Singer Mary J. Blige has shared that her faith and guidance from pastors were instrumental in helping her confront pride and take accountability for her career, particularly around the time of her 2001 album "No More Drama."
During an episode of the "IMO" podcast, hosted by former first lady Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson, Blige reflected on a period when she realized she was being taken advantage of and needed to seize control. "I used to get upset and curse everybody out because things weren’t working. And it wasn’t their fault. It was my fault," she stated.
Blige explained that she sought spiritual guidance, listening to TV pastors and others who offered insights that prompted introspection. "Pride and arrogance and all that stuff. A proud and haughty person won’t go further than this, you know? So it was a lot, I was getting a lot of information that caused me to pause and look at myself," she said.
This realization led her to apologize to individuals involved in the release of "No More Drama." She described praying, "Lord, show me myself," a prayer she continues to use. Blige also acknowledged that at the time of the album, some people in her life were attempting to undermine her, while others were trying to help. She recognized her own ignorance and tendency to blame others, deciding to take full responsibility for her situation.
Beyond personal growth, Blige also sought to educate herself on the financial aspects of the music industry, noting that others benefited from her lack of awareness. "I don't want to start labeling things, but everybody was looking out for themselves, and they were benefiting off of the fact that I was unaware," she recalled. "And that happened for a long time. So, when I woke up and realized, you know, Mary, you have to get educated. You have to stay on your business."
Christian Toto, editor of HollywoodinToto.com, commented on Blige's perspective, contrasting it with a prevailing culture of victimhood in Hollywood. "Victimhood is the coin of the realm in Hollywood," Toto said. "Blige's comments strike a very different, and refreshing tone." He added that the intense pressures of the entertainment industry lead some artists to their faith for guidance and to take ownership of their careers.
Seth A. Schachner, a former Sony Music executive, echoed Blige's emphasis on education, calling it "evergreen and still very current and valid." He highlighted the increasing importance for artists to understand the business side of music, especially with the current freedom artists have to operate independently without a label, which still requires them to manage promotion, marketing, and business development.
Blige, 55, also discussed her decision not to have children when she was younger, citing a desire for freedom and observing family members who felt burdened by childcare responsibilities. However, she noted that her perspective has evolved as she has aged and witnessed the value children bring to her family members' lives.