Mary J. Blige Announces 'The London Sessions' Release Date

All hail the Queen. Mary J. Blige has revealed a release date for her new album The London Sessions.

The R&B veteran spent the summer in the studio with U.K. hitmakers including Sam Smith, Disclosure, Eg White, Emile Sandé, Jimmy Napes, Naughty Boy, and SAM ROMANS.

The album, her first since 2011’s My Life II…The Journey Continues (Act I), will be released December 2 on Capitol Records.

“It’s all about the London music scene and I’m so excited to have been part of it, to record my album,” said Blige. “The songs are fun, therapeutic, and soulful. This is a beautiful change for me and I’m proud of what we have done here.”

The first single, “Therapy,” was co-written by Smith and borrows from doo-wop with its simple beat, minimal instrumentation, and backing harmonies. The song will be available to download on September 23 via iTunes.

Last week, she offered a teaser with “Right Now,” produced by Disclosure and co-written by Smith.

Blige will perform songs from the album at the iTunes Festival in London on September 25.

Watch The London Sessions trailer below via Pitchfork.