Mary J. Blige Wants Fans to Know They're 'Not Alone' in 'Dealing with Life': 'Everyone Has Something' (Exclusive)

• Mary J. Blige opened up to PEOPLE about her triumphant new single "You Ain't the Only One"
• Blige also said that she hopes fans will visit her Rock & Roll Hall of Fame exhibit and walk away knowing more about her life pre-stardom
• Her new album Gratitude is due Nov. 15
  

Mary J. Blige’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame was nothing short of emotional. 

Seconds after performing a sweat-producing medley of favorites from her decades-spanning body of work (“My Life,” “Love No Limit,” “Be Happy,” and “Family Affair”), the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul poured her heart and some tears into her speech at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland on Saturday, Oct. 19. 

"If you’re a fan of Mary J. Blige, you know that I needed God," she told fans from the stage. "I needed something other than men."

After wrapping a photo shoot backstage, Blige spoke with PEOPLE about her new single, "You Ain't the Only One," out now, and more.

"I listen to a lot of stories that my fans talk to me about. I've been through a lot, but sometimes you listen to other people's stories, and you say, 'Wow, I'm just complaining' because their stories is worse than yours,” Blige says about the first single off her upcoming album, Gratitude.

Through teary eyes, the Grammy winner explains how listening to challenging stories from fans over the years has given her perspective on challenges of her own. 

“Everyone has something that they're dealing with and that they're suffering through,” Blige says. “The single is basically saying, 'You're not alone. You're not the only one out here dealing with life. Life is not life-ing for you only."

Following the induction, the "Just Fine" singer hopes fans visiting her Rock & Roll Hall of Fame exhibit will walk away knowing more about her pre-stardom beginnings.

“The jersey [in the exhibit] represents how I came into game,” she says. “I came into the game with knee pads on, jerseys, leggings, hat turned backwards. It just shows the history of how I've been and who I am right now.” 

After profusely thanking God in her acceptance speech, Blige also shared her gratitude for longtime collaborators Dr. Dre and Wu-Tang Clan's Method Man, who inducted her into the Rock Hall. 

“Y’all have always been there for me from music to television," she said of the rappers. "I love y’all and appreciate you so much. These guys are here with me today, and they’re my friends."

Method Man and Blige collaborated in 1995 on "I'll Be There for You/You're All I Need to Get By.” 

“I wouldn't be here if Mary didn't make the phone call. She actually called me to be here for her tonight,” Method Man tells PEOPLE backstage after the moment. “[Mary has gone] through trials and tribulations, most of her career being misunderstood, being put in spaces that she does not belong in, or she's too big for…I love her. I’m always rooting for her.” 

Blige’s Gratitude comes out Nov. 15, and the title represents her current focus in life. 

“I start my day off by giving thanks,” she says. “I do not step on the floor from out of my bed without giving thanks and praise to the most high God... And that's how I move. That's how I move.”