October 07, 2005 @ 11:37 am

The R&B Diva Debate: Mary vs. Faith

by: Patrick Taliaferro

Like all great beefs, this sizzle is still in effect eons later - even though each artist has carved her own niche in hip hop's cash cow. I decided to compare the urban divas, and determine once and for all who rocks harder.

• Hip Hop Credibility: One is the widow of the '”Greatest Rapper of all Time,” while the other is dubbed the “Queen of hip hop Soul.” (Mary)

• The Look: Faith's newly svelte, but she was getting dates even when she was a thicky. Despite being the same size for years, Mary's constant scowling face seemingly holds her back from being a real sex symbol – incidentally that hasn't stopped her from becoming a hip hop style maven. (Mary)

• The Vocals: Faith possesses a soft and sweet lilt which grows from a whisper to a roar whenever needed, while Mary has a passionate, heartfelt, and earthy voice, which is often off tune. (Faith)

• Hairy Situation: Both ladies dazzle with a myriad of tress dressing. While Faith has been rocking the red for a while, it's Mary who keeps it fresh rocking innovative styles like a true drama queen. (Mary)

• Writing Skills: Faith pens most of her tunes and also contributing to Mary's groundbreaking sophomore opus, My Life. Meanwhile, the only line that Mary can take credit for writing is that she wants, 'No More Drama.' (Faith)

• Education: After high school Faith received a full scholarship to Fordham University, meanwhile Mary recently announced she was planning on getting a GED. (Faith)

• Global Appeal: While Faith has a substantial fan base (her fourth album, The First Lady opened with a career high No. 2 on Billboard), Mary has more albums under her belt and a celebrity fan list that includes Sting, Elton John, Ellen Degeneres, and Jack & Kelly Osbourne. There is also a cover of “Real Love” going around that's sung by a white chick, Faith has yet to be covered (unless you count the time Charli Baltimore imitated her in that “Get Money” video). (Mary)

• Legendary Music: Most Faith fans would tout her debut album, Faith Evan's as a classic. But Mary's, My Life album surpassed even her fans expectations and would most likely be on a favorites list of any true hip hop head. (Mary)

The Score: Mary 5, Faith 3

While both women are stellar in their own right, I determined that the victor is Mary J. Blige.

Agree or Disagree? Click here to comment.

Patrick Taliaferro resides in Manhattan, and is currently the Online Editor for Men's Fitness magazine. His words have appeared in Gotham, Upscale, and Mugshot magazines. Taliaferro received a Bachelors degree in Psychology from Old Dominion University in Norfolk Virginia, and began his writing career after deciding he'd rather write about hip hoppers and R&B divas than wear a lame suit to a boring corporate gig. Despite having no formal writing training, he says his life proves, 'It's all about whom you know, not what you know.' The views expressed by this writer do not represent beliefs held by VIBE. Read more vibe.com online exclusives.

Article tags: Mary J. Blige, Faith Evans, Mary, Faith, Diddy 

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