Mary J Blige

Posted on 08.25.2006

23 comment(s)

Mary J. Blige
The "Queen of Hip-Hop Soul"
Birthday : 11 January 1971
Hometown : New York

Mary J. Blige biography :

With a voice that is rough and ready, sweet and pure, Mary J. Blige is capable of conveying heartache and happiness in a single musical phrase. A confessional singer, her emotional honesty reflects the great traditions of blues and soul with a ripped-from-the-pages-of-your-diary immediacy that has won her countless honors and a devoted, ever-growing audience around the world.

Over the course of twelve years, five studio albums and one live collection, Mary J Blige never fails to deliver potent R&B/hip hop mantras that work on the head, heart and hips. More than a vocalist, she is an accomplished recording artist known for her electrifying live performances, dramatic videos, and innovative studio productions with a who’s-who and who’s-hot of musical talents from Elton John to Eve.

A quantum leap forward and a welcome return to her roots, Love & Life, the latest CD from Mary J. Blige (scheduled for release 8/26/03) reunites Mary and Sean "P. Diddy" Combs, the producer-performer who crowned her the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul. Now a seasoned songwriter (she co-wrote 17 of the album’s 18 tracks) as well as a brickhouse vocalist, Mary co-executive produced the album with P. Diddy. They collaborated on many of the albums’ tracks including the pulsating first single "Love @ 1st Sight,” a tune inspired by her real life romance that features Method Man, as well as "Let Me Be The One" (featuring 50 Cent). Blige and Combs won a Grammy in 1996 for "I’ll Be There/You’re All I Need To Get By." "The person I really am is hip hop. That stuff lives in me. I know how to choose whatever sample is the hottest thing cause I’ve lived in the clubs. I’ve been to block parties since I was 16. I’ve grown up in hip-hop culture."

Reflecting a new-found serenity without forgetting her trademark straight-up messages to players, cheaters, and fools, Love & Life features club-ready slammers ("Ooh !") tender love ballads ("Special Part of Me") and gospel-flavored songs ("Ultimate Relationship"). "Not Today" featuring Eve, once again pairs her with producer Dr. Dre who produced Mary’s #1 smash 2002 single “Family Affair.” "This album is more upbeat," she notes. "It’s a celebration of coming full circle. It’s who I am and who Mary J. Blige has been. "

Delivered with conviction and compassion, the songs on Love & Life are evidence of Mary’s spiritual growth and her transcendence over a childhood in the projects of Yonkers, New York and an early success plagued with drama, to her current joy. "Yes she’s gotten lost, she’s done this and that and she’s been trying to figure it out," Mary admits in her typically forthright manner.

The team of Combs and Blige helped usher in a stylish, "ghetto fabulous" hybrid of R & B that united gospel and blues-influenced vocals with high-tech funk and rap on Mary’s groundbreaking 1991 debut What’s The 411 ? Their follow-up, 1994’s My Life set a standard for soul that remains unmatched.

It also set her up for some hard life lessons explored on 1997’s Share My World and 1999’s Mary. With the same inner strength and raw honesty she had used to tackle her personal pain, these uncompromising recordings revealed the universality of Mary’s heartaches and demonstrated the healing power of music. "I didn’t want to tell my business," she continues. "I had no other choice. I wrote it down and people came back to me and said ’You saved my life !’ without even knowing that when they listened to me sing, it helped me, too."

Ushering in the 21st century Mary released the triple-platinum No More Drama in 2001. "I always thought my fans were just inner city but people from all over the world and of every color responded to that record. I gave a lot of myself not knowing it was gonna reach so many people." She has also reached them in other arenas, as a budding actress on TV (Strong Mediciine) and in the independent film “Prison Song” (co-starring with rapper Q-Tip) as well as in her humanitarian efforts.

