Mary J. Blige Is Filled With ‘Gratitude’ On Alleged Final Album

Mary J. Blige hasn’t taken her foot off the gas more than three decades into her entertainment career. Back in April, however, the Grammy winner signaled that her time releasing music might be coming to an end, as she hinted to People that her next studio album could “probably” be her last. She went on to announce her For My Fans Tour celebrating her expansive catalog across the country from January through April 2025. Now, the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul is back with her fifteenth—and purportedly final—album, Gratitude.

Blige first teased the project with the Fabolous collab “Breathing” back in August and followed it up with last month’s “You Ain’t the Only One.” The New York native demonstrates throughout the album just why she’s irreplaceable in the industry, sounding as natural as ever among the R&B melodies that have become her home over the years. Along the way, she teams up with hit-making artists like Fat Joe and Jadakiss and producers like Darkchild and Kaytranada to deliver an unforgettable LP, final or not.

As for where she goes from here, Blige left the door slightly open to make more music down the road, repeating to People that it “might” be her last studio album. Either way, the acclaimed singer and actress is perfectly content with where she is now in her life and career. Look no further than the album’s title.

“It’s called Gratitude because that’s where I am. I mean, look at my life right now. I’m in a constant state of gratitude,” she told Sherri Shepherd in September. “I feel good. I have jobs and opportunities. I’m healthy. My family’s healthy. I have people around that care for me and love me. And I have amazing fans. I’m so grateful to my fans for all the years of love that they’ve given me and support.”

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The For My Fans Tour kicks off Jan. 30 in Greensboro and wraps up April 14 in Boston.