The origin of the phrase "What's The 411?"

The phrase originated from directory assistance in the United States telephone system. Before the internet, if you needed to find a phone number or a specific business, you would literally dial 4-1-1 on your phone to reach an operator who would provide the information. What's the 411? being Mary's debt album derived from Blige's past occupation as a 4-1-1 operator; it was also an indication by Blige of being the "real deal". The music created from this pioneered the "Hip Hop Soul" sound that shape the next era of R&B and Hip-hop.