Career Timeline of Mary J. Blige: Major Achievements and Milestones
Discover the career path of Mary J. Blige, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Mary J. Blige is a highly acclaimed American singer, songwriter, rapper, actress, and entrepreneur. Known as the "Queen of Hip-Hop Soul" and the "Queen of R&B," she has garnered numerous awards including nine Grammy Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, four American Music Awards, twelve NAACP Image Awards, and twelve Billboard Music Awards, inclusive of the Billboard Icon Award, solidifying her significant impact and influence in the music industry.
1988: Signed to Uptown Records
In 1988, Mary J. Blige's career began when she was signed to Uptown Records by Andre Harrell, the label's founder. During this time, she performed background vocals for other artists on the label.
1988: Recorded Cover of Anita Baker Song
In early 1988, Mary J. Blige recorded a cover of Anita Baker's "Caught Up in the Rapture" at a recording booth in White Plains, New York.
1989: Signed to Uptown Records
In 1989, at the age of 18, Mary J. Blige was signed to Uptown Records as a backup vocalist, becoming the company's youngest and first female artist.
July 28, 1992: "What's the 411?" Album Release
On July 28, 1992, Uptown/MCA Records released Mary J. Blige's debut album, What's the 411?, to positive reviews. The album peaked at number six on the Billboard 200 and topped the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
1992: Debut Album Release
In 1992, Mary J. Blige released her debut album, What's the 411?, which introduced the mix of R&B and hip hop into mainstream pop culture.
1993: Remix Album Release
In 1993, Blige released a remix album for "What's the 411?", becoming the first singer to have a rapper on every song, popularizing rap as a featured act.
1993: Recording of "My Life" Album
In the winter of 1993, following the success of her debut album and a remixed version, Mary J. Blige went into the recording studio to record her second album, My Life.
November 29, 1994: "My Life" Album Release
On November 29, 1994, Uptown/MCA released Mary J. Blige's second album, My Life, to positive reviews. It peaked at number seven on the US Billboard 200.
1994: Co-founded Mary Jane Productions
In 1994, Mary J. Blige co-founded Mary Jane Productions with her former manager, Steve Stoute, marking an early step into entrepreneurial ventures.
1994: Follow-up Album Recorded
In 1994, Mary J. Blige recorded her follow-up album. In December, she released the remix album, What's the 411? Remix.
1994: "My Life" Album Release
In 1994, Mary J. Blige released her album "My Life", which was ranked among Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
1996: Outside Projects and Grammy Win
In 1996, Mary J. Blige recorded songs for soundtracks, gained Grammy nominations, and won Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for her collaboration with Method Man. She was also featured on Jay-Z's breakthrough single.
April 22, 1997: "Share My World" Album Release
On April 22, 1997, MCA Records released Mary J. Blige's third album, Share My World. By then, she and Combs had dissolved their working relationship.
1998: Acting Debut on The Jamie Foxx Show
In 1998, Mary J. Blige made her acting debut on The Jamie Foxx Show, playing Ola Mae.
1998: American Music Award and Share My World Tour
In early 1998, Mary J. Blige won an American Music Award for "Favorite Soul/R&B Album" and embarked on the Share My World Tour.
August 17, 1999: "Mary" Album Release
On August 17, 1999, Mary J. Blige's fourth album, titled Mary, was released. It marked a departure from her more familiar hip hop-oriented sound.
December 14, 1999: "Mary" Album Re-Release
On December 14, 1999, the album "Mary" was re-released as a double-disc set, enhanced with music videos and bonus tracks.
1999: Collaboration with George Michael
In 1999, Mary J. Blige and George Michael covered Stevie Wonder's song 'As'.
October 2000: "Your Child" Remix Success
In October 2000, the club remix of Mary J. Blige's "Your Child" peaked at number-one on Billboard's Hot Dance Club Play chart.
2000: Featured in Superhero Web Cartoon
In 2000, Mary J. Blige was featured in a superhero web cartoon in conjunction with Stan Lee, used in her 2000 Mary Show Tour.
