Fans of the Queen of R&B were in for a treat with the release of her original film “Real Love,” now airing on Lifetime. And it’s only one project of note that Mary J. Blige has on the way.
Mary J Blige has lived out her life in the public’s eye. But this isn’t anything revelatory, as such is part and parcel of being in the industry. However, Mary’s journey is a little different from most. With this icon, transparency has always been a signature. There has never been any need for much speculation surrounding what was happening in the queen’s life. What she needed fans to know, she chronicled in song. Mary’s ups and downs are etched on tape, vinyl, and in the dots and dashes of bytes of data. And now she adds one more testimonial through film. June 10 marked the premiere of “Real Love,” a Lifetime movie adapted not only after Blige’s hit single but her life experience.
A Gift from Mary J. Blige
In celebration of Black Music Month, Lifetime premiered a Mary J. Blige original feature, “Real Love.” While Blige serves as executive producer, the made for tv film was directed by Camrus Johnson while Sonja Warfield and Rachel Ingram penned the script. As most can deduce, “Real Love” is a story about a blossoming relationship in the earlier years of one’s life. A young woman named Kendra, who falls for a young classmate named Ben, finds the bonds of her relationship tested. As Rated R&B notes,
“Kendra and Ben’s budding romance is tested, from disapproving parents and financial hardships to an unexpected pregnancy.”
And as many of us know all too well that it takes a test of fire to determine if a relationship is true if it’s actually “Real Love.” And sometimes, it’s not always the test of trials that brings revelation. Sometimes it’s the challenge of success as more of the plot discloses,
“It won’t be until Kendra leaves Ben behind to follow her dreams that she understands if she and he have real love.”
Real Love; A Real Success
“Real Love” became a defining song for Mary J. Blige. It is at what many would term her breakout hit. “Real Love” was released in 1992 on Blige’s album “What’s the 411” and went straight to the top of the Billboard charts.
One of the most powerful indicators of Blige’s future success at the time was the resonance of the ballad, a signature that underlies her reign. When asked why “Real Love” was chosen as a piece for representation via film, Blige relayed, “Now I’m able to see what true love is and let people know that love matters … relationships matter … Black love matters — love matters, period. I chose ‘Real Love’ because it was my first real song and the journey I was on.”
Blige’s Lifetime Features
The great news is this will not be the only Mary J. Blige offering that fans will get. Mary J. Blige has also been working on another original movie, “Strength of a Woman. “And like “Real Love,” this upcoming feature is also sourced from another Mary J. song.
“Real Love” is now streaming on Lifetime for fans extra hyped about these Blige originals. And the upcoming film ” Strength of a Woman” also premieres June 17 on Lifetime.
