 debut is a classic hip-hop/R&B record. 'What's The 411?' put Mary on the map! Every single song on this album is so smooth and soulful! "Real Love", "You Remind Me", and "Love No Limit" are my favorites. "The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul" was born thanks 2 this album.

Kenny Greene - R.I.P.

Kenny Greene - producer and musician, produced Reminisce. He was the lead singer for the R&B group "Intro" back in the early 90's Rest in Peace, Kenny. We miss you.

Biography

Born: January 11, 1971 in New York, NY

Genre: R&B/Soul

Years Active: '90s, '00s, '10s

When her debut album, What's the 411?, hit the street in 1992, critics and fans alike were floored by its powerful combination of modern R&B with an edgy rap sound that glanced off of the pain and grit of Mary J. Blige's Yonkers, New York childhood. Called alternately the new Chaka Khan or new Aretha Franklin, Blige had little in common stylistically with either of those artists, but like them, she helped adorn soul music with new textures and flavors that inspired a whole generation of musicians....
Full Bio

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