Donell Jones
Beginning with his 1996 album My Heart, singer/songwriter/producer Donell Jones recorded a jazzy and soulful style of urban pop for LaFace Records and scored a few modest singles in the process. His first two singles — “In the Hood” and “Knocks Me Off My Feet” — established his reputation within the competitive urban market. In particular, the latter song, originally a Stevie Wonder song from Songs in the Key of Life (1976), became a substantial hit for Jones, climbing to the upper reaches of the Billboard R&B chart and driving the album up the charts as well. In addition to his own music, he also wrote songs for other urban artists such as Usher (“Think of You”) and 702 (“Get It Together”). Born the son of a gospel singer, Jones immersed himself in music at a young age. Later, he began to fall victim to the temptations of Chicago’s South Side, where he grew up. At one point, after involving himself with gang culture, he decided to dedicate himself to music rather than the streets. He met Edward “Eddie F” Ferrell (former Heavy D & the Boyz member turned Untouchables Entertainment president), and the two formed a partnership with LaFace. Following the success of Usher’s “Think of You” in 1994 (number eight R&B), a song written by Jones, LaFace executives L.A. Reid and Babyface gave the blossoming artist the go-ahead to begin work on his solo debut. Executive produced by Ferrell, Reid, and Babyface, My Heart peaked at number 30 on Billboard’s R&B chart in 1996, propelled primarily by the success of “Knocks Me Off My Feet” as well as two other singles: “In the Hood” and “You Should Know.”
When Jones returned three years later in 1999 with his second album, Where I Wanna Be, he had become known as an accomplished songwriter. He penned songs for 702 (“Get It Together,” 1997) and Drea (“Not Gonna Letcha,” 1998) and was well regarded within the industry as a result. Unsurprisingly then, Jones attained impressive success with Where I Wanna Be and its singles: “U Know What’s Up” and “Shorty (Got Her Eyes on Me).” Shortly after the album’s release, he contributed a song to the Shaft soundtrack (“Do What I Gotta Do”) and to Guru’s Streetsoul album (“Hustlin’ Daze,” which he also contributed vocals to). Following some time off in 2001, Jones returned in 2002 with his third album, Life Goes On. The album peaked at number three on the album chart, but he wasn’t able to follow it up until 2006’s Journey of a Gemini, which charted even higher. Despite this, Jones and LaFace parted ways after a 2007 best-of compilation. Three years later, Jones signed an independent deal with eOne and released Lyrics (2010) and Forever (2013), two albums for which he performed, wrote, and produced nearly everything. ~ Jason Birchmeier, Rovi
Musiq Soulchild
Musiq Soulchild is renowned as one of the most influential singers of his generation, drawing inspiration from icons like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Donny Hathaway, blending in hip hop elements and engaging storytelling. He spearheaded the groundbreaking ‘neo-soul’ movement at the turn of the millennium, leaving an indelible mark on the music scene. With an impressive tally of 13 Grammy nominations and a global fan base, Musiq has sold millions of records worldwide, solidifying his status as a standout artist. His journey from busking on the streets of Philadelphia in the late 90s to securing a major record deal with Def Jam in 2000 signifies his meteoric rise and the evolution of his distinctive sound.
Read MoreFantasia
Fantasia Barrino may have won the third season of American Idol with “I Believe” (2004), an eventual number one pop hit, but it was a passionate take on George Gershwin’s “Summertime” that effectively launched the powerhouse singer’s career weeks earlier. Confident to a degree that she could have been considered brash, Barrino at first glance seemed an unlikely candidate to take the teen-oriented show’s title, but with her dynamic, gospel-rooted voice that never failed her, she became the favorite of the Idol judges and of the voting public. Through the RIAA-certified albums Free Yourself (2004) and Fantasia (2006), the singer affirmed that she was more than simply the winner of a talent competition, and it wasn’t long before she reached a higher level of acclaim by winning a Grammy award for “Bittersweet” (Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, 2010). Barrino remained an old-school soul stalwart throughout the next decade with her third, fourth, and fifth Top Ten pop LPs, including The Definition Of… (2016), and her sixth proper album, Sketchbook (2019).
