The One (Mary J. Blige song)

"The One"
Single by Mary J. Blige featuring Drake
from the album Stronger with Each Tear
Released	July 21, 2009
Format	Digital download, CD single
Recorded	2009
Genre	Hip hop, electro hop, R&B
Length	3:29
Label	Geffen
Writer(s)	Mary J. Blige, Aubrey Graham, Ester Dean, Rodney Jerkins
Producer	Darkchild
Mary J. Blige singles chronology
"Remember Me" (2008) "The One" (2009) "Stronger" (2009)
Drake singles chronology "Every Girl" (2009) "The One" (2009) "Digital Girl" (2009)

"The One" is the first single from Mary J. Blige's album Stronger with Each Tear. The producer of the song is Rodney Jerkins aka Darkchild and the writers are Mary J. Blige, Canadian rapper Drake, who is also featured on it, Ester Dean and Rodney Jerkins.

Information

Blige told Angie Martinez on her New York radio show that this song introduces the world to 'Crazy Mary'. Blige uses Auto-Tune on this song. She explained why to Martinez: "It was for effect. I wanted 'Crazy Mary' to get her shine on. She couldn't get her shine with my regular voice. I used the effect. I used it as a telephone effect or reverb." Mary announced on June 27, 2009 that the official release for the single would not be until August 4. Despite her comments, the song was released on iTunes on July 21 for download. Mary later stated on July 24 that July 21 was the official release date for the single.

Musical style and Crazy Mary

The song is a very energetic uptempo lasting three minutes and twenty-nine seconds, written by Mary J. Blige collaboration with Aubrey Graham and Esther Dean, and produced by the famous American producer Darkchild. Blige's voice has changed a few features with the Auto Tune. Blige has explained this change on the digital voice in a long interview, explaining: "This song brings my alter ego, the world of Crazy Mary, a persona that is highlighted during live performances, and that will put much emphasis on when my new album coming out in December. AutoTune because I used the highlights in this song Crazy Mary, and since it's crazy, I thought about using the AutoTune because my character is not suited to a song sung without effects on the computer, so I had to do it, it was fun, "explaining further:" This song is one of the most successful of my career, I loved working with Drake, I am very passionate about hip hop, R&B and to dance. This song will not disappoint you, even my future album. greetings to all my fans, by Crazy Mary".

Music video

Blige filmed the music video for the single in August, 2009. She filmed the video for another single, "Stronger", at the same time. The featured artist and Canadian rapper Drake still appeared on the set for the music video, despite reinjuring his ACL on stage during the America's Most Wanted tour just days before.

The music video was released on August 28 2009. It shows Mary in different scene's with neon lights in most of them, Drake is shown rapping alone and in front of Mary,the music video also shows a young man jerking. The video has shown major success on BET's 106 & Park, battling for the number one spot daily. Its success on BET led it to place on the network's Notarized: Top 100 Videos of 2009 countdown at number 35.Anthony Mandler directed the video.

Promotion

The song was also used in an AT&T commercial featuring Blige.

Critical reception

Billboard Magazine's Michael Menachem said that on the song, Blige joins "Auto-Tune nation" and that "The R&B siren sings a warped vocal that enhances the song's vibe of controlled chaos. Drake, who has his own hip-hop/R&B hit "Best I Ever Had," adds a punch of confidence that matches the intensity of Blige's snappy lyrics. Producer Rodney Jerkins, who has been churning out hits since the '90s, provides a forceful rhythmic structure for Blige in the form of a constant pulse underlying his pounding beats. Whether she's demanding exclusivity from her man or touting drama-free single life, Blige always sounds strong".

Chart performance

This song marks Blige's 57th entry on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Blige's sum extends her lead for most charted titles among women in the '90s and '00s. The single debuted at number 63 on Billboard Hot 100.

Charts

Chart (2009)	Peak position
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)	83
US Billboard Hot 100	63
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)	32

External links

• "The One" Music video on YouTube