Mary J. Blige

Mary J. Blige still lives up to her played-out nickname, the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, a dozen years after her landmark debut, What's the 411? Blige has since endured a very public growth spurt from sassy hip-hop street kid to polished soul diva. Along the way, Blige's best material has provided a stellar soundtrack that tells its tale without editing away the less than savory aspects. "Real Love," from her debut, can still pack a dance floor, as can "No More Drama," the title track of her 2001 album. Even guest appearances on standout cuts such as "You're All I Need" (with Method Man) and "All That I Got Is You" (with Ghostface Killah) seem like integral parts of her ongoing sonic autobiography. In concert, Blige remains a compelling performer with a flair for the visual, but it's her nuanced and heartfelt vocal prowess that still earns the night's biggest applause.