Mary J. Blige is surely feeling more than “Just Fine” — after the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul was announced as one of the 2024 inductees into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Sunday night.
But for the Yonkers, New York native, the enshrinement into musical immortality may be coming at the end of an illustrious career that began with her groundbreaking debut album, 1992’s “What’s the 411?”
“I’m actually in the studio right now recording more music, and I’m having fun,” Blige, 53, told People.
“This is another album,” she added, “and it’s probably my last studio album.”
Say what now?
“Everybody says that,” she added with a laugh. “I mean, OK. I guess it’s not then.”
But seriously, folks, Blige isn’t making any commitments beyond the follow-up to her last LP, 2022’s “Good Morning Gorgeous,” which was nominated for six Grammys, including Album of the Year, in 2023.
“I’ve been doing it for a while. I love it, I enjoy it, and it might be the last studio album. It might be.”
For now, though, Blige is feeling the creative inspiration after releasing her latest single, “Still Believe in Love” (featuring rapper Vado), in October.
“I believe in love for myself, love for life, love for happiness, love for God, love for peace,” Blige told People. “Know that life is full of ups and downs, and roll with the punches because life is important. That’s what’s inspiring my music.”
And right now Blige — who will bring her Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit to New York on Mother’s Day weekend, May 10-12 — is feeling the “Real Love” after being inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in the Performer Category along with Cher, Dave Matthews Band, Foreigner, Peter Frampton, Kool & the Gang, Ozzy Osbourne and A Tribe Called Quest.
“Beyond grateful!!!!!! This is incredible!!!,” Blige — who was previously nominated for the RRHOF in 2021 — wrote on Instagram just after the news was announced on Sunday’s episode of “American Idol.”
“God always has the final say!!!!” added the singer, who will formally be inducted on Oct. 19 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio — the home of the rock hall.
“Thank you to my fans all over the world!!!! Tears of Joy!!!!”