Mary J. Blige
Mary J. Blige performing live during her The Breakthrough Experience Tour in Raleigh, North Carolina on July 16, 2006
Background information
Birth name	Mary Jane Blige
Also known as	MJB
Born	January 11, 1971 (1971-01-11) (age 37) Yonkers, New York, United States
Genre(s)	R&B, soul, hip hop soul
Occupation(s)	Singer-songwriter, rapper, record producer, actress
Instrument(s)	Singing, rapping
Years active	1989–present
Label(s)	Matriarch, Geffen, MCA, Uptown
Website	www.mjblige.com

Mary Jane Blige (born January 11, 1971) is an American R&B, soul, and hip hop soul singer, songwriter, occasional rapper, record producer and actress who has sold more than forty million albums worldwide. Raleigh (pronounced rah-lee) is the Capital of the State of North Carolina and the county seat of Wake County, USA North Carolina ( is a state located on the Atlantic Seaboard in the southeastern United States Events 622 - The beginning of the Islamic calendar. 1054 - Three Roman legates fractured relations between the Western and Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1055 - Theodora is crowned Empress of the Byzantine Empire. Year 1971 ( MCMLXXI) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full calendar of the 1971 Gregorian calendar. Yonkers is the fourth largest city in the US State of New York (behind Rochester, Buffalo, and New York City) and the largest city in New York ( is a state in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions of the United States and is the nation's third most populous The United States of America —commonly referred to as the A music genre is a categorical and typological construct that identifies musical sounds as belonging to a particular category and type of music that can be distinguished from other Contemporary R&B (also known as R&B, urban) is a Music genre of western Popular music (predominantly American and Canadian Soul music is a Music genre that combines Rhythm and blues and Gospel music, originating in the United States. Hip hop soul is the second major subgenre of Contemporary R&B. Singer-songwriter is a term that refers to Performers who write, compose and sing their own material including Lyrics Rapping (also known as emceeing, MCing, spitting, or just rhyming) is the Rhythmic spoken delivery of Rhymes wordplay and In the Music industry, a record producer or music producer has many roles among them controlling the recording sessions coaching and guiding the musicians organizing An actor, actress, player or thespian (see terminology) is a person who Acts in a Dramatic production and who works A musical instrument is a device constructed or modified for the purpose of making Music. Singing is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, which is often contrasted with Speech. Rapping (also known as emceeing, MCing, spitting, or just rhyming) is the Rhythmic spoken delivery of Rhymes wordplay and In the Music industry, a record label can be a Brand and a Trademark associated with the Marketing of music recordings and Music Geffen Records is an American Record label, owned by Universal Music Group, and operated as one third of UMG's Interscope-Geffen-A&M label MCA Records was an American -based record company owned by MCA Inc Uptown Records was an American Record label, founded by Andre Harrell in the late-1980s Events 1055 - Theodora is crowned Empress of the Byzantine Empire. Year 1971 ( MCMLXXI) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full calendar of the 1971 Gregorian calendar. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Soul music is a Music genre that combines Rhythm and blues and Gospel music, originating in the United States. Hip hop soul is the second major subgenre of Contemporary R&B. A songwriter is someone who writes the Lyrics to songs the Musical composition (chords or Melody to songs or both Rapping (also known as emceeing, MCing, spitting, or just rhyming) is the Rhythmic spoken delivery of Rhymes wordplay and In the Music industry, a record producer or music producer has many roles among them controlling the recording sessions coaching and guiding the musicians organizing An actor, actress, player or thespian (see terminology) is a person who Acts in a Dramatic production and who works Widely known as the "Queen of Hip Hop Soul", she has received over twenty-six Grammy Award nominations for her work, winning eight, and has been awarded the World Music Legends Award for combining hip-hop and soul together like no one else during the early 1990s. The Grammy Awards (originally called the Gramophone Awards)—or Grammys —are presented annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences

Early in her career, Blige's highly personal songs and gritty voice earned her comparisons to soul singers who preceded her, including Patti LaBelle and Aretha Franklin; however, her artistic evolution and commercial success throughout the years have allowed her to exert her own influence over a new generation of artists, including Amerie, Keyshia Cole, Fantasia, and Alicia Keys. Patricia Louise Holte (born May 24 1944) best known as her stage name Patti Labelle, is an American R&B and soul Aretha Louise Franklin (born March 25 1942 Franklin has had a total of twenty number-one singles on the Billboard R&B Singles Chart, two of which became #1 hits on the Amerie Mi Marie Rogers (born January 12 1978) better known as Amerie, is a grammy nominated multiracial ( African-American & Korean Keyshia Michelle Cole (born October 15 1981 is an American Grammy -nominated R&B Singer-songwriter, and Record producer known Fantasia Monique Barrino (born June 30, 1984) or simply Fantasia, is an American R&B / soul singer and Broadway Alicia J Augello-Cook (born January 25 1981 professionally known as Alicia Keys, is an American R&B, soul, and Neo soul

Music career

In 1988, Blige recorded an impromptu cover of Anita Baker's "Rapture" at a recording booth in a local mall. In Popular music, a cover version, or simply cover, is a new rendition ( Performance or Recording) of a previously recorded commercially released Anita Baker (born January 26 1958 in Toledo, Ohio, USA) is an eight-time Grammy Award -winning multi-Platinum Rhythm and blues Her mother's boyfriend at the time later played the cassette for Jeff Redd, a recording artist and A&R runner for Uptown Records. Artists and Repertoire ( A&R) is the division of a Record label that is responsible for talent scouting and artist development Uptown Records was an American Record label, founded by Andre Harrell in the late-1980s Redd then sent it to the president and CEO of the label, Andre Harrell. A chief executive officer ( CEO) or chief executive is typically the highest-ranking corporate officer ( executive) or administrator Andre Harrell (born 1962 in Harlem, New York) is an American Entrepreneur and founder of the now defunct Record label, Uptown Harrell met with Blige and, in 1989, she was signed to the label; becoming the company's youngest and first female artist.

