Mary J. Blige, affectionately known as the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, has made history once again.
At 50, the iconic singer and nine-time Grammy winner became the youngest living inductee into the Apollo Theater’s prestigious Hall of Fame, an honor recognizing her unparalleled contributions to music and culture.
The induction ceremony took place on May 28, 2021, outside the historic Apollo Theater on Harlem’s famed 125th Street. The legendary venue has been a cornerstone of Black culture for decades, and Blige’s journey with the Apollo dates back to her first performance there in 1992 on Showtime at the Apollo. She later returned for performances in 1995, 2001, and a sold-out headline show in 2002.
“My very first time performing here at the Apollo, I wasn’t even on stage as myself—I was singing background for Jeff Gray,” Blige reminisced during her acceptance speech. “From there, it was all Mary J. Blige history. Thank y’all so much for everything.”
Blige now joins a pantheon of music greats such as Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, and Patti LaBelle, all immortalized on the Apollo’s Walk of Fame.
Apollo Executive Producer Kamilah Forbes praised Blige as “one of the defining voices of our generation” and a trailblazer who redefined the boundaries of R&B and hip-hop.
This accolade is another jewel in Blige’s illustrious career, which spans nearly three decades. Fans can look forward to her upcoming My Life documentary, co-executive produced by Sean “Diddy” Combs, debuting June 25, 2021.
The documentary promises an intimate look at Blige’s personal journey, including her struggles with poverty, abuse, and heartbreak, alongside her rise to stardom.
Blige’s induction is a testament to her enduring impact on music, culture, and the hearts of her fans worldwide.
