Mary J. Blige’s “Family Affair” Lyrics Decoded

We all remember Mary J. Blige's Dr. Dre produced smash hit "Family Affair" and the line "Don't need no hateration, holleration in this dancerie?". Like most lyrics in hip hop and R&B we pay no attention to "made up words" and "slang" because, well its what we do. But did you know that for YEARS we've been getting it totally wrong!

Turns out according to Tea & Breakfast that the actual lyrics are "holleration in this DANCE SOIREE'". "Soiree'" by definition means "an evening party or gathering, typically in a private house, for conversation or music." That makes more sense than "dancerie" or "dancery" but I DON'T CARE! Its set in stone for me and everyone else. Just remember next time to sing the right lyrics right okay?