Kids are a major element of being a parent, but not everyone wants kids. The Queen of Hip Hop Soul, is one of them. Throughout her career that has spanned over three decades, Mary J. Blige has continued to set the bar for what Black Girls Magic means. In a recent interview with E! ‘s Daily Pop, Blige decided to open up on her decision not to have kids.

“I have nieces and nephews forever, and I’m always watching how people are scrambling for babysitters,” said Blige. “I don’t want to go through that. I like my freedom to go and move and do what I want to do. I don’t want to have to tend to someone all the time.”

Over the years, Blige’s impressive career has earned her the love and respect of many fans, who could often relate to the soulful pain in her voice when she sang of love and heartbreak. This recent interview highlights Blige’s propensity to be vulnerable, raw, and blatantly honest about some of her personal experiences, both good and bad.

In the interview with E!, Blige also shared that she was not expecting to have kids in the near future either.

“Right now, that’s where I’m at. But, I don’t think it’s [having kids] gonna happen,” said Blige.

In her previous marriage to ex-husband Kendu Issacs, Blige was a step-mother to his multiple kids from previous relationships, but the former couple never shared biological children together.

Blige continues to remain a force within Black culture because of her style, music, and impact. Earlier in February, she took the Super Bowl stage with some of Hip Hop’s heavyweights and still seamlessly held her own. This is one of the arts that she has mastered over the years; the ability to be the only woman in a room of powerful men yet maintain her soulful and sultry aura.

The “Good Morning Gorgeous” singer even has more exciting things coming up. Earlier this month, she announced that she would be creating her first-ever summit dubbed ‘Strength Of A Woman Festival And Summit,’ an event that will kick off in Atlanta from May 6th through May 8th.