Upon signing to Uptown, Blige's early years there were dormant, as the label continued to focus most of its attention on its more established acts. During this time, Blige occasionally did session work as a background singer for her label mates. In 1990, she was introduced as a background singer for Redd, during a performance at the Apollo Theatre. The same year she also sang the hook on "I'll Do 4 U" by rapper and label mate Father MC, appearing in the concert-themed music video of the same name; In 1991, she was spotted on the syndicated show, Showtime at the Apollo, singing back up for Jeff Redd. Father MC (born Timothy Brown was a popular African American Rapper for the Uptown Records label in the early 1990s A music video is a Short film or video that accompanies a complete piece of music most commonly a Song with lyrics See also 1991 in music (UK Musical groups established in 1991 Record labels A television program (US television programme (UK or television show (U Jeff Redd is a singer who performed New jack swing -style R&B music in the 1990s In early winter of 1992, Blige guest spotted with Grand Puba with his single, Check It Out. Winter is one of the four Seasons of Temperate zones Calculated astronomically, it begins on the Solstice and ends on the Equinox This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1992 Grand Puba is an emcee best known as a member of the group Brand Nubian. Blige's first national debut appearance was in the summer of 1992 when she appeared on MTV's Yo! MTV Raps performing "What's the 411?" (the title track) with Grand Puba. Summer is one of the four Temperate Seasons Summer marks the warmest time of year with the longest days The year 1992 in television involved some significant eventsBelow is a list of Television -related events in 1992. MTV ( Music Television) is an American Cable television network based in New York City. Yo! MTV Raps is a two-hour American Television Music video program which ran from August 1988 to August 1995 Grand Puba is an emcee best known as a member of the group Brand Nubian.

1992-1993: What's the 411?

Production for Blige's debut album began in 1991, with Sean "Puffy" Combs (then, a fledgling A&R executive at Uptown) largely overseeing the project. Sean John Combs (born November 4 1969 known by his Stage names Puff Daddy, P Also enlisted were some of the top R&B and hip-hop producers of the time, among them were Tony Dofat, Mark Morales and Cory Rooney, Dave "Jam" Hall, and DeVante Swing. Cory Rooney is a Songwriter, Record producer, and CEO of Cory Rooney Group Dave Hall (AKA Dave "Jam" Hall) is a Record producer. DeVante Swing (born Donald Earle DeGrate Jr, on September 24, 1969 in Hampton Virginia) is an African American Record producer

On July 28, 1992, Uptown Records released What's the 411?. Events 1540 - Thomas Cromwell is executed at the order of Henry VIII of England on charges of Treason. Year 1992 ( MCMXCII) was a Leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1992 Gregorian calendar) What's the 411? is the debut album by Hip hop soul singer Mary J "You Remind Me", the album's lead-off single, peaked at number twenty-nine on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number one on the R&B singles chart that summer. You Remind Me is the debut single by American Hip hop music and R&B singer Mary J Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, is a chart released weekly by Billboard in the United States. The second single, "Real Love", was released in the fall. " Real Love " is a 1992 hit single by Hip hop soul singer Mary J It too topped the R&B singles chart, and became Blige's first top ten Hot 100 single—peaking at number seven. Both singles were also certified Gold.

More What's the 411? singles followed into 1993, including: "Reminisce", a cover of Rufus' "Sweet Thing", and "Love No Limit. Rufus was a 1970s Funk band, best known for launching the career of their lead singer Chaka Khan. " By the end of the year, What's the 411? had sold three million copies. Blige, meanwhile, was being christened as 'The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul' and released a Hip-Hop single around 1993, "You Don't Have to Worry" She later confessed that, at the time, she believed the title to be nothing more than a marketing tool. Hip hop is a cultural movement which developed in New York City in the 1970s primarily among African Americans and Latinos. You Don't Have to Worry is a 1993 song by Mary J Blige. Released from Mary J The album's success spun off What's the 411? Remix, a remix album released in December that was used to extend the life of the What's the 411? singles on the radio into 1994, as Blige recorded her follow up album. What's the 411? Remix is a Spin-off Remix album by Grammy -winning American R&B / soul Singer Mary J A remix album is an Album consisting mostly of Remixes or re-recorded versions of a music artists' earlier released material

1994-1996: My Life

On November 29, 1994, Uptown Records released Blige's second album, My Life. Events 1777 - San Jose California, is founded as el Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe Year 1994 ( MCMXCIV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display full 1994 Gregorian calendar) My Life was Mary J Blige 's second album Released on November 29, 1994, the bluesy collection is widelyseen as a painful letter to K-Ci Hailey of Darker, moodier, and slightly less uptempo than its predecessor — the set was again overseen by Combs (despite his having recently left the label), who co-produced all but one of the albums tracks, and took over as Blige's manager. Uptempo (also spelled up-tempo) is a generally used term especially in music but also in other areas meaning a fast lively or increased tempo or played or done in such a tempo Unlike What's the 411?, Blige co-wrote a large body of the material, basing it on her personal life.

