Nine-time Grammy winner Mary J.Blige has been one of the leading voices in R&B music for over two decades. Most recently, the “Just Fine” singer has been in the media for her personal and professional trials more than her triumphs. Since we don’t promote gossip, we would like to remind R&B lovers why they should love the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul.
She has the best boots.
Everyone can’t pull off a thigh-high boot but trust and believe Mary does it effortlessly. She has a boot for every occasion and every outfit. Blige noted she plans on launching a boot line one day but until then, we just have to admire her fierce footwear.
She has influenced other R&B divas.
Since emerging on the music scene in 1992, both Mary’s music and fashion styles have influenced quite a few ladies in the industry such as Faith Evans, Monica, Keyshia Cole and K.Michelle, to name a few. Whether it’s hairstyles, signature ballads or even tattoos Blige has and continues to lay the blueprint for a female R&B artist.
Her music is relatable.
No matter how many awards or how much money she’s earned over her career, Blige remains touchable. Through her music and sold-out concerts, she wears her pain, joy and anger on her sleeve and isn’t ashamed of it either. With records like “PMS,” “Changes I’ve Been Going Through,” and “Your Child,” she reminds fans — “I go through it too.”
She has hip-hop appeal.
While Blige is known for singing over hip-hop beats. The Yonkers native even gets busy in the booth as an MC with her feisty alter-ego, “Brook Lynn.” Also as the first lady of hip-hop soul music, it’s only right for her to be featured on your favorite rapper’s debut albums such as Jay-Z’s “Reasonable Doubt” and Meek Mills’ “Dreams & Nightmares.”
She’s consistent.
In 2010, Mary was named Billboard’s Top Female R&B/Hip-Hop Artist of the Past 25 years and she rightfully earned the title. No other female artist from her era has evolved and remained as relevant while still being successful as she has throughout her 20 + year career. To this day, Blige continues to be recognized in music, television, film and philanthropy. Long live the Queen.
