Mary J. Blige: R&B legend still touring and making new music

One of the most celebrated female musicians in the history of hip hop, Mary J. Blige is credited with putting her own soulful stamp on street-ready rap. Trailblazing the 1990s R&B explosion with tracks such as "Real Love" and "Family Affair", the Bronx-born singer has been cited as being a major influence on modern pop luminaries including Beyonce and Alicia Keys.

Eight of her critically acclaimed albums have achieved multi-platinum certification in the United States, helping the New York vocalist to win nine Grammy Awards. Still touring and making new music, don't miss your chance to see her live when she next visits the UK: buy Mary J. Blige tickets at StubHub. 

Mary J. Blige: over 75 million records sold worldwide

Growing up in a notoriously tough neighbourhood in New York City's The Bronx, Blige's story is a classic rags-to-riches tale. Taking her passion for music from her jazz singer father, she sought solace from her troubled upbringing in the music of soul divas including Aretha Franklin and Gladys Knight. At the age of 17, she decided to try and turn her dreams of becoming a stage star into reality, recording a demo to send to Uptown Records. The CEO of the label was so impressed with her vocal ability that he journeyed to Blige's home to offer her a record deal on the spot.

Bridging the genres of hip hop and soul, Blige carved her place as an authentic antidote to glossy divas such as Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston. In the 1990s, MJB became known for her raw, openly autobiographical songs, filling her tracks with stories of heartbreak, pain and poverty. Her 1994 LP My Life is considered one of the best albums of all time, with "Mary Jane" and "Not Gon' Cry" remaining radio staples to this day, over twenty years since initial release. Her popularity continued into the 2000s, when the singer became defined by her trademark 'ghetto fabulous' style of furs, hats, wigs and earrings. In 2001, she achieved her first Hot 100 number one single for "Family Affair", which regularly appears in polls as one of the best songs of the decade.

Always keen to demonstrate her fondness of the UK, Blige released her 13th studio album The London Sessions (which she recorded in the capital) in 2014. Crammed with collaborations with UK stars including Emeli Sande and Sam Smith, the acclaimed record was followed by US hit album Strength of a Woman in 2017. Catch her live when she next visits the UK: buy Mary J. Blige tickets at StubHub UK.

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Once you've bought May J. Blige tickets at StubHub, check out Billy Ocean and Soul II Soul for more musical goodness.