Blige, << blyj, >> Mary J. (1971-…), is an American singer whose style combines rhythm and blues, soul, and hip-hop music. She is popularly known as the “Queen of Hip-hop Soul.” Blige has won a number of Grammy Awards for her recordings.
Mary Jane Blige was born on Jan. 11, 1971, in New York City. She moved with her family to Savannah, Georgia, and later Yonkers, New York, as a child.
Blige’s first album, What’s the 411? (1992), produced by the rap artist Sean Combs, won praise for its blending of soul and hip-hop. The album became a commercial and critical success. It included the hits “You Remind Me” and “Real Love.” Blige followed up that success with the hit single “You Don’t Have to Worry” (1993).
Blige has recorded several other successful albums, including My Life (1994), also produced by Combs; Share My World (1997); Mary (1999); No More Drama (2001); The Breakthrough (2005); Growing Pains (2007); Stronger with Each Tear (2009); and My Life II…The Journey Continues (Act 1), released in 2011. She has worked with a number of notable recording artists, including Busta Rhymes, DMX, 50 Cent, Aretha Franklin, Lauryn Hill, Chaka Khan, Lil’ Kim, Elton John, Sting, and U2.
Blige is also an actress. She has appeared on a number of television shows as well as in motion pictures. Blige starred in I Can Do Bad All by Myself (2009) and performed the film’s title song. She also starred in the drama-musical Black Nativity (2013) and in the drama Mudbound (2017).
See also Combs, Sean .
