We Achieved It Together, My Fans and I

Mary J. Blige is slated to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, but she feels she couldn’t have done this without her fans. During the opening for Ghirardelli’s New York City Chocolate and Ice Cream Shop ribbon cutting on Tuesday (Aug. 7), Blige opened up about her career to Billboard. The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul explained that, while she has “worked so hard” to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, her fans have truly made this journey possible for her as an artist.

“It means so much because I worked so hard,” the music icon told the outlet. “My fans have given me so much, and when I say, ‘We did it,’ I mean my fans and I. We did this because, without them, there’s no me. Through all my blood, sweat, and tears, suffering, getting up, and falling down, they were there. It means a lot to accomplish something like that.”

Blige’s induction into the coveted institute will commence in October. The singer headlines this year’s Hall of Fame class with a lineup that includes A Tribe Called Quest, Cher, Ozzy Osbourne, Kool & The Gang, and The Dave Matthews Band.

2024 is also the 30th anniversary of the Yonkers native’s sophomore studio LP, My Life. The album yielded records that have become synonymous with the singer’s catalog, such as “Mary Jane,” “You Bring Me Joy,” “Be Happy,” and, of course, “My Life.” While My Life was heavily inspired by Blige’s battle with depression, substance abuse, and domestic violence, the R&B great states that that album was “pivotal” for her.

“I was in a dark place where I didn’t wanna live, and I was begging people to love me and stay with me. Now, I’m not begging anyone to love and stay with me. I love myself. I found my real love. My true love is myself and I,” the singer expressed. “That’s why when it was time for me to choose the My Life album, I chose my life. I chose my life and my fans when it was time to make that turn because I didn’t want to off myself and take half my fanbase with me. That didn’t seem right. I always had a conscious and a spiritual grounding. That’s what made me choose.”

My Life was released in November 1994 and debuted at No. 1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard 200. By December 1995, the LP would be RIAA-certified triple platinum. The album has since been dubbed one of the best albums of all time and featured on numerous lists celebrating culture-defining bodies of work.

Mary J. Blige’s fans have remained supportive throughout her tumultuous career, and their unwavering loyalty continues to propel her forward. This induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is a testament to both her immense talent and the incredible bond she shares with her audience. Despite the challenges she has faced, Blige’s resilience shines through, making her induction a symbol of hope and triumph for many.

This achievement not only marks a milestone in her career but also emphasizes the power of community and the significance of mutual appreciation between an artist and their fans.

Source: Billboard