"Be Happy", the album's first single, peaked at number 29 and number six on the Hot 100 and R&B singles chart, respectively. "Be Happy" redirects here For the song see Be Happy (song. In early 1995, it was followed up with a cover of Rose Royce's 1976 hit "I'm Going Down", which became her first top 20 hit in the UK, peaking at number 12. Rose Royce is a Grammy Award -winning soul, Funk, and Disco band based in Los Angeles. " I'm Goin' Down " is a 1984 song written and performed by American rock singer Bruce Springsteen. Other My Life singles included: "You Bring Me Joy" and "I Love You. My Life was Mary J Blige 's second album Released on November 29, 1994, the bluesy collection is widelyseen as a painful letter to K-Ci Hailey of "I Love You" is a 1995 single by Mary J Blige, taken from her second album My Life. " Album tracks "Mary Jane (All Night Long)" and "My Life" also received heavy radio play, despite never being officially released as singles apart from the UK, where "Mary Jane (All Night Long)" became Blige's second top 20 hit from the album there. "Mary Jane (All Night Long" is a 1995 single by Mary J My Life was eventually certified triple platinum. In spite of its success and her growing fame, Blige later admitted that she was simultaneously dealing with long time bouts of drug addiction, alcoholism, and depression, as well as an abusive relationship with then-boyfriend K-Ci Hailey of Jodeci. Drug addiction is widely considered a pathological state. The disorder of addiction involves the progression of acute Drug use to the development of drug-seeking Alcoholism is a term with multiple and sometimes conflicting definitions Major depressive disorder, also known as major depression, unipolar depression, unipolar disorder, clinical depression, or simply depression Domestic violence (also known as domestic abuse or spousal abuse) occurs when a family member partner or ex-partner attempts to physically or psychologically dominate Jodeci is an American Musical group whose repertoire includes R&B, Soul music, and New jack swing. It was around this time that Death Row Records CEO, Suge Knight approached Blige and signed her to Suge Management as a part time manager and consultant. Death Row Records was a Record label that was founded in 1991 by Dr Marion Hugh Knight Jr, better known as Suge Knight, is an Entrepreneur in the Hip hop music industry and co-founder and CEO of Death ^[1] Also in 1995, Blige involved herself in several outside projects; recording a cover of Aretha Franklin's "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" for the soundtrack to the FOX series New York Undercover, and "Everyday It Rains" (co-written by R&B singer Faith Evans) for the soundtrack to the hip-hop biopic, The Show. Aretha Louise Franklin (born March 25 1942 Franklin has had a total of twenty number-one singles on the Billboard R&B Singles Chart, two of which became #1 hits on the New York Undercover is a one-hour police drama that ran on the FOX network from 1994 to 1998. Faith Renée Evans (pronounced /feɪθ ɛvəns/) (born June 10, 1973) is an American Singer, Songwriter, Record producer A biographical motion picture &mdash often shortened to biopic &mdash is a film that dramatizes the life of an actual person or people That summer she dueted with rapper Method Man on his song, "I'll Be There for You/You're All I Need to Get By" (which sampled Marvin Gaye's "You're All I Need to Get By," and for which she won a Grammy award. ---- Clifford Smith (born April 1, 1971) better known by his Stage name Method Man, is an American hip hop artist, "I'll Be There for You" is a song by rapper Method Man. Marvin Pentz Gay Jr, known as Marvin Gaye ( April 2, 1939 – April 1, 1984) was an American Singer-songwriter " You're All I Need to Get By " is a song recorded by the American R&B / soul duo Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell and released ) Later in the year, she also recorded the Babyface-penned and produced "Not Gon' Cry", for the soundtrack to motion picture Waiting to Exhale. "Not Gon' Cry" is a 1996 single by Mary J Blige from the soundtrack to the film Waiting to Exhale. Waiting to Exhale is a 1995 Romance film which stars Whitney Houston and Angela Bassett and directed by Forest Whitaker The platinum-selling single rose to number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs in early 1996, and became her biggest commercial hit at the time. Blige won her first Grammy Award – 'Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group' for her collaboration with Method Man. The Grammy Awards (originally called the Gramophone Awards)—or Grammys —are presented annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences The Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group has been awarded since 1991, alongside the Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance.

1997-1998: Share My World

On April 22, 1997, MCA Records (parent company to Uptown Records, which was in the process of being dismantled) released Blige's third album, Share My World. Events 1500 - Portuguese Navigator Pedro Álvares Cabral becomes the first European to sight Brazil. Year 1997 ( MCMXCVII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1997 Gregorian calendar MCA Records was an American -based record company owned by MCA Inc Share My World is third album by soul / Hip-hop soul singer Mary J By now, she and Combs had dissolved their working relationship. In his place were a group of big name producers, including: Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Chucky Thompson, R. Kelly, Babyface, and most significantly Rodney Jerkins, who helmed a significant portion of the album. James Samuel "Jimmy Jam" Harris III (born on June 6, 1959, in Minneapolis Minnesota) and Terry Steven Lewis (born Carl E "Chucky" Thompson is an African American hip hop / R&B Record producer. Robert Sylvester Kelly (born January 8, 1967) better known by his Stage name R Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins (born July 29 1977 in Pleasantville New Jersey) is a Grammy Award -winning Songwriter,

Share My World debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 albums chart and spawned five hit singles: "Love Is All We Need" (featuring Nas), "I Can Love You" (featuring Lil' Kim), "Everything", "Missing You" (UK only) and "Seven Days. The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard Nasir Jones, nɑːˈsiər (born September 14 1973 better known by his Stage name Nas, nɑːz formerly Nasty Nas, is an American rapper " The album became Blige's most commercially successful; certified quadruple platinum in the United States and selling over five million worldwide. In early 1998, Blige won an American Music Award for "Favorite Soul/R&B Album. " That summer she embarked on the Share My World Tour, which resulted in a Gold-certified live album released later that year, simply titled The Tour. A live album &ndash commonly contrasted with a Studio album &ndash is a recording consisting of material (usually music recorded during stage performances The Tour is live recording album by R&B singer Mary J Blige, released July 28, 1998 (see 1998 in music) The album spawned one single, "Misty Blue. "

