“Check It Out (Remix)” — Grand Puba feat. Mary J. Blige (1992)
Grand Puba, of New Rochelle, New York, rhymed on a more low key, looping rap beat, but didn’t fail to deliver. He featured a young and fresh Mary J. Blige who lets loose with beautiful harmonies throughout the four minute song.
“What’s the 411?” — Mary J. Blige feat. Grand Puba (1992)
In the same year that Grand Puba released his remix to “Check It Out,” he would quickly return the favor to Mary J. Blige. The respected rapper joined the songstress on the titular track lifted from her debut album, “What’s the 411?,” for a fun, back-and-forth style flow where Blige even spits some bars herself. Grand Puba gloated in his verse about what he brings to the table, while Blige made it clear that it takes a lot for a man to get her attention.
“What’s the 411? (Remix)” — Mary J. Blige feat. K-Ci Hailey & The Notorious B.I.G. (1993)
Both Blige’s “What’s the 411?” album and track were such a hit, that she came back the next year with a remix to the track and an entire remix album. Featuring the self-proclaimed Big Poppa and then-boyfriend K-Ci of Jodeci, the remix may have offered a new beat, but the catchy “411” hook and same feisty verse were both still present.
“Real Love” — Mary J. Blige feat. The Notorious B.I.G. (1993)
If “Real Love” wasn’t already enough of a smash on its own, Mary J. Blige added Biggie to the remix of the track found on her “What’s the 411?” album of remixes. This song is undoubtedly a classic and radio favorite and in true Biggie fashion, showcased him laying down a solid verse against Blige’s sultry vocals. The original version of “Real Love” became her first top ten hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
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