Queen of Hip-Hop Soul Blige , in full Mary Jane Blige, (born January 11, 1971, Bronx, New York, U.S.), American singer-songwriter and actress who has been called the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul.

With a track record of eight multi-platinum albums, nine Grammy Awards (plus a staggering 32 nominations), two Academy Award nominations, two Golden Globe nominations, and a SAG nomination, among many other accolades, Blige has cemented herself as a global superstar.

Kendu IsaacsMary J. Blige / Spouse (m. 2003–2018)

In a career spanning more than thirty years, she has released 14 studio albums and 83 singles - including more than 20 as a featured artist.

Influenced at an early age by the music of Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan and Gladys Knight, Blige brought her own gritty, urban-rooted style - fusing hip-hop, soul and honest, frank lyrics - to the forefront on her 1992 debut album What's the 411?

Best Mary J. Blige Songs: 20 Essentials From The Queen Of Hip-Hop Soul

• 7: No More Drama.
• 6: Be Without You.
• 5: Family Affair.
• 4: Real Love (Remix) (with Notorious BIG)
• 3: I'll Be There for You/You're All I Need to Get By (Method Man, featuring Mary J Blige)
• 2: I Can Love You (featuring Lil' Kim)
• 1: My Life.

marked a pivotal point in music and made Mary one of the artists responsible for revolutionizing the genre. She undeniably played a role in creating a space in the industry for women like Aaliyah, Beyoncé, Faith Evans, and SZA. Her music even became a major influence on Mariah Carey's sound.

Blige helped redefine R&B and began forging a unique niche for herself on the more personal second album, 1994's My Life. Blige is an artist that uses her gift of song to lift spirits and touch lives while bringing her heart, soul, and truth to those who are willing to listen.

Ajiona Alexus Kendra (Ajiona Alexus) is an aspiring young photographer from a working class family. She is attending an HBCU in North Carolina on a scholarship. There she meets the handsome young Ben (Da'Vinchi). Ben is from an affluent family.

Michael Jordan has been married to his wife, model Yvette Prieto, since the couple eloped in 2013. Meanwhile, Mary J. Blige was ordered to pay alimony following her divorce from her ex-husband, Kendu Isaacs. Yet, their history goes back to 1999, when Jordan appeared in the Blige's “Give Me You Video.”

In 2018, Blige was order to pay Isaacs $30,000 per month in spousal support despite his being accused of infidelity during the marriage. Article continues after video.

While Blige has been candid about her battle with drugs and alcohol in the past and has used her experiences as inspiration for her song lyrics, the Lifetime movies are based on original stories and not autobiographical.

marked a pivotal point in music and made Mary one of the artists responsible for revolutionizing the genre. She undeniably played a role in creating a space in the industry for women like Aaliyah, Beyoncé, Faith Evans, and SZA. Her music even became a major influence on Mariah Carey's sound.

Blige helped redefine R&B and began forging a unique niche for herself on the more personal second album, 1994's My Life. Blige is an artist that uses her gift of song to lift spirits and touch lives while bringing her heart, soul, and truth to those who are willing to listen.

Throughout her career, Blige went on to release 14 studio albums, including four Billboard 200 number-one albums. Her biggest hits include "Real Love", "You Remind Me", "I'm Goin' Down", "Not Gon' Cry", "Be Without You", "Just Fine" and the Billboard Hot 100 number-one single "Family Affair".

1990s