YONKERS, N.Y. -- Mary J. Blige, the queen of hip-hop soul, is establishing a foundation to help women develop careers and gain self-confidence.

Blige and Steve Stoute, who founded a youth-oriented brand consulting firm, say they're setting up the Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now. The foundation will concentrate first on the Yonkers, N.Y., area where the 37-year-old Blige grew up.

The charity will fund scholarships, grants and programs that help women gain confidence and skills to succeed. -- The Associated Press