Mary J. Blige‘s 2002 smash ‘No More Drama’ serves as this week’s From The Vault pick.
Lifted from the 2001 blockbuster album of the same name as its second offering, ‘Drama’ peaked at #15 on the US Hot 100 and on the lower tier of the Top 10 on the UK Charts at #9.
And while Blige boasts higher chartings with other releases, the stirring cut stands as one of the most well knowned cut from the Queen of Hip-Hop/Soul.
Helmed by the ever-so-creative dynamo duo of Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, the heartfelt track is built around a sample of classical piece ‘Nadia’s Theme’, the very same song used as the theme from never-ending American soap opera ‘The Young and The Restless’.
And while such sample was sourced from fantasy, the song’s lyrical narrative was akin to the happenings in Mary’s wold. Indeed, ‘Drama’ represented a turning point in her life; she would reveal that it marks the first time she would let go of the pain in her life and finally allow herself to be happy or at least seek for happiness. For the music world at large, the song -for a period of time- served as an unofficial response of sorts to the September 11th calamity which rocked the free world to its core.
The track’s accompanying video (which sees cameos from Mariah Carey and Diddy) does a great job of capturing the song’s embedded passion and raw emotion through an array of storylines. All of which relay different “strands” of drama folk face.
Through her stellar career Ms. Blige-Isaacs has experienced many peaks and troughs, yet has always stayed true to her colours musically and morally. A practice which has cultivated her a level of respect from her peers, critics, and fans, which can be neither shaken nor stirred. True talent can, and often will, win.
Your thoughts?
This is one on Mary’s high points. Mary can at times be samey but the albums No More Drama & The Breakthrough are still great now (along with Whats the 411 and My Life) I hope she gets back on track soon
The real Queen.
remember when the music on the charts was actually good?
This is where the change in Mary’s testimony had begun. Also this is where the listener felt the pain and celebrated the victory all at the same time. Kudos to Queen Mary!!
Yes Sam, thank you for this article on a REAL QUEEN in the music industry. Mary has put it down for 2 decades (this yr will mark her 20th anniversary). This is real true talent. Mary’s catalog of music is sick. No gimmicks & Mary never sold her soul to the devil for money or the pop charts.
@Dev, what do you mean you hope Mary gets back on track. She is on track. Her 10th album is gold, reaching for platinum. Mary stays consistent & relevant. How do you think she’s maintained a career for 20 yrs, you have to move & evolve with the times in the industry or your career is done. Mary has done that hands down. MJB is an ICON.
THE QUEEN!
AN ICON! MJB!