Mary J. Blige stronger than ever

NEW YORK — Mary J. Blige, who is known as the "queen of hip-hop soul," says she has kept her lofty title because she stays in tune with what younger audiences want to hear.

"I always get inspired back from the Rihannas and the Beyonces," the 38-year-old says.

"You just have to be open enough to learn from another generation. ... That's being a smart person, and that's why I'm always able to be just right there — not doing what they do, but what I do."

Blige's latest CD, "Stronger With Each Tear," has a fresh sound that maintains her R&B groove. It is her ninth studio release.

In a recent interview, Blige — who has won nine Grammy Awards since her debut in 1992 — talked about R&B music, recording a jazz album — and being a crybaby.

The Associated Press: Would you say that you're a sensitive person?

Blige: I would say that I'm a very sensitive person.

AP: Are you crying about the same things that you cried about earlier in your career?

Blige: I think I cry about different things now. I cry because I want to be better than this. I want to continue to grow, so, you know, I have to give myself a break. I'm my worst critic. I'm the hardest person on me. I've been like that forever, but I've just learned to give myself a break, so even now when I slip ... I don't want to hurt anyone. And I cry when I hurt people unintentionally.

AP: How do you react when one of your songs is played on the radio?

Blige: If I hear one of my old songs like "Not Gon' Cry" or "My Life" — the "My Life" album just always makes me stop and just cry, like just bawl. So call me a crybaby, whatever. I'm a woman, too, so sometimes it's just that time.

AP: Is it hard to perform those emotional songs when, at this point, you're in a different place?

Blige: For me, performing "Not Gon' Cry" and "I'm Goin' Down" and "My Life" — it's like therapy again. I just love the way it makes me feel at the moment, and get it out of my system, you know. Those are hurtful places, and sometimes you got to revisit for the sake of other people.

AP: How would you compare today's R&B music with the '90s music?