Born and raised in High Point, North Carolina, Barrino — a niece of the Barrino Brothers and a cousin of brothers K-Ci and Jojo Hailey — fell in love with music through a mix of artists including Aretha Franklin, Brandy, P!nk, and Aerosmith. Being a 19-year-old single mother and an Idol finalist had some of the media mumbling and sneering, but the always-certain Barrino paid no mind. Becoming a teenage mother focused Barrino and gave her the strength and drive to audition for the show in Atlanta. Out of 70,000 hopefuls, Barrino earned her way to the top by adjusting her style to whatever genre was thrown at her. Upon beating runner-up Diana DeGarmo, Barrino’s first words as American Idol 2004 were “I broke my shoe!” Numerous appearances on talk shows and a cameo on the television show American Dreams — playing the role of her beloved Aretha Franklin — followed shortly thereafter.
Barrino made history when she became the first solo artist ever to reach number one with her first single, “I Believe,” an inspirational ballad co-written by Idol alum Tamyra Gray. J Records released her full-length debut, Free Yourself, in November 2004. Also featuring two Top Five R&B/Hip-Hop hits, it went platinum, and its lead single won a Billboard Music Award for Top Selling Single of the Year. Barrino was also nominated for three Grammy Awards. A year later, her autobiography, Life Is Not a Fairy Tale, appeared and was turned into a film directed by Debbie Allen; it premiered on the Lifetime cable network in 2006. Her sophomore effort, simply titled Fantasia, landed that December. It debuted at number 19 on the Billboard 200 and eventually went gold. Back to Me, released in August 2010, was led by a pair of Chuck Harmony-produced singles in “I’m Doin’ Me” (number 11, Hot R&B/Hip-Hop) and the Grammy-winning “Bittersweet” (number seven, Hot R&B/Hip-Hop). The singer’s fourth album, Side Effects of You, was released in April 2013. Big K.R.I.T., Kelly Rowland, and Missy Elliott made guest appearances on the set, driven by the Commodores-sampling “Lose to Win.” In July 2016, following a co-headlining tour with Anthony Hamilton, Barrino released The Definition Of…, her fourth Top Ten album. A holiday LP, Christmas After Midnight, was out the next year. The singer closed out the decade in September 2019 with Sketchbook, an advancement of her self-termed “rock soul” style.
Ari Lennox
Ari Lennox, a talented lyricist and soulful vocalist, draws inspiration from iconic artists like Minnie Riperton and Mýa. Since 2015, she has been the prominent R&B artist on J. Cole’s Dreamville roster. Her musical journey on the label began with the Pho EP in 2016, followed by her successful debut album, Shea Butter Baby, in 2019, which peaked at number seven on Billboard’s Top R&B Albums chart. Ari Lennox’s presence was also felt on Dreamville’s Grammy-nominated Revenge of the Dreamers III compilation before achieving a number one hit on the Adult R&B Songs chart with her track “Pressure” – a prelude to her highly anticipated second album, age/sex/location, released in 2022.
Hailing from Washington, D.C., Ari Lennox, born Courtney Shanade Salter, emerged onto the music scene in the early 2010s with projects like the Five Finger Discount mixtape and the Ariography EP. Notable tracks such as “Bound” showcased her artistry, setting the stage for her collaboration with J. Cole’s Interscope-affiliated Dreamville label in 2015, highlighted by her featured appearances on Omen’s “Sweat It Out” and the Dreamers II compilation track, “Backseat.” The following year, Lennox’s EP Pho made waves, entering the R&B/hip-hop chart and featuring standout songs like “Night Drive” with Hollywood JB. Her involvement with Dreamville continued to flourish as she contributed to Cole’s 4 Your Eyez Only album and accompanied him on his 2017 tour. In the ensuing years, Lennox’s career soared as she collaborated with labelmates Bas and Masego, and gained further recognition through soundtrack contributions and chart-topping singles like “Shea Butter Baby.” Her musical journey culminated in the 2022 release of her second album, age/sex/location, solidifying her position on the music charts and in the hearts of fans worldwide.
D’Angelo
D’Angelo, an iconic figure in the late-’90s neo-soul movement, drew inspiration from legends like Marvin Gaye, Prince, Curtis Mayfield, and Al Green. His unique vocal style, combined with self-written and produced material, established him as a prominent R&B auteur. With hit albums like Brown Sugar and Voodoo, he became a two-time Grammy winner for Best R&B Album. His diverse musical journey includes creating the soundtrack for Red Dead Redemption 2 with the track ‘Unshaken’ in 2018.
