EMF 2011: Mary J. Blige Playlist

MJB’s Top Throwback Hits

Did you get your ESSENCE Music Festival tickets yet? You better hurry if you want to catch Mary J. Blige on July 3 because she’ll be amazing! Last year, the queen of R&B Hip-Hop Soul reminded us why we’ve been fans since the early 1990s with no shame. To that end, here’san MJB playlist of our favorites to get you ready for this weekend’s amazing show!

Be Without You

From the chorus to Terrence Howard’s loving face in this video, “Be Without You” is a great love song.

No More Drama

We’re going to be honest, it’s hard not to listen to this song and not cry. Mary kills “No More Drama” no matter if the song is playing on your radio or you’re watching the diva rock it live. No more pain!

Not Today

With Eve at her side, Mary told some no count dude it was time to go on “Not Today.”

I’m Going Down

Mary’s got time on her hands, since “you’ve been away boy … ” You know the words! We can’t wait to sing this with the rest of the Superdome on Sunday!

I Never Wanna Live Without You

She worked until she was tired! “I Never Wanna Live Without You” was a great song about … worry, frankly. Mary was in love and couldn’t stand the thought of her man leaving.

I’m The Only Woman

Curtis Mayfield would’ve been proud with the way Mary turned out his original song “Gimme Your Love” from the blaxploitation film “Superfly.”

Changes I’ve Been Going Through

From her debut album “What’s The 411?,” “Changes I’ve Been Going Through” is still a beat that makes you want to do the wop in your seat.

I Don’t Want To Do Anything Else

Wow, this live performance of Mary’s duet with K-Ci “I Don’t Want To Do Anything Else” is a classic. They don’t make power R&B ballads like this anymore…

Beauty And A Thug

Jaheim’s “Beauty And A Thug” was a hidden gem featuring Mrs. Mary. Even the song’s scat-esque bridge is lovely.

What’s the 411

This is the MJB we all loved! What other R&B singer can go from “Yo! MTV Raps!” to couture fashion shows with grace and ease besides Mary?