Exclusive Audio: Mary J. Blige Tells It to Us Straight

Mary J. Blige, the reigning diva of R&B, who recently received eight Grammy nominations for her 2005 album The Breakthrough, spoke to our Austin Scaggs about her music, her past and her pop-lock skills. Listen to choice excerpts of their interview:

Blige on the music that she listened to growing up, her first big performance and her break-dancing abilities.

Blige on singing's power to make her lose herself.

Blige reveals the struggles that inspired her album, The Breakthrough.

The singer on her friendship with Bono.

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Song Stories

“Youth Knows No Pain”

Lykke Li | 2011

“Like on 'Youth Knows No Pain' — we are the ones that should demonstrate, because we can take it,” Likke Li said. “We can pierce ourselves, take Ecstasy, dance all night and still go to work at our McDonald's jobs.” Despite the hedonistic sentiment in the song, the Swedish singer also admitted in hindsight her youth had repercussions. “I remember when I was 18-19 and feeling that I know it all,” Li said. “I always feel that I know it all. But that song is about realizing you don’t, and reflecting, ‘Boy, if I only knew what would follow.’”

More Song Stories entries »

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