Mary J. Blige‘s legacy will forever be embedded in the R&B music scene. It’s hard to deny the singer’s heavy impact on everything soulful and transparent. And that’s essentially why she’s continuously celebrated! Yesterday, she was given her flowers at the annual Billboard Music Awards.
Before receiving the (well deserved) Icon Award, a short film of Queen Latifah, Gabrielle Union, and Taraji P. Henson was played. In the video, they spoke about Blige’s talents and character. Afterward, the “No More Drama” hitmaker made her entrance following a surprise appearance from Janet Jackson, who asked the crowd,
“What defines an icon?”
Since taking the R&B industry by force, Blige has topped the Billboard 200 FOUR times at No. 1. She’s also dominated the Billboard Hot 100 with her hit single, “Family Affair.”
Aside from music, Blige has acted in several films. She’s also gained notoriety in 50 Cent‘s Power Book II: Ghost as Monet Tejada.
While receiving her award, Blige said:
“What an icon means to me is overcoming obstacles to accomplish the unthinkable and being wildly admired for influencing many people, which I’ve always represented.
I’ve been on this journey for a long time. One that didn’t always look the way you see me now. One that was filled with a lot of heartache and pain. But God helped me to channel those experiences and emotions into my music.“
