One of hip-hop's most profound and successful female stars, Mary J. Blige has had a career unlike any other. She has eight multi-platinum albums under her belt, and her collective work has earned her nine Grammy Awards and nearly 30 nominations, among her many other accolades. Throughout her career, she's had the privilege of working with such names as Notorious B.I.G., Sean "Diddy" Combs and 50 Cent, among many other huge artists in and outside of the hip-hop genre. Mary J. Blige's career started more than 20 years ago, and it isn't ending any time soon.
From What's the 411? to hip-hop superstar
Blige's soulful and uniquely personal sound stemmed from her exposure to and love of artists like Aretha Franklin and Gladys Knight as a child. Fans…show more content… These two albums were just the beginning of Blige's career, which has since blossomed with several subsequent multi-platinum albums, including the self-titled Mary in 1999 and Stronger Without a Tear in 2009. Each album Blige has dropped has given fans a glimpse into her life, from the good to the bad. In that way, her albums are more than just music - they tell a story as well.
The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul
Early in her career, it became clear that Blige had a completely different sound and style than other female artists of the time. Her music was gritty, raw and real, and her voice was soulful and emotional. She wore baggy clothing and embraced her urban background. All of this led to her being called "The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul." In fact, many people credit Blige with inventing the style of soulful hip-hop that's now so popular. Critics say her first two albums were very influential for other '90s hip-hop artists. The title has followed the legendary singer throughout her career, and it becomes truer with every new album or single she