Mary J. Blige

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Biography

Recent Role:
Herself - Guest Co-host on Live! with Kelly
Gender:
Female
Birthplace:
Bronx, New York, USA
Birth Name:
Mary Jane Blige
AKA:
the queen of hip-hop soul, MJB
Mary J. Blige has earned the title "The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul" because of her raw gospel and R&B influenced vocals and delivery. By 2007, she had won six Grammy awards. Her voice and performances convey the anger, pain, and dysfunction of her childhood and early adult life. Blige has not lost that soul or grittiness as her career and personal life became more successful and happier.


Blige released her debut album, "What's the 411" in 1992 on the Uptown Records label. A young Sean "Puffy" Combs was influential in the content and sound of Blige's first release. It

… More combined traditional R&B with the edginess of rap. The 1995 release, "My Life", was more successful than her first release because Blige and her producers found a less rap/more R&B combination which helped to define the "urban" music genre. "My Life" was a definitive autobiography of Blige's tumultuous romantic relationships and substance abuse.

Blige's next two releases, "Share My World" in 1997 and "Mary" in 1999, captured her soulfulness, but illustrated her maturity. She performed songs by Elton John and Bernie Taupin and Stevie Wonder. "No More Drama" became an anthem for millions of Blige's fans when it debuted in 2001. This was a very personal album for Blige and she became a more sophisticated songwriter.


Combs returned to produce the 2003 "Love and Life" and some songs on the 2005 "The Breakthrough". Blige married Kendu Isaacs on December 7, 2003 and became a step-mother to three children. Isaacs is also her manager and she credits him with helping her acknowledge and stop her substance abuse. "The Breakthrough" contains Blige's powerful collaboration with U2 on their previous hit "One".


Blige released "Reflections - A Retrospective" in 2006 which contains some of her greatest hits and four new songs. "Growing Pains", her eighth album, was released in 2007 and the single "Work That" was featured in an iTunes commercial.


Blige has also appeared in TV shows and on the big screen. She was also featured in the VH1 documentary, "Soul Deep," which was aired during Black Music month in June 2007.

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  •  
    10 Perfect
    An Incredible Woman! hide show

    How would one not get humbled when speaking on Mary J. Blige? She is truley the Queen of Hip-Hop and Soul. I admire her so much because she is living proof that anyone can overcome any obstacle. It's her raw music that catches everyones attention and keeps them coming back for more. There is no doubt that she'll keep many people's love, loyalty and respect because she is true to herself and that is also one of the many reasons why I admire her so much.

    I have been jamming to her latest CD 'Growing Pains' ever since I got it. I am digging almost every song. It's amazing how Mary J Blige is able to connect with so many people through her songs. In closing, I wish Mary the best in everything she does. Keep doing your thing MJB, much support over here!

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    n3xt_l3v3l Added Dec 22, 2007 All my reviews
  •  
    10 Perfect
    She truly is the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul. hide show

    She has come along way since 'What's the 411' all the way up to 'The Breaktrough'. I only have two words for her: Love and Respect. She's a true example of how far one can go by not giving up on his/her dreams. She fought the world, she fought her addctions and she found God in the process. Even though I dont believe in God, seeing that she found the courage in herself to overcome all the obstacles she had in her life, I respect her. Her music has grown with her trough the years, but always catch the heart of those who listen. She has that groovy sound, those deep lyrics and that beautiful voice that makes me want to listen for ever.
    Big Up to MJB! She's a real star!

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    red_flava87 Added Feb 12, 2007 All my reviews
  •  
    8.3 Great
    what a beautiful voice! hide show

    She can sing! Everytime i hear one of her songs its like i'm in heaven.She's like an angel.She is also friendly because when lil'kim went to jail she hugged her and cried.I have 4 of mary j blige albums.I have 49 songs of hers in my mini ipod.I have 1 poster of her near my selena poster.I have her vera wang dress she wore in the oscars of 2001.

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    herrerafan Added Mar 31, 2006 All my reviews
 

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