In celebration of Mary J. Blige’s 49th birthday, this week’s From The Vault salutes the singer’s 1997 hit ‘Everything.’

Issued as the third single from the Queen of Hip-Hop/Soul’s ‘Share My World’ LP, the track was helmed by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis.

It notably samples ‘You Are Everything’ by The Stylistics and ‘The Payback’ by James Brown. But no doubt stands out on its own accord.

The song was a success in the US where it peaked at #24 on the Hot 100 and #5 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Charts. In the UK, it reached the 6th position on the tally and was a Top 20 hit in New-Zealand.

Hype Williams – who helmed some of the best videos that decade – directed the ‘Everything’ video. Set on an island, the clip features Mary in West-African fashion singing the song in slow motion.

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With a videography as commendable as Mary’s, ‘Everything ‘ serves as one of her most visually magnetic offerings alongside ‘Family Affair’ and ‘Be Without You.’

During a recent awards acceptance speech, Blige said of herself:

“I am a leader, a queen, a living legend”

Those words from MJB about MJB couldn’t be any more true.

Through the decades – and contrary to many of her peers – she has remained an undisputed music royal. She has never needed to revert to shock tactics or baseless beefs with fellow artists to keep her name and legacy lit.

Showing no sign of slowing down anytime soon, it seems Mary will continue to wow us with her titan sized talent – which, these days, she’s spreading across music, acting, and producing.

Happy birthday to MJB, the MVP!

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