1999-2000: Mary

On August 17, 1999, Blige's fourth album, titled Mary was released. Events 986 - A Byzantine army was destroyed in the pass of Trajan's Gate by the Bulgarians under the Comitopuli Year 1999 ( MCMXCIX) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1999 Gregorian calendar) Mary is the fourth studio album by soul / Hip-hop soul singer Mary J It marked a departure from her more familiar hip-hop-oriented sound; this set featured a more earthy, whimsical, and adult contemporary-tinged collection of songs, reminiscent of 1970s to early 1980s soul. Adult contemporary music, frequently abbreviated AC, refers to styles of popular music that ranges from "lush Sixties pop often vocal -based and rooted in Soul music is a Music genre that combines Rhythm and blues and Gospel music, originating in the United States. Also featured on the album were high-profile guests, including: Aretha Franklin (who duetted with her on "Don't Waste Your Time"), Elton John (who played keys on "Deep Inside" (which featured a sample of his '70s-era hit "Bennie and the Jets"), Eric Clapton (who played guitar on "Give Me You"), and Lauryn Hill (who wrote, produced, and sang background on "All That I Can Say. Sir Elton Hercules John CBE (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on 25 March 1947 is an English pop / rock Singer, Composer A keyboard instrument is any musical instrument played using a Musical keyboard. " Bennie and the Jets " is a song composed by Elton John and Bernie Taupin. Eric Patrick Clapton, CBE (born 30 March 1945 is an English Blues-rock Guitarist, singer Songwriter and Composer The guitar is a Musical instrument with ancient roots that is used in a wide variety of musical styles Lauryn Noel Hill is a Grammy Award -winning American Singer, Rapper, Musician, Songwriter, producer, and ") Blige also recorded a cover of Stevie Wonder's 1976 hit "As" with George Michael, which is featured on the UK release of Mary, and also on the Australian release of his greatest hits album Ladies & Gentlemen: The Best of George Michael. Stevie Wonder (born Stevland Hardaway Judkins on May 13 1950 name later changed to Stevland Hardaway Morris) is an "As" is a song written and performed by Stevie Wonder from his 1976 album Songs in the Key of Life. Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou (Γεώργιος Κυριάκος Παναγιώτου (born 25 June 1963 best known as George Michael, is a two-time Grammy Award winning The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. A greatest hits album (sometimes referred to as a " best of " album is a Compilation album of successful previously released Songs by a particular Ladies & Gentlemen The Best of George Michael is a Greatest hits collection released by George Michael in 1998 (see 1998 in music)

On December 14, 1999, the album was re-released as a double-disc set. Events 1287 - St Lucia's flood: The Zuider Zee sea wall in the Netherlands collapses killing over 50000 people Year 1999 ( MCMXCIX) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1999 Gregorian calendar) The second disc was enhanced with the music videos for the singles "All That I Can Say" and "Deep Inside", and also included two bonus tracks: "Sincerity" (featuring Nas and DMX) and "Confrontation" (a collaboration with hip-hop duo Funkmaster Flex & Big Kap originally from their 1999 album The Tunnel). Earl Simmons (born December 18, 1970) better known by his Stage name DMX, is an American rapper and actor who rose to fame in the Aston George Taylor Jr, better known as Funkmaster Flex is a Hip hop DJ on New York City 's Hot 97 radio station The Mary album was critically praised, becoming her most nominated release to date, and was certified double platinum (moving almost two million in sales. ) It, however, wasn't as commercially successful as Blige's prior releases, even though all of the singles: "All That I Can Say", "Deep Inside", "Your Child", and "Give Me You" performed considerably on radio. In the meantime, MCA used the album to expand Blige's demographic into nightclub market, as club-friendly dance remixes of the Mary singles were released. This article is about music for dancing in general You may also be looking for Electronic dance music. A remix is an alternative version of a song different from the original version The club remix of "Your Child" peaked at number-one hit on the Billboard's Hot Dance Club Play chart in October 2000. See Billboard (Turkish magazine Billboard is a weekly American Magazine devoted to the Music industry Billboard 's Hot Dance Club Play chart (also known as Club Play Singles, and formerly known as Hot Dance Music/Club Play and Hot Dance/Disco

In 2001, a Japan-only compilation, Ballads, was released—featuring what was considered the best of Blige's ballad material, including a cover of Stevie Wonder's Overjoyed, her previous recordings of Aretha Franklin's "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" and Dorothy Moore's "Misty Blue. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Japan topics. Ballads is a compilation album released in 2000 by Mary J Blige. A ballad is a Poem usually set to Music; thus it often is a story told in a Song. Dorothy Moore (born 13 October 1946, Jackson, Mississippi) is an American pop, R&B, and soul "

2001-2002: No More Drama

On August 28, 2001, MCA released Blige's fifth studio album, No More Drama. Events 475 - The Roman General Orestes forces western Roman Emperor Julius Nepos to flee his Capital Year 2001 ( MMI) was a Common year starting on Monday according to the Gregorian calendar. No More Drama is soul / Hip-hop soul artist Mary J Blige 's critically acclaimed fifth Album. The album's first single, "Family Affair" (produced by Dr. Dre) became her first number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100, where it remained for six consecutive weeks. " Family Affair " is a 2001 hit song for Mary J Blige, produced by Dr Andre Romelle Young (born February 18 1965 primarily known by his stage name Dr It was followed two further hit singles, the European only single "Dance for Me" featuring Common and the Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis-produced title track (originally recorded for the Mary album), which sampled "Nadia's Theme", the piano-driven theme song to the daytime drama The Young and the Restless. "Dance For Me" is a song by Mary J Blige, taken from her fifth album No More Drama and performed with singer/rapper Common. Lonnie Rashid Lynn Jr (born March 13 1972) better known by his Stage name Common (and previously known as Common Sense) is an James Samuel "Jimmy Jam" Harris III (born on June 6, 1959, in Minneapolis Minnesota) and Terry Steven Lewis (born Terry Lewis can refer to Terry Lewis (designer, designer featured on television's Home Shopping Network Terry Lewis member of American R&B and " No More Drama " is a song by Mary J Blige, taken from her seventh album No More Drama. "Nadia's Theme" is a piece of music composed by Barry De Vorzon and Perry Botkin Jr The piano is a Musical instrument played by means of a keyboard that produces sound by striking steel strings with Felt covered hammers The Young and the Restless is a 39 time Emmy Award winning American Television Soap opera, first broadcast on CBS on March 26

