Singer Mary J. Blige shared on the “IMO” podcast that her Christian faith and the teachings of TV pastors guided her to confront pride and assume responsibility for her career. She recalled that around the release of her 2001 album No More Drama, she realized she had been taken advantage of and needed to take control.
“I used to get upset and curse everybody out because things weren’t working. It wasn’t their fault—it was my fault,” Blige said, adding that she apologized to everyone who helped release the album.
Spiritual guidance and personal growth
When asked how she found the strength to change, Blige answered, “It’s the spiritual side of things. I started listening to a lot of TV pastors and people who taught about pride and arrogance. A proud and haughty person won’t go further than this, so I paused and looked at myself.” She described praying, “Lord, show me myself,” a prayer she continues to use.
Blige also noted that some people in her life were trying to “destroy” her, while others offered help. Recognizing this, she decided to keep supportive individuals close and take full responsibility for her actions, acknowledging past ignorance and blaming others.
Learning the business side of music
The singer emphasized the importance of educating herself about the music industry’s finances. She said many around her benefited from her lack of knowledge, prompting her to wake up and focus on learning the business. Former Sony Music executive Seth A. Schachner agreed, calling her advice “evergreen” and stressing that modern artists must understand promotion, marketing, and other business functions even when operating independently.
Reflections on parenthood
During the conversation, Blige also addressed why she chose not to have children earlier in life, citing observations of family members lacking freedom due to childcare responsibilities. She said her perspective shifted with age, now seeing the value children bring to families.
Blige’s candid discussion highlights how faith can inspire personal accountability, encourage education in one’s profession, and shape life choices, offering a model for other artists navigating a demanding industry.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
