Mary J. Blige Inks Catalog Deal With Primary Wave Music, No. 1 Hit "Family Affair" Included

Mary J. Blige has inked a catalog deal with Primary Wave Music, and “Family Affair,” arguably the most known hit in her oeuvre, is part of the partnership.

Monday (Oct. 26), Primary Wave Music, self-billed as “the world’s leading independent publisher for legendary music,” announced that it was partnering with the nine-time Grammy winner on “compositions and recordings” from across her 15 studio albums.

Though the full extent of the deal, and financial details, had not been publicly confirmed as of this writing, the wording of Monday’s press release points to the partnership pulling from songs as far back as those found on 1992’s What’s the 411?, and as recently as 2024’s Gratitude.

Among the specific tracks confirmed as being part of the deal are the Dr. Dre-produced 2001 hit “Family Affair,” which peaked at No. 1 on the Hot 100, plus the following: “My Life,” “Mary Jane (All Night Long),” “You Bring Me Joy,” “Be Happy,” “Be Without You,” and “I Can Love You.”

As part of the deal, Blige will be able to utilize Primary Wave’s marketing and publishing services. In a statement, Natalia Nastaskin, who serves as the publisher’s chief content officer, said that partnering with Blige on her catalog was “an honor for me and for our entire Primary Wave team.”

The larger Primary Wave family also counts Britney Spears, André 3000, the late Whitney Houston, and more among its roster.