January 2001: Super Bowl Halftime Show Performance
In January 2001, Mary J. Blige performed as a special guest in the Super Bowl XXXV halftime show.
August 28, 2001: Release of "No More Drama" album
On August 28, 2001, MCA released Mary J. Blige's fifth studio album, "No More Drama", featuring the hit single "Family Affair".
2001: Appears in Prison Song
In 2001, Mary J. Blige appeared in Prison Song. The film marked one of her earliest acting roles.
2001: Starred in "Prison Song" and appeared on "Strong Medicine"
In 2001, Mary J. Blige starred in the independent film "Prison Song" and made a cameo on "Strong Medicine".
January 29, 2002: Re-release of "No More Drama"
On January 29, 2002, MCA re-released the "No More Drama" album with a new cover, removing three songs and adding new tracks and remixes.
July 22, 2002: Release of "Dance for Me" remix album
On July 22, 2002, MCA released "Dance for Me", a collection of club remixes of Mary J. Blige's past hits on a limited edition double pack 12" vinyl.
August 26, 2003: Release of "Love & Life" album
On August 26, 2003, Mary J. Blige's sixth album, "Love & Life", was released on Geffen Records, marking a heavy collaboration with Sean Combs.
2004: Launch of Matriarch Records
In 2004, Mary J. Blige launched her own record label, Matriarch Records, distributed through Interscope Records, marking a significant step in her career.
2004: Starred in "The Exonerated" Off-Broadway Play
In 2004, Mary J. Blige starred in "The Exonerated", an Off-Broadway play, portraying Sunny Jacobs.
December 20, 2005: Release of "The Breakthrough" album
On December 20, 2005, Geffen Records released Mary J. Blige's seventh studio album, "The Breakthrough", which debuted at number one and had the biggest first-week sales for an R&B solo female artist in SoundScan history.
2005: Reported to land starring role in Nina Simone biopic
In late 2005, it was reported that Mary J. Blige landed the starring role in the upcoming MTV Films biopic on Nina Simone.
December 2006: Release of "Reflections (A Retrospective)"
In December 2006, Mary J. Blige released "Reflections (A Retrospective)", a compilation album featuring her greatest hits and new songs.
February 2007: Guest Starred on "Ghost Whisperer"
In February 2007, Mary J. Blige guest-starred on "Ghost Whisperer" as Jackie Boyd.
August 2007: Guest Starred on "Entourage"
In August 2007, Mary J. Blige was a guest star on "Entourage", playing herself.
October 2007: Guest Starred on "America's Next Top Model"
In October 2007, Mary J. Blige was a guest star on "America's Next Top Model", as a creative director.
December 18, 2007: Release of "Growing Pains" album
On December 18, 2007, Mary J. Blige's eighth studio album, "Growing Pains", was released, debuting at number two on the Billboard 200.
February 2008: UK Release of "Growing Pains"
In February 2008, Mary J. Blige's album, "Growing Pains" was released in the UK, where it became her fifth top ten album.
May 2009: Guest Appearance on "30 Rock"
In May 2009, Mary J. Blige made a guest appearance on "30 Rock".
August 2009: Release of "Stronger"
In August 2009, Mary J. Blige recorded "Stronger" as the lead single from the soundtrack to the basketball documentary "More than a Game".
September 2009: Supporting Role in "I Can Do Bad All by Myself"
In September 2009, Mary J. Blige had a supporting role in Tyler Perry's movie "I Can Do Bad All by Myself".
December 2009: Release of "I Am" Single
In December 2009, Mary J. Blige released "I Am", the second single from "Stronger with Each Tear".
December 21, 2009: Release of "Stronger with Each Tear" album
On December 21, 2009, Mary J. Blige's ninth studio album, "Stronger with Each Tear", was released, debuting at number two on the Billboard 200.
2009: Production Company Projects
In 2009, Mary J. Blige's production company, in collaboration with William Morris Endeavor, was developing various TV and film projects.
February 2010: Performances and Charity Work for Haiti Relief
In February 2010, Mary J. Blige performed at the Hope for Haiti Now telethon and BET's SOS Help For Haiti, contributing to relief efforts.
