Throughout the mid-1990s, Blige collaborated with a variety of artists. She recorded “Not Gon’ Cry,” a platinum-selling single written by Babyface for the Waiting to Exhale soundtrack. She earned two Grammy nominations and won Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for her collaboration with Method Man on the track “I'll Be There for You/You're All I Need to Get By.”
She also featured on Jay-Z’s debut album, contributing vocals to the track “Can’t Knock the Hustle,” which helped solidify her position at the intersection of hip hop and R&B.
In 1997, Blige released her third studio album, Share My World, at a time when she was overcoming struggles with drugs and alcohol. She has described the album as part of her journey toward healing and self-discovery. Produced by a range of notable collaborators, including Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and Babyface, the album produced five hit singles: “Love Is All We Need,” “I Can Love You,” “Everything,” “Missing You,” and “Seven Days.” It became one of her most commercially successful albums to date.
Blige expanded into acting in 1998 with her debut appearance on The Jamie Foxx Show. She later appeared in films alongside high-profile actors such as Tom Cruise, Julianne Hough, and Alec Baldwin. Her performance in Mudbound (2017) earned her Academy Award nominations for both Best Supporting Actress and Best Original Song, making her the first person ever nominated for acting and songwriting in the same year.
She also founded Matriarch Records, her own record label, and ventured into entrepreneurship with product lines including perfume and designer sunglasses. Her powerful brand presence has been endorsed by companies such as Reebok, Pepsi, Coca-Cola, American Express, and Apple.
Frequently referred to as the "Queen of Hip-Hop Soul," Mary J. Blige is recognized for revolutionizing urban music by blending traditional R&B with modern hip hop influences. She played a pivotal role in revitalizing urban radio and is equally referred to as the “Queen of R&B.” She holds the distinction of being the only artist to win Grammy Awards in R&B, Hip-Hop, and Gospel categories, reflecting her extraordinary range and lasting influence in the music industry.
Mary J. Blige has turned her struggles into a source of strength, using her platform to empower and uplift women across the globe. Whether through music, film, or advocacy, her real-life experiences continue to resonate with millions, securing her place as one of the most influential artists in contemporary music history.
Return to the previous page| Birth Date: | 11 Jan, 1971 |
| Age: | 49 yrs |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | New York City |
| Gender: | Female |
| Description: | American singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress from New York |
| Net Worth 2021: | 20 million |
