Mary J. Blige

Mary Jane Blige, known professionally as Mary J. Blige, is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, actress, and entrepreneur. She has been referred to as the "Queen of Hip-Hop Soul" and "Queen of R&B" due to her transformative role and contribution to the music industry. Blige has won nine Grammy Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, four American Music Awards, twelve NAACP Image Awards, and twelve Billboard Music Awards, including the Billboard Icon Award. She has received three Golden Globe nominations and two Academy Award nominations. As an actress, Blige has made a successful transition gaining notable roles in films and TV series such as Mudbound, Body Cam and the highly-rated TV show drama Power Book II: Ghost. Throughout her career, Blige went on to release 14 studio albums, and garner influence and praise in the R&B and Hip-Hop industry. **

Born in The Bronx, New York, Blige started her career in 1988 when she was signed onto Uptown Records. During her time at Uptown Records, Blige performed background vocal work for other artists before releasing her debut album, What's the 411?, in 1992. This album introduced the mix of R&B and hip hop into mainstream pop culture. Blige is known for her biggest hits such as "Real Love", "You Remind Me", "I'm Goin' Down", "Not Gon' Cry", "Be Without You", "Just Fine" and the Billboard Hot 100 number-one single "Family Affair". She has received a Legends Award at the World Music Awards in 2006, and the Voice of Music Award from ASCAP in 2007. Additionally, Billboard ranked Blige as the most successful female R&B/Hip-Hop artist of the past 25 years.