As of December 2016, the album has been certified triple platinum for shipping more than three million copies in the US by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

[7] During this time, the first single was supposed to be a song called "Rock Steady" featuring a rap from Jay-Z and Lenny Kravitz on guitar.

A vocal loop repeated throughout the whole of the version included with the intention of anti-piracy sings "Mary J. Blige, No More Drama!".

"[21] Entertainment Weekly's David Browne felt that "from the Dre-produced theatricality of the single ”Family Affair” to refined funk and crisp quiet-storm R&B, the multi-producer arrangements are expansive yet warm, and Blige's pushy rasp has never sounded better.

"[12] Robert Marriott from Rolling Stone said the record "presents Blige more in touch with her roots, more grounded and ready for her next set of challenges, musical and otherwise, an analog soul thriving in a digital age.

"[17] Barry Walters from The Village Voice called it "Blige's most rhythm album ever, and even the ballads that can drag r&b down here bristle with bumping beats.

"[22] The newspaper's Robert Christgau was somewhat less enthusiastic, finding the record "front-loaded",[23] highlighting the songs "PMS" and "Steal Away" while writing "positive attitude's a bitch, not to mention a drag.

"[24] The Los Angeles Times felt that while No More Drama was "not as innovative as her early recordings," it "seamlessly incorporates the smoother soul and gospel flavors of 1999’s Mary with her trademark blend of hip-hop, funk and R&B.

The release of the special edition helped No More Drama to re-enter the top ten in February 2002, gaining more than 200 percent in sales at a total of 61,000 copies.

[34] It eventually peaked at number four in its 38th week on the chart and on March 8, 2002, was certified Platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI).

[44] Meanwhile, the album's lead single, "Family Affair", received a nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, also losing to "Fallin'" (2001) by Keys.

(1992), My Life (1994), Share My World (1997), and Mary (1999) each had enjoyed success varying degrees in foreign music markets, No More Drama marked Blige's commercial breakthrough on an international scale.

[47] Boosted by the worldwide top-10 success of its lead single "Family Affair", it debuted to her highest peaks in a number of countries and became her first album to reach Gold or Platinum status in several nations,[47] resulting in Blige's first world tour, the No More Drama Tour, and promotional dates outside of the United States.