Though the album sold nearly two million copies in the U. S. , MCA was underwhelmed by its sales, and subsequently repackaged and re-released the album on January 29, 2002. Events 904 - Sergius III comes out of retirement to take over the papacy from the deposed Antipope Christopher. See also 2002 (disambiguation Year 2002 ( MMII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. The No More Drama re-release featured a new album cover, deleted three of the songs from the original track listing, while adding two brand-new songs—one of which was the fourth single and top twenty Hot 100 hit "Rainy Dayz", (featuring Ja Rule), plus two remixes; one of the title track, serviced by Puff Daddy and the single version of "Dance for Me" featuring Common. " Rainy Dayz " is a song by Mary J Blige & Ja Rule, taken from Blige's re-release of her seventh album No More Drama. Jeffrey Atkins (born February 29 1976 Music career Atkins began his rap career in 1994 with the group Cash Money Click Lonnie Rashid Lynn Jr (born March 13 1972) better known by his Stage name Common (and previously known as Common Sense) is an The album sold another million-plus units in the U. S. and five million worldwide. Blige won a Grammy for 'Best Female R&B Vocal Performance' for the song "He Think I Don't Know. The Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance has been awarded since 1968 "

On July 22, 2002, MCA released Dance for Me, a collection of club remixes of some of her past top hits including the Junior Vasquez remix of "Your Child", and the Thunderpuss mix of "No More Drama. Events 1099 - First Crusade: Godfrey of Bouillon is elected the first Defender of the Holy Sepulchre of The Kingdom of See also 2002 (disambiguation Year 2002 ( MMII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. Junior Vasquez, born Donald Mattern in August 1946 in Lancaster Pennsylvania, is a famous New York City club DJ and Remixer / producer For the album of the same name see Thunderpuss (album. Thunderpuss was the (mainly Dance) Remix / production " This album was also released in a limited edition double pack 12" vinyl for DJ-friendly play in nightclubs.

2003-2004: Love & Life

On August 26, 2003, Blige's sixth album Love & Life was released on Geffen Records (which had absorbed MCA Records. Events 1071 - Battle of Manzikert: The Seljuk Turks defeat the Byzantine Army at Manzikert. Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. Love & Life is the sixth studio album by American singer Mary J Geffen Records is an American Record label, owned by Universal Music Group, and operated as one third of UMG's Interscope-Geffen-A&M label ) Blige heavily collaborated with her one-time producer Sean Combs (now calling himself "Diddy") for this set. Due to the history between them on What's the 411? and My Life, which is generally regarded as their best work, and Blige having just come off of a successful fifth album, expectations were high for the reunion effort.

Despite the album debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 and becoming Blige's fourth consecutive UK top ten album, Love & Life's lead-off single, the Diddy-produced "Love @ 1st Sight" (which featured a cameo by Method Man), barely cracked the top ten on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, while altogether missing the top twenty on the Hot 100 (although peaking inside the UK top twenty). "Love @ 1st Sight" is the first single from Mary J Blige's sixth studio album Love & Life, performed with rapper Method Man. The following singles, "Ooh!", "Not Today" (featuring Eve), "Whenever I Say Your Name" (a duet with Sting on the international re-release) and "It's a Wrap" fared worse. "Ooh!" is the second single from Mary J Blige's sixth studio album Love & Life. "Not Today" is the third single (second international single from Mary J Eve Jihan Jeffers (born November 10 1978) better known as Eve, is a Grammy Award -winning Rapper, Singer, Actress "Whenever I Say Your Name" is a duet between Singers Sting and Mary J Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner, CBE (born October 2, 1951) better known by his Stage name Sting, is a three time Academy Award " It's A Wrap " is the fourth US single (fifth single in total from Mary J Although the album was certified platinum, it became Blige's lowest-selling and biggest commercial disappointment to date. Critics and fans alike largely panned the disc, citing a lack of consistency and noticeable ploys to recapture the early Blige/Combs glory. Blige and Combs reportedly struggled and clashed during the making of this album, and again parted ways upon the completion of it.

2005-2006: The Breakthrough

Geffen Records released Blige's seventh studio album, The Breakthrough, in December 2005. The Breakthrough is the Grammy Award -winning seventh Studio album by American R&B / soul singer Mary J For the album, Blige collaborated with Rodney Jerkins, will.i.am, Bryan Michael Cox, 9th Wonder, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Raphael Saadiq, Cool and Dre, and Dre & Vidal. William James Adams Jr (born March 15, 1975 in Los Angeles California, USA) better known by his Stage name will Bryan-Michael Cox (born December 1, 1977) is an award winning American Songwriter and Record producer. Patrick Douthit (born January 15, 1975 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina) better known as 9th Wonder is a Hip hop Raphael Saadiq (born Charlie Ray Wiggins on May 14 1966 in Oakland California) is an acclaimed American music artist Cool & Dre are a team of hip hop producers from Miami Florida, consisting of Marcello "Cool" Valenzano and Andre "Dre" Christopher Lyon. Dre & Vidal is a songwriting and production duo consisting of Andre Harris and Vidal Davis, who are best known as the main producers for It debuted at number one on both the Billboard 200 and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts. Selling 727,000 copies in its first week, it became the biggest first-week sales for an R&B solo female artist in SoundScan history,^[2] the fifth largest first-week sales for a female artist, and the fourth largest debut of 2005. Nielsen SoundScan is an information system created by Mike Fine and Mike Shalett that tracks sales of music and music video products throughout the United States and Canada Since its release, The Breakthrough has sold over three million copies in the U. S and over seven million copies worldwide, becoming one of the five best-selling albums of 2006.

