The Evolution of Mary J. Blige

Still riding the wave of success from What’s the 411, Mary dropped her second album, “My Life,” in 1994. Diddy got executive producer credits, but this time, Mary got to show off her songwriting skills, writing or co-writing nearly every song on the album, including the deeply personal title track. This triple platinum-selling album came in at 126 on Rolling Stone’s Top 500 Albums of All Time in 2020.

In 2003, Blige found her own “Real Love” when she married Kendu Isaacs. But the love didn’t last long. The couple separated in 2016 and finalized their divorce two years later. Blige talked to Angie Martinez about when she knew things weren’t working out. “You start to realize that this man doesn’t want you, and he’s just gone all the time, and you’re by yourself in the relationship,” she said. The two didn’t have children of their own, but Mary was a stepmother to Isaacs’ three children from a previous relationship.

In 2009, Mary acted in the Tyler Perry film I Can Do Bad All By Myself alongside Gladys Knight, Taraji P. Henson and of course, Tyler Perry. In an interview with CNN, Blige says she was nervous about appearing on the big screen. “I was definitely nervous because acting is not my first profession, so I had to go and get an acting coach and really figure this thing out. It helped a lot. It relaxed me to have a little more information about it. And I find that actors are highly underrated; they don’t get all the credit they deserve because this is a hard job. That’s a hard job,” she said.

Mary rocked a curly afro wig and 80s attire when she appeared in the musical film Rock of Ages in 2012 with Tom Cruise and Russell Brand. Mary plays Justice, the owner of a gentleman’s club. You may not want to sit through the whole film. But if you watch any part of it, you must watch Mary J. put a soulful spin on Journey’s “Any Way You Want It” in a duet with Julianne Hough.

Mary got a chance to play Dr. Betty Shabazz, wife of slain civil rights leader Malcolm X in 2013. The Lifetime movie Betty & Coretta told the story of the widows of Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Angela Bassett co-starred in the film as Coretta Scott King.

In 2018, Blige got the ultimate birthday present – a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She received her honor at a ceremony that took place on her 47th birthday. “I am so grateful,” Mary said. “On this day, my birthday, God put my name on a star.”

Mary signed on to play drug queenpin Monet in the Starz series, Power Book II: Ghost in 2020. Although her character has to be tough to run a notorious drug cartel, Mary’s co-stars say they love working with her in real life. “Working with Mary is dope. She’s so cool,” co-star Michael J Rainey Jr. told The Hollywood Reporter. “We talk about damn near everything. Just being able to be in the presence of a legend and she’s just there talking to you like she’s your homegirl.”

In the 2021 Amazon Prime doc, My Life, Mary J. lets viewers take a look at the events in her life that inspired the songs on her 1994 album. Diddy, Nas and Taraji P. Henson are just a few of the celebrities who appear in the film.

Mary J brought the house down at the 2022 Super Bowl in a star-studded halftime show. A celebration of 90s hip-hop, the show included Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, Kendrick Lamar and Eminem. But even with all of that top-notch talent, Mary managed to shine, literally. She wore a blinged-out bodysuit made with 10,000 Swarovski crystals.

Things just keep getting better for the Queen of Hip Hop Soul in 2022. She partnered with Pepsi and Live Nation Urban on the “Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit” in May. Ticket holders were treated to workshops, panel discussions, a gospel brunch and lots of great music. Special guests included Chaka Khan, Xcape and Ella Mai.

Mary J. Blige will receive the Icon Award at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards. After learning she would receive the award, Mary expressed her appreciation for the honor that only ten other artists have received. “Through it all, I always, one way or another, gravitated back to my first love, music. To be recognized in this way at this moment, with the Icon Award at the Billboard Music Awards, is an incredible honor and one that I am truly humbled by,” Blige said. And she’ll be in good company. Prince, Stevie Wonder and Janet Jackson have all received the award for their careers.