The Many Boots of Mary J. Blige

Known as the "Queen of Hip-Hop Soul," Mary J. Blige has been heating the air waves since 1989 with her soulful voice and style. With eight albums and eight Grammys under her belt, Ms. Blige has been considered a pioneer in R&B by helping to define and redefine music as we know it today.

Over the years, we've seen Mary's music and personal life evolve right before our eyes. From "rainy days" to "no more drama," she's been through it all. Although the up-and-down battles seem to be behind her, one thing that has definitely remained constant in her life is her love of boots. When it comes to boots, Mary can't seem to get enough of them. The R&B diva switches her boots -- which range from suede to leaver to fur to metallic -- so often we lost count. Check out some of the hottest -- and not-so-hot -- boot choices of our beloved Mary J. Blige.

2008 Deaths

Odetta Holmes
"The Voice of the Civil Rights Movement" was a singer, actress, guitarist, songwriter and activist.
December 31 1930 - December 2 2008.

Ray Tamarra , Getty

Bernie Mac
Comedian, Actor
Oct. 5, 1957 - Aug. 9, 2008.

Isaac Hayes
Singer, songwriter, record producer, composer and actor.
August 20, 1942 - August 10, 2008

Reuters

Miriam Makeba, "Mama Africa"
South African folk singer and anti-apartheid activist.
March 4, 1932 - November 10, 2008.

Reuters

Jennifer Hudson's 57-year-old mother, Darnell Donerson, brother, Jason, and 7-year-old nephew, Julian King, were killed in 2008.

Shakir Stewart
The Island Def Jam executive who became head of the legendary rap label following Jay-Z's departure, killed himself on Nov. 1. He was 34 years old.

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George Carlin
Stand-up comedian, actor and author.
May 12, 1937 - June 22, 2008

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Madelyn Dunham
Barack Obama's grandmother
October 26, 1922 - Nov 3, 2008.

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Levi Stubbs
Oct. 17: The iconic lead singer, second from left, who gave voice to Four Tops classics like "Reach Out I'll Be There" and "Baby I Need Your Loving" died at 72 from complications of cancer and a stroke. Abdul Fakir, far left, is now the sole living member of the original quartet.

Corbis

Dee Dee Warwick
Oct. 18: The soul songstress died after months of declining health. Warwick, the sister of soul legend Dionne, also achieved a great deal of success, both as a solo artist as well as with her sister.

Corbis