Mary J Blige has attained iconic status in a career spanning two decades. Despite very harsh childhood, she rose to prominence on sheer talent and tenacity. Her sultry and sensual voice, the traditional soul music produced with edgy rap sampling created a soul landscape very much her own. Mary J Blige has taken soul music to new heights and the vivacious nature of her on stage persona has both the grace and street smart coolness - a role which she plays to perfection.

Mary J Blige - The First Lady OF Soul

"I blame my mother for nothing, but forgive her for everything." - Mary J Blige

The Power of MJB

Mary J Blige has attained iconic status in a career spanning two decades. Despite very harsh childhood, she rose to prominence on sheer talent and tenacity. Her sultry and sensual voice, the traditional soul music produced with edgy rap sampling created a soul landscape very much her own. Mary J Blige has taken soul music to new heights and the vivacious nature of her on stage persona has both the grace and street smart coolness - a role which she plays to perfection.

Mary J Blige is also the sound of New York, her collaboration and close relationship with Puff Daddy and Jay-Z has seen her music reach the rap/hip-hop movement. Her commercial success makes her the biggest draw in the hip-hop business; she has sold nearly 50 million albums worldwide and won an astonishing 9 Grammy awards. But it is the legacy of her first album which created a sub-genre of hip/hop soul and the record is often considered the blue print for the mainstream success of the hip/hop genre.

The Bronx Childhood

Mary J Blige was born in the Bronx borough of NYC. She had a very difficult and a scarred childhood. At age 17, she recorded a cover of the Anita Baker song "Caught up in the Rapture" which made its way to Uptown records and she was quickly signed in 1989. But after signing the contract her first few years were quiet as she was only doing session work as a back-up singer.

Mary J Blige released her first album produced by her one time mentor Puff Daddy. The album "What's the 411" reached no.6 on the US charts and has been certified platinum. The album has gone on to sell more than 3 million copies. The album is often considered as a starting point for Hip/hop soul genre.

Her next album again helmed by Puff, was released in 1994. ""My Life" debut in the Top 10 US album charts and spawned hits "Mary Jane (All Night Long)", "You bring me Joy" and the title track. The album features edgy hip hop music and traditional soul mix which was quite unique. The album has over the years been given a cult like status with several artists like Beyonce acknowledging its impact and influence. The album has sold 3 million copies in the US alone.

During this time she was dealing with personal issues like drug addiction and the break up of her abusive relationship with her then boyfriend. She recorded a single "Not Gon Cry" for the movie "Waiting to Exhale" which was certified platinum and gave Mary J her first Grammy.

Rise to Superstardom

In 1997 she released "Share My World" which debut at No. 1 on the US charts cementing her superstar status. The album produced by an ensemble list of producers was a massive hit. It spawned as many as 6 top 10 singles and has gone on to sell 4 million copies in the US. The mood of the album reflected her personal life recovering from clinical depression and an abusive relationship. Mary J was coming into her own.

The 1999 "Mary" was a more adult contemporary album and a break from the hip hop genre. Despite the shift in focus it sold 2 million copies. While the album "No More Drama" in 2001 and the accompanying tour again were big commercial hits.