Mary J. Blige Announces ‘A Mary Christmas’ Album

It might still be five months away, but it’s beginning to look at lot like Christmas in Mary J. Blige‘s world. The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul announced that she’s releasing her first-ever Christmas album, cleverly titled A Mary Christmas.

Blige paired up with acclaimed producer David Foster for the first time to create A Mary Christmas. Foster’s work on previous holiday albums from adult contemporary acts like Michael Bublé, Josh Groban, and Celine Dion suggests that Blige’s album will be more traditional, with a touch of the singer’s soulful flare. The album will also feature duets with a handful of big-time singers from Jennifer Lopez to Marc Anthony to the rather unexpected Barbra Streisand.

The album will hit stores in October, a solid season for Christmas albums, in order to capitalize on all the glee and festivities of the approaching holiday season. Blige has made appearances on holidays albums in the past from the likes of Andrea Bocelli and Rod Stewart.

Hear her duet with Bocelli, on “What Child Is This,” below:

[via Rap-Up]