The lead-off single, "Be Without You", peaked at number three on Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart, while peaking at number one on the R&B chart for a record-setting fifteen consecutive weeks; it remained on the chart for over sixteen months. "Be Without You" also found success in the UK, although peaking in the lower end of the top forty, it became Blige's longest charting single on the UK Singles Chart until "One" was released and remains her second longest charting single to date. The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official UK Charts Company (OCC on behalf of the British record industry The album produced three more singles including two more top five R&B hits—"Enough Cryin'", which features Blige's alter ego Brook-Lynn (as whom she appeared on the remix to Busta Rhymes's "Touch It" in 2006), and "Take Me as I Am", which samples Lonnie Liston Smith's "A Garden of Peace". " Enough Cryin " is the third US single from Mary J Blige 's seventh studio album The Breakthrough (2005 An alter ego ( Latin, "the other I" is a second self, a second Personality or Persona within a Person Trevor George Smith Jr, (born May 20 1972 better known as Busta Rhymes, is an American actor and Musician of Jamaican descent " Touch It " is a rap/hip-hop hit by Busta Rhymes which contains a sample from " Technologic " by the electronic band Daft Punk. " Take Me As I Am " is the fourth US single released from Mary J He is to be distinguished from the other jazz organist and keyboardist Dr Blige's duet with U2 on the cover of their 1992 hit, "One" gave Blige her biggest hit to date in the UK, peaking at number two on the UK Singles Chart eventually being certified one of the forty highest-selling singles of 2006. " One " is the third single from U2 's 1991 album Achtung Baby, and was released in 1992. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official UK Charts Company (OCC on behalf of the British record industry ^[3]

The success of The Breakthrough won Blige nine Billboard Music Awards, two American Music Awards, two BET Awards, two NAACP Image Awards, and a Soul Train Award. The Billboard Music Awards, sponsored by Billboard magazine and held annually in December is one of several annual United States music awards shows (among She also received eight Grammy Award nominations at the 2007 Grammy Awards, the most of any artist that year. The 49th Annual Grammy Awards is a ceremony honoring the best in music for the recording year beginning September 15, 2005 and ending September 14, "Be Without You" was nominated for both "Record of the Year" and "Song of the Year". The Record of the Year is one of the four most prestigious Grammy Awards presented annually The Song of the Year is one of the four most prestigious awards in the Grammy Awards ceremony, if not in all of the American music industry Blige won three: "Best Female R&B Vocal Performance", "Best R&B Song" (both for "Be Without You"), and "Best R&B Album" for The Breakthrough. The Grammy Award for Best R&B Song (sometimes known as the R&B Songwriter's Award has been awarded since 1969. The Grammy Award for Best R&B Album has been awarded since 1995. Blige completed a season sweep of the "big three" major music awards, having won the American Music Awards in November 2006, the Billboard Music Awards in December 2006, and the Grammy Awards in February 2007.

2006: Reflections - A Retrospective

On December 12, 2006, a compilation called Reflections - A Retrospective was released. Events 627 - Battle of Nineveh: A Byzantine army under Emperor Heraclius defeats Emperor Khosrau II 's Persian Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Reflections - A Retrospective is a Greatest hits Album by Grammy -winning American R&B singer Mary J It contained many of Blige's greatest hits and four new songs, including the worldwide lead single "We Ride (I See the Future)". " We Ride (I See the Future " is the first single (apart from the UK released from Mary J In the UK, however, "MJB da MVP" (which appeared in a different, shorter form on The Breakthrough) was released as the lead single from the collection. " MJB Da MVP " is a single by American soul singer Mary J The album peaked at number nine in the U. S, selling over 170,000 copies in its first week, while reaching number forty in the UK. It has sold more than 1. 6 million copies. Also in 2006, Blige recorded a duet with rapper Ludacris, "Runaway Love", which is the third single on his fifth album, Release Therapy. " Runaway Love " is the third single released from Ludacris ' fifth Album, Release Therapy ( 2006) Release Therapy is the Grammy Award -winning sixth album from Def Jam recording artist Ludacris. It reached the top five on the Billboard Hot 100 and hip-hop/R&B charts. Blige was featured with Aretha Franklin and The Harlem Boys Choir on the soundtrack to the 2006 motion picture Bobby, on the lead track "Never Gonna Break My Faith". Aretha Louise Franklin (born March 25 1942 Franklin has had a total of twenty number-one singles on the Billboard R&B Singles Chart, two of which became #1 hits on the Bobby is a Golden Globe Award -nominated historical Drama film written and directed by Emilio Estevez. The song was nominated for a Golden Globe and won the Grammy Award for Best Gospel Performance at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards. The Golden Globe Awards are American awards for motion pictures and Television programs given out each year during a formal dinner The Grammy Award for Best Gospel Performance was awarded from 1968 to 1977 and revived for the Grammy Awards of 2005

