Initially a protege of Sean "Puffy" Combs, Blige broke free in a manner that -- contrary to rumors -- was amicable.

CNN: Mary J. Blige going 'Live' for her fans

That role took shape on the raw 1994 album "My Life, " produced by Sean "Puffy" Combs and recorded when Ms. Blige says she was hitting bottom.

WSJ: Mary J. Blige: Music's Diva of Self-Help

Mr. CHUCK PHILLIPS (Reporter, Los Angeles Times): Well, like I said, I have talked to people that I believed were involved in the orchestration of this attack, and I have had contact with the assailants themselves, and I believe that Sabatino himself told Puffy, or Combs, Sean Combs, however you call him.

NPR: Newspaper Apologizes for Shakur Story