Nearly two decades after releasing her 'My Life' album, Mary J. Blige is prepping the follow-up later this year and despite the name, she says the content is totally different.

On 'My Life II: The Journey Continues' the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul says fans can expect the same passionate vocals that she's become famous for, but Blige, now 40 years old and married, is more equipped to deal with obstacles that come her way. "I would say I've learned that trials and tribulations will continue to stand but the beauty is I know how to deal with navigating [through] them now," she tells the BoomBox. "As long as you're living, you're going to have [to deal with] life."

While production and writing credits include Alicia Keys, Swizz Beatz, Bangladesh and DJ Premier, Blige says that she will keep guest features light as she narrows down tracks for the final project. "Right now, we don't have any features except for Fabulous," she reveals.

The original 'My Life' was released in 1994, and featured the hit singles, 'Be Happy' and 'I'm Going Down.' Executive produced by Sean "Diddy" Combs, the album peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard album charts selling 200,000 copies in its first week.

'My Life II: The Journey Continues' hits stores Oct. 4.

Watch Mary J. Blige's 'Someone to Love Me (Naked)'

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