2007-present: Growing Pains

Blige's eighth studio album, Growing Pains, was released on December 18, 2007, debuting at number two on the Billboard 200 and at number one on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Growing Pains is the eighth platinum Studio album by American R&B / soul singer Mary J Events 218 BC - Second Punic War: Battle of the Trebia - Hannibal 's Carthaginian forces defeat those of the Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. It sold 629,000 copies in its first week, marking the third time since Nielsen SoundScan began collecting data in 1991 that two albums sold more than 600,000 copies in a week in the United States. In its second week, the album climbed to number one, making it Blige's fourth number-one album. The lead single, "Just Fine", peaked at number twenty-two on the Billboard Hot 100 and at number three on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. " Just Fine " is a song by Mary J Blige released as the lead single from her eighth album Growing Pains. "Just Fine" was nominated for the Grammy Award for "Best Female R&B Vocal Performance", and Blige won "Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals" for the Chaka Khan duet "Disrespectful" (featured on Khan's album Funk This). The Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance has been awarded since 1968 The Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal has been awarded since 1970 Chaka Khan (born March 23, 1953) is a multiple Grammy Award -winning American singer known for hit songs such as "I'm Every Woman" "I Feel Funk This is the Grammy winning thirteenth studio album from American R&B singer Chaka Khan. Growing Pains was not released in the UK, however, until 2008, where it became Blige's fifth top ten and third-highest charting album (The Breakthrough and Reflections (A Retrospective) were released in the Christmas rush and therefore settled for lower peaks, although both selling more than her top five album Mary). 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common "Just Fine" also returned Blige to the UK singles chart top 20 after her previous two singles failed to chart highly. Subsequent singles from Growing Pains include "Work That", which accompanied Blige in an iTunes commercial, and "Stay Down". " Work That " is a radio single by Mary J Blige. The song was an iTunes single from her eighth album Growing Pains. iTunes is a proprietary digital media player application introduced by Apple Inc "Stay Down" is a song by Mary J Blige, and is the second single from her eighth studio album Growing Pains (2007

Blige was featured on 50 Cent's 2007 album, Curtis, in the song "All of Me". Beginning in March 2008, she toured with Jay-Z in the Heart of the City tour, which was scheduled to play in cities including Miami, New York City, Chicago, L. Shawn Corey Carter (born December 4 1969 better known as Jay-Z, is an American Rapper and former CEO of Def Jam Recordings and Roc-A-Fella A. , and Detroit. They released a song called "You're Welcome". In the same period, cable network BET aired a special on Blige entitled The Evolution of Mary J. Blige, which showcased her career. Celebrities such as Method Man and Ashanti gave their opinions about Blige and her music. ---- Clifford Smith (born April 1, 1971) better known by his Stage name Method Man, is an American hip hop artist, Ashanti Shequoiya Douglas (born October 13 1980 is an American Singer-songwriter, Record producer, actress, Dancer and Blige also went on tour in Europe in support of Growing Pains, her first European tour in four years. She will also embark on her first tour of Australasia in June 2008. Australasia is a Region of Oceania: New Zealand, Australia, Papua New Guinea, and neighbouring Islands in the Pacific

Personal life

Blige had a very public and tumultuous six-year affair with Jodeci frontman Cedric "K-Ci" Hailey, which ended in 1997. Following the run of their union, despite having been linked with singer Case, rapper Nas and producer/singer Malik Pendleton, she has kept many of her relationships private. Nasir Jones, nɑːˈsiər (born September 14 1973 better known by his Stage name Nas, nɑːz formerly Nasty Nas, is an American rapper

In 2000, Blige began a relationship with record industry executive Martin Kendu Isaacs (known simply as "Kendu"), who is now her manager. Blige has also credited Isaacs for helping her overcome her addictions to drugs and alcohol. The two were married on December 7, 2003 in a small private ceremony at Blige's home attended by 50 guests (none of whom were media^[4]). Events 43 BC - Marcus Tullius Cicero assassinated 1696 - Connecticut Route 108, one of the oldest highways Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar.

In a 2006 appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Blige said that she was molested at the age of five. The Oprah Winfrey Show is a United States syndicated Talk show, hosted and produced by its namesake Oprah Winfrey, and is the highest-rated Child sexual abuse is a form of Child abuse in which a child is abused for the sexual gratification of an adult or older adolescent ^[5]

On March 27th 2008 it was reported that Mary J. Blige, along with her husband bought a 12. 3 million dollar house, with a movie theater and a basketball court.

Mary J. Blige was among the celebrities listed as People Magazines 100 Most Beautiful People.

Acting career

• In 1998, Blige made her acting debut on the sitcom The Jamie Foxx Show playing a character named Ola Mae; a preacher's daughter who wanted to sing more than gospel music. The Jamie Foxx Show is an American television Sitcom that aired on the WB Network from August 28, 1996 to January Gospel music is Music that is written to express either personal or a communal belief regarding Christian life as well as (in terms of the varying music styles to Her father was portrayed by Ronald Isley of The Isley Brothers. The Isley Brothers (ˈaɪzliː are a Grammy-winning American R&B / soul group

• In 2001, Blige starred opposite rapper Q-Tip in the independent film Prison Song. Q-Tip (born Jonathan Davis, April 10, 1970, in Harlem New York) is an American hip-hop emcee, Singer, Actor For other meanings of Prison Song please see Prison Song (disambiguation. The same year, Blige made a cameo on the Lifetime network series, Strong Medicine; playing Simone Fellows, lead singer of a band who was sick, but wouldn't seek treatment. Lifetime Television is an American Television network devoted to movies, sitcoms and Dramas all of which are either geared toward For the Arthur Hailey novel see Strong Medicine (novel Strong Medicine is a medical drama with a focus

• In 2000, Blige had her own superhero web cartoon in junction with Stan Lee. Stan Lee (born Stanley Martin Lieber; December 28, 1922) is an American Writer, editor, creator of comic book characters Blige also used the cartoon to open her 2000 tour.

• In 2004, Blige starred in an off-Broadway play, The Exonerated. Off-Broadway plays or musicals are performed in New York City. The play chronicled the experiences of real death row inmates. Blige portrayed Sunny Jacobs, a woman who spent 20 years in prison for a crime she did not commit.

