Listeners of {$Mary J. Blige}'s seasoned and confident fifth studio release will have zero problems remembering the album's title, {^No More Drama}. An {\urban}-sounding vocal sample that sings, "{$Mary J. Blige}, no more drama," plays throughout the length of the 17-track disc. This very well may be the first time such a tactic has been used in contemporary music; generally a vocal sample repeats throughout the course of only one song, but because the fare on {^No More Drama} is so good, this recurring vocal sample is as subtle and congruent as a consistent drum hit. {$Blige} has come a long way since 1992's breakthrough, {^What's the 411?}, and that's made very clear on this solid disc. The {\singer/songwriter} has blossomed into an all-out {\R&B} diva -- with a {\hip-hop} edge -- full of soul and command. Her songs on this recording exude the wisdom of a woman who's seen it all and has found her center. And she will no longer tolerate drama, pettiness, and overall crap. In 2001's crop of {\R&B} singers, {$Blige}'s voice was truly inimitable. It's husky, strong, soulful, and full of maturity. Make no mistake, though, this lady can still flow like no one's business; just check out the bouncy album-opener {&"Love."} In fact, many of the record's cuts are standout moments. For instance, only {$Blige} has the balls to write and pull off a song called {&"PMS,"} a soulful and bluesy number that describes, in detail, this condition inherent to the female experience. And while she also explores themes of love, {$Blige}'s disc is essentially a journey through her personal evolution and spirituality. The final cut, {&"Testimony,"} best summarizes the album's theme: finding what's real in life. And for {$Blige}, that's self-love and God. To her credit, {$Blige} has a killer instinct for penning lyrics that people can relate to and creating gritty, thick, and {\soul}-infused {\R&B} fare. (She does get some help on this disc from such {\R&B} and {\hip-hop} heavyweights as {$Missy Elliot}, {$Jimmy Jam}, and {$Terry Lewis}, among others.) Her music is more than heard, it is felt, and audiences would be hard-pressed to not surrender to her groove. Interestingly, many of {$Blige}'s peers sing about drama, but not this artist -- not anymore. [{^No More Drama} was rereleased in early 2002 with a handful of different tracks.] ~ Liana Jonas, All Music Guide