If you're a fan of music or a newcomer to it, there's no denying that Mary J. Blige is one of the most important figures in the industry today. Her career has spanned decades and her music has influenced a whole generation of artists.
When a 17-year-old Mary Jane Blige recorded herself singing in a karaoke booth, she never imagined that her song would become a global sensation. She signed with Uptown Records and released her debut album, What's the 411?, which redefined modern soul music and spawned several hits.
Blige's oeuvre includes 13 studio albums, including the chart-topping Family Affair and Rainy Dayz (with Ja Rule). Her biggest hits include "Family Affair" and "No More Drama." She has also received numerous awards for her contributions to R&B.
She has also garnered critical acclaim for her acting in projects such as the 2013 TV movie Betty & Coretta and the 2017 World War II-era drama Mudbound. In addition to her musical career, Blige is a philanthropist and a supporter of women's rights and causes.
Blige released her most successful album, 2005's The Breakthrough, which featured the Top 5 hit "Be Without You." It was also her most critically acclaimed. The song earned Blige three Grammy Awards, including the Best R&B Song award. It also won the Billboard Music Award for Best R&B album and was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals.
