Mary                                                                                                   Mary

(cont.)

Update:

There are a couple of details I've discovered since writing the original Mary Mary blog that I'm sure you guys would be interested to know. In this recent issue of Ebony out on newsstands May 7, Tina speaks about infidelity and Erica addresses how she says, "God wants me to go solo."

Since my last blog, I uncovered some noteworthy symbolism worth the conversation. First things first, let's talk about the look of this Ebony cover--keep in mind, these are supposed to be "Gospel" singers. One might ask, why Erica would choose such a short, revealing, nightgown or almost lingerie-like dress to be photographed on a cover for millions to see. Can't forget the contrast of black & white which represent the duality of good vs evil derived from the checkerboard pattern found in Masonic lodges/temples; Tina's also flashing the all-seeing eye by hiding her  left eye--refer to my previous blogs for more clarity regarding that. But why the lacey black get-up? I'd say both of their looks appear to be inspired by the styling in Beyonce's Run the World Video. What do you think?

Notice the resemblance in the styling of Beyonce and Tina's hair; their dresses serving as a product of similar inspiration from the other "Run the World" looks below.

In my last blog I make mention of Erica Campbell of Mary Mary, being spotted at one of the 4 Intimate Nights (4 nights of exclusive performances by Beyoncé herself for only her closest celebrity guests) at Roseland Ballroom in New York City--August 14, 16, 18, & 19.

Again, I ask, why would a Gospel artist/self-proclaimed Christian attend a concert in direct contradiction of the beliefs of the bible/God.

This look innately resembling that of Lady Gaga in her Judas video, said to be channeling The "Whore of Babylon" or "Babylon the Great", who is mentioned in the book of Revelation (in the bible) as "the Mother of Prostitutes and Abominations of the Earth." As a Christian, rather aware or unaware, why haven't you consulted with your stylist (your younger sister) as to clothing that's not reminiscent of a character in the bible known for her representation as the pinnacle of prostitution. 

Here, Gaga is depicted as The "Whore of Babylon" or "Babylon the Great" in her video Judas. The bible makes reference to "the great whore that sitteth upon many waters" in Revelation 17:1. It goes on to talk about being dressed in purple and scarlet and being decked with gold and precious stones and pearls. Vevo even lists Judas as a recommendation if watching "Run The World." Why would you draw style inspiration or any for that matter, from two icons clearly known for nothing short of whoring. 

Another photo of Mary Mary strategically depicted to represent Light vs Dark or Good vs Evil

Now, let's get into where Mary Mary actually got their start. In this inclusive booking listing, it lists not only how they got their start, but who they sang backup for and artist in the industry they've written for. It notes that they've written for artists like 702 and Dru Hill. Keep in mind, the site will not allow you to copy anything, as this poses a serious risk to revealing who they really are (sarcasm*). This link was even rather difficult to access considering it's only listed on one area of their site and not widely promoted. It includes how Erica sang backup for people like Brian McKnight, Brandy, Terry Ellis, and Ray J; Tina for Kenny Lattimore and Eric Benet. Erica even admits to developing one of the Mary's in Mary Mary from Mary Magdalene. Really? Again, why would you want to be associated with a woman in the bible known for carrying evil spirits. Why not Sarah or Ester, notable women of the bible of stature and grace.

And I quote, Tina says, "I think one of the misconceptions about gospel music is that it's dreary or sad, or 'Oh Lord, help me' - something that brings you down. That's not me. I'm living in a natural world - first natural, then spiritual, my heart is still the same. It's just my relationship with God is always there. Being thankful or talking about joy just goes to the music I hear and that's how I write these songs." See link here

Wow. I think that's by far the most fleshly statement ever given from a so-called Christian artist to date! There's so much wrong with this statement I don't even know where to start. 

But of course I will attempt. While I do agree Gospel music can have a tendency to come off rather slow or sad sometimes, that's the nature of some songs when talking about pain or heartache. Similar to secular music, every song isn't written to be a club-banger, so why then expect every song on an album or in church to be an uptempo, foot-stompin', fast-paced song. It just doesn't work that way, & she of all people should know that! However, I do believe some artists like any other specialize in either slower worship songs or maybe faster praise songs, but it should never be a case of associating slow with something dreary or boring. Some of the most popular and inspirational Gospel songs are that of slow arrangements. It should never be referred to as bringing you down when talking about the Lord, the Bible speaks of the joy of the Lord being our strength. We know that in our weakness, he is made strong. So it should never be a place that we get to that we don't ask the Lord to help us, and if we do, that's the first sign of a backsliding Christian needing to be reconciled back to God. We know that the bible says, We are in the world, but not of it (John 17:14-15). And that we walk not after the lust of the flesh, but after the Spirit (Romans 8:1). We know that John 2:15 says, Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. Romans 12:12 says, be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind and 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. So I will never understand how someone professing to be a Christian can say, they first live natural and then spiritual when Romans 8:4 clearly says, "That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." If we are to become new creatures and be transformed by the renewing of our minds, how would your heart stay the same? Even a sinner knows you have to confess with your mouth and believe in your heart to become saved. How then could your heart remain the same? And she's doing just that, talking to the sound of music, and when the music stops, so does the joy she feels, conviction towards God (if any) and everything else associated with her heart. Being thankful should be a constant state of being as a Christian; joy, being a fruit of the spirit is a benefit you possess when serving God. It's only when you're pretending that it becomes an emotion similar to happiness which is altered from everything to the weather to a bad hair day. I can honestly say, based off that statement (and let's pray she's had a revelation since then) she doesn't have a clue of what it truly means to walk after God or live a lifestyle that's pleasing in his eyesight. Her reality show on WEtv shows this clearly every time I've tuned in--they never pray, never mention the name Jesus, I think the only time they went to church was to receive an award and one sister was late. I find it hard to believe that you're Gospel singers under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, but you spend no time talking to God or at least not enough deemed worthy of airtime. 

Warryn--12 year hubby of Erica Atkins-Campbell, is the catalyst of Mary Mary, crediting himself for the careers of the sisters and presenting them to EMI Music in '96, later leading to them signing to popular label, Columbia Records. He's produced/written music for the likes of Alicia Keys, Kanye West, and Mos Def which I think further adds to the overall direction the group is going in. I wasn't able to read exactly why Erica claims, she's being led to embark on a solo career, but I was able to snag this quote online from the Ebony issue out on newsstands May 7.

“I feel like my husband has been called to minister,” Erica explained. “Now I said, ‘Lord, when I first started dating this guy he worked for Death Row Records, but he was from the church. That was a perfect combination for me: a little street, a little church.”

Sounds like a lot of hypocrisy. 

Mary Mary is noted for sampling "Gypsy Woman (She's Homeless)" by Crystal Waters in their 2010 lead single, "Walking". They've also collaborated with David Banner in heir 2008 album, "The Sound" and T-Pain as producer of the widely successful "crossover" hit, "God In Me."

This video generated a lot of buzz on YouTube and among audiences for its dark theme and bizarre fashion. 

Watch below

I guess maybe this explains why they're reaching out to work with secular artists & maybe why Erica's bent on launching her solo career. 

Or maybe their drab new fashion sense?

Either way, we can call all agree this isn't the original Mary Mary we all fell in love with years ago, or that Erica is guaranteed a solo career.