Mary J. Blige Reflects on Inspirations Behind 'My Life' in New Documentary Trailer

In the emotional trailer featuring a breakdown of the moments leading up to the release of her second album My Life, Mary J. Blige shares, "My Life is probably my darkest album at one of the darkest times I’ve had."

Mary J. Blige is getting her flowers in a new documentary highlighting the 25th anniversary of her album My Life. Titled Mary J. Blige's My Life, the Amazon Studios film directed by Oscar-winner Vanessa Roth dissects the pivotal release and all of the inspirations behind it. 

“My Life is probably my darkest album at one of the darkest times I’ve had,” she said in the film’s first trailer that arrived on Tuesday. She added, “Most of the time I was just depressed and didn’t want to live. I had it all inside and I was able to sing it and write it, and I didn’t know that so many people felt the same way.” 

The documentary is slated to also feature footage from live performances of Blige’s first performances of the album. At one point in the trailer, she says, “The only thing I think that kept us guided was the music… it just saved you.” During another moment, the singer touches on growing up in Yonkers and how it impacted her. There’s an air of resilience captured in the trailer which stems directly from Mary’s energy and the relatable nature of her life’s story that inspired her music. 

Alongside snapshots of Blige’s pivotal career moments, there are also quick clips of some of her biggest music videos, one being “Real Love.” Diddy, who was responsible for the early stages of Blige’s music career at Uptown Records, Alicia Keys and Taraji P. Henson are also interviewed in the documentary. Fans also appear captivated by Mary’s music throughout the emotional clip.

Mary J. Blige and Diddy executive produced the feature film with Quincy Jones serving as executive music producer.