Mary J. Blige
The "Queen of Hip-Hop Soul": Yonkers singer who brought hip-hop beats and attitude to R&B.
Key albums
What's the 411?My LifeShare My WorldNo More DramaThe Breakthrough
Key tracks
Real LoveI'm Goin' DownNot Gon' CryFamily AffairBe Without You
Who is Mary J. Blige?
Mary J. Blige is a singer and songwriter who was born in The Bronx and grew up in Yonkers, New York.
Known for
Her debut What's the 411? (1992), executive produced by Sean "Puffy" Combs, with "Real Love", and the deeply personal My Life (1994). Later hits included "Family Affair" (2001) and "Be Without You" (2005). She has won nine Grammys and performed at the 2022 Super Bowl halftime show.
Style
A raw, emotional voice over hard hip-hop beats. Her songs about pain, love and survival feel like confessions.
Impact
Mary J. Blige invented hip-hop soul, the bridge between R&B singing and hip-hop production that dominated the '90s. Many singers since have followed her template.
