Mary Jane Blige is an American singer-songwriter, actress, and record producer. She was born on January 11, 1971 in Bronx, New York. She ranks second of the four children of Cora and Thomas Blige. She was taught by her father to sing during her early age. Her parents divorced in the year 1980. Blige was able to record the song “Caught Up in the Rupture” by Anita Baker in the Galleria Mall in White Plains, New York when she was only 17. It was sent by her mother’s boyfriend to the recording artist and A&R runner for Uptown Records. It was then sent to Andre Harrell, president and CEO of the record label. He met Blige in 1989 where Blige signed a contract. She was the youngest and first female artist of the company.

The first album of Blige was released in July 28, 1992 entitled “What’s the 411?”. Andre Harrell labeled Blige as the “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul”. Blige brought up her uniqueness in terms of music and style. She often wore baseball caps, combat boots, and baggy clothes. The first single of the album was entitled “You Remind Me” which debuted at number one in R&B singles chart. “Real Love” was the second single which also reached the number one spot in R&B singles chart. It also peaked at number seven in Hot 100 single. The two songs became certified gold because of its high sales. Other singles in the album include “Sweet Thing” as well as “Love no Limit”. The album sold three million copies at the end of the year. Blige also had the album “What’s the 411? Remix” which aims to extend the strength o the album What’s the 411?. The two albums grossed with the total of five million albums which made Blige labeled as the best selling female artist of the record label.

Blige’s second album was entitled “My Life” which was released on November 29, 1994 by the Uptown Records. She wrote most of her songs in the album which she related in her real life. The song reached the sixth spot on the Hot 100. Other tracks in the album include “I’m Goin’ Down”, “You Bring me Joy”, and “I Love You”. The album was certified triple platinum. At the peak of her career, Blige revealed that she was dealing with depression, alcoholism, and drug addiction. She also had various collaborations with several artists such as Faith Evans, Method Man, as well as Ghostface Killah. Blige won her first Grammy award under the category “Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group” with her collaboration with Method Man.

“Share My World” was the third album of Blige which was released on April 22, 1997 under MCA Records. The album was basically connected in changing the life of Blige by means of avoiding drug and alcohol abuse.

Blige’s singing career continued as she continually released her albums “Mary” (1999), “No More Drama” (2001), “Love & Life” (2003), “The Breakthrough” (2005), “Growing Pains” (2007), “Stronger with each Tear” (2009), and My Life II… The Journey Continues (Act 1) which was scheduled to release on November 21, 2011.

In the year 1998, she also had her career in acting. Blige’s started her acting career through the sitcom “The Jamie Foxx” under the role named Ola Mae. As of March 2011, it was confirmed that Blige will play the role Justice Charlier with Tom Cruise, Julianne Hough, and Alec Baldwin.

Mary J. Blige Photo Gallery