In addition to filming anti-drug public service announcements, Mary has worked with various education groups and received Rock The Vote’s highest honor, the Patrick Lippert Award. She is a tireless fundraiser for people with AIDS and continues as the spokeswoman for MAC’s Viva Glam IV with all proceeds from the lipstick earmarked to AIDS education and research.

Whether pouring her heart out in a recording booth or on a concert stage or privately learning how to love herself and help others, Mary J. Blige has discovered something powerful. The music that she makes, the songs that have brought so much joy and solace to so many, have also been her own salvation.

"Going through all the stuff I went through wasn’t in vain because I found out that my job is to give," she concludes. "No More Drama wasn’t just an album, it was a transition in my life. I was tired of suffering, of the hustle and hassle of everyday life. I figured out that all along, the problem had been pride and ignorance. Right now I’m growing, I’m learning, and I’m listening. I realized that I need to hear the truth and that the truth is setting me free. And what you hear on Love & Life is the truth and my willingness to embrace it."

Mary J. Blige discography

My Collection of Love Songs (Live)
January 1, 2006

The Breakthrough
December 20, 2005

Love & Life
Released : August 26, 2003

No More Drama
Released : August 28, 2001

Mary
Released : August 17, 1999

The Tour (Live)
July 28, 1998

Share My World
Released : April 22, 1997

My Life
Released : November 29, 1994

What’s the 411 ?
Released : July 28, 1992

Mary J. Blige guest vocals
1990 : "I’ll Do 4 U" (with Father MC, from Father’s Day)
1990 : "Do The One, Two" (with Father MC, from Father’s Day)
1992 : "Dolly My Baby" (with Super Cat, from Don Dada)
1992 : "Good Luvin’" (with Christopher Williams, from Changes)
1992 : "Check It Out" (with Grand Puba, from Real to Reel)
1993 : "Trippin Out (Remix)" (with Prince Markie Dee & The Soul Convention, from Typical Reasons (Swing My Way)
1994 : "Feel of Your Lips" (with Sista and Cedric "K-Ci" Hailey, from 4 All the Sistas Around da World)
1995 : "I’ll Be There For You/You’re All I Need (Remix)" (with, Method Man, from Tical)
1995 : "One More Chance/Stay With Me [Remix]" (with Notorious B.I.G. & Faith Evans, from Ready To Die)
1995 : "Love Don’t Live Here Anymore" (with Faith Evans, from Faith)
1996 : "Touch Me, Tease Me" (with Case & Foxy Brown, from Case)
1996 : "All That I Got Is You" (With Ghostface Killah, from Ironman)
1997 : "Can’t Knock The Hustle" (with, Jay-Z, from Reasonable Doubt)
1998 : "I Used To Love Him" (with Lauryn Hill, from The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill)
1998 : "The Way I Feel About You" (with Gerald Levert, from Love & Consequences)
1998 : "Coming From" (with DMX, from Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood)
2001 : "The Message" (with Dr. Dre & Rell, from 2001)
2000 : "Confrontation" (with Funkmaster Flex & Big Kap, from The Tunnel)
2000 : "911" (with Wyclef Jean, from The Ecleftic : 2 Side II A Book)
2000 : "Hold On" (with Lil Kim, from The Notorious K.I.M.)
2000 : "I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues" (with Elton John, from One Night Only)
2001 : "Back 2 Life 2001" (with DJ Clue & Jadakiss, from The Professional 2)
2001 : "There’s Only One" (with Busta Rhymes, from Genesis)
2001 : "Breathe" (with Angie Martinez & La India, from Up Close and Personal)
2001 : "Braveheart Party" (with Nas, from Stillmatic)
2001 : "Can’t Knock The Hustle/Family Affair (Live)" (with Jay-Z, from Unplugged)
2002 : "Beauty And A Thug" (with Jaheim, from Still Ghetto)
2003 : "Heaven Somewhere" (with Common, Omar, Cee-Lo, Bilal, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Lonnie "Pops" Lynn, from Electric Circus)
2003 : "My Life" (with Fabolous, from Street Dreams)
2003 : "Whenever You Need Me" (with Nick Cannon, from Nick Cannon)
2003 : "Whenever I Say Your Name" (with Sting, from Sacred Love)
2004 : "Baby Girl Intro/Outro" (with Missy Elliott, from This Is Not A Test !)
2005 : "Don’t Worry" (with The Game, from The Documentary)
2005 : "I’m A Hustla (Remix)" (with Cassidy, from I’m a Hustla)
2005 : "Tell Me Why" (with Will Smith, from Lost and Found)
2005 : "My Struggles" (with Missy Elliott & Grand Puba, from The Cookbook)
2005 : "Ain’t No Way" (with Patti LaBelle, from Classic Moments)
2005 : "It All Goes By So Fast" (with Ray Charles, from Genius & Friends)
2005 : "My Man" (with Carlos Santana & Big Boi, from All That I Am)
2005 : "Living In Pain" (with Notorious B.I.G., 2pac & Nas, from Duets : The Final Chapter)
2005 : "Love Changes" (with Jamie Foxx, from Unpredictable)
2006 : "Favorite Flavor" (with LL Cool J, from Todd Smith)
2006 : "It’s Alright" (with Mobb Deep & 50 Cent, from Blood Money)
2006 : "Touch It (Remix)" (with Busta Rhymes, Rah Digga, Missy Elliott, Lloyd Banks, Papoose & DMX, from The Big Bang)
2006 : "Be Easy" (with Young Hot Rod , from Fastlane)
2006 : "Runaway Love" (with Ludacris, from Release Therapy)
2006 : "Makin It Hard" (with Diddy, from Press Play)

