Commentary

By Lea Michelle Cash

Recently on June 25, in Los Angeles, ASCAP honored Mary J. Blige at its 20th anniversary "Rhythm & Soul Music Awards" celebration. She was presented with the "ASCAP Voice of Music Award", one of the most prestigious honors given to recognized artists and song writers whose music illuminates people's lives through song. 

Mary J. Blige sings her heart out at San Manuel.

The Queen of Hip Hop Soul had gathered her fans from all corners of Southern California.  People were excited and the show was sold out.  The band started to play, and immediately Mary-R & B, Hip Hop's reigning queen strolled out.   The fans went wild, they kept yelling her name.  She sang on, danced on and gave them a performance which seemed to end all too quickly. Time flew by for most people who thought they were dreaming.  "I can't believe she's really here," screamed Patricia Edwards, 41 of Riverside. "I love me... some Mary J. Blige.  She knows what a woman can go through." 

Again and again throughout Blige's performance, I was reminded how her music has illuminated and touched the hearts of so many people through the struggles about her life she has shared with them. Word for word the fans sang along in pure delight causing her to stop several times, pause and say, "You'll really love me that much?"

The Queen of Hip Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige

Stumbling through her bad girl image in the beginning years of her career are far behind her. She celebrates with the public her liberation.  The concert at San Manuel was no different, just a great big house party with many friends that came in all sizes and colors.  A rainbow coalition as I saw it.  She publicly got rid of bad habits and bad influences, rising victoriously to become a hero.  Blige reinvented her mission, message and purpose which included no more drama, which became the title of her 5th album.  The album "No More Drama" was put together to share her emotional journey out of difficulty. Then comes the album "The Breakthrough". This album has reached tremendous success. 

The most popular tune "Take Me as I Am" Blige didn't have to sing if she wanted to...because the audience sang it for her.  She gave the audience the mic and they did not disappoint.  An explosion of united voices sang the song as though it was an anthem to their lives.  Mary J. Blige is recognized as a "brand" for survival. Her greatness has garnered her nine Billboard Music Awards, two American Music Awards and three Grammy Awards.  Mary says, "People are always going to have something to say. Just be who you are."  Her music continues to remind us of music's universal and illuminating message and transformative power when it comes to one's life in recovery.