**Mary J. Blige Discography**
**Definition**
Mary J. Blige discography encompasses the complete collection of albums, singles, and other musical recordings released by American singer, songwriter, and actress Mary J. Blige. Spanning over three decades, her discography reflects her evolution as a pioneering figure in R&B and hip-hop soul music.
—
## Mary J. Blige Discography
Mary J. Blige, often hailed as the „Queen of Hip-Hop Soul,” has built a prolific and influential career since her debut in the early 1990s. Her discography includes a wide array of studio albums, compilation albums, extended plays (EPs), singles, and collaborations that have contributed significantly to contemporary R&B and soul music. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Mary J. Blige’s discography, highlighting her major releases, chart performances, and notable achievements.
—
### Overview
Mary J. Blige’s discography is marked by a consistent output of music that blends soulful vocals with hip-hop beats, addressing themes of love, struggle, empowerment, and resilience. Since her debut album *What’s the 411?* in 1992, Blige has released numerous albums that have garnered critical acclaim and commercial success worldwide. Her work has earned her multiple Grammy Awards and has influenced a generation of artists.
—
## Studio Albums
Mary J. Blige has released 14 studio albums to date, each showcasing her growth as an artist and her ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes while maintaining her signature sound.
### 1. *What’s the 411?* (1992)
Blige’s debut album introduced her unique blend of R&B and hip-hop soul. It featured hit singles like „Real Love” and „You Remind Me,” which helped establish her as a new voice in R&B. The album was certified triple platinum in the United States.
### 2. *My Life* (1994)
Considered one of her most critically acclaimed works, *My Life* delved into personal themes of pain and perseverance. It included singles such as „I’m Goin’ Down” and „Be Happy.” The album solidified her reputation as a powerful vocalist and storyteller.
### 3. *Share My World* (1997)
This album marked a shift towards a more polished sound with collaborations from artists like Nas and Lil’ Kim. It featured hits like „Love Is All We Need” and „Everything,” and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.
### 4. *Mary* (1999)
*Mary* showcased a more mature and introspective Blige, with singles such as „All That I Can Say” and „Deep Inside.” The album continued her commercial success and received positive reviews.
### 5. *No More Drama* (2001)
Featuring the hit single „Family Affair,” produced by Dr. Dre, this album was a commercial success and won Blige her first Grammy Award. It addressed themes of overcoming adversity and personal growth.
### 6. *Love & Life* (2003)
Produced largely by Sean „Diddy” Combs, this album included singles like „Love @ 1st Sight” and „Ooh!” It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and was nominated for a Grammy.
### 7. *The Breakthrough* (2005)
One of Blige’s most successful albums, *The Breakthrough* featured hits such as „Be Without You” and „Enough Cryin’.” It won multiple awards and was certified triple platinum.
### 8. *Growing Pains* (2007)
This album continued Blige’s streak of success with singles like „Just Fine.” It debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 and earned her another Grammy nomination.
### 9. *Stronger with Each Tear* (2009)
Featuring collaborations with artists like Drake and Jay-Z, this album included singles such as „I Am” and „Each Tear.” It debuted at number two on the Billboard 200.
### 10. *My Life II… The Journey Continues (Act 1)* (2011)
A sequel to her 1994 album, this release revisited themes of struggle and triumph. It featured singles like „25/8” and „Mr. Wrong.”
### 11. *A Mary Christmas* (2013)
Blige’s first holiday album, featuring classic Christmas songs and original material, showcased her versatility as an artist.
### 12. *The London Sessions* (2014)
Recorded in London with British producers, this album incorporated elements of UK soul and electronic music. It included singles like „Therapy.”
### 13. *Strength of a Woman* (2017)
This album was praised for its emotional depth and featured singles such as „Thick of It” and „U + Me (Love Lesson).”
### 14. *Good Morning Gorgeous* (2022)
Blige’s latest studio album, *Good Morning Gorgeous*, received critical acclaim and included collaborations with artists like Anderson .Paak and DJ Khaled.
—
## Compilation Albums
Mary J. Blige has released several compilation albums that collect her greatest hits and notable tracks.
– *Reflections (A Retrospective)* (2006)
A two-disc compilation featuring hits from her career up to that point, including some new tracks.
– *The Best of Mary J. Blige* (2000)
A collection of her most popular songs from her early albums.
—
## Extended Plays (EPs)
Blige has released a few EPs, often as promotional tools or special projects.
– *The Soul Sessions Vol. 2* (2012)
An EP featuring covers of classic soul songs, showcasing her vocal range and respect for soul music traditions.
—
## Singles
Mary J. Blige’s singles have been a major part of her success, with numerous charting hits on the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts.
### Notable Singles
– „Real Love” (1992)
– „You Remind Me” (1992)
– „I’m Goin’ Down” (1994)
– „Be Happy” (1994)
– „Not Gon’ Cry” (1996)
– „Love Is All We Need” (1997)
– „Family Affair” (2001)
– „No More Drama” (2001)
– „Be Without You” (2005)
– „Just Fine” (2007)
– „I Am” (2009)
– „25/8” (2011)
– „Therapy” (2014)
– „Thick of It” (2017)
– „Good Morning Gorgeous” (2022)
Many of these singles have received certifications for sales and airplay, and several have been nominated for or won awards.
—
## Collaborations and Featured Appearances
Mary J. Blige has collaborated with a wide range of artists across genres, contributing to her versatility and broad appeal.
– „Love Is All We Need” featuring Nas (1997)
– „Not Gon’ Cry” from the *Waiting to Exhale* soundtrack (1995)
– „Family Affair” produced by Dr. Dre (2001)
– „Each Tear” featuring Jay-Z (2009)
– „Someone to Love Me (Naked)” with Diddy-Dirty Money (2010)
– „Suitcase” with DJ Khaled (2021)
– „Good Morning Gorgeous” featuring Anderson .Paak (2022)
Her collaborations have often resulted in chart-topping hits and critical acclaim.
—
## Chart Performance and Sales
Mary J. Blige’s albums and singles have consistently performed well on various music charts, particularly the Billboard 200 and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts. She has sold over 50 million albums worldwide, making her one of the best-selling female R&B artists of all time.
– Multiple albums have debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.
– Numerous singles have reached the top 10 on R&B charts.
– She holds the record for the most charted songs by a female artist on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
—
## Awards and Recognition Related to Discography
Mary J. Blige’s discography has earned her numerous accolades, including:
– Nine Grammy Awards from over 30 nominations.
– American Music Awards, BET Awards, and Soul Train Music Awards.
– Recognition for her influence on R&B and hip-hop soul genres.
Her albums *My Life*, *No More Drama*, and *The Breakthrough* are often cited as landmark releases in contemporary R&B.
—
## Legacy and Influence
Mary J. Blige’s discography has played a pivotal role in shaping modern R&B and hip-hop soul. Her honest and emotive songwriting, combined with her powerful vocal delivery, has inspired countless artists. Her ability to blend genres and address real-life issues in her music has earned her a lasting place in music history.
—
## Summary
Mary J. Blige’s discography is a testament to her enduring talent and influence in the music industry. With 14 studio albums, numerous singles, and collaborations, she has consistently delivered music that resonates with audiences worldwide. Her work continues to evolve, reflecting her personal growth and the changing landscape of R&B music.
—
**Meta Description:**
Explore the comprehensive discography of Mary J. Blige, detailing her studio albums, singles, collaborations, and impact on R&B and hip-hop soul music over three decades.