Respect The Shooter: Jamil GS Speaks on Photographing JAY Z, OutKast, Nas, & More

Mary J. Blige

“I was hired to shoot what would become the first Mary J. Blige cover for Trace Magazine. It was also my first magazine cover shoot. The location was a hotel suite at the Parker Meridian Hotel in midtown Manhattan. I remember being distracted by the entourage that accompanied Mary. So much so, that it was hard to connect with her. She almost wanted to cancel the shoot. Eventually, we found a more intimate setting to get acquainted and soon we were vibing and getting some iconic shots. I had shot Mary J. three years earlier for another occasion and it was a pleasure to watch a beautiful woman and an amazing artist in transformation. Just look at her today. Wow.”