"Love No Limit" is a song by American recording artist Mary J. Blige. It was co-written by Kenny Greene and Dave "Jam" Hall for her debut album, What's the 411? (1992), while production was overseen by Hall. Released in May 1993, by Uptown and MCA as the album's fourth and final single, the song became a top-5 hit, reaching number five on the US Billboard R&B singles chart. It also peaked at numbers 44 and 43 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Cash Box Top 100. Hall has stated in interviews, that he wanted to give the song an urban, hip-hop feel to a much more jazzy sound, when it was created.
R&B singer Monica sang the song as a tribute at the Essence Awards 2003. Monica Sings To MJB At 2003 Essence Awards Blige later performed the song at the 3rd BET Honors in 2010, as part of a medley of her hits, when she paid tribute to honoree Diddy. The song was also briefly played in the 1993 American comedy film CB4, starring Chris Rock.
Critical reception In a retrospective review, Daryl McIntosh from Albumism stated that the "emotional love ballad" "Love No Limit", "reinforced Blige's versatility and ability to deliver in the more traditional R&B format." J.D. Considine from The Baltimore Sun remarked the "gentle, jazzy cadences" of the song.Considine, J.D. (1992). "Mary J. Blige – What's the 411?". The Baltimore Sun. – via Milwaukee Journal. (September 20, 1992). Larry Flick from Billboard magazine wrote, "Once again, her sultry, delightfully seasoned voice melts into a jazzy hip-hop groove. Romantic, swaying gem could become an instant fave at several radio formats. Give in to it." Mark Kinchen for Music Weeks RM Dance Update commented, "Imagine a smoke-filled jazz club with Blige singing in a deep seductive voice over a very smooth basic R&B track. You've got the picture." Jonathan Bernstein from Spin complimented its "irresistible bounce".
Music video The song's accompanying music video for "Love No Limit" was directed by American director Millicent Shelton. It marked the acting debut of British actor Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, whose claim to fame when he starred as a main character on HBO series “OZ” (1994) as Simone Adebesi. He would later star on the television series Lost. In the black-and-white video Blige is singing in a club.
Remix version In the official remix version, which is found on her What's the 411? Remix album, the song opens with a snippet of the original version, then the remix begins with Blige singing it in alternative way: the main beat takes a sample of Keni Burke's "Risin' to the Top" and the 1982 The Gap Band hit "Outstanding" while refraining Anita Baker's 1988 song "Good Love".
Legacy In June 1994, "Love No Limit" won one of ASCAP's R&B Music Awards.
Tracklisting
US Cassette single US 7" single "Love No Limit" (Radio Edit) – 4:10 "Love No Limit" (Instrumental) – 4:59
US Cassette maxi-single US CD single "Love No Limit" (Puffy Daddy Mix) – 3:57 "Love No Limit" (Bad Boy Mix) – 3:56 "Love No Limit" (Jazz) – 4:12 "Love No Limit" (Hip Hop) – 4:07
US 12" single''' "Love No Limit" (Puffy Daddy Mix) – 3:57 "Love No Limit" (Jazz) – 4:12 "Love No Limit" (Hip Hop) – 4:07
Credits and personnel Credits adapted from the What's the 411?'' liner notes.
Sean "Puffy" Combs – executive producer Charlie Davis – executive producer Kenneth Greene – lyrics Dave "Jam" Hall – producer Kurt Woodley – executive producer
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (1993) PeakpositionEurope (European Dance Radio)5UK Dance (Music Week)19US Cash Box Top 10043
Year-end charts Chart (1993) PositionUS Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)24US Cash Box Top 10037
References