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Mary J. Blige Partners With Primary Wave on Her Iconic Music Catalog

Mary J. Blige has partnered with Primary Wave on her music catalog, including hits like "Family Affair" and "My Life."

Mary J. Blige

The deal includes such hits as “Family Affair,” “My Life,” “Mary Jane (All Night Long),” “You Bring Me Joy” and “Be Happy.”

Primary Wave Music has partnered with Mary J. Blige on her catalog compositions and recordings, the company announced Monday (Oct. 26). Through the deal, the publisher will work alongside the iconic singer-songwriter and her team on potential new music marketing, branding, digital and synch opportunities.

According to a press release, Blige has sold more than 50 million records globally. Her catalog includes 15 studio albums, two live albums and 83 singles. She has received nine Grammys from 37 nominations, 12 Billboard Music Awards and has been nominated for two Oscars, among other accolades. She was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2024.

Long dubbed the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, Blige has racked up six Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits, including one No. 1, 2001’s “Family Affair.” She’s also charted 14 top 10 albums on the Billboard 200, including four No. 1s: 1997’s Share My World, 2003’s Love & Life, 2006’s The Breakthrough and 2008’s Growing Pains. She burst onto the scene with her 1992 debut album What’s the 411?, which has been certified four-times platinum by the RIAA.

The Primary Wave deal includes such hits as “Family Affair,” “My Life,” “Mary Jane (All Night Long),” “You Bring Me Joy,” “Be Happy,” “Be Without You” and “I Can Love You.”

Earlier this year, Blige announced her Las Vegas residency, Mary J. Blige: My Life, My Story The Las Vegas Residency, at Dolby Live at Park MGM. Kicking off in May, the residency has been extended through February 2027.

In addition to music, Blige has starred in films including Mudbound, for which she received two Oscar nominations: best supporting actress and best original song for the track “Mighty River.” She also recently wrapped an acting stint on the Starz series Power Book II: Ghost.

“From the moment I heard ‘You Remind Me’ on NY’s KISS-FM, I became a Day 1 Mary J Blige fan,” said Natalia Nastaskin, Primary Wave’s chief content officer, in a statement. “For over 30 years, she has gifted the world with hit after undeniable hit and in the process has created the soundtrack of our lives. To partner with the Queen herself on her extraordinary catalog and her everlasting legacy is an honor for me and for our entire Primary Wave team.”

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Written by

Yewande Coker

Yewande Coker is Afrobeats Wire's business editor. She covers the money side of African music: catalogue acquisitions, distribution and publishing deal structures, label finances, and the ownership chains behind the continent's biggest rights.

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