Majid Jordan
At the start of their music journey, singer Majid Al-Maskati and producer Jordan Ullman united their talents to form a partnership that is now globally known as Majid Jordan. The R&B duo blessed dance aficionados everywhere following the release of their debut EP Afterhours, catching the attention of Noah “40” Shebiband and signing to OVO Sound. From working with Drake to co-producing and writing the 2013 6x-platinum smash hit “Hold On We’re Going Home,” and a number of successful hits, Majid Jordan have continuously evolved their sound over the years to create a subgenre that is uniquely their own. Majid Jordan also appeared as fictional popstars, the Halal Brothers, in season 3 of Hulu’s critically acclaimed series, Ramy.
Gearing up for their highly-anticipated return, the boys are back and ready to explode onto the music scene. It’s been a decade since their first work Afterhours was produced, and this new music aims to pay homage to the beginning of their musical journey, when they originally went by the name “Good People.” Reminiscence is a prominent theme in their most recent development as they aim to remain true to their origins, while they continue to create music that feels and sounds good.
Salt-N-Pepa
Salt-n-Pepa, the first all-female rap crew to break into the male-dominated hip-hop scene, made a significant impact in the late ’80s and early ’90s. Their pop-oriented songs like “Push It” and “Shake Your Thang” were party anthems with vaguely pro-feminist lyrics, showcasing their unique style. Despite initial perceptions of being a one-hit wonder, Salt-n-Pepa proved their longevity in the industry by achieving major hits in both the ’80s and ’90s, reaching the height of their popularity with tracks like “Shoop” and “Whatta Man” from their third album, Very Necessary.
Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandy “Pepa” Denton’s journey began while working at a Sears store in Queens, New York, when they were discovered by Hurby “Luv Bug” Azor. Their debut single, “The Show Stopper,” released in 1985 under the name Super Nature, led to the formation of Salt-n-Pepa. With hits like “Push It,” the duo’s popularity soared, leading to the addition of DJ Spinderella. Despite mixed reviews, their albums received strong sales, especially Blacks’ Magic, which included chart-toppers like “Expression” and “Let’s Talk About Sex.” Their album Very Necessary, released in 1993, solidified their success with hit singles like “Shoop” and “Whatta Man,” earning them critical acclaim and accolades, including a Grammy for Best Rap Performance in 1995.
Cobra Starship
Cobra Starship, initially established as an emo side project by former Midtown singer Gabe Saporta, evolved into a prominent musical outlet characterized by Saporta’s catchy fusion of pop, hip-hop, and dance-rock. The group gained widespread recognition with their hit single ‘Bring It (Snakes on a Plane)’ in 2006, featured in the horror/action film ‘Snakes on a Plane.’ Their debut album ‘While the City Sleeps, We Rule the Streets’ under the Fueled by Ramen label further cemented their pop sensibilities. Collaborations with artists like Patrick Stump and Leighton Meester led to chart-topping success, notably with the track ‘Good Girls Gone Bad.’ Subsequent releases like ‘Hot Mess’ and ‘Night Shades’ continued to propel Cobra Starship into the mainstream music scene.
Formed in 2005, Cobra Starship originated as a solo venture of singer Gabe Saporta following his time with Midtown. Saporta’s musical influences of hip-hop, dance, and synthetic emo-pop shaped the band’s sound, drawing attention from industry peers like Fall Out Boy’s Patrick Stump and Pete Wentz. Signed to Fueled by Ramen and Decaydance, Cobra Starship’s breakout moment arrived in 2006 with the catchy single ‘Snakes on a Plane,’ which also served as the theme for the film of the same name. The band’s discography expanded with albums like ‘¡Viva la Cobra!’ and ‘Hot Mess,’ featuring hit tracks such as ‘You Make Me Feel…’ and ‘Good Girls Gone Bad.’ Despite disbanding temporarily, Cobra Starship made a comeback with singles like ‘Never Been in Love’ and ‘Beautiful Life,’ showcasing their enduring appeal and evolution in the music scene.
