Mary J. Blige nurtured her talent.
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Celebrating Black History Month: 16 Seriously Inspirational Success Stories

11. Mary J. Blige nurtured her talent.
According to reports, Mary J. Blige endured a childhood scarred with violence, alcohol and drugs before dropping out of high school at a young age. However despite her negative surroundings, she stuck to her passion of singing and eventually became one of the biggest female R&B singers of all time.