No cap. The high-level vibrations that emanated from the AirPods the very first time I listened to Mary J. Blige’s new singles “Amazing” and “Good Morning Gorgeous” was like the very first time I discovered hip hop in its Golden Age or fell in love with myself. And while the Internet is so stuck on what the multi-platinum singer is wearing, they need to be talking about these truly admirable singles.
The Yonkers-bred phenomenon has always been transparent to listeners of her music, and unbelievably, she’s still on the path of staying true to herself and letting us watch, all while bossing up with her own production banner Mary Jane Productions and collecting the bag from her acting gigs.
When the universe blessed her to see the age of 50 this year, she didn’t back down and settle. She went even harder. Now, it appears that Blige is finally living in her greatness and enjoying the fruits of her labor without allowing the resentment of the past to continue to hold her down.
This evolved MJB is sprawled all over her new single “Amazing,” featuring DJ Khaled, who also produces. See, it’s not about whether the song meets today’s radio standards or if it fits in with the music industry’s current narrative. “Amazing” transcends those limits and spells out what she’s really on.
She sings, “Don’t move on me wrong, I need to save my energy / Everybody family leave it to the industry / Cut out all of that noise, we ain’t talkin’ that way / We ain’t movin’ like that, no way, no way / Cut out all that noise, only positive vibes / I don’t pay it no mind, I don’t pay it no mind / Every day like my birthday, bring the cake in.”
Yes, Mary, yes! After such a tremendous two years of muted triumphs and loud upsets, it’s about that time to get the mojo back and do as the queen instructs in her song. Get off the bulls— and embrace the spirit of gratitude. When it’s up, it’s up! Because you’ll have a chance to feel down again…
Hence, the second single from Mrs. Mary Jane Blige, “Good Morning Gorgeous.”
The single comes with a low-key flex of a music video showing a very toned Mary fitted in tempting lingerie, colorful swimwear, and lavish furs in a big, beautiful multi-level mansion with pool included.
Mary so soulfully sings about the challenge of being a boss who is alone. Another glorious translation of life from a real woman who has accomplished so much, yet has her days. Bless her for keeping it real. The message is…no one’s perfect.
It’s almost as if there’s some rebellion against perfection going on amongst some of the realest celebrities — and for some reason, I feel like social media is the conduit of this ridiculous striving for the unattainable. I mean, why do we have armpits or a—s? Any human who sweats, can they really be perfect as the masses perceive the sentiment?
But, let’s not get it twisted. Yeah, Mary clearly likes the finer things. I mean she is dripped up and draped out, know what I’m talkin’ ’bout?
But, as she stares at her reflection in the mirror singing, “I’m so tired of feeling empty / Dry my eyes, it’s time to fight / It seems like I’m always against me / Seems like this is never ending / And I refuse to let it end me / Mentally, spiritually, physically / I need my peace,” one can’t help but ponder, if money isn’t the answer…then, what is?
Mary’s figured it out. Self-love. “Good Morning Gorgeous” is that love letter to herself, and a message to those warriors of women who have indulged in her music over the years and taken life’s journey with her. It’s time to love yourself, darling.
Both singles are available now on Apple Music, YouTube, and other streaming platforms.