Mary J Blige Dvd :

Mary J Blige Pictures - see Mary J Blige official site : www.mjblige.com

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Mary J Blige, by paulette block [2008-02-16 10:05:00]

mary U R an inspiration to me and I pray that one day my life will change like yours, I have 3 children and I am a single mother and I have been trying to fight this drug addiction for some years know I hope you can read this personally and pray that one day I get my life together, because I really want to but it’s easier said than done. I’ve went to rehab but as of today I want it for me I am going to change the people I am around and count every day that i want to do this for me. I want men to respect me I don’t want to feel ugly any more and i want to love myself, before i ever get into another relation ship.today is 2/16/08 pray for me mary I am so happy for you that I have you as an example of change, I so happy that you have a husband and are happy I hope to say the same one day, I am 42 and not getting younger.

Mary J Blige, by R. DEE [2007-12-05 12:15:09]

Mary J.

i think you are a great singer, your conviction when you sing is the epitome of the music industry. keep on keeping on !

Mary J Blige, by THE GAME [2007-12-05 05:28:04]

MARY I WOULD KNOCK DA DUSS OF THAT OLE PUSSY

Mary J Blige, by COOLY,MR.G,BLACK,DEE [2007-11-29 09:51:35]

IM GONING,GONING,BACK,BACK,TOO BROOKLYN,BROOKLN.SEE U SOON ONE.

Mary J Blige, by COOLY,MR.G,BLACK,DEE [2007-11-29 09:46:59]

MARY JANE WHATS GOOD, ITS ME,U BEEN ON MY MINE.LOVING YOUR NEW SONGS.KEEP IT UP.AND NOT DOWN. LOVE THE SOUNDS.

Mary J Blige, by mateah noe [2007-11-06 17:51:55]

i love ur music ecpecially runaway love that was my favorite it reminds me of how my life is

Mary J Blige, by anas belhoussine [2007-10-17 11:10:39]

c’est moi anas belhoussine mon msn c’est : anas-pokora@hotmail.com , est mon habitation a maroc a casablanca, rue bruxelle , avenue de lycc ? mohammed al khamisse , appartemment 18 est mon num ?ros de ma maison c’est le num ?ros : 6 , est je cherche a une fille s ?rieuse a sa vie

Mary J Blige, by camill [2007-04-20 20:15:37]

u is off tha hezie

Mary J Blige, by sponge bob’s [2007-04-20 13:49:04]

hey mary j girl i love your music i all whay’s want to be in your video’s u are so pritty i want u to com to my birthday party it’s june 12th im ni riverhead new york well keep going your thang don’t stop k later girl ???

