Mary J. Blige, the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, will be honored at the 2024 Urban One Honors with the Entertainment Icon Honor.

Mary J. Blige is one of the defining voices of the contemporary music era. With a track record of eight multi-platinum albums, nine Grammy Awards (plus a staggering 32 nominations), an EMMY award, two Academy Award nominations, two Golden Globe nominations, and a SAG nomination, among many other accolades, Blige has cemented herself as a global superstar.

Influenced at an early age by the music of Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, and Gladys Knight, Blige brought her own gritty, urban-rooted style—fusing hip-hop, soul, and honest, frank lyrics—to the forefront on her 1992 debut album “What’s the 411?” The multi-platinum set quickly spun off several hits, including two No. R&B No. 1s: “You Remind Me” and “Real Love.” Blige helped redefine R&B and began forging a unique niche for herself on the more personal second album, 1994’s “My Life.”

She is loved for her passionate, chart-topping hits like “Be Without You,” “No More Drama,” and “Family Affair,” all of which have made her a force in music. Over her career, Blige has released 15 studio albums, in addition to starring in films and television programs such as “Mudbound”, “The Umbrella Academy”, “Respect”, “Power Book II: Ghost” and more.

“Urban One is thrilled to honor the incomparable Mary J. Blige as our 2024 Entertainment Icon,” says Michelle L. Rice, president of TV One and CLEO TV.

“Mary’s immeasurable talent and award-winning music has shaped our culture and has had a profound impact on artists and music across all genres, but most notably the elevation of female artists in both R&B and Hip Hop across generations. She fully personifies the ‘Best in Black’ theme of this year’s Urban One Honors.”

Previous recipients of the Entertainment Icon Honor include Jennifer Hudson, LL Cool J and Jamie Foxx.

“As we unveil the lineup for this year’s Urban One Honors, we are delighted to highlight the incredible musical journeys of Dionne Warwick, Chlöe, Frankie Beverly, and Donald Lawrence. Their selection as honorees is a recognition of their profound impact on both music and culture, spanning generations,” said Rice.

The lineup of performers and presenters include Teyana Taylor, Bebe Winans, Damon Little, Angie Stone, and October London, alongside a reunion featuring Keke Wyatt, Chanté Moore, and Nicci Gilbert (cast of R&B Divas).

The ceremony airs Sunday, Feb. 25, at 8 p.m. ET on TV One and simulcast on CLEO TV.