(Top40 Charts/ Universal
Music Publishing Group) -
David Renzer, Chairman & CEO, Universal
Music Publishing Group (UMPG) announced today the renewal of world-renowned, six time Grammy award winner, multi-platinum artist, 2007 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Songwriter of the Year Mary J. Blige, to an exclusive, world-wide co-publishing agreement.
Through the long-term relationship between UMPG, the world's leading music publishing company, and Mary J. Blige, one of the most popular artists in R&B, the company will continue to co-publish Blige's extensive catalog and future works for the world.
Mary J. Blige's vast publishing catalog includes her seven No. 1 hit songs "Be Without You," "Family Affair," "Love Is All We Need," "Not Gon' Cry," "You Bring Me Joy," "You Remind Me," and "Real Love," as well her twenty-one Top Ten hit songs, including "Just Fine," "Take Me As I Am," "Enough Cryin'," "Rainy Dayz," "Deep Inside," "All That I Can Say," "I Can Love You," "Everything," "You Bring Me Joy," "I'm Going Down," "Be Happy," "Love No Limit," "Sweet Thing," among many others.
Upon making the announcement Mr. Renzer commented, "Mary J Blige has proven herself to be an icon and role model. Her talent as an artist and songwriter continues to grow, even as we celebrate her recent number one album. It's an honor for UMPG to continue it's long working relationship with her, and we look forward to working closely with Mary, Kendu and her team as her career soars to new heights."
With seven prior multi-platinum albums and over 18 million albums sold, Mary J. Blige returns to the R&B throne with her eight studio album Growing Pains. With singles "Just Fine" and "Work That" already climbing the charts, Blige is set to continue her string of hits well into 2008. Fresh off of 2006's The Breakthrough, the single "Be Without You" spent 15 weeks on top of the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, crowning the biggest hit of her career. Starting from 1992's "You Remind Me" through 2006's "Take Me As I Am," Mary J. Blige has collected 16 Top Ten R&B Singles.
Managed by Kendu Isaacs, Mary J. Blige is among the impressive names in UMPG's catalogue, which includes the works of such artists as: T-Pain, Mariah Carey, Ne-Yo, Justin Timberlake, 50 Cent, Swizz Beatz, Prince, Common, Chris Brown, Jill Scott, Chamillionaire, Nas, Ciara, Nelly, UGK, Lil Jon, R Kelly, among many others.
