Mary J. Blige and El DeBarge

Under the influence of R&B/soul legends Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, and Chaka Khan among others, Blige earned her first taste of recognition after singing Anita Baker’s “Caught Up in the Rapture” into a karaoke machine at the mall. A recording of the performance was then given by Blige’s stepfather to Andre Harrell, the CEO of Uptown Records, who signed the young Blige to sing backup for a host of acts including Father MC. In 1991 however, Sean Combs, better known as Diddy, showed Blige the ropes and began working on her debut album. “What the 411?” was released in July 1998, and introduced a whole new wave of gritty and unrefined R&B with a strong connection to hip hop. The album went on to sell over three million copies, aided by the No. 1 R&B chart singles “Real Love” and “You Remind Me”.

Combs was once again at the reigns of Blige’s second album “My Life” released in November 1994. Largely written by the singer herself this time, “My Life” debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200, and topped the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The success of her first two albums led to Blige collaborating with the likes of Faith Evans, Method Man, Ghostface Killah, and Jay-Z.

Documenting her tumultuous and unsustainable previous lifestyle, Blige’s third full-length “Share My World” shot to No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in 1997. The album was the singer’s highest-selling album to date, aided by the five hit singles “Love Is All We Need” featuring Nas, “I Can Love You” featuring Lil’ Kim, “Everything”, “Missing You”, and “Seven Days”. In a move away from hip-hop towards the adult contemporary scene, the album “Mary” released in 1999, was an acclaimed album that later earned success for its club-friendly dance remixes.

The new millennium brought the albums “No More Drama” in 2001, “Love & Life” in 2003, the Grammy Award winning “The Breakthrough” in 2005, and the compilation “Reflections” in 2006. Dubbed the “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul”, Blige’s subsequent album “Growing Pains” marked the third successive album which topped both the Billboard 200 and R&B/Hip-Hop Album charts. Shortly after Blige contributed to 50 Cent’s 2007 album “Curtis” and toured as a part of Jay-Z’s Heart of the City tour.

“Stronger with Each Tear” appeared in December 2009, with guest contributions from Drake, Trey Songz and will.i.am, followed by “My Life II… The Journey Continues (Act 1) in 2011. After issuing the Christmas album “A Mary Christmas” in 2013, and contributing to the soundtrack to the comedy film “Think Like a Man Too”, Blige enlisted the help of Disclosure, Sam Smith, and Emeil Sandé for the album “The London Sessions” released in 2014.

El DeBarge grew up in Detroit, Michigan, US, as one of ten children, spending his youth singing in the local church choir. DeBarge, along with his siblings, were heavily involved with music growing up, performing regularly. His elder brothers, Bobby and Tommy, found success in the group, Switch, and later brought in their siblings to form DeBarge, signing to Motown Records in 1980. Through the label’s mentoring, the group went on to be a success in the early-1980s, creating the hits “All This Love,” “Love Me in a Special Way,” “Who’s Holding Donna Now” and “Rhythm Of The Night.” After recording four albums with DeBarge, El left the band to pursue a solo career in 1985.

In 1986, DeBarge released his first solo record, a self-titled album that featured the number three hit “Who’s Johnny?,” which went on to be featured in the soundtrack for hit film, “Short Circuit.” “love Always” also featured on the record, peaking at number 43 in the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The album itself reached number 24 in the Billboard 200 Album Chart and was certified Gold. DeBarge followed his debut with 1989’s “Gemini,” which failed to match his previous success.

DeBarge then left Motown, moving to Warner Bros. Records for 1992’s “In The Storm” and 1994’s “Heart, Mind & Soul,” with neither album being particularly successful. DeBarge then retreated from making music, falling into drug addiction, a battle which would last over a decade, frequently spending stints in rehab as he tried to overcome his personal issues. After serving a prison sentence for violating his probation, DeBarge returned with 2010’s “Second Chance,” on Interscope Records, returning to form, with the album peaking at number 57 in the Billboard charts. He then went on to perform at the 54th Grammy Awards ceremony in February 2012.