17 years after the Queen Of Soul released her debut album What’s The 411, Mary J Blige has returned to give us the second instalment of the highly acclaimed album My Life released in 1994. My Life was heavily influenced and produced by long time friend Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs. This album stood out from What’s The 411 as it was co written by Mary with a lot of heart felt tracks based on her own personal life. My Life boasted tracks such as Be Happy and a cover of the Mary Jane Girls – All Night Long but a lot of us on these shores might remember I’m Going Down from the record which peaked at number 12 in the UK charts.

When I first received my copy of My Life II I was excited to see what Mary had been working on for a long time. Her life has played out in the public eye for many years with all sorts of rumours flying about regarding her previous relationships; some say a lot of her music voices the pain and struggle she has been through in her love life. If it is true, then Mary has to be the only modern day singer that can capture you with strong emotions when it comes to the trials and tribulations we go through in relationships through the art of music.

My Life II – The Journey Continues (Act 1) takes me back to Mary’s early 90’s Hip/Soul roots with tracks like 25/8 and Don’t Mind but it’s the 1st track on the album which is my favourite, Feel Inside which samples Wu Tangs – Triumph. The track gives me the same feeling I had when I first heard Real Love back in 1992, the fusion of hard Hip Hop with the sweet accent of Mary J Blige’s RnB/Soul vocals is still genius to me. The album features guest appearances from Rick Ross, Nas, Drake and Beyonce along with more heavy weight members of Hip Hop royalty.

Mary has been gone for a while but she has never left the building which she clearly proves with this new album. My Life II – The Journey Continues (Act 1) is an up to date story of her life proving to many of us that she is still the Queen! From the girls who love that sweet RnB flavour, to the rough necks of Hip Hop, everyone will find something to vibe to on this album.

MOBO gives Mary J Blige's 'My Life II' a highly respectable 4 M’s out of 5.

Words by Ponciano Junior

For your chance to win a copy of Mary J Blige’s My Life II – The Journey Continues (Act 1) tweet us the answer to the question below @moboawards

Which UK artist did Mary J Blige collaborate with on the remake of Stevie Wonder’s I’ll Be Loving You Always? Was it:

A.) Simon Webb

B.) George Michael

C.) Glamma Kid

The winner will be announced this Friday!!! Get to tweeting!!!