Both in and outside the studio, Mary J Blige is a woman set on empowering others to live their best lives. Despite being one of the most recognizable figures in R&B, the blonde beauty’s trek through the entertainment industry hasn’t been easy, especially when it comes to her love life. Like many other songwriters, Blige has profited from turning her pain into art, but she’s also lost out on money while allegedly being betrayed by the person she held closest to her heart. Rather than grow jaded after failed engagements, affairs and a divorce, the “Good Morning Gorgeous” hitmaker has focused on loving herself and allowing what’s for her to align accordingly. Who is Mary J. Blige dating? Read on to uncover more about her tumultuous romantic past and everything she’s said about her current flame so far.
K-CI and Case Were Among Blige’s First Industry Romances
Before she earned the title of Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, Blige shared her debut album in 1992. Around this time she was linked to Cedric “K-Ci” Hailey, who was one-half of K-Ci and JoJo. They were on and off for 12 years total, and despite the drama, Distractify notes that some considered them an R&B power couple. K-Ci proposed in 1996, but their engagement only lasted a year as he publicly refuted plans to get married. It didn’t take long for Blige to connect with a new lover – Case. He spoke with Madame Noire about their time together during the making of his 1996 self-titled project.
“She had come to the studio or whatever, we just started hanging out. She was there when I was working on my album. There were three or four songs that she wrote, or that we wrote together,” the recording artist explained. “You know how that goes. You’re doing music, it just turns into… I don’t think she planned [it] but I was scheming all along. Then we had an affair,” Case said with a laugh. It was apparently his “sloppy” behavior that ended their entanglement as Blige found out he was fooling around with other women.
Ex-husband Kendu Isaacs Both Helped and Hurt the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul
In 2002, the Power actress spoke with The Guardian about abuse previously endured in her relationships. K-Ci wasn’t named in the story, but there’s long been speculation Blige was referring to him when recalling an ex who allegedly tried to kill her. Afterward, she seemed ready to move on from the singer for good, starting a new romance with Kendu Isaacs in 2003 and marrying him by December of that year. The 53-year-old has credited her partner with helping her overcome drug and alcohol addiction, but by 2016, they went their separate ways.
Blige filed for divorce first, citing “irreconcilable differences,” though Essence notes she later accused Isaacs of cheating and stealing from her during their marriage. Ahead of final proceedings, a judge ruled that the songstress pay her ex-husband $30K monthly in temporary spousal support; they later agreed on a different number undisclosed to the public. Rather than dwell on the negatives, Blige has been vocal about encouraging women to become more money-savvy and not give their power away.
“What I’ve learned is that forgiveness was for me. So excuse me when I say this, the hell with them. I don’t like that ugly, bitter feeling ‘cause that’s not mine. That belongs to you. You did what you did,” she shared during a Sherri appearance on Sept. 23. “But I have to move on and in order for me to feel good and to manifest all good things in my life, I have to let go for me. Not for you, this is not for you. Trust me, this is for me.”
Who Is Mary J Blige Dating These Days?
The last celebrity Blige was rumored to be spending time with is Conway the Machine. Not only did he support her induction to the Apollo Walk Of Fame with a sweet Instagram post in 2021, but he also gave the superstar a diamond-studded chain he was previously spotted rocking at a DMX release party. Nothing was ever confirmed there, but throughout 2024, she’s been talking about having new love on the brain.
“I am in love. I believe I deserve a good relationship. With myself. With a partner. When you believe it, it comes to you,” Blige said on CBS Morning back in March. On Sherri this month, she noted that her current union is succeeding because “[she’s] not holding anyone accountable about making [her] feel good for [her].” The exact identity of Mary J Blige’s new man has yet to be revealed, but we’ll keep you posted with any updates!