Mary J. Blige is set to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, attributing this honor to her devoted fans. During the opening of Ghirardelli’s New York City Chocolate and Ice Cream Shop on August 7, Blige expressed her gratitude to Billboard.
“It means so much because I worked so hard,” Blige said. “My fans have given me so much, and when I say, ‘We did it,’ I mean my fans and I. We did this because, without them, there’s no me. Through all my blood, sweat, and tears, suffering, getting up, and falling down, they were there. It means a lot to accomplish something like that.”
Blige’s induction will take place in October, headlining a star-studded class including Cher, The Dave Matthews Band, Ozzy Osbourne, Kool & The Gang, and A Tribe Called Quest.
Blige also reflected on her album “My Life,” which marks its 30th anniversary this year. Released in 1994, the album includes hits like “Be Happy” and “Mary Jane.”
“That album is so important, because it was so pivotal for when it came time for me to choose,” she stated. “I was in a dark place where I didn’t wanna live, and I was begging people to love me and stay with me. Now, I’m not begging anyone to love and stay with me. I love myself. I found my real love. My true love is myself and I.”
Blige’s Future Plans
Blige’s influence extends beyond music. Recently, she partnered with Ghirardelli to open their first Chocolate and Ice Cream shop in New York City. Blige, a chocolate enthusiast, described her ideal ice cream cone as vanilla with caramel, strawberry sauce, nuts, and a little fudge.
Despite the indulgence, 2024 has been a whirlwind for Blige. She also reminisced about her collaboration with Method Man on their Grammy-winning track “I’ll Be There for You/You’re All I Need to Get By.” Blige fondly recalled the recording session, saying, “Meth was so happy. He’s such a beautiful, sweet man. I love him so much.”
Blige is also planning to bring back her Strength of a Woman celebration to New York. “New York needs it. It’s home. It’s here to stay and will be here next year,” she said, highlighting her commitment to empowering women.