Mary J. Blige Love & Life

Interview, Sept, 2003 by Stephen Mooallem

Oh, Mary J., will the drama ever subside? Fortunately, listening to Blige sing about abuse, infidelity, and self-doubt is a religious experience. With P. Diddy back at the helm after nearly a decade, the beats are thick and infectious, and her duets with 50 Cent ("Let Me Be the 1") and her old dance partner Method Man ("Love at 1st sight") are equally stellar.

But the heavyweight rappers sound almost twee next to Blige, whose voice has the power to make the earth move, the skies part, and Mother Nature weep in triumph.