Mary J. Blige - What's the 411?

Perhaps the true test of a classic is this: something that's commonplace now but at the time appeared revolutionary. The notion that a female R&B singer could be as informed by the Real Roxanne as she was by Aretha Franklin, that she could give love to the streets and the roughnecks--while still delivering soul-drenched love songs that came from that wounded womanly space--was, in a word, groundbreaking. It was the sound of the New Jills, and of a new genre, aptly called hip-hop soul. Featuring production from a then-upstart Puffy, and a collection of songs that alternately swagger and seduce--"You Remind Me," "Real Love," "Reminisce"--What's the 411? may not be Blige's finest work (that honor may go to its moody follow-up, My Life). But its ghetto-fied grooves dominated the radio then, and they still sound fierce today, even with a slew of lesser imitators attempting to do what the rough and ready Blige did so effortlessly back in the day. --Amy Linden Amazon.com

The best

The first and the best. I've probably listened to this album a million times from beginning to end, and never get tired of it. This is one of my favorite albums of all time. April 20, 2008

A Great Album by Mary

Mary's first album "What's the 411?" is, in my opinion, her best album. Her vocals are impeccable here and the songs are all good. I don't see any fillers.
-Reminisce: 5/5
-Real Love: 5/5 One of my favorites on the album...I love the remix as well
-You Remind Me: 5/5 Also one of my favorites
-Sweet Thing: 5/5 A good remake of Chaka Khan's Sweet Thing. I find both versions good and Mary did a great job on it.
-Love No Limit: 4.5/5...I personally prefer the remix of Love No Limit on her "What's the 411? Remix" CD.
-I Don't Want To Do Anything: 5/5 Another favorite
-Slow Down 4.5/5 A good song, but not the best on the album
-My Love 4.5/5
-Changes I've Been Going Through 5/5 Another favorite
-What's the 411? 4.5/5

This album definitely shows Mary J's vocals at her best. Although I love "My Life" as well, I feel that album as a few fillers. I think "What's the 411?" and also "What's the 411? Remix" shows Mary J Blige at her finest.
March 25, 2008

Great CD

This is Mary's very first CD and it is off the hook (in a good way). If you are a Mary J Blige fan, then you will love this CD and keep it as a classic. This is my second one because the first one was a cassette tape (I upgraded) March 21, 2008

The Undisputed Queen of R and B

Mary does it again. It is smooth and soulful from the beginning to the end. Cuts 2, 4 and 6 are phenomenal. A MUST HAVE. Don't think about it. Just get it, live it, that's Mary!!!!!! June 27, 2007

Nice Seller!

I did not receive this CD. The seller thought it was best not to send it to me, it was not as good as was posted. Thanks for refunding my money. June 26, 2007

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