“What’s the 411?” is a pretty well-known piece of early 90s slang that didn’t quite survive the new millennium. What isn’s so well known is that before she signed to Uptown Records and dropped this scorching debut album, Mary J. Blige was actually a 411 operator (translation for millenials: before the internet, you used to have to dial “Information” aka 411 to look up a phone number). The title pretty much sums up MJB’s revolutionary fusion of hip-hop beats, uptown cool and baggy clothes with the soulful R&B sound of Chaka Khan and Patrice Rushen. There’s not much that hasn’t already been said about how great the Audio Two-sampling “Real Love” is, but the whole record is crammed with hits: “Love No Limit,” “Slow Down,” “You Remind Me” and “Reminisce” have all aged wonderfully. This record should be a staple in any party rocker’s crate, right next to Ready To Die. 2017 pressing on double vinyl for the first time ever, recommended!

• double vinyl pressing
• music label: Uptown Records 2017

reviewed by hannibal chew 11/2017