Calum Scott
After rising to fame on the 2015 season of Britain’s Got Talent, British singer/songwriter Calum Scott was able to parlay his success into a recording career as a soulful pop artist. The Yorkshire-bred musician’s compelling version of Robyn’s ‘Dancing on My Own’ became a hit and earned him a major-label deal in advance of his gold-certified 2018 debut, Only Human. Over the next few years, Scott continued to expand on the material from his debut with a deluxe edition and a series of 2021 EPs. His second LP, Bridges, was released in June 2022. Born and brought up in the town of Beverley in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England, Scott was originally a drummer before being encouraged to sing by his sister Jade, herself a talented vocalist, who recognized his ability. In 2013 she sneakily entered him into the Star Search competition run by local paper The Hull Daily Mail, which he won. He then joined a local Maroon 5 tribute band called Maroon 4, before forming the dance-pop duo the Experiment with John McIntyre, another local lad; they released a single, ‘Girl (You’re Beautiful),’ in 2014. The following year, both Calum and his sister auditioned for Britain’s Got Talent, but Jade was eliminated at the audition stage. Calum auditioned with a stripped-down, piano-led cover of the Robyn hit ‘Dancing on My Own,’ impressing judge Simon Cowell, who sent him straight through to the semifinals. With his high, powerful, slightly nasal tenor and boy-next-door good looks, Scott became a fan favorite and swiftly progressed through the show, but he was eliminated in the final after a faltering performance that he later put down to nerves. Despite failing to win, he had developed enough of a following to be able to quit his job as a recruitment consultant at Hull City Council and forge a career as a live act. In March 2016, Scott released his version of ‘Dancing on My Own’ as his debut solo single. It was used in an episode of popular TV drama The Vampire Diaries, and went on to sell over 600,000 copies. Later that May, he announced that he had inked a deal with Capitol Records, and in 2018 he released his debut album, Only Human. The set peaked at number four in the U.K. It was followed by a deluxe edition that included three additional tracks, including the single ‘No Matter What.’ In the front half of 2021, Scott released a series of EPs based on the material from his first album including Only Acoustic, Only Collabs, and Only Love. Shifting to new material in early 2022, he issued ‘If You Ever Change Your Mind’ and ‘Boys in the Street’ ahead of his sophomore album, Bridges.
Read MorePink Floyd
Pink Floyd, renowned as one of the most successful and influential rock groups in history, traces its roots back to the early 1960s in Cambridge, England. The core members, including Roger Waters, David Gilmour, and Roger ‘Syd’ Barrett, emerged from the vibrant folk and beat music scene of the time. Syd Barrett, known for his creative genius, first met his future bandmates during his school years in Cambridge, where their musical connections began to flourish.
The band’s formation, initially under various names like The Tea Set and The Spectrum Five, eventually solidified as Pink Floyd with the rejoining of Richard Wright. Influenced by American blues and the emerging psychedelic music scene in the UK, Pink Floyd quickly gained recognition with hits like ‘Arnold Layne’ and ‘See Emily Play,’ showcasing Syd Barrett’s innovative songwriting. However, internal dynamics shifted as Syd’s erratic behavior and unconventional approach to music clashed with the band’s evolving direction, leading to the addition of David Gilmour for live performances.
As Pink Floyd’s sound evolved and their popularity soared, significant albums like ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’ and ‘Wish You Were Here’ solidified their status as musical pioneers. Roger Waters’ conceptual vision came to the forefront with albums like ‘Animals’ and ‘The Wall,’ while David Gilmour and Richard Wright contributed to the band’s sonic experimentation. Despite internal tensions and creative differences, Pink Floyd’s legacy continued with memorable releases, live performances, and recognition, culminating in their enduring impact on art and music.
Mae Stephens
Mae Stephens, a talented 21-year-old singer/songwriter and self-taught musician, captivates audiences with her compelling vocal style. Her deep passion for music and songwriting serves as a guiding light in navigating through the complexities of the world. Mae’s musical essence shines through her vibrant and energetic performances, showcasing a unique blend of colorful funky pop infused with her unmistakably powerful voice.
Read MoreNF
NF is the stage name of rapper and composer Nate Feuerstein, whose raw emotions and honest lyrics launched him into the upper reaches of the charts with his 2017 album Perception. Initially emerging in 2010, NF gained wider attention after his 2015 album, Mansion, and 2016 follow-up, Therapy Session, both reached number one on the Christian charts. That success set the stage for his 2017 breakthrough. Buoyed by the Top 20 hit ‘Let You Down,’ Perception hit number one on the Billboard 200. NF’s second Billboard 200 chart-topper, The Search, arrived in 2019 and was followed in 2021 by the mixtape Clouds.
Born in 1991 in Gladwin, Michigan, Feuerstein endured a hardship-filled childhood in which his parents divorced, his mother’s boyfriend physically abused him, and his mother died. Music was his escape, and he began recording songs on a karaoke machine, with instrumentals on one microphone and his raps in the other. Feuerstein independently released his debut album, Moments, in 2010. It attracted the attention of Xist Music, which signed him to a recording deal in 2012, by which time he had taken the stage name NF. The label announced the release of an EP that same year, but it never appeared, and NF and Xist parted ways.