February 2010: Release of "Each Tear" Remix
In February 2010, Mary J. Blige released "Each Tear", the third international single from the album, remixed with various artists from different countries.
March 2010: Release of "We Got Hood Love" and UK Release of "Stronger with Each Tear"
In March 2010, Mary J. Blige released "We Got Hood Love" in the U.S. and "Stronger with Each Tear" in the United Kingdom and European markets.
July 2010: Launch of My Life Perfume
In July 2010, Mary J. Blige launched her first perfume, "My Life", in partnership with HSN and Carol's Daughter. The fragrance broke HSN sales records during its premiere.
August 2010: "What's the 411?" Sales Milestone
By August 2010, What's the 411? had sold 3,318,000 copies in the US.
October 2010: Release of "Melodies by MJB" Sunglasses Line
In October 2010, Mary J. Blige launched "Melodies by MJB", a line of sunglasses featuring four styles with 20 color options, each representing a facet of her life.
2010: Slated to Star as Nina Simone
By the spring of 2010, Mary J. Blige was slated to star as Nina Simone, but later dropped out due to financial issues.
January 2011: Premiere of "Someone to Love Me (Naked)"
In January 2011, Hot 97 premiered Mary J. Blige's teaser track "Someone to Love Me (Naked)" featuring vocals by Lil Wayne.
May 2011: Production Begins for Rock of Ages
In May 2011, production began on the film adaptation of Rock of Ages, where Mary J. Blige starred as Justice Charlier.
July 2011: Release of "The Living Proof" and VH1 Behind the Music
In July 2011, Mary J. Blige released "The Living Proof" as the lead single for "The Help" soundtrack, and VH1 premiered her Behind the Music episode.
August 2011: Launch of My Life Blossom Scent
In August 2011, Blige launched another scent called "My Life Blossom" exclusively on HSN, expanding her fragrance line.
August 2011: Release of "25/8"
In August 2011, Mary J. Blige released "25/8", the first official single off her upcoming album.
November 2011: Release of "My Life II... The Journey Continues (Act 1)"
In November 2011, Mary J. Blige released her tenth studio album, "My Life II... The Journey Continues (Act 1)", reflecting on the past and looking toward the future.
2011: "Melodies by MJB" Collection Expansion
In the spring of 2011, it was reported that the sunglass line "Melodies by MJB" had extended their collection to offer more styles.
February 28, 2012: Performed "Star Spangled Banner" at NBA All-Star Game
On February 28, 2012, Mary J. Blige performed the "Star Spangled Banner" at the 2012 NBA All-Star Game.
March 7, 2012: Guest Mentor on American Idol
On March 7, 2012, Mary J. Blige appeared as a guest mentor on American Idol.
June 2012: Release of Rock of Ages film
In June 2012, the film Rock of Ages was released, featuring Mary J. Blige as Justice Charlier.
September 23, 2012: Performer at iHeartRadio Music Festival
On September 23, 2012, Mary J. Blige performed at the iHeartRadio Music Festival at the MGM Grand Las Vegas.
October 22, 2012: Featured on Kendrick Lamar's album
On October 22, 2012, Mary J. Blige was featured on the song "Now or Never" from Kendrick Lamar's album Good Kid, M.A.A.D City.
2012: Discovery of Just'Us
In 2012, Blige discovered the girl group Just'Us and signed them to Matriarch Records, referring to them as her "little Mary's", though their debut album was never released.
2012: Appears in Rock of Ages
In 2012, Mary J. Blige appeared in Rock of Ages. Her acting career helped enhance her popularity.
February 2013: Starred in "Betty and Coretta"
In February 2013, Mary J. Blige starred in the Lifetime movie "Betty and Coretta", playing Dr. Betty Shabazz.
October 15, 2013: Release of "A Mary Christmas" album
On October 15, 2013, Mary J. Blige released her Christmas album, "A Mary Christmas", through Matriarch and Verve Records, featuring collaborations with various artists.
October 23, 2013: Sang National Anthem at World Series Game 1
On October 23, 2013, Mary J. Blige sang the national anthem before Game 1 of the 2013 World Series.
