Interviewee: Mary J. Blige
Interviewer: Tavis Smiley
Date: November 30, 2007

Mary J. Blige is a multi-awarded American recording artist, producer, and actress. Dubbed as “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul,” she has sold more than 48 million albums throughout her career. Known for her powerful croon and contemporary urban flow, she is considered one of the most successful hip-hop and soul recording artists of all time. Among her various awards include the Soul Train Music Award, New York Music Award, NAACP Image Award, as well as numerous Grammy nominations and ten Grammy awards to date.

Born in the Bronx, Mary J. Blige moved to Savannah Georgia and later to Yonkers, New York. She started singing at an early age. Her album What’s the 411? debuted in 1992 and was acclaimed for its distinct fusion of hip hop and soul music. As the first female to break through the male-dominated hip hop scene, Mary J. Blige’s unique sound would set her apart and brand her as the icon of female hip-hop.

Mary J. Blige’s standout sound gained her many admirers and an entire generation of idolizing young African-American girls who would perceive her as a feminine but strong-willed role model. Her work would then be marked by more successful releases and collaborations with top recording artists including Elton John, George Michael, Eric Clapton, and Aretha Franklin. She also made TV appearances in The Jamie Foxx Show, Strong Medicine, Entourage, and Ghost Whisperer.

Apart from her recording career, Mary J. Blige is active in philanthropy, particularly in HIV/AIDS advocacy, cancer, and education. She served as a spokesperson for the M•A•C AIDS Fund and appeared in informational ads together with other concerned artists. She also lent her voice to cause-oriented events such as CNN Heroes Awards Show and the cancer advocacy song Just Stand Up for the benefit of Stand Up 2 Cancer (S2UC). In addition to this, she also established the Mary J. Blige and Steve Stoute Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now, Inc. (FFAWN), an organization aimed at helping women achieve their full potential.