Introduction
Mary J Blige, also known as the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, has been an icon in the music industry for over three decades. With a career spanning 13 studio albums and countless hits, her influence on the music world cannot be overstated. But did you know that Mary J Blige is also a fan of tattoos? In this article, we'll take a closer look at Mary J Blige's tattoos, what they mean, and the stories behind them.
Early Life and Career
Born in New York City in 1971, Mary J Blige grew up in the projects of Yonkers. She began singing in church at a young age, and was discovered by record producer Sean Combs in the late 1980s. Her debut album, “What's the 411?”, was released in 1992 and was an instant hit. Since then, Mary J Blige has become one of the most successful and respected musicians in the world.
The Meaning Behind Mary J Blige's Tattoos
Mary J Blige has several tattoos, each with its own unique meaning. One of her most well-known tattoos is the phrase “What's the 411?” on her left wrist. This tattoo pays homage to her debut album and serves as a reminder of where she came from. Another tattoo on her right bicep reads “Love Yourself”, a message that Mary J Blige has said is important to her and her fans.
The Crown Tattoo
One of Mary J Blige's most striking tattoos is the crown on her right shoulder blade. The crown serves as a symbol of power and strength, and represents Mary J Blige's position as a queen in the music industry. In an interview with Essence magazine, Mary J Blige said that the crown tattoo is a reminder to always stay true to herself and her beliefs.
The Phoenix Tattoo
Another of Mary J Blige's tattoos is the phoenix on her left forearm. The phoenix is a symbol of rebirth and renewal, and represents Mary J Blige's ability to rise above adversity and emerge stronger. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Mary J Blige said that the phoenix tattoo is a reminder to never give up, no matter what obstacles come her way.
The Stories Behind Mary J Blige's Tattoos
Each of Mary J Blige's tattoos has a unique story behind it. The “What's the 411?” tattoo, for example, was done by tattoo artist Mr. Cartoon in 1992 after the release of Mary J Blige's debut album. The “Love Yourself” tattoo was done by celebrity tattoo artist Bang Bang in 2019, and was inspired by Mary J Blige's message of self-love.
The Cover-Up Tattoo
One of Mary J Blige's tattoos has a particularly interesting story. On her left forearm, she has a tattoo of the name Kendu, her ex-husband. After their divorce in 2018, Mary J Blige had the tattoo covered up with a large rose tattoo. In an interview with People magazine, Mary J Blige said that the rose tattoo represents new beginnings and moving on from the past.
In Conclusion
Mary J Blige's tattoos are a reflection of her personality, her beliefs, and her journey as an artist. Each tattoo has a unique meaning and story, and serves as a reminder of where she came from and where she's going. As Mary J Blige continues to inspire and influence the music world, her tattoos will continue to be a symbol of her strength, resilience, and unwavering spirit.
