Apparently, "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger", and Mary J Blige, erstwhile dubbed "the queen of hip hop soul" seems to know a thing or two about that, telling by the theme of her albums with titles such as 'No More Drama', 'Love & Life' , The Breakthrough' , 'Growing Pains' or more recently 'Stronger with Each Tear' - her last release, which came in December. So, come November, Mary J will share her (past and/or current) struggles and aches with thousands of willing UK-based listeners of her amazingly soulful voice.

So far three dates have been announced - one at Birmingham's LG Arena on 2nd November, London's O2 Arena on the 3rd and the Manchester Evening News Arena for 5th November. Odds are that demand will call for more dates to be added to the first Lady of RnB's schedule.

Blige is currently working on what will be her tenth studio album, entitled 'Love Her' and produced by Swizz Beatz (newly wed to Alicia Keys and a household name in US hip hop production), which is expected for early 2011.

Until then, tickets for the 'Stronger with Each Tear' tour will go on sale tomorrow (Friday 3rd September), at 9AM.

Solange Moffi