On this day in R&B, the iconic Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and actress Mary J. Blige, released her debut album What’s the 411? on Uptown/MCA Records. For the those less familiar with 90’s lingo, 411 means info or information. This flash back Friday classic is the 25th anniversary of her first studio release. Serving as a mashup of sultry R&B tones over hip-hop beats; What’s the 411? was deemed the premiere influencer of contemporary R&B music. Peaking at #6 on the US Billboard charts in 1992 and #1 on the US Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart, What’s the 411? gave us classic feel-good hits like “You Remind Me”. In today’s music you can hear Mary’s influences on singers and songwriters. Frank Ocean’s “Super Rich Kids” and Ariana Grande’s “Lovin it” both sampled my personal favorite from the album “Real Love”
Just in time for this weekend, take a moment to vibe to What’s the 411? and reminisce on the 90’s.
Let us know your must listen to song from What’s the 411? in the comment section.
By: Nyah Said It