Born as Michael D’Angelo Archer in 1974, in Richmond, Virginia, he showed prodigious talent at an early age, winning competitions at Harlem’s Apollo Theater. D’Angelo’s debut album, Brown Sugar, marked the beginning of his success in the R&B scene. His immersive collaboration with artists like Erykah Badu and Lauryn Hill, as well as the Soulquarians collective, shaped the neo-soul genre. His third album, Black Messiah, released after a long hiatus, was a critical and commercial success, earning him multiple Grammy awards.
Tyrese
Tyrese, known for his successful acting career in film and television, is a remarkable figure in the realm of traditional R&B music. Hailing from the vibrant neighborhood of Watts in Los Angeles, Tyrese made a grand entrance into the music scene in 1998 with his self-titled album. This debut album featured chart-topping hits like “Nobody Else” and “Sweet Lady,” marking the beginning of a series of Grammy-nominated successes in his musical journey. As his sound evolved, Tyrese departed from post-Timbaland R&B to embrace a soulful contemporary style, evident in albums like I Wanna Go There (2002) and his Billboard-topping Black Rose (2015) collaboration with TGT members Tank and Ginuwine.
Born Tyrese Darnell Gibson, the artist kickstarted his career at a tender age of 14, captivating audiences in talent shows around his native Los Angeles. His talent caught the eye of industry professionals after appearing in a Coca-Cola commercial, leading to roles in popular sitcoms and a major recording contract with RCA. Tyrese’s musical prowess shone with hits like “Sweet Lady” and “Lately,” earning him critical acclaim and platinum status for his debut album. His music career continued to flourish alongside acting commitments, with notable contributions to film soundtracks and collaborations with industry icons like Snoop Dogg and Baby Boy co-stars in his subsequent releases.
Tyrese’s musical journey saw him explore different territories within the R&B and hip-hop genres, evident in albums like 2000 Watts and Alter Ego. Despite brief breaks from music for acting endeavors in major film franchises like Fast & Furious and Transformers, Tyrese always returned to his first love – music. Albums like Open Invitation (2011) and the Grammy-nominated Three Kings (2013) with TGT showcased the artist’s unwavering dedication to his craft. His final studio album, Black Rose, delivered a poignant and soulful musical experience that resonated with audiences and critics alike, culminating in multiple Grammy nominations and a Billboard chart-topping position.
Tevin Campbell
Tevin Campbell is a talented singer renowned for his mesmerizing vocals and captivating performances. With a strong presence in the music industry, Tevin Campbell has established himself as a true artist with a unique style and sound. His powerful voice has touched the hearts of many fans worldwide, earning him a dedicated following on various platforms including Instagram, where he can be found under the handle @tevincampbell.
Read MorePink Guy
George “Joji” Miller, also known as Filthy Frank, has gained immense popularity through his hilarious character Pink Guy and online comedy series The Filthy Frank Show. Since its debut in 2011, the show has attracted over four million followers, showcasing Miller’s absurdist humor. In 2013, Pink Guy’s viral dance to Baauer’s EDM hit “Harlem Shake” catapulted him into pop culture, sparking a major internet meme craze. Riding on this success, Miller released the self-titled album Pink Guy in 2014, followed by the chart-topping Pink Season in 2016, reaching number 76 on the Billboard 200. The album, featuring trap rap influences and eclectic production from Josh Pan, RyanJacob, and Holder, combined humor with poignant social commentary on topics like race, politics, and culture, highlighting Miller’s satirical talent and wit.
Read MoreJon B.