NF spent the next two years looking for a label and working with local producer Tommee Profitt in his studio; they eventually released ‘Wake Up.’ The song prompted a self-titled EP late in the summer of 2014, including a Manny Marroquin remix of ‘Wake Up.’ His debut album, Mansion, was released in early 2015, reaching number 62 on the Billboard 200 and topping the Christian chart. The aptly titled Therapy Session followed in 2016, topping both the Rap and Christian charts and almost reaching the overall Top Ten.
JVKE
Jake is a talented artist whose passion for creativity knows no bounds. With a unique vision and innovative approach, Jake has captivated audiences worldwide with his exceptional artworks and mesmerizing performances. Jake’s dedication to his craft shines through in every piece he creates, reflecting his deep commitment to artistic expression and originality.
As an artist, Jake continues to push boundaries and explore new horizons, constantly evolving and challenging the conventional norms of the art world. His name has become synonymous with artistic excellence and innovation, inspiring aspiring artists and art enthusiasts alike. Jake’s work is a testimony to his boundless imagination and artistic prowess, leaving a lasting impression on all who have the privilege of experiencing it.
Mc Poze do Rodo
Artist is a multi-talented individual renowned for their exceptional artistic abilities and creative vision. With a unique style and passion for their craft, Artist has captivated audiences worldwide with their mesmerizing creations. Drawing inspiration from various sources, Artist’s work reflects a harmonious blend of traditional techniques and contemporary influences, resulting in truly captivating pieces that resonate with viewers on a profound level.
Beyond their artistic endeavors, Artist is also known for their philanthropic efforts and commitment to social causes. Using their platform and influence, Artist actively supports initiatives that aim to make a positive impact on society, demonstrating a genuine desire to effect change and contribute to a better world. Through their art and advocacy work, Artist continues to inspire others to embrace creativity, compassion, and a sense of purpose in their lives.
ZAYN
ZAYN is a multi-platinum selling recording artist, songwriter, producer, and philanthropist known for his skyscraping vocals and hybrid style of pop and R&B. In 2023, ZAYN released his first original music in over two years, making his highly anticipated return with “Love Like This.” With his debut solo album, he became the first UK Male Solo artist to simultaneously chart at #1 on the UK and US album charts in the first week of release for his record-breaking album Mind of Mine. The album’s lead single, “PILLOWTALK” hit #1 in 68 countries around the world and has since been certified 5x platinum by the RIAA. The album was followed by his gold certified Icarus Falls and the critically acclaimed Nobody Is Listening. Throughout his career, ZAYN has garnered several accolades including a Billboard Music Award, American Music Award, MTV VMA, and two Brit Award nominations.
In 2024, Zayn released his highly anticipated fourth studio album, ‘ROOM UNDER THE STAIRS’. This album marks his most personal release to date, reflecting where he is in his life while exploring the complexities of healing, stillness, and growth. It also sees the genre-bending artist explore a new sound, leaning into his soulful vocals, live instrumentation, and poetic lyricism as a songwriter. In addition to arriving to critical acclaim, the album debuted within the Top 5 across several Billboard charts including, Billboard’s Top Album Sales, Top Rock & Alternative, and Americana/Folk Albums chart.
Will Smith
Will Smith rode the waves of mainstream pop culture masterfully, graduating ever upward in icon status as he developed from teenage rap sensation to sitcom phenomenon to Hollywood blockbuster star. As a musical presence, Smith maintained his wholesome take on rap from his mid-’80s multi-platinum hip-hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince to a solo career that began in the late ’90s. He would stay in the charts from their 1986 debut single, ‘Girls Ain’t Nothing But Trouble,’ through to 1999’s Willennium and beyond. As he continued to grow into an all-encompassing media personality, Smith remained sporadically active in music, releasing solo albums up until 2005’s Lost and Found and making occasional guest appearances on tracks by Marc Anthony and Logic.
Smith earned his first Grammy for the song ‘Parents Just Don’t Understand,’ which was also the first Grammy award for Best Rap Performance.
Jessie J
British singer and songwriter Jessie J, whose real name is Jessica Ellen Cornish, rose to fame with her powerful vocals and unique style. Born on March 27, 1988, in London, England, Jessie J began her music career at a young age, attending the BRIT School and performing in various musicals. She gained recognition in the music industry with her debut single ‘Do It Like a Dude’ in 2010, followed by hits like ‘Price Tag’ and ‘Domino.’ Known for her soulful voice and dynamic performances, Jessie J has become a global music sensation, with multiple award wins and chart-topping albums to her credit.
Apart from her singing talents, Jessie J is also a talented songwriter, penning hits not only for herself but also for other artists. With her empowering lyrics and strong stage presence, she has captivated audiences around the world and established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. Jessie J’s music covers a wide range of genres, from pop and R&B to soul and dance, showcasing her versatility and artistic depth. Her distinct vocal range and emotive delivery make her performances unforgettable, drawing fans of all ages and backgrounds to her music.