2013: Appears in Betty and Coretta and Black Nativity
In 2013, Mary J. Blige appeared in Betty and Coretta, and Black Nativity. Her acting career helped enhance her popularity.
February 5, 2014: Release of "F for You" remix
On February 5, 2014, a remix of Disclosure's "F for You" featuring Mary J. Blige's vocals was released.
May 2014: Featured on Mariah Carey's song "It's a Wrap"
In May 2014, Mary J. Blige was featured on Mariah Carey's song "It's a Wrap" as part of the deluxe edition of Carey's album, "Me. I Am Mariah... The Elusive Chanteuse".
May 30, 2014: Announcement of Think Like a Man Too soundtrack
On May 30, 2014, it was announced that the "Think Like a Man Too" soundtrack, featuring new songs by Mary J. Blige, would be released on June 17.
June 2, 2014: Release of reworked version of "Stay with Me"
On June 2, 2014, Mary J. Blige paired up with Sam Smith for a reworked version of "Stay with Me", and a live visual was released the same day.
July 9, 2014: Move to London for New Album
On July 9, 2014, following her concert at the Essence Festival, Mary J. Blige announced her move to London to explore a new sound for her upcoming album.
November 24, 2014: Release of "The London Sessions"
On November 24, 2014, Mary J. Blige released "The London Sessions", featuring ten new songs co-written and recorded in London. She also signed with Capitol Records that month.
December 2015: Portrayed Evillene in "The Wiz Live!"
In December 2015, Mary J. Blige portrayed Evillene, the Wicked Witch of the West, in NBC's "The Wiz Live!".
August 2016: Recruited to perform theme song for The View
In August 2016, Mary J. Blige was recruited to perform the new theme song "World's Gone Crazy" for the 20th season of the talk show The View.
September 9, 2016: Appearance on The View
On September 9, 2016, Mary J. Blige appeared on The View with Maxwell to discuss their joint tour and the show's theme song.
September 30, 2016: Premiere of "The 411" on Apple Music
On September 30, 2016, Mary J. Blige premiered her new show, "The 411", on Apple Music, interviewing Hillary Clinton in the debut episode.
October 2016: Guest-starred on "How to Get Away with Murder"
In October 2016, Mary J. Blige guest-starred on "How to Get Away with Murder" as an old acquaintance of Annalise Keating.
October 2016: Release of "Thick of It" and "U + Me (Love Lesson)"
In October 2016, following her divorce, Mary J. Blige released two songs: "Thick of It" and "U + Me (Love Lesson)".
2016: Nina Simone biopic released with Zoe Saldana
In 2016, the Nina Simone biopic "Nina" was released, with Zoe Saldana in the lead role after Mary J. Blige had to drop out.
April 28, 2017: Release of "Strength of a Woman" album
On April 28, 2017, Mary J. Blige's thirteenth studio album, "Strength of a Woman", was released.
2017: Starred in "Mudbound"
In 2017, Mary J. Blige starred in the film "Mudbound" as Florence Jackson, receiving critical acclaim and award nominations.
2017: Academy Award Nominations
In 2017, Mary J. Blige was nominated for two Academy Awards for her role in Mudbound and the film's song "Mighty River", making her the first person nominated for acting and songwriting in the same year.
July 12, 2018: Release of "Only Love" single
On July 12, 2018, Mary J. Blige released the single "Only Love" on Republic Records after leaving Capitol Records.
2018: Breakthrough Performance Award
In 2018, Mary J. Blige received the Breakthrough Performance Award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival for her role in "Mudbound", recognizing her acting abilities.
2018: Voiced Irene in Sherlock Gnomes
In 2018, Mary J. Blige voiced Irene in the animated film Sherlock Gnomes.
April 16, 2019: Announcement of The Royalty Tour
On April 16, 2019, Mary J. Blige announced that she would co-headline The Royalty Tour with Nas.
July 8, 2019: Premiered in Scream: Resurrection
On July 8, 2019, Mary J. Blige premiered as Sherry Elliot in Scream: Resurrection on VH1.
