SANTA MONICA, CA. (Geffen Records) - On December 6th Geffen Records will release three-time Grammy Award winner, Mary J. Blige's "Reminisce," a retrospective album that explores the music that has propelled her to the top of the music industry. No one will want to miss out on this impressive collection of classic Mary material.
Songs on "Reminisce" are culled from Mary's multi-platinum studio albums "What's the 411," "My Life," "Share My World," "Mary," "Love & Life" and her most recent release 2004's "No More Drama." Highlights include Mary's No 1 pop hit, "Family Affair," "Not Gon' Cry," as well and an exciting collection of her R&B and pop hits. In addition, "Reminisce" features several new tracks including "MJB Da MVP" (Mary's song over The Game's "Hate it Or Love It"), an inspiring duet with Bono on U2's "One," and the album's debut single, "Be Without You."
"Reminisce," however, is just the beginning of a 2 album campaign. Reflecting a newfound serenity without forgetting her trademark straight-up messages to players, cheaters and fools, Mary, will take us on a new musical journey this spring with the release of her seventh studio album "The Breakthrough." With a new lease on life, Mary will take us on a magic carpet ride fulfilling all of our musical and spiritual needs.
Delivered with conviction and compassion, the songs on "Reminisce" and "The Breakthrough" are evidence of Mary's spiritual growth and her transcendence over a childhood in the projects of Yonkers, New York, and an early success plagued with drama, to her current joy. "Yes, she's gotten lost, she's done this and that and she's been trying to figure it out," Mary admits in her typically forthright manner.
Nobody tells it like Mary. Over the course of 14 years, with a voice that is rough and ready, sweet and pure, Mary J. Blige is capable of conveying heartache and happiness in a single musical phrase. A confessional singer, her emotional honesty reflects the great traditions of blues and soul with a ripped-from-the-pages-of-your-diary immediacy that has won her countless honors and a devoted, ever-growing audience around the world. More than a vocalist, she is an accomplished recording artist known for her electrifying live performances, dramatic videos and innovative studio productions with a who's-who of hot musical talents from Elton John to Dr. Dre.
Beyond giving to the world through song, Mary is committed to helping through deed. In addition to filming anti-drug PSAs, Mary has worked with various education groups and received Rock the Vote's highest honor, the "Patrick Lippert Award." She is a tireless fund-raiser for people with AIDS. Most recently she has joined the Crest Healthy Smiles campaign to bring awareness to the oral health care epidemic. Thee organization, through partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, provides children in underserved communities with necessary tools for preventive care, education and low or no cost dental services.
Whether pouring her heart out in a recording booth, on a concert stage, or privately learning how to love herself and help others, Mary has discovered something powerful: The music that she makes, the songs that have brought so much joy and solace to so many, have also been her own salvation. When you think of perseverance, strength and commitment, you think of Mary J Blige. "Reminisce" and "The Breakthrough" is the soundtrack of that journey.
