Mary J. Blige

When Mary J. Blige's debut album, What's the 411?, hit the street in July 1992, critics and fans were floored by its powerful combination of modern R&B and edgy rap production that glanced off of the pain and grit of the singer's New York upbringing. Compared to Chaka Khan and Aretha Franklin, Blige had little in common stylistically with either of those artists, but like them, she helped adorn soul music with new flavors. With her blonde hair, self-preserving slouch, and combat boots, Blige personified street-tough beauty. As she exorcized her demons and softened her style, s...