Music Review: Mary J. Blige, “Strength of a Woman”

Music Review: Mary J. Blige, “Strength of a Woman”

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The Queen of Hip Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige, is back with her 13th studio album: a tour-de-force, power-ballad brimmed, luscious autobiography that journeys through heartbreak, self-love, and redemption. Blige has never shied away from using her personal life as source material for her music. On “Strength of a Woman,” she pulls inspiration from her recent separation from longtime manager and husband, Kendu Issacs. Each track is better than the last: opener “Love Yourself,” featuring Kanye West, is not only an instant classic, but will be a staple of Spotify Breakup Playlists for years to come. Other standout guest artists include Quavo, DJ Khaled and Missy Elliott on “Glow Up,” a slow jam, hip hop track with biting lyrics. On “Strength of a Woman,” Blige may be down, but she sure as hell ain’t out. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.