The hip-hop icon Mary J. Blige, whose career spanned more than three decades, can now add movie producer to her impressive resume! One of the 52-year-old singer’s greatest hits, “Real Love,” from 1992, has been transferred to the small screen in a gripping two-part Lifetime original film. As the executive producer of both movies, Blige demonstrated her talent for storytelling and artistic vision.

From Hit Single to Lifetime Movie

Blige’s first top 10 single, “Real Love,” has been a pillar of her career, inspiring listeners with her unadulterated emotion and stirring message. Blige revealed to Entertainment Tonight that she has been particularly inspired throughout the years by the song’s encouraging message. She aimed for the film to encapsulate the song’s themes of empowerment, love, and self-discovery.

“In my experience, that song has been the strongest. I’ve spent my entire life looking for genuine love and people like that. However, I’ve been working on myself and have discovered it within myself at last, Blige remarked. “I can see now how important relationships and affection are. Genuine affection holds significance, as does a woman’s strength; genuine love for myself has endowed me with strength. That’s where the inspirations come from.

The audience has always connected with Blige’s candor about her challenges and victories on a human level. Although she has openly discussed her personal struggles with drugs and alcohol, drawing inspiration from her experiences for song lyrics, the Lifetime films are not autobiographical; instead, they are based on original storylines.

Real Love: A Journey of Self-Discovery

The main character of the first segment of the film “Real Love” is Ajiona Alexus’s 18-year-old Kendra. At a historically Black college in North Carolina, Kendra is a scholarship student who tries to manage her work-study and academic obligations. Her well-laid plans, however, are derailed when she starts dating Da’Vinchi’s character, Ben, who plays her photo class companion.

The movie looks with the difficulties of following one’s aspirations and the associated sacrifices, as well as the intricacies of youthful love. Kendra’s path is one of empowerment and self-discovery as she eventually comes to the realization that she must leave Ben in order to pursue her goals.

Strength of a Woman: A Tale of Resilience and Redemption

More than 15 years have passed when the movie’s second section, “Strength of a Woman,” which takes its name from Blige’s 12th studio album, begins. Despite being a renowned photographer today, Kendra’s life is far from ideal. When Ben unexpectedly reappears, she is struggling with a failing marriage and is forced to face her past and reevaluate her future.

The narrative explores themes of fortitude, atonement, and the enduring force of love. It emphasizes the value of having confidence in oneself and inner power. Blige’s contribution to the movie’s development guarantees an authentic and impactful portrayal of these subjects.

Blige’s Continued Success in Entertainment

The filmmaking endeavor is but one aspect of Blige’s diverse career. She also keeps leaving her mark in front of the camera. Blige is nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the 2017 film “Mudbound,” and she presently acts in the TV series “Power Book II: Ghost.”

Blige is committed to elevating and empowering others in addition to her pursuits in acting and producing. She organized Atlanta’s second annual Strength of Woman Festival and Summit in May with the goal of honoring, motivating, and enlightening Black women.

“I’m super excited because last year was bigger than what I even dreamed or imagined,” Blige told PEOPLE. “It was so successful that we’re doing it again, and I believe it’s going to touch more lives in a positive way.”

Blige’s commitment to giving back is deeply rooted in her own experiences. She admitted that, as a young girl, she rarely saw women being uplifted in her community unless it came from her mother’s example. This lack of representation motivated Blige to make it her “mission in life” to give back and help others.

“Giving is a part of my life. And when I began to encourage women, I didn’t even know that I could start a movement like that,” she explained, adding that she’s dedicated herself to the fans who’ve supported her over the years.

Mary Can!: Inspiring the Next Generation

Blige’s dedication to empowering others extends to her work as a children’s book author. In 2022, she released “Mary Can!,” a picture book published by HarperCollins Publishers. The book tells an inspirational and motivating story about a young girl who proves that anyone can make their dreams come true if they just believe in themselves.

“I want kids to know that there are no limits to what they can accomplish,” Blige told PEOPLE about the book. “My wish is for my nieces and nephews to feel they can achieve anything they imagine. Growing up, I was constantly told that my dreams were too big, too bold, and too far out of reach. I think we need to reinforce that nothing is impossible.”

Blige’s journey from idea to publication was a dream come true. “From start to finish, this book has been my own dream — starting from just the idea, to partnering with Ashleigh Corrin and Harper Collins who helped bring ‘Mary Can!’ to life, to seeing the final and finished book — I couldn’t be more excited to share this with the younger generation,” she added.

A Legacy of Real Love and Strength

Mary J. Blige’s transformation of “Real Love” into a Lifetime movie is a testament to her creative vision and her commitment to sharing stories that resonate with audiences. Through her music, acting, producing, and writing, Blige continues to inspire and uplift people around the world.

“Real Love” and “Strength of a Woman” are now streaming on Lifetime, offering fans a chance to experience these powerful stories of love, resilience, and empowerment. As Blige continues to break new ground in her career, her legacy of real love and strength remains an enduring source of inspiration for generations to come.

Blige’s journey is a powerful reminder that with determination, resilience, and self-love, anyone can overcome their challenges and achieve their dreams. Her work, both on and off the screen, embodies the essence of real love and the strength of a woman.