AMERICAN diva Mary J Blige kicks off her three-date UK mini tour at the MEN Arena on June 14.

Known for her electrifying live performances, the R'n'B and hip-hop star has more than 12 years experience in the pop business and will not fail to deliver tunes that work both on the head and the hips.

The audience can expect to hear recent collaborations with Sean P Diddy Combs and 50 Cent, as well as tracks from her new album Love and Life, including the club-ready Ooh!, ballad Special Part of Me, and gospel-flavoured Ultimate Relationship.

New single Not Today, featuring Eve, sees the 33-year-old pair up with Dr Dre, who also produced her 2002 number one Family Affair.

Her debut album in 1992, which featured rappers Grand Puba and Busta Rhymes, sold more than two million copies and she has rocketed to the top from there.

Miss Blige is also a budding actress on television (Strong Medicine) and in the independent film Prison Song (co-starring with rapper Q-Tip), as well as a humanitarian.

In addition to filming anti-drug public service announcements, she has worked with various education groups and received Rock The Vote's highest honour - the Patrick Lippert Award.

She is a tireless fundraiser for people with Aids and continues as the spokeswoman for MAC's Viva Glam IV with all proceeds from the lipstick earmarked to Aids education and research.

Mary J Blige can be seen at the MEN Arena on Monday June 14.