Mary J. Blige

A native of Yonkers in New York City, Mary J. Blige caught the attention of record promoters in 1992 and became one of the top hip-hop and soul performers by the end of the decade, known to her fans as "Queen Mary." Her career was helped by Sean "Puffy" Combs and her first record, What's the 411? (1992) was a commercial and critical success. Her next records were equally well-received, My Life (1994), Share My World (1997), The Tour (1998) and Mary (1999). One of the biggest R&B stars of the 1990s, she has worked with other recording artists Busta Rhymes, Lil Kim, DMX, Lauryn Hill and Elton John. Blige released her sixth album No More Drama in 2001.