Queen of Hip-Hop Soul Mary J. Blige graces the cover of ESSENCE’s October issue (for the tenth time!) in a piece where she talks about her latest album, “Stronger;” her role in Tyler Perry’s new movie, “I Can Do Bad All By Myself;” her foundation to help young women, the Foundation For the Advancement of Women Now (FFAWN); and the 15th anniversary of her album “My Life.” In honor of the album’s milestone, ESSENCE asked its readers what they would like to ask Mary J. by posting more than 100 questions on Twitter and ESSENCE.com. Find out what burning questions Mary J.’s fans asked—and how she answered each of them from the heart.

Do you feel any pressure to keep pumping out hits because of the younger artists?—Angie Kyles, Los Angeles
MARY J. BLIGE: I feel no pressure. I pump out hits for my fans. They just want to hear from me. I don’t compete with the young generation, I learn from them. I listen to what they’re saying, so I can get a little bit of that, so we can cross, so we can have an understanding and hear each other.

When I listen to your music I can’t help but feel the emotion, whether it is joy, pain, anger or bitterness. How do you control and channel your emotions to give us these great performances?—Adina Oubre, New Orleans
Every lyric in my songs is real to me, so I channel the words and the feelings. Whatever those different songs are, they really are relatable to me. And then the fans give me the energy back, because they’re basically saying, “It’s us too Mary,” so I just take it to the next level. (more…)

Mary J. Blige featuring Drake The One

Mary J. Blige will be starring in Tyler Perry’s new film I Can Do Bad All By Myself. The film title alone sounds like something Mary should be in. She will be playing a night club owner who is a singer as well. Taraji P. Henson is also starring in the movie that opens in September.

Is this Eve’s man?

Mary J. and Kendu spotted at The Dream’s Black Tie Album Release Party held at The Hiro Ballroom.

Monica dressed up like Mary J. and sang her song “Not Gon Cry” at the BET Honors Awards show.

Musiq Soulchild featuring Mary J. Blige “If U Leave”

It seems like I have seen Mary J. in a while. I’m glad we’re getting some new music from the two of them hopefully it’ll be worth buying.
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