Mary Jane Blige (born January 11, 1971) is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, actress, and entrepreneur known as the “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul” and “Queen of R&B.” She has won nine Grammy Awards, a Primetime Emmy, and multiple American Music, NAACP Image, and Billboard Music Awards.
Signed in 1988 to Uptown Records by Andre Harrell, her 1992 debut album What’s the 411? pioneered R&B and hip hop fusion. She released 15 albums, with hits like “Real Love,” “No More Drama,” and the Hot 100 #1 “Family Affair.”
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Mary J Blige Net Worth
Mary J. Blige has a net worth of $20 million but faced financial issues. In 2013, she owed the IRS $3.4 million and New Jersey $900,000, and faced a $2.2 million lawsuit for unpaid loans. By 2014, she paid New Jersey but still owed the IRS.
In 2008, Blige bought a $12.3 million mansion in Saddle River, New Jersey, paying cash. Listed for $13.9 million in 2015, the price dropped to $5.5 million by 2022, resulting in a $7 million loss.
Early life
Mary Jane Blige was born on January 11, 1971, at Fordham Hospital in the Bronx, New York City, to nurse Cora and jazz musician Thomas Blige. She has an older sister, LaTonya Blige-DaCosta, and younger half-siblings Bruce Miller and Jonquell. Raised partly in Richmond Hill, Georgia, she sang in a Pentecostal church.
Her family later moved to Yonkers, New York. Blige faced childhood trauma, including molestation and harassment, which influenced her resilience. She struggled with substance abuse and dropped out of high school in her junior year.
Career
In 1998, Mary Jane Blige debuted on The Jamie Foxx Show as Ola Mae. She starred in the 2001 film Prison Song with Q-Tip and appeared on Strong Medicine. In 2004, she portrayed Sunny Jacobs in The Exonerated. Blige was cast but later dropped out of Nina Simone biopic, replaced by Zoe Saldana.
She guest-starred on Ghost Whisperer, Entourage, America’s Next Top Model, and 30 Rock. In 2012, she appeared in Rock of Ages and portrayed Dr. Betty Shabazz in Betty and Coretta. In 2015, she played Evillene in The Wiz Live! and guest-starred on How to Get Away with Murder in 2016.
Personal Life
In the 1990s, Mary Jane Blige dated Cedric “K-Ci” Hailey of Jodeci, inspiring her album My Life. They were engaged but never married. She later dated singer Case and rapper Nas. Blige married manager Martin “Kendu” Isaacs in 2003; they divorced in 2018. A Democrat, she performed for Barack Obama in 2012.
Blige overcame drug and alcohol addiction and is sober. She chooses to be childfree. Close friends include Taraji P. Henson, Missy Elliott, Method Man, and Dr. Dre.
Is Mary J. Blige the Queen of R&B?
Mary J. Blige is often referred to as the Queen of R&B and the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, titles that acknowledge her significant impact on these genres and her status as a pioneering figure in the music industry.
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Conclusion
Mary J Blige’s financial success as an R&B icon is a result of her groundbreaking musical contributions, her roles in film and television, and her business acumen. Her net worth of $20 million is a testament to her enduring influence and success in the entertainment industry.
FAQs about Mary J Blige
- What are some of Mary J Blige’s most famous songs? – Hits like ‘Real Love’ and ‘Be Without You’ are among her most celebrated works.
- How has Mary J Blige influenced the music industry? – Her unique blend of R&B and hip-hop has paved the way for future artists.
- What acting roles has Mary J Blige undertaken? – She has appeared in several films and TV shows, including her Oscar-nominated role in ‘Mudbound.’
- What awards has Mary J Blige won? – She has won nine Grammy Awards and received numerous other accolades for her music and acting.
- How has Mary J Blige maintained her relevance in the industry? – Her ability to evolve artistically and her willingness to explore new genres and mediums have kept her at the forefront of the entertainment industry.
