Mary J. Blige Reveals Why She Passed on Rihanna’s “Umbrella”
The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul explains why the 2007 mega-hit “wasn’t for” her, despite being offered the track before Rihanna.
In a recent interview, music icon Mary J. Blige opened up about turning down a song that would go on too define a generation – Rihanna’s “Umbrella.” This decision highlights the importance of self-awareness in a demanding industry.
The story of “Umbrella” is a fascinating one, beginning not with Rihanna, but with britney Spears. The song was initially penned with spears in mind, co-written by a star-studded team including Jay-Z, The-Dream, and producers Tricky Stewart and kuk Harrell.However, Spears ultimately passed on the opportunity, already having a clear direction for her then-upcoming album.
Following Spears’ decision, the track landed on the desk of Mary J. Blige,with LA Reid,CEO of Island Def Jam – Rihanna’s label – championing the song. Despite the industry backing, Blige ultimately decided to pass.
Speaking with Carmelo Anthony on the 7PM In Brooklyn podcast, Blige detailed her reasoning. “It’s not something that got away from me, it’s just that I know what’s for me and what’s not for me,” she stated. She specifically recalled her reaction to the song’s distinctive chorus. “Dream and Tricky came to me with ‘Umbrella’. All I heard was “eh, eh,” and I was like, “yo, my fans are gonna bug out on me if they hear me talking about ‘eh, eh, eh’,” she explained, referencing the repetitive vocal melody. “So I was like, ‘I got a lot going on. I’m gonna pass.’ Then when I heard Rihanna do it, I was like, ‘See, it was for Rihanna.It wasn’t for me.'”
Blige emphasized her confidence in making difficult decisions. “I’m not afraid to pass on something that’s not for me. It got away, it got away, but it wasn’t for me in the first place.”
The-Dream himself shed light on the song’s origins in a 2017 interview on Drink Champs, describing it as being “written out of pure pressure in life.” He explained that the song’s themes of financial stability resonated with his own experiences at the time. “It’s almost like having an out-of-body experience. I watched myself walk in and write that record. The record was written for Britney Spears.”
Rihanna, who propelled “Umbrella” to global dominance in 2007, has not released a studio album sence 2016’s Anti, instead focusing on her successful business ventures and acting career.She recently welcomed her third child with A$AP Rocky,and reports suggest potential rescheduling of previously cancelled London concert dates later this year.
Meanwhile, Mary J.Blige continues to thrive, having recently shared the stage with 50 Cent and Davido at a major performance at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last year. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that artistic integrity and a clear understanding of one’s own brand can be just as vital as chasing the next big hit.
You can watch the full interview with Mary J. Blige on the 7PM In Brooklyn podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOUR_YOUTUBE_LINK_HERE.
