BallerStatus.net caught up with MJB as she discussed her latest album, what hip-hop means to her, which R&B singers she’s impressed with, the Nina Simone project and her upcoming clothing line. Today, we are deluged with young female R&B singers. Truth be told: they could all learn something from Ms. Mary J. Blige. It’s time to get the red carpet out. This is Mary J. Blige. All Hail The Queen.

BallerStatus.net: When you look at the landscape of female R&B today, are there singers out there that you like to listen to and admire?

Mary J. Blige: I see so many and there is a few that have pieces of everything I have ever done and they definitely stand out. You have people that are really talented — Alicia Keys, who is talented and I respect her; you have Keyshia Cole, who is just starting out and trying to find out who she is and she can sing, so you have to admire that; Beyonce, who from the jump was a businesswoman and is very smart and you have to respect that; and you have Fantasia, who is a singing fool [laughs] and I’m using that in a positive way. She can truly blow and she’s an entertainer when you watch her. That’s probably all I can name right now. For more on the interview, Click Here

- BallerStatus