July 11, 2001 12:41

MARY CALLS IN THE DOCTOR

And NME.COM can reveal the star's forthcoming album contains a host of guest appearances from the likes of Lenny Kravitz and Jay-Z...

Details are beginning to emerge about MARY J BLIGE's hugely anticipated and still untitled new album.

NME.COM can reveal that forthcoming single, 'Family Affair', produced by Dr Dre, marks Blige's return to the hiphop soul fold with her first club cut in years, following the more emotionally laden hits from her previous two releases, 'Share My World' and 'Mary'.

Aside from Dre the album boasts a varied roster of guests including Lenny Kravitz, Jay Z, Eve, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and The Neptunes.

The collaboration with Kravitz on their updating of Aretha Franklin's classic 'Rock Steady' has already been bootlegged in the US and may not now find its way onto the album.

An uplifting vibe is said to permeate the record, which reflects Blige's new-found personal happiness, following stories of an allegedly abusive relationship with Jodeci
's Kci Hailey and her reported drug problems.

Blige is the subject of a forthcoming documentary on the UK's BBC2, set for broadcast in August.