Songwriter, producer, vocalist, and instrumentalist Jon B. brought a distinctive focus on smooth melodies to contemporary R&B. Born in Providence, Rhode Island and raised in Pasadena, California, Jon B. (short for Jonathan Buck) was the son of a professor of music and a concert pianist. Influenced by music found in his grandparents’ record store, he began combining the spirit of ’70s soul with hip-hop-inspired productions on his 1995 debut album, Bonafide. It peaked on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart at number 24, led by the Top Ten R&B single “Someone to Love,” a duet with prime influence Babyface, and went gold. His second album, 1997’s Cool Relax, continued the emphasis on hip-hop soul and featured two of his biggest singles in “They Don’t Know” and the 2Pac-assisted “Are U Still Down.” As a result, the set sold over a million copies, thus earning it platinum certification. During the following decade, Jon B. released three more albums — Pleasures U Like (2001), Stronger Everyday (2004), and Helpless Romantic (2008) — that, at worst, narrowly missed the R&B Top Ten. In 2011, the singer returned with Comfortable Swagg; an appearance from DJ Quik was payback for several contributions to Quik’s The Book of David, released earlier in the year. Also an accomplished songwriter for other artists, he penned material for the likes of Maxi Priest, For Real, After 7, Spice Girls, Az Yet, and Toni Braxton. Kim Summers & Andy Kellman, Rovi
Read MoreLedisi
Ledisi is a Grammy Award-winning powerhouse vocalist of our time. Her versatile talent allows her to excel in any genre, captivating audiences with her soulful voice and charismatic stage presence. Whether she delivers a heartfelt ballad or an upbeat anthem, Ledisi’s performances never fail to uplift and inspire listeners, leaving a lasting impression of pure musical mastery and emotional connection.
Read MoreBell Biv DeVoe
Boasting their hip-hop smoothed out on the R&B tip with a pop-feel-appeal to it, Bell Biv DeVoe spun off from New Edition following the parent group’s tour in support of 1988’s Heart Break. Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, and Ronnie DeVoe, all original members of New Edition, complied with the urging of that album’s producers, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and started fresh with a more street-oriented approach to contemporary R&B. The trio enlisted a variety of producers for their debut, including Dr. Freeze, Hank and Keith Shocklee, and Eric Sadler, the latter three of whom had worked extensively with Public Enemy.
The sound of that album, Poison, was quite unlike anything in New Edition’s adolescent pop-R&B repertoire: the beats were funkier, the lyrics and vocals were overtly sexual, and there were only two ballads, both of which were buried on the second side. The title track topped the Billboard R&B/hip-hop chart, reached number three on the Hot 100, and eventually went platinum. Each one of the four other singles from the album was, at the least, a Top Ten R&B/hip-hop hit. The album itself went on to sell over four million copies in the U.S. and spawned WBBD: Bootcity!, a 1991 remix album. Its version of Word to the Mutha! included fellow New Edition members Bobby Brown, Ralph Tresvant, and Johnny Gill.
Meanwhile, Bivins developed the so-called East Coast Family, a collective who achieved mainstream success with the debut albums from Another Bad Creation and Boyz II Men. In 1992, BBD and Tresvant were featured on Luther Vandross and Janet Jackson’s number one R&B/hip-hop single The Best Things in Life Are Free, recorded for the Mo’ Money soundtrack. The following year finally brought the second proper BBD album, Hootie Mack. Considerably less popular than the debut, it did achieve gold status with U.S. sales over half-a-million.
A much lengthier BBD break was prolonged by all three members’ participation in a New Edition reunion, but the trio returned in 2001 with BBD, a brash set that failed to produce any charting singles. New Edition subsequently became active once again, mostly as a touring act. All six members celebrated NE’s 30th anniversary in 2011, and they accepted a Soul Train Lifetime Achievement Award the following year. In 2017, BBD returned with Three Stripes, released the same week BET aired the first episode of the mini-series The New Edition Story. ~ Andy Kellman & Steve Huey, Rovi
Jill Scott
Jill Scott is a name that resonates across various fields, showcasing extraordinary talent and versatility. Born in 1972, Jill Scott is a renowned American singer and songwriter, captivating audiences with her soulful voice and meaningful lyrics. Her music has touched the hearts of many, establishing her as a powerhouse in the music industry.
Apart from her musical endeavors, Jill Scott’s influence extends to other domains as well. From the realm of sports to media arts, her name stands as a symbol of excellence. Whether it’s her impactful presence on the football field or her innovative works as a media artist, Jill Scott continues to inspire and leave a lasting impression. With a legacy that spans generations, Jill Scott’s name signifies creativity, talent, and unparalleled dedication to her craft.