• In late 2005, it was reported that Blige had landed the starring role in the upcoming MTV Films biopic on Nina Simone. MTV Films is the Motion picture production arm of cable channel MTV. Eunice Kathleen Waymon, better known by her Stage name Nina Simone ( IPA: ninɐ sʌmɞnɑ (February 21 1933 – April 21 2003 was a fifteen-time There is no word yet as to when the film will start shooting.

• In February 2007, Blige guest-starred on Ghost Whisperer, in the episode "Mean Ghost", as Jackie Boyd; a cheerleading coach grieving for the death of her brother and dealing with a dead cheerleader harming her team. February 2007 is the second month of the year It began on a Thursday and 28 days later ended on a Wednesday. Ghost Whisperer is an American television drama - fantasy - thriller that premiered on CBS September 23 2005 The episode features many of Blige's songs.

• In August 2007, Blige guest-starred on Entourage, playing herself as a client of Ari Gold's agency. August 2007 is the eighth month of that year It began on a Wednesday and 31 days later ended on a Friday. Entourage is an Emmy Award -winning HBO original series created by Doug Ellin that chronicles the rise of Vincent Chase — a Ariel A "Ari" Gold is a character on the Comedy-drama Television series Entourage.

• In October 2007, Blige guest-starred on America's Next Top Model, as creative director for a photoshoot done by Matthew Rolston. October 2007 is the tenth month of that year It began on a Monday and 31 days later ended on a Wednesday. America's Next Top Model (often shortened to Top Model or abbreviated as ANTM) is a Reality television show in which a number of women compete Matthew Russell Rolston (born Los Angeles March 1 1955 in Los Angeles) is an American fashon Photographer and Music video director

• According to IMDB, she will play famous American singer/pianist Nina Simone. Eunice Kathleen Waymon, better known by her Stage name Nina Simone ( IPA: ninɐ sʌmɞnɑ (February 21 1933 – April 21 2003 was a fifteen-time The film will be released in 2009.

• she is due to release a new song in 2009.

Philanthropy

Blige was a spokesperson for the M·A·C AIDS Fund. Make-up Art Cosmetics, better known to most as MAC Cosmetics, is a manufacturer of cosmetics originally known famous through Word-of-mouth endorsements by professional She did two ads, one with Lil' Kim in 2000 and the other with Elton John and Shirley Manson in 2002. 2000 ( MM) was a Leap year that started on Saturday of the Common Era, in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. Sir Elton Hercules John CBE (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on 25 March 1947 is an English pop / rock Singer, Composer Shirley Ann Manson (born 26 August 1966 is a Scottish Musician, Actress, and the lead vocalist of the band Garbage.

She was one of the featured singers on the CNN Heroes Awards Show on December 6, 2007. Events 1060 - Béla I of Hungary is crowned king of Hungary 1240 - Mongol invasion of Rus: Kiev Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.

On May 9, 2008, the Mary J. Events 1457 BC - Battle of Megiddo (15th century BC between Thutmose III and a large Canaanite coalition under the King of Blige and Steve Stoute Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now, Inc. Steve "The Commissioner" Stoute is an American record executive, most famous for being Rapper Nas 's off-and-on manager (FFAWN) was announced at Roosevelt High School in Yonkers. According to the foundation's website [www. ffawn. org], "FFAWN is an organization founded by Mary J. Blige to inspire women from all walks of life to reach their individual potential. Through scholarships, grants, and programs that foster strong self-esteem, career development, and personal growth, FFAWN is intended to help women gain the confidence and skills they need to achieve success. FFAWN will initially focus its efforts in Yonkers and surrounding communities in Westchester and then expand its scope to include the Greater New York area and, eventually, the entire country. "

Business Endorsements

She is a spokesperson and investor for Carol's Daughter beauty products. Carol's Daughter is a line of Beauty products including products for hair skin and hands as well as fragrances She also has her own record label called Matriarch Records, which is distributed through Geffen. Mary J. Blige has had major endorsements like Reebok, Michael Jordan, Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Gap, Target, American Express, Apple Inc. and Chevrolet. Reebok International Limited is a British producer of athletic footwear, apparel and accessories and is currently a subsidiary of Adidas. Michael Jeffrey Jordan (born February 17 1963 is a retired American professional Basketball player and active businessman Pepsi-Cola is a carbonated beverage that is produced and manufactured by PepsiCo. Coca-Cola is a carbonated Soft drink sold in stores restaurants and Vending machines in more than 200 countries TARGET ( T rans-European A utomated R eal-time G ross Settlement E xpress T ransfer System was an interbank payment system for Apple Inc, ( formerly Apple Computer Inc, is an American Multinational corporation with a focus on designing and manufacturing Consumer electronics Chevrolet (ˌʃɛvroʊˈleɪ - French origin (also known as Chevy) is a Brand of Automobile, produced by General Motors (GM

Tours

• 1997/8: The Share My World Tour
• 2002: The No More Drama Tour
• 2004: The Love & Life Tour
• 2006: The Breakthrough Experience Tour (U. S. only)
• 2008: The Heart of the City Tour (With Jay-Z) (U. The Heart of the City Tour is an American Concert tour by R&B singer Mary J Shawn Corey Carter (born December 4 1969 better known as Jay-Z, is an American Rapper and former CEO of Def Jam Recordings and Roc-A-Fella S. )
• 2008: The Growing Pains Tour (Europe/Australasia)

Discography

Main article: Mary J. Blige discography

• 1992: What's the 411?
• 1994: My Life
• 1997: Share My World
• 1999: Mary
• 2001: No More Drama
• 2003: Love & Life
• 2005: The Breakthrough
• 2006: Reflections - A Retrospective
• 2007: Growing Pains

Awards

Main article: List of Mary J. Blige awards

Videography

Main article: Mary J. Blige's videography

References

External links

• Official U.S. website
• Mary J. Blige at the Internet Movie Database
• Mary J. Blige at MySpace
• Mary J. Blige at LyricWiki