8 Things You Didn’t Know About Mary J. Blige

Mary J. Blige, an American singer, and composer has a career that extends far beyond music. Blige’s heartfelt compositions and collaborations with the hottest R&B and hip-hop acts have earned her acclaim. Her musical career dubbed the “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul,” spans more than 25 years, with 13 studio albums to her credit as of 2019.

However, Blige has demonstrated the ability to grow her career outside of music. So here are some facts about this talented lady that you may not have known before.

8 Things You Didn’t Know About Mary J. Blige

1. Had A Tough Childhood

Mary J. Blige was exposed to an abundance of violence, alcohol, and drug addiction in the homes she grew up in from an early age. Her father, Thomas, was abusive and abandoned the family when she was four years old.

2. Suffered From Sexual Abuse

During an episode of VH1’s “Behind the Music,” Blige stated that she was also sexually abused by a family acquaintance during this time. ^[1]

3. Loved Singing Since Childhood

Growing up, the soul singer had a passion for music and spent a lot of time listening to her mother’s soul recordings and singing in a Pentecostal church in her spare time. ^[2]

4. Marriage And Divorce

When Mary J. Blige married Martin “Kendu” Isaacs in 2003, she found true love. According to People, Blige filed for divorce from Isaacs in 2016 after he allegedly was unfaithful to her and spent more than $420,000 on “travel expenditures” for him and his partner. ^[3]

5. Launched Her Own Organization

Mary J. Blige had great aspirations for the inauguration of her Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now. Her ambition is to use her personal life experiences to motivate suffering women in similar situations, as well as to offer them education and resources to assist them to receive better help. ^[4]

6. Owns A Production Company

As of June 2019, the “Family Affair” singer may officially add producer to her long list of accomplishments. According to Deadline, Mary J. Blige has created a new production company, Blue Butterfly, and has inked a first-look TV agreement with Lionsgate. ^[5]

7. Involvement In The Fashion Industry

Sister Love, a jewelry collection founded by Mary J. Blige and her long-time friend and designer Simone I. Smith, debuted in 2018. (via ABC News Radio). According to the official Sister Love website, the cooperation is based on female empowerment, camaraderie, and strength. ^[6]

8. Calloborated With A Wine Business

In June 2020, the Food Network revealed that Blige has formed a partnership with Fantinel Winery to create Sun Goddess Wines. Her line is marketed as a bunch of “ideal for summer” wines.