Mary J Blige, by kristen [2007-02-07 12:20:27]

you r my favorite singer.

Mary J Blige, by Brittany C. [2007-01-31 15:48:18]

hey baby how are you doing I under stand how you growed up because i growed up fast and i never got the changes to be a child and i look up to you i’m hurting so bad inside if you resouned i’ll tell you even if you dont feel like it just please just take a min. and hear me out please-please...

Mary J Blige, by tyler cash [2007-01-24 08:38:53]

hey mary i love u and your music u r my girl

Mary J Blige, by TONY [2007-01-20 05:58:59]

WILL MARY DROP ANOTHER RECORD THIS YEAR

> Mary J Blige, by Alisha [2006-08-23 16:55:54]

Mary You Are A Diva Your Vocals Are Beyond Amazing There Will Never Be Another Who Can Fill Your Shoes I Have *What’s The 411, *Share My World, *My Life,*Mary and More Just Continue To Make Hits And Ya Fans Will Continue To Make You Rich

> Mary J Blige, by mizzpoohbear [2006-07-01 00:33:12]

mary j blige is a very soulful singer.she puts down on everything that she does.mary j blige has an amazing voice and to be as old as she is mary still has it.i listen to plenty of her songs and watch her video.mary needs to keep up what she is doing and keep bringing them

> Mary J Blige, by (",) [2006-06-12 21:31:13]

Mary I tink u are klas and u should stik wit it. u are da best singer ever and u hav a klas voice. i loved ur new song and hopfully i will like ur next song 2. really wat i just wanted 2 say was ur klas and ur da best for sure.Ur biggest fan (",)

> Mary J Blige, by MIZZ NV [2006-06-08 18:49:56]

keep on writing lyrics that us women can relate to. You are such a strong female and i admire you with a passion. Your song no more drama would make me cry every time i heard it. you are so sweet and noble with everyone. The fame and money never change who you really are !!

> Mary J Blige, by baby jay [2006-04-04 23:04:57]

mary j. blige i luvvvvvvvvv ur music it iz off the hook my favorite song iz cant be wit out u

i luv u ur my grl

> Mary J Blige, by youngma [2006-03-31 03:40:26]

yo all i gotta say is keep ya head up n keep doin wut chu do best speak n sing those words dat express u n ya life

> Mary J Blige, by o0hawaiian0o_gurl [2006-02-18 02:15:19]

hey gurl if you read this message i have just three things i have to say to you.. i love you music i think its the shits (iN a good way) Two is that you pretty and all, but mary you have to loss some of that makup those gay guys that doing you face like that have to be fired...no joke... i mean it look nice and all but its just to much you look fake.... Third i would have to say is that i love you becasue of your music i dont want to be like those other people and stay that i want to be you fan .... if someday you was to come to hawaii and hit me up mary i will show that ropes around here no one needs to know you and what your doing... so when you come down halla back my e-mail is o0hawaiian0o@yahoo.com and i will have my number in there for you can call peace out and aloha

> Mary J Blige, by Simone [2006-01-28 20:11:34]

I love this album and its good to know Mary is in love and happy - we have seen her through her pain and now she can only go forward - thanks for your powerful music Mary we love you

Your Music, by Ms. Rae [2006-01-28 03:56:09]

Your my girl the last album you said it didnt do that good but i still support you. But this Break Though album is off the chart.. I Love It to Death I Hope you tear it up a the Grammys .. Wish i could be there with you at the Grammys. One of your favorite supporters MS. Rae*Rae !!