Who: Mary J. Blige
What: “Family Affair”
When (was it released): 2001
Where (was it featured): Mary J. Blige’s No More Drama album
Why (did the song happen): As the Queen of hip-hop soul, Mary J. Blige dominated the scene as soon as her 1992 album, What’s The 411?, arrived. Songs such as “Real Love,” “Sweet Thing,” and “Reminisce” struck a chord with male and female listeners alike who gravitated to her distinctive blend of traditional soul music and hip-hop culture. As her career progressed, Mary J. Blige was often identified as a singer who sang sad songs about life, ones that highlighted broken hearts and shined the light on disappointment. But as the New York singer stepped into the turn of the century, she was simultaneously exploring new creative directions. She titled her fifth studio album No More Drama and wanted to present herself in a different light. For single “Family Affair,” Mary J. Blige enlisted Dr. Dre as her collaborator. She had performed on the Compton rapper-producer’s “The Message,” the wistful closing track from his 1999 album, 2001, which sold more than 6 million units.
How (it became iconic): Legend has it that Dr. Dre was filming his scenes for the award-winning film Training Day with Denzel Washington and left the beat for what would become “Family Affair” for Mary J. Blige at the studio. Blige co-wrote the song, which focuses on leaving your problems behind and celebrating a drama-free life. She shouts Dre out twice in the lyrics, which also mention getting crunk and dancing all night long. It’s the type of uplifting, feel-good song that has tremendous commercial potential. It became Blige’s biggest hit, her first #1 song on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. “Family Affair” became a staple on radio stations across the country and has more than 230 million streams on Spotify. In addition to the success at radio, the song’s video mirrors the cut’s lyrics and features Mary J. Blige dancing and enjoying herself at the club. Dr. Dre also makes a few cameos in the clip. By changing her sound and her subject matter, Mary J. Blige had the most popular song of her career a decade after she rose to prominence. As the most noteworthy collaboration between Mary J. Blige and the other Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show performance partners, expect “Family Affair” to be performed on the big stage.
