This version contains a P. Diddy/Mario Winans remix of the song, "No More Drama."
Personnel includes: Mary J. Blige (vocals); Eve, P. Diddy, Pharrell Williams, Lenny Kravitz, Marshane Smith, Ja Rule, Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliot.
Producers include: Bryan Peguero, Chucky Thompson, Dame Grease, Dr. Dre, Floyd Howard.
"He Think I Don't Know" won the 2003 Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.
From P Diddy to Lenny Kravitz, a plethora of producers and guest stars graces this updated, remix-added version of Mary J. Blige's 2001 NO MORE DRAMA, a situation usually signaling a dearth of creativity on behalf of the featured artist. Fortunately that's not the case here. Blige is fully in control, from a lyrical reworking of the '70s Al Green classic "Simply Beautiful" entitled "PMS," which could well become an anthem for women suffering from those disabling symptoms, to the Dr. Dre-produced "Family Affair," in which this classic R&B singer self-confidently modernizes her image for the J-Lo generation.
"He Think I Don't Know" is vintage Blige, her roots firmly in late-'70s deep soul, while the autobiographical "Where I've Been" features Eve paying homage to a woman who's struggled through poverty and drug addiction and come out the other side a stronger person. This is a masterful effort that finds Mary J. Blige successfully updating her sound while retaining the musical depth that got her where she is today.
What the critics say...
Uncut (11/01, p.102) - 3 1/2 stars out of 5 - "...Her knack for emotional theatre remains just as potent as any other....Unusually engaging..."
