Mary J. Blige Is Over Being Called "Auntie": "Please Don't"

BY Erika Marie 26.7K Views
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Mary J. Blige, Auntie, Hip Hollywood
For years, fans have given the R&B legend the title of "Auntie Mary," but she isn't fond of it.

Known as the "Queen of Hip Hop-Soul," Mary J. Blige is an icon in both R&B and hip hop circles. For decades she's created music that speaks to the culture and her fans have admired her talents and followed her career so deeply that they often see the singer as a member of their own family. It's common for Mary J. Blige's fanbase to acknowledge her as "Auntie," but it's a comforting title that seems to irk the R&B legend just a bit.

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Mary J. Blige recently sat down for a virtual chat with Hip Hollywood, and during the conversation, she was asked if she welcomes the "Auntie" crown that has been forcibly bestowed upon her. "Why can't I just be your sister? There's women that are like, way older than me calling me 'Auntie.' C'mon," the singer said. "Can I just be your sister? Your friend in your head?... The 'Auntie' is like...c'mon."

"Not if you're 10 years older than me, please don't call me 'Auntie,'" she added. The look on her face said it all as Mary J. Blige seemed annoyed that the title has become a phenomenon. Check out the snippet of her interview with Hip Hollywood below.

About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming the Co-Head of Original Content. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, and Amy Luciani—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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