The Queen Of Hip-Hop-Soul Turns 40 With A Surprise Birthday Bash

Mary J. Blige, The Queen of Hip-Hop and Soul music was surprised with a 40th birthday party attended by Oprah Winfrey, Gayle King, Beyonce, Jay-Z, Ne-Yo, Diddy, Russell Simmons, Kevin Liles, Lyor Cohen, LL Cool J, June Ambrose, Angie Martinez, Taraji P. Henson and others.  Get the deets on the party inside...

Though the party was kept tightly under wraps, TheYBF.com stumbled upon a few choice photos for you from the event last night in New York. We hear MJB's party had an elegant Moroccan Theme with belly dancers floating around the room.  

Mary was entertained by R&B legend Anita Baker. Random fact: Mary's audition tape for Uptown MCA contained a version of Anita's "Caught Up In The Rapture." 

And the gold blinging cake was matched by the bling in Mary's jewels which you can see in the side profile.

And Andre Harrell led the audience in singing the birthday song and a tribute to Mary.

Stylist June Ambrose was there in a tux and she snapped these shots of herself with Diddy, Taraji P. Henson, Angie Martinez and others.

Here's what the invitation looked like.

Looks like the party was a fab night. We will post additional pics as they emerge.