There's something about Mary (J. Blige). Makeup artist Billy B. talks about his relationship with the Queen of hip-hop soul.			September 1, 2003 American Salon
	I first met Mary J. Blige on the set of her video for "Everything." I wasn't Mary's first choice for makeup artist. Director Hype Williams wanted me, and Mary hesitantly agreed. The video was in Hawaii, and to this day it was the most difficult set I've ever worked on. Not because of Mary, although it was no secret that I wasn't her choice, but because of the extreme locations and difficult elements. We were hiking to the top of a mountain like billy goats. Mary was in full wardrobe and high heels walking right up the side of a cliff, and I was so embarrassed as I scooted up the trail backwards on my behind because I'm terrified of heights. Because of the location, only a few people could go up, so I had to do the makeup, hair, and fashion styling. For the look of this particular shot, the hairstylist had sewn in a hairpiece of bangs. The wind was so intense at the top that the bangs were flapping and sticking straight up. I had no choice but to rip them out in order to get the shot! We laugh about that to this day. Anyway, you get the picture. That trip was a bonding experience even though Mary didn't say much to me. She was very quiet and would have her		For Mary's new album Love & Life, I'm allowing her true beauty, physically and spiritually, to shine through by playing down the makeup with a fresh, dewy look in browns, beiges, and golds.
	head down with her eyes closed while I was doing her makeup. That was a very different time in her life. Mary has had an amazing journey. I have watched her transform herself physically and spiritually throughout the years. She has worked incredibly hard to learn how to love herself and in return has found love. She is in a great relationship, engaged to be married, and more focused on her career than ever. She is a true inspiration to me not only as an enormous talent but also as a human being. If you have experienced the chills she gives you when she performs, it is even more inspiring to hear her talk about her life and the lessons she has learned. I feel privileged to work with her and to be her friend. When I'm in her presence, I know that one day long after I am gone the work that we have done together will be a piece of history, because a talent like hers will live forever. She is already a living legend, and I'm proud to have shared just a part of her amazing journey personally and professionally. Mary's new album Love & Life is destined to be a classic-just like she is.