Gotta give props to the good folks over at Soul Bounce for always bringing great music, new artists and concepts to the people. Well, they certainly didn’t disappoint with this one. 9 male artists covering Mary as you’ve never heard before. Each one, produced and performed magnificently but still maintaining their own artistic presence. Hard to do, when it comes to Mary, but listen for yourself and let us know what you think about it. This project is GFM Certified! Yes, Men Love Mary and we do too!

Fifteen years ago Mary J. Blige released My Life, a breakthrough album chronicling her inner struggles while catapulting her to superstardom as the Queen of Hip Hop Soul. In celebration of this milestone, we gathered nine dynamic male artists to record re-imaginings of their favorite My Life songs for Men Love Mary: A Tribute to My Life, a digital EP presented by SoulBounce. The EP is hosted by one of Bad Boy’s legendary “Hitmen,” Chucky Thompson, who was a key producer on the My Life album.

My Life was a pivotal point in Mary’s career where her voice shined as a beacon of hope and understanding to men and women all over the world. Men Love Mary: A Tribute to My Life offers a fresh perspective from Eric Roberson, Jesse Boykins III, Slakah the Beatchild, Nino Moschella, Bradd Marquis, TL Cross, Darien, D Maurice, Fave and Siik–a new generation of artists inspired by her sincerity, longevity and artistry. My Life was about Mary’s relationship with one man, and now many men have reinterpreted these songs in an effort to pay tribute to an artist who has given us so much of herself.
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Hands down, one of the greatest, most creative, innovative groups of all time.

‘Nuff said. Enjoy.

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Official Website
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Nicolay (one half of the group The Foreign Exchange) has unveiled “Lose Your Way” from his upcoming album Shibuya (City Lights Volume II) which drops September 15th. The song features the newly signed Carlitta Durand who brings soft, smooth vocals to the song.

I’m really feeling the relaxed, sort of dreamy feel to it.  Looking forward the upcoming CD, definitely keep an eye out for that one. Check out the song below — what do you think?

Nicolay says about the new album: “It truly is like stepping into a different world”, says Nicolay about his trip to the city. “What fascinated me most about Shibuya was the co-existence of ‘old’ and ‘new’ in seemingly perfect harmony. The most advanced technologies and innovations exist next to traditions that are rooted in thousands of years of civilization.”

TV One’s latest episode of their fantastic Unsung Series featured the incomparable Minnie Riperton. If you missed it, check your local listings for the replay, it’s powerful and a guaranteed tear jerker.

So talented, unappreciated and she died tragically too young. Check out more clips after the jump or TV One online.

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By popular demand, a little Loose Ends for your listening pleasure.  If you have an artist that you’d like to see featured, hit us up — contact <at> grownfolksmusic.com.

“Hanging on a String“, A Little Spice (MCA/1984)

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Lady T, performing live on Video Soul. It doesn’t get any better than this.

“Cassanova Brown” (Teena Marie, Robbery/Epic 1983).

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Come back Lauryn, come back!

“Ex-Factor”

“Turn your Lights Down Low” f/Bob Marley