The Breakthrough

The Breakthrough is the seventh studio album by American singer Mary J. Blige, released on December 20, 2005, by Geffen Records. Blige recorded the album with a host of songwriters and record producers, including 9th Wonder, Rodney Jerkins, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Bryan-Michael Cox, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Raphael Saadiq, Chucky Thompson, Cool & Dre, Ron Fair, and will.i.am. The Breakthrough received positive reviews from most critics and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. It has been certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), and has sold 3,100,000 copies in the United States. Release and promotion Mary J. Blige embarked on several live performances and appearances to promote the release of The Breakthrough. Blige performed with rapper The Game during his performance of "Hate It or Love It" at the BET Awards on June 28, 2005. Blige sung a medley of "You're All I Need to Get By" with Method Man, "I'm Goin' Down", "Real Love", and "Can't Hide from Luv" on BET's 25 Strong: The BET Silver Anniversary Special in October 2005. In November 2005, Blige was honored with the V LEGEND AWARD at 2005 Vibe Awards. On December 21, 2005, Blige was interviewed and performed on The Tyra Banks Show, singing a rendition of "Can't Hide from Luv". Blige sung a medley of "Family Affair", "Can't Hide from Luv", and "Be Without You" on New Year's Eve with Carson Daly on December 31, 2005. On February 8, 2006, Blige performed "One" with U2 at the 48th Annual Grammy Awards. Blige performed "Be Without You" and "Enough Cryin" on Saturday Night Live in April 2006. Blige sung a medley of "Be Without You" and "Enough Cryin" at the 2006 BET Awards, where she won two awards for Best Female R&B Artist and Video of the Year on June 27, 2006. Blige embarked on The Breakthrough Experience Tour from July 14, 2006, to September 10, 2006. Letoya Luckett and Jaheim were opening acts during the tour. On December 4, 2006, Blige performed "Enough Cryin" and "Take Me as I Am" at the 2006 Billboard Music Awards, where she won nine awards. At the 49th Annual Grammy Awards, on February 11, 2007, Blige performed "Be Without You". She won three awards during the ceremony. Reception