Royalty

‘My Life’ was Mary’s second album released in 1994 where just 2 years prior Puffy had introduced her to us via ‘ What’s the 411 ? ‘.
He’d tastefully and quite literally merged two genres of music closing the gap on gender based thoughts of RNB being for the ladies and Hip Hop for men and he’d successfully done so using urban fashion as the driving force behind that accomplishment.
Even the most faithful of Hip Hop followers succumbed to her image portrayed as the girl next door.
Sure… Mary wore oversized jackets and jeans as was the fashion at that time but then there’s entirely another matter.
The serious issue of her vocal prowess.

‘My Life’ is still considered one of her best and coherently the album pours out tracks dedicated to a difficult and trying period for the singer.
But then what is an artist if not given a platform for expression and to shine throughout.
Mary’s definitely earned her place amongst the greats like Whitney or Mariah but she’d done so differently.
All hail the Queen of Hip Hop Soul.