2019: Formation of Blue Butterfly Productions
In 2019, Mary J. Blige announced the formation of her film and television production label, Blue Butterfly Productions, expanding her ventures into media production.
2019: Appears in The Umbrella Academy
In 2019, Mary J. Blige appeared in The Umbrella Academy. Her acting career helped enhance her popularity.
September 2020: Premiered in Power Book II: Ghost
In September 2020, Mary J. Blige premiered as Monet Stewart Tejada in Power Book II: Ghost.
2020: Appears in Trolls World Tour, Body Cam and Power Book II: Ghost
In 2020, Mary J. Blige appeared in Trolls World Tour and Body Cam, and also the series Power Book II: Ghost (2020–2024).
2020: Voiced Queen Essence in Trolls World Tour
In 2020, Mary J. Blige voiced Queen Essence in the animated musical film Trolls World Tour.
2020: Co-founded Sister Love Jewelry Line
In late 2020, Mary J. Blige co-founded Sister Love, a jewelry line for women, with her close friend, Simone Johnson-Smith.
June 2021: Release of "Mary J. Blige's My Life" documentary
In June 2021, Mary J. Blige celebrated the 25th anniversary of her album My Life with the release of the Amazon Studios documentary Mary J. Blige's My Life.
August 13, 2021: Release of Respect film
On August 13, 2021, Mary J. Blige played Dinah Washington in the biographical drama film Respect.
December 2021: Formation of Mary Jane Productions label
In December 2021, Mary J. Blige formed her own label, Mary Jane Productions, in conjunction with 300 Entertainment, and released the singles "Good Morning Gorgeous" and "Amazing".
2021: Appears in The Violent Heart and Respect
In 2021, Mary J. Blige appeared in The Violent Heart and Respect. Her acting career helped enhance her popularity.
January 2022: Release of "Rent Money" single
In January 2022, Mary J. Blige released the single "Rent Money" featuring Dave East.
February 11, 2022: Release of "Good Morning Gorgeous" album
On February 11, 2022, Mary J. Blige released her fourteenth studio album, "Good Morning Gorgeous".
February 13, 2022: Super Bowl LVI Halftime Performance
On February 13, 2022, Mary J. Blige performed at the Super Bowl LVI halftime show alongside other prominent artists.
September 2022: Primetime Emmy Award for Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show
In September 2022, Mary J. Blige was awarded the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Special (Live) for the Super Bowl LVI halftime show.
December 16, 2022: Blue Butterfly Productions Signs Deal with BET
On December 16, 2022, Blue Butterfly Productions, Mary J. Blige's production label, signed a first-look deal with BET for scripted and non-scripted content.
February 2023: Featured on Mariah Carey's "It's a Wrap" EP remix
In February 2023, Mariah Carey released an EP of her song "It's a Wrap", featuring Mary J. Blige's remix of the track.
August 2023: Signed WanMor to Mary Jane Productions
In August 2023, Mary J. Blige's Mary Jane Productions signed Boyz II Men affiliate group, WanMor.
October 2023: Deluxe Version of A Mary Christmas
In October 2023, Mary J. Blige released a deluxe version of A Mary Christmas, which included four additional tracks.
October 27, 2023: Release of "Still Believe in Love" single
On October 27, 2023, Mary J. Blige released the single "Still Believe in Love", featuring rapper Vado.
2023: Cast in Rob Peace
In 2023, Mary J. Blige was cast in the drama film Rob Peace, an adaptation of The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace.
2023: Premiere of The Wine Down with Mary J. Blige
In early 2023, "The Wine Down with Mary J. Blige," the first project under Blue Butterfly Production's partnership with BET, premiered.
May 2024: Signed Vado to Beautiful Life Productions
In May 2024, Mary J. Blige's Beautiful Life Productions signed New York rapper Vado.
November 15, 2024: Release of Gratitude album
Mary J. Blige's fifteenth studio album, Gratitude, was released on November 15, 2024.
2024: Appears in Rob Peace and Power Book II: Ghost
In 2024, Mary J. Blige appeared in Rob Peace, and also in the series Power Book II: Ghost (2020–2024).
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