Mary J. Blige released her iconic debut studio album, What’s the 411?, twenty-five years ago.
On Friday (July 28), the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul shared a message to fans while celebrating the anniversary of the game-changing album and reflecting on her storied career.
“Wow!!!! 25 years ago when I walked into this business I had no idea what was going to happen. I just know I wanted to sing,” she wrote on Instagram. “Deep in my heart I knew I wanted to touch the lives of women and people. I’ve done that 25 years later and I’m still doing that by the grace and mercy of God on a level I never even imagined.”
Continuing her thoughts on the album, Mary also revealed how proud she is of continuing her work today. “Still relevant and strong in what I do and I’m so grateful for all the people who came into my life and stayed for the hard times, celebrations, humiliations and triumphs,” she added. “I got love for you beyond what you can feel. To my family who loves me no matter what and to my fans that heard my call, heard my cry, saw me fall, saw me get back up, saw my strength, pray for me and fight for me. For that I LOVE you so deep. By the GRACE and MERCY of God I still REIGN as QUEEN and I’m so grateful because now I know what that means.”
The songstress released her 13th studio album, Strength of a Woman, in April. It debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200 chart.
What’s the 411? charted as high as No. 6 on the Billboard 200 and went on to sell more than 3 million copies.
