With a career spanning over three decades, Mary J Blige has established herself as one of the most iconic and influential musicians of the modern era. Known for her soulful and emotional vocals, Blige has etched her name in the history of hip-hop and R&B, winning numerous awards and accolades along the way.
Born in the Bronx, New York City, in 1971, Blige had a difficult childhood, marked by poverty, abuse, and addiction in her family. However, she found solace in music and began singing in the church choir. Her talent was soon discovered by producer Sean "Puffy" Combs, who signed her to his label Uptown Records in 1989.
Blige's debut album "What's the 411?" was released in 1992 and became an instant success, spawning hits like "Real Love" and "You Remind Me." Since then, she has released 14 studio albums, sold over 50 million records worldwide, and collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including Jay-Z, Beyoncé, and Usher.
Aside from her musical achievements, Blige has also acted in films, television, and theater, earning critical acclaim for her performances. She has also been recognized for her philanthropic work, supporting various causes such as domestic violence prevention, cancer research, and women and children's rights.
In this comprehensive biography, we will dive into the life and career of Mary J Blige, revealing details about her personal and professional life, including her age, height, figure, and net worth. Join us as we explore the journey of the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul and the impact she has made on the world of music and beyond.
Mary J Blige Biography
Mary J Blige is a well-known American singer, songwriter, and actress. She was born on January 11, 1971 in The Bronx, New York City. Blige began her career as a background singer in the late 1980s before releasing her debut album, "What's the 411?" in 1992. The album sold over three million copies and spawned several hit singles, including "You Remind Me" and "Real Love."
Over the years, Blige has released numerous albums and won many awards, including nine Grammy Awards. She is often referred to as the "Queen of Hip-Hop Soul" due to her unique blend of R&B, hip-hop, and soul music. Blige has also acted in several movies and TV shows, such as "Mudbound" and "The Umbrella Academy."
Aside from her successful career in entertainment, Blige has also been involved in various philanthropic activities. She has supported many causes, such as HIV/AIDS research and education, breast cancer awareness, and helping disadvantaged children. In 2010, she launched the Mary J. Blige and Steve Stoute Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now, which aims to help women gain employment, education, and other opportunities.
Today, Mary J Blige is regarded as one of the most successful and influential singers of her generation. She has an estimated net worth of $20 million and continues to inspire her fans with her music and humanitarian efforts.
Early Life and Career
Mary J Blige was born on January 11, 1971, in New York City, to a mother who was a nurse and a father who was a jazz musician. Blige spent her early years in the Schlobohm Houses in Yonkers, New York. Her childhood was marked by turmoil, with her parents' marital problems and her father's substance abuse issues.
Blige began singing in church choir as a child and was later discovered by record producer Sean "Puffy" Combs in 1991. She signed with Uptown Records and released her debut album, "What's the 411?", in 1992. The album was a major success, selling more than 3 million copies and making Blige a star.
Throughout the 1990s, Blige continued to release successful albums and singles, including "My Life," "Be Without You," and "Family Affair." She became known for her soulful voice and her ability to blend hip-hop and R&B. She has been nominated for numerous awards and has won nine Grammy Awards over the course of her career.
Music and Acting Career
Mary J Blige started her music career in the early '90s with her debut album "What's the 411?" which became an instant hit, reaching number 6 on the Billboard 200 and earning her a Grammy nomination. She continued to release successful albums, incorporating several music genres such as R&B, hip hop, and soul, and collaborating with various artists, including Aretha Franklin, Beyoncé, and U2.
Blige also ventured into acting, appearing in several movies such as "Mudbound," which earned her critical acclaim and nominations for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award. She also starred in TV shows like "The Umbrella Academy" and played Betty Shabazz in the TV movie "Betty and Coretta."
Throughout her career, Blige has won numerous awards, including nine Grammy Awards, four American Music Awards, and twelve Billboard Music Awards. She is also a recipient of a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was inducted into the Apollo Theater's Walk of Fame.
Personal Life and Relationships
Mary J Blige's personal life has been tumultuous throughout the years. The singer has been very vocal about her struggles with drug addiction, alcoholism, and depression. She has credits her music with helping her to overcome these challenges and to stay focused on her career.
Blige's first marriage was to her former manager, Kendu Isaacs. The couple got married in 2003, and Blige filed for divorce in 2016. Their divorce has been highly publicized, with both parties publicly airing their grievances against each other.
Blige has also been romantically linked to several high-profile men throughout her career. She dated musician K-Ci Hailey in the early 1990s and was in a relationship with record executive Kedar Massenburg from 2000 to 2003.
In recent years, Blige has been focused on her career and personal growth. She has been open about her experiences with therapy and self-care and has become an advocate for mental health awareness.
Physical Characteristics
Age and Height
Mary J Blige was born on January 11, 1971, and as of 2021, she is 50 years old. She stands tall at 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm).
Figure
Mary J Blige has always been known for her curves and hourglass figure. She has a well-maintained body with a curvaceous bottom and a slender waist.
She has been open about her struggles with weight gain in the past but has managed to maintain her figure with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Hairstyles and Makeup
Throughout her career, Mary J Blige has experimented with various hairstyles, ranging from her signature blonde and red hairstyles to sleek and straight looks.
She is known for her bold and dramatic makeup looks, often sporting dark smoky eyes and nude lips.
Fashion Style
Mary J Blige's fashion style can be described as daring and bold. She loves to wear figure-hugging outfits, ranging from jumpsuits to pencil skirts.
She is not afraid to take fashion risks and has been seen wearing bold colors, patterns, and prints. She also loves to accessorize with statement jewelry and high heels.
The Net Worth and Awards of Mary J Blige
Mary J Blige has had a successful career in the music industry, which has led to a significant net worth. As of 2021, her estimated net worth is around $20 million, making her one of the highest-paid R&B singers in the world.
Blige has also earned numerous awards throughout her career for her exceptional talent and contributions to music. She has received nine Grammy Awards, including Best R&B Album for her album "The Breakthrough" in 2007, making her the only artist to win the award in that category twice.
In addition to her Grammy wins, Blige has also been recognized with several other prestigious awards, including the BET Lifetime Achievement Award, the Billboard Women in Music Icon Award, and the Soul Train Music Awards Legend Award.
- Nine Grammy Awards
- BET Lifetime Achievement Award
- Billboard Women in Music Icon Award
- Soul Train Music Awards Legend Award
Blige is not only an accomplished singer but is also an actress, which has led to several award nominations and wins. In 2018, she received critical acclaim for her role in the Netflix series "The Umbrella Academy," earning a nomination for the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.
Overall, Mary J Blige's net worth and numerous awards are a testament to her immense talent and hard work in the music and entertainment industries.
FAQ
When was Mary J Blige born?
Mary J Blige was born on January 11, 1971.
What is Mary J Blige's height?
Mary J Blige's height is 5 feet 6 inches (168cm).
What is Mary J Blige's figure?
Mary J Blige has an hourglass figure, with a bust-waist-hip measurement of 38-29-40 inches (96.5-73.5-101.5cm).
What is Mary J Blige's net worth?
As of 2021, Mary J Blige's net worth is estimated to be $20 million.
Did Mary J Blige face any struggles in her career?
Yes, Mary J Blige faced many struggles in her career. She had a difficult childhood, with a father who was a violent alcoholic and a mother who suffered from depression. She also battled with drug and alcohol addiction, and faced many setbacks in the music industry before finally achieving success.
