Mary J. Blige is the reigning queen of hip-hop soul. Her iconic albums like ‘Whats The 411,’ ‘Share My World,’ and ‘The Breakthrough’ is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Mary J. Bliges groundbreaking career. Most of our mothers and aunties stayed spinning Mary J. Blige’s records, and many of us are now blasting those same classic hits like ‘Real Love,’ ‘I Can Love You,’ and ‘Not Gon Cry’ from our own music playlists. Although Mary J. Blige’s record
hit list is endless, there was almost one more song added to her repertoire of smash singles.
Rihannas chart topping and record breaking 2007 hit Umbrella almost was recorded by Mary J. Blige. The song, written by singer songwriter The-Dream and fellow songwriter Christopher Tricky Stewart, actually landed in the lap of Mary J. Blige before it went to pop superstar Rihanna.
As noted by
Elle, during an appearance on
Bravos ‘Watch What Happens Live After Show’, Mary J. Blige was asked a fan submitted question about why she turned down the song by host Andy Cohen. It was during Grammy time for me, it was a big Grammy time. I was nominated for eight Grammys and I was trying to get myself together for that,” she explained. “And during that time, thats when Umbrella came to me and I couldnt do anything with it because I was so busy with my own life and I was like, you know what? It doesn’t even sound like me anyway.”
Even though Mary J Blige could have potentially had another hit song as a notch on her belt, she is completely content with her decision to forego Umbrella. In response to Andy Cohen asking her if she regretted the decision, she confidently said No, because Everything about that song was tailor-made for Rihanna and nothing about that song was Mary J. Blige she said. My fans wouldve been bugging out on me. But for Rihanna, it was perfect Mary J. Blige added.
Although the song eventually found its rightful songstress to bring it to life, hit songwriter The-Dream, who has written for many big time artists like Beyonce and Mariah Carey, actually had seen Britney Spears singing Umbrella according to Teen Vogue too.
The-Dream previously told Revolt’s
Drink Champs in an interview that he initially wrote “Umbrella” for Britney Spears. “I watched myself walk in and write that record. The record was written for Britney Spears,” The-Dream said. But when Rihanna heard it, she boldly declared “Umbrella” as hers. She walked up to my manager and said ‘that’s my f*cking record,” he continued.
Whew Bad Girl RiRi doesn’t play when it comes to her music or her money! Luckily the song found its spot with Rihanna, where it best belongs.
