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Home · 2017 ESSENCE Festival

41 Reasons We Love Mary J. Blige

Without a doubt, Mary J. Blige is an icon. We’ve loved the Yonkers native ever since she stomped her way (with thigh-high combat boots) into our hearts with her hip-hop soul classic, “Real Love,” some 24 years ago. Her music has been the soundtrack that helped us grow from girls to women. As MJB readies for her 13th performance at the ESSENCE Festival, we could think of no better time to reveal all the reasons she rocks our world.
By Yolanda Sangweni · Updated October 26, 2020
01
Something About Mary

Because on or off the stage, no one has swagger quite like MJB.

41 Reasons We Love Mary J. Blige
02
Something About Mary

She’s always remained true to herself.

41 Reasons We Love Mary J. Blige
03
Something About Mary

We can only imagine how great a sister and girlfriend she is.

41 Reasons We Love Mary J. Blige
04
Something About Mary

She put ‘round the way girls’ on the map.

41 Reasons We Love Mary J. Blige
05
Something About Mary

From her honey blonde tresses to her love of animal prints, Mary has always been a trendsetter.

41 Reasons We Love Mary J. Blige
06
Something About Mary

Because she has become a sister to us all — she sings the songs for the soundtrack of our lives.

41 Reasons We Love Mary J. Blige
07
Something About Mary

We’ve watched her grow from a teenager to a woman and wife.

41 Reasons We Love Mary J. Blige
08
Something About Mary

Because even when everyone was telling her to change her look, she stayed true to her fashion instincts.

41 Reasons We Love Mary J. Blige
09
Something About Mary

She made it hot for Black women to rock honey blonde hair.

41 Reasons We Love Mary J. Blige
10
Something About Mary

No matter the time of year, this sister loves to rock knee high boots.

41 Reasons We Love Mary J. Blige
11
Something About Mary

Because a Mary J. Blige performance is like attending a great church service.

41 Reasons We Love Mary J. Blige
12
Something About Mary

Even off-duty, no one can make casual look so chic.

41 Reasons We Love Mary J. Blige
13
Something About Mary

Because 19 years after her debut, her songs never get old.

41 Reasons We Love Mary J. Blige
14
Something About Mary

Because the sister’s still got moves.

41 Reasons We Love Mary J. Blige
15
Something About Mary

Her story of triumph over addiction and molestation inspires us all.

41 Reasons We Love Mary J. Blige
16
Something About Mary

Because nobody wears a catsuit quite like MJB.

41 Reasons We Love Mary J. Blige
17
Something About Mary

She makes 41 look fierce and oh-so-fabulous!

41 Reasons We Love Mary J. Blige
18
Something About Mary

She is walking proof that curves will always be sexy.

41 Reasons We Love Mary J. Blige
19
Something About Mary

Her songs speak to our happiness and pain.

41 Reasons We Love Mary J. Blige
20
Something About Mary

Because she’s jumped into the acting biz beautifully. From Rock of Ages to Betty and Coretta to Black Nativity, this sister is making her mark on the big and small screens.

41 Reasons We Love Mary J. Blige
21
Something About Mary

Because she sang about not wanting any more drama in her life, and she meant it.

41 Reasons We Love Mary J. Blige
22
Something About Mary

Mary’s been through it all and tells it like it is.

41 Reasons We Love Mary J. Blige
23
Something About Mary

She blessed us with the best break-up anthem of ALL time — “Not Gon Cry” — a true classic.

41 Reasons We Love Mary J. Blige
24
Something About Mary

Because of the album, “My Life.” Nuff said. Period.

41 Reasons We Love Mary J. Blige
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Something About Mary

She started her FFAWN organization to help young women of color.

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