Mary J. Blige is slated to receive her flowers at the Urban One Honors: Best in Black.
The R&B icon will be celebrated as the Entertainment Icon honoree during the two-hour event, premiering on February 25 at 8/7 Central on TV One with a simulcast on Cleo TV.
The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul debuted in 1992 with her debut album “What’s the 411?,” blending New Jack Swing, rap and classic soul. She’s developed her sound throughout the years through a visceral personal lens, redefining R&B along the way, and most recently released her fourteenth album “Good Morning Gorgeous” in 2022. Additionally, she’s established herself as a force in Hollywood, securing an Oscar nomination in 2017 for her role in “Mudbound” and appearing as a series regular on “Power Book II: Ghost.”
“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.”
Aside from Blige, honorees at the Urban One Honors include Dione Warwick, who will be recognized as the Lifetime Achievement honoree; Chloe as Generation Next honoree; Frankie Beverly as Living Legend; and Donald Lawrence for his Inspirational Impact.
Presenters and performers at the Urban One Honors include Teyana Taylor, Bebe Winans, Damon Little, Angie Stone and October London. Viewers will be treated to a reunion from the cast of “R&B Divas,” as Keke Wyatt, Chanté Moore and Nicki Gilbert will join together. LeToya Luckett will be on hand to interview artists and attendees as host of “Backstage Pass.”
The Urban One Honors are set to film on Jan. 20 at the Coca-Cola Roxy in Atlanta.
