Formed in Minneapolis in 1992, R&B trio Next became known for multi-part harmonies and hits like the chart-topping Too Close and Wifey. Signed to Arista by Clive Davis, they released their multi-platinum debut Rated Next in 1997, followed by Welcome II Nextasy.
Vallejo-born rapper Baby Bash blends Latin rap and smooth funk, known for hits like "Suga Suga" and "Cyclone." Collaborated with Frankie J, T-Pain, and Santana.
Born Francisco Javier Bautista, Frankie J began his career with the Kumbia Kings before launching a successful solo career. Known for hits like Don't Wanna Try, Suga Suga with Baby Bash, and Obsession (No Es Amor), he has sold over 5 million albums and singles worldwide.
Too Short is an influential West Coast rap star born in Los Angeles and raised in Oakland. Known for explicit street themes and sparse instrumentals, he released his gold major-label debut, Born to Mack, in 1988, followed by several platinum albums including Life Is Too Short.
Compton-born rapper and producer DJ Quik debuted with the platinum album Quik Is the Name in 1991, featuring hits like Tonite. Known for his funk-inspired sound, he released gold-certified albums including Safe & Sound and produced tracks for stars like Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z, and Janet Jackson.
Born in Mississippi and raised in Atlanta, contemporary R&B crooner Bobby V first gained fame with the group Mista before joining Ludacris's DTP crew. He is best known for hits like Slow Down and his chart-topping self-titled debut album.
Vallejo, California rapper E-40 is a pioneering Bay Area hip-hop artist known for his inventive slang and prolific output. Rising to fame with the platinum 1995 album In a Major Way, he went on to release numerous successful projects and formed the supergroup Mount Westmore.
Fort Wayne native Amanda Perez writes, sings, and produces her own music. After her 2001 debut album Where You At? gained traction, Virgin Records distributed the smooth urban soul single Angel, which became a crossover hit. She later released Angel and I Pray, both charting on the Billboard 200.
Multi-platinum R&B singer-songwriter Lloyd returned from a 5-year hiatus with 2016’s Tru EP and RIAA Platinum title track. His 2007 gold album Street Love debuted No. 2 on the Billboard 200 with hits “You” and “Get It Shawty.”
Washington, D.C.-based R&B vocalist J. Holiday (Nahum Grymes) signed to Capitol and broke through with Back of My Lac' (2007). Singles Bed and Suffocate, co-written by the-Dream, topped Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. Round 2 followed in 2009.
