Field Mob has made an effort to represent the nation, even if hip-hop takes pride in being the music of the streets. Born in Albany, GA, a little town south of Atlanta, Boondox (also known as Smoke) and Kalage (also known as Shawn Jay) are the descendants of soul great Ray Charles. The two came …
In addition to being among the biggest-selling musicians in history, Eminem is among the best rappers of his time. His speed, fluidity, dexterity, and unexpected nature allow him to deliver both scathing asides and long-form narratives with ease. And because of his mentor Dr. Dre, he’s had music to match, with big, powerful loops that …
From their 1993 debut through their conceptual albums in the 2010s, one of the most prolific rap groups was also one of the most progressive bands in modern music: the Roots. Even though they were a rap group with many instrumentalists (they included a sousaphonist in their roster starting in 2007), which may seem like …
Beside frequent songwriting and production partners Christopher “Tricky” Stewart and Carlos “Los Da Mystro” McKinney, Terius “The-Dream” Nash advanced electronic pop-R&B during the 2000s and 2010s, continuing a path cut by the likes of Leon Sylvers III, Kashif, Prince, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Teddy Riley, Timbaland and Missy Elliott, and the Neptunes.
Beyoncé is an incredible dancer, producer, songwriter, singer, and multi-talented global superstar. The Houstonian became well-known as the lead singer for pop-R&B group Destiny’s Child in the late 1990s. In the decade that followed, she began her current run of number one solo studio albums with Dangerously in Love (2003), the album that gave rise …
Bruno Mars is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, composer, and dynamic performer who was born into the entertainment industry. His stage name, “Mars,” is fitting for a showman. His ability has been acknowledged with multiple Grammy nominations and accolades. Mars rose to fame in 2010 when three songs he co-wrote and produced, “Nothin’ on You” by B.o.B., …
Renowned pop-R&B virtuoso Ne-Yo, one of the most celebrated performers of the 2000s, broke through to the public eye as a songwriter for Mario’s top-charting pop single “Let Me Love You” (2004). After accumulating a career’s worth of achievements, Ne-Yo had established himself as a singer, composer, and all-around performer, influenced by Michael Jackson and …
Among the most popular and acclaimed artists in postmillennial contemporary music, Rihanna is also uncommonly dynamic, having mixed and matched pure pop, dancehall, R&B, EDM, and adult contemporary material throughout her career. She went supernova in 2005 with her boisterous debut single, “Pon de Replay,” a worldwide hit, and was a near-constant presence in the …
With her powerful vocals and all-too-relatable melodies, English singer Adele has become a worldwide hit during the 2010s, smashing records and winning awards. She weaves vintage soul, introspective songwriting, and pop gloss together. Adele’s 2011 sophomore album, 21, marked the beginning of her unparalleled sales and popularity, setting her apart from her American or British …
Rough but smooth male vocal quartet Jagged Edge formed in Atlanta, Georgia, consisting of identical twin brothers Brandon “Case Dinero” Casey and Brian “Brasco” Casey, who had moved from their native Hartford, Connecticut; Kyle Norman (aka “Quick”), whom they’d met through church activities, and Richard Wingo (aka “Wingo Dollar”), a late addition to the group …
