Mary J. Blige partners with Primary Wave on her “catalog”
"Family Affair", "My Life" and "Be Without You" are among the songs in the deal. Here's what was announced and what wasn't.
The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul has a new partner for her life's work. On Monday, October 26, Primary Wave Music announced a partnership with Mary J. Blige covering her catalog compositions and recordings.
The announcement names "Family Affair", "My Life", "Mary Jane (All Night Long)", "You Bring Me Joy", "Be Happy", "Be Without You" and "I Can Love You" among the songs included. Blige and her team also get access to Primary Wave's marketing and publishing machine: branding, digital and sync, meaning film, TV and ad placements.
- Announced
- Mon Oct 26, 2026
- Covers
- Compositions and recordings
- Records sold
- 50M+ (per Primary Wave)
- Grammys
- 9 wins, 37 nominations
What wasn't announced matters too. No price, ownership stake or term was disclosed. Music Business Worldwide noted the release doesn't say whether Primary Wave bought any ownership at all, so we're calling it a partnership, not a sale.
She joins a Primary Wave roster that already includes the catalogs of Prince, Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross, James Brown and Isaac Hayes. "To partner with the Queen herself on her extraordinary catalog and her everlasting legacy is an honor," said chief content officer Natalia Nastaskin.
Meanwhile, Mary's Las Vegas residency has been extended into 2027, with five more shows in February. If a new generation finds "My Life" through a film placement, we're all for it.
