What's the 411?
Mary J. Blige · 1992
54 min · 13 tracks · contemporary R&B · hip-hop · soul
A groundbreaking fusion of hip-hop beats and soulful melodies that set the stage for future R&B.
Why this album works
- Best for
- reflective late-night listening emotional storytelling journeys intimate, personal connections
- Context
- Released on July 28, 1992, 'What's the 411?' was Mary J. Blige's debut album, marking her emergence as a leading figure in the new jack swing movement. At this point in her career, she transitioned from background vocalist to star, working alongside producers like Sean 'Diddy' Combs to craft a distinct sound that combined hip-hop with soul.
- If you like
- contemporary R&B, hip-hop, soul
What's the 411? is an album by Mary J. Blige, released in 1992. A groundbreaking fusion of hip-hop beats and soulful melodies that set the stage for future R&B. 'What's the 411?' is significant for popularizing the hip-hop soul genre and achieving commercial success, peaking at number six on the Billboard 200. The album received widespread acclaim from critics and helped solidify Blige's status as the 'Queen of Hip-Hop Soul,' influencing numerous artists in both R&B and hip-hop. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does What's the 411? sound like?
A groundbreaking fusion of hip-hop beats and soulful melodies that set the stage for future R&B. Rooted in contemporary R&B and hip-hop.
What makes What's the 411? by Mary J. Blige notable?
'What's the 411?' is significant for popularizing the hip-hop soul genre and achieving commercial success, peaking at number six on the Billboard 200. The album received widespread acclaim from critics and helped solidify Blige's status as the 'Queen of Hip-Hop Soul,' influencing numerous artists in both R&B and hip-hop. Released on July 28, 1992, 'What's the 411?' was Mary J. Blige's debut album, marking her emergence as a leading figure in the new jack swing movement. At this point in her career, she transitioned from background vocalist to star, working alongside producers like Sean 'Diddy' Combs to craft a distinct sound that combined hip-hop with soul.
Who is What's the 411? for?
What's the 411? works well if you're into reflective late-night listening, emotional storytelling journeys and intimate, personal connections.
How many songs are on What's the 411??
What's the 411? has 13 tracks, running approximately 54 minutes.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Leave a Message 3:38
- 2 Reminisce Standout 5:24
- 3 Real Love Standout 4:32
- 4 You Remind Me Standout 4:19
- 5 Intro Talk 2:17
- 6 Sweet Thing 3:46
- 7 Love No Limit 5:01
- 8 I Don't Want to Do Anything 5:52
- 9 Slow Down 4:33
- 10 My Love 4:14
- 11 Changes I've Been Going Through 5:15
- 12 What's the 411? 4:15
- 13 [untitled] 1:46
Release Date
July 28, 1992
Artist Origin
United States
Runtime
54 min 56 sec
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