Mary J. Blige is making a major business move with the music that helped establish her as the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul. The Grammy-winning singer has entered into a partnership with independent music publisher Primary Wave Music involving her catalog of songs and recordings, although the financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
Music Money Moves
Announced Oct. 26, the agreement gives Primary Wave a role in Blige’s catalog compositions and recordings, spanning songs from her 15 studio albums. The partnership also provides Blige and her team access to the company’s marketing and publishing infrastructure, opening the door to potential opportunities in branding, digital marketing and music licensing.
The agreement includes some of Blige’s best-known songs, including “Family Affair,” “My Life,” “Mary Jane (All Night Long),” “You Bring Me Joy,” “Be Happy,” “Be Without You” and “I Can Love You.”
Blige has sold more than 50 million records worldwide, earned nine Grammy Awards and received two Academy Award nominations. She was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2024 and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2018.
Blige emerged in 1992 with her debut album, “What’s the 411?” Her sophomore album, “My Life,” followed in 1994 and the album debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and remained there for eight weeks.
In 2025, “My Life” was selected for induction into the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry, recognizing recordings considered culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.
Her 2001 hit “Family Affair” became her first No. 1 song on the Billboard Hot 100, holding the top position for six weeks. Produced by Dr. Dre, the record became one of the signature songs of her career.
Blige continued her commercial run with 2005’s “The Breakthrough,” which featured “Be Without You.” The song reached No. 3 on the Hot 100 and earned her two Grammy Awards in 2007.
Primary Wave says it will work with Blige and her team to explore opportunities involving marketing, branding, digital platforms and synchronization licensing, which allows music to be paired with visual media such as films, television shows, advertisements and video games.
The company has built a business around partnerships with artists and estates whose catalogs continue to attract listeners and commercial interest. Its roster includes music associated with artists such as Bob Marley, Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross and the Notorious B.I.G., as well as André 3000 of OutKast.
Blige’s deal also comes after she has faced financial difficulties during her career.
The singer has dealt with tax liabilities, loan disputes and the financial consequences of her divorce from former husband and manager Kendu Isaacs. In 2016, a judge ordered Blige to pay $30,000 per month in temporary spousal support while the divorce proceedings continued.
She also faced federal and state tax liens and lawsuits related to bank loans.
Blige’s Las Vegas residency, “Mary J. Blige: My Life, My Story,” launched in May at Dolby Live at Park MGM and was extended through February 2027.
