Mary J. Blige’s second debut album “My Life” was released in November 1994 to huge success. Bringing R&B mainstay hits like “Be Happy” and her famous cover of Ross Royce’s 1967 classic “I’m Goin Down” to the charts, Blige used her vulnerability and silky vocals to connect with millions of listeners around the globe.
Over 25 years after the album’s release, Blige worked with Amazon Prime Video to bring fans a documentary detailing the singer-songwriter’s journey to star status and the success of “My Life.” Mary J Blige’s My Life will also feature the 50-year-old musician performing the album live for the very first time, as well as commentary from other artists who’ve cited her as an inspiration.
“The only thing that kept us guided was the music, it just saved you,” Blige revealed in the documentary’s trailer, revealing that music was her escape, even as a young child. “In the neighborhood, we lived in, it’s like prison.”
“There was a lot wrong and there was a lot…I needed to get out. That’s why I had that pen,” she said, simulating writing a song with her hand.
Blige also revealed that My Life was her “darkest album.”
“I had one of the darkest times I’ve had. Most of the time I was just depressed and didn’t want to live,” She then decided to channel her emotions into her songwriting and music, not fully knowing the impact she would later have on fans going through similar situations.
Taraji P. Henson spoke in the documentary about how Blige’s willingness to be honest and vulnerable made it okay for others to do the same, saying “She made it okay for people to say ‘It’s alright to be me.’’ Alicia Keys and Diddy are also featured in the documentary set to air later this month.
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My Life went on to secure the #1 spot on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop in December 1994. The album stayed there for 85 weeks, proving just how much a mark Blige made at the time.
Blige snagged a Grammy award the following year for her “I’ll Be There For You / You’re All I Need To Get By” collaboration with Method Man. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Blige solidified her star power by topping the charts with familiar hits “Family Affair” and “Be Without You.”
Fans can catch Mary J Blige’s My Life streaming on June 25 on Amazon Prime Video.
