The “Queen of Hip Hop Soul,” Mary J Blige, is set to executive produce two new original movies: “Real Love” and “Strength of a Woman.” The two-pack of movies are headlined by Ajiona Alexus (Empire,13 Reasons Why) and Da’Vinchi (BMF, All American) . Premiering June 10 and June 17, both films will portray the highs and lows of young Black love.
Mary J. Blige serves as an executive producer on both original films through her own production banner, Blue Butterfly. Blige has a proven track record of resonating with Lifetime’s audiences, having previously executive produced, The Clark Sisters: The First Ladies of Gospel alongside Queen Latifah and Missy Elliott.
The movies serve as visual components to her timeless hits, “Real Love” and “Strength of a Woman.”
“Real Love” is the second single from Blige’s debut studio album, Whats the 411? (1992). Regarding the meaning of the record, producer Cory Rooney said, “Basically, Mary J. Blige is the female that’s from the hood that sings the pain of all of the females from the hood.” He added, “at that point in her life, she was being taken advantage of by a lot of the industry cats and a song like ‘Real Love’ described her situation.”
“Strength of the Woman” comes off Blige’s thirteenth studio album, Strength of a Woman. Released twenty-five years after her first album, Strength of a Woman is a deep dive into Blige’s love life and career, detailing her abusive relationships and substance addiction. Recently Blige held a Strength of a Woman Festival + Summit in Atlanta featuring a star-studded line-up.