That was a great one-two punch in the history of R&B. Songwriters: Johnta Austin, Mary J Blige, Bryan Michael Cox, Jason Lamont Perry. “Be Without You” came right on the heels as Mariah Carey’s “We Belong Together” was dying down, so I’m proud of that accomplishment. And of course, the Grammy wins were just icing on the cake. When she hit that note at the end, it’s like “Woah, we got one!” It came out crazy and the rest was history! I knew it was going to be a hit, but not at the level that it went on to become. I wasn’t in the studio with her, but I remember hearing it for the first time. He went in to do additional touch-ups and produced Mary’s vocals. But I remember hearing the stories about Ron Fair vouching for the record.

I don’t think Jimmy Iovine was sure about putting the record out as a single. I hate saying all my hits came quick, but “Be Without You” was like a 20 minute session.

I got a question for ya (See, I already know the answer) But still I wanna ask you, will you lie? (No) Make me cry? (No) Do somethin' behind my back and then try to cover it up? Well, neither would I, baby My love is on the up and up (Yes) I'll be faithful (Yes) I'm for real (Yes) And with us you'll always know the deal We've been too strong for too long And I can't be without you, baby (Oh) And I'll be waitin' up until you get home 'Cause I can't sleep without you, baby (Oh, oh) If anybody who's ever loved you know just what I feel Too hard to fake it, nothin' can replace it Call the radio if you just can't be without your baby, yeah See, this is real talk, I'ma always stay (No matter what) Good or bad (Thick and thin) Right or wrong (All day, every day, hey) Now if you're down on love or don't believe this ain't for you (No, this ain't for you) And if you got it deep in your heart And deep down you know that it's true (Come on, come on, come on) Well, let me see you put your hands up (Hands up) Fellas, tell your lady she's the one Fellas, tell your lady she's the one Oh, put your hands up (Hands up) Ladies, let him know he's got you locked Look him right in his eyes and tell himĪgain, Chris Higgs made a connection with her husband Kendu Isaacs at the time.

Mary j blige be without you lyric