Mary J. Blige Explains Why She's Leaning Toward Performing "Family Affair" At Super Bowl

She reportedly can only choose one song for the halftime show and detailed why the Dr. Dre-produced hit may be the one.

BYErika Marie
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We're inching closer to what is expected to be a monumental Super Bowl halftime performance, and Mary J. Blige is sharing what fans can expect from her addition to the show. We've previously reported that Dr. Dre. Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, and Mary J. Blige would be gathering together for the performance, and since the news of the epic line-up was announced, Hip Hop fans have been debating what songs would be chosen.

We'll have to wait two more weeks to see what they came up with, but in a recent interview with Elle, Blige revealed that she's only able to choose one song from her extensive catalog.

Frederick M. Brown / Stringer / Getty Images

Of all of the hits she could pick from, Blige admitted she is leaning toward "Family Affair." The chart-topping single was produced by Dr. Dre and is said to be one of his favorites from the singer. Blige explained to Elle why Hip Hop is a family affair, so to speak.

“We are the culture; [Hip Hop artists] give people a way to speak," she said. “We give people a way to walk. We give people a way to talk. We give people a way to think. That’s what Hip Hop and Hip Hop-Soul have done for our culture since [the beginning].”

Blige famously appeared during the 2001 halftime show that featured a slew of artists, but at that time, she was only a blip as she performed a few background vocals. This performance, she said, feels "like getting an Oscar nomination." Blige added, “This time I’m going to be front and center—Mary J. Blige, in her glory and greatness and swagger."

[via]


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About The Author
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.