Elmiene, a British-Sudanese neo-soul and R&B singer from Oxford, creates emotionally honest music with soulful vocals. Known for hits like "Golden" and "Reclusive," he gained acclaim with EPs "El-Mean" and "Marking My Time." His debut album, "sounds for someone," features collaborations with Raphael Saadiq. Elmiene has received a Brit Award nomination for Rising Star and was featured in BBC Sound of polls.
Trap Karaoke, founded in New York by Jason Mowatt in 2015, revolutionized live entertainment. It transformed traditional karaoke into a high-energy, user-generated concert experience centered on trap, hip-hop, and R&B music. Known for fostering community and self-expression, it features fan performances and has seen appearances from artists like 2 Chainz and Yo Gotti. The event has garnered recognition, including a "Litty Award".
Philadelphia band that started with free shows in Rittenhouse Square, drawing huge crowds and selling out its first headlining club gig. Went on to sell out headlining shows, play Lollapalooza and Newport Folk Festival, and support Portugal. The Man.
Formed in Atlanta in 1995, Jagged Edge is a contemporary R&B vocal group known for multi-platinum albums like J.E. Heartbreak and hits including Let's Get Married and the Grammy-nominated Nelly collaboration Where the Party At. The original quartet features identical twins Brandon and Brian Casey, Kyle Norman, and Richard Wingo.
Memphis hip-hop artist GloRilla broke out in 2022 with the hit single FNF (Let's Go), earning Grammy nominations. Signed to CMG and Interscope, she released the acclaimed debut album GLORIOUS and scored hits like Yeah Glo! and Wanna Be with Megan Thee Stallion.
Philadelphia-born singer Musiq Soulchild pioneered the early-millennium neo-soul movement, blending classic R and B influences with hip-hop storytelling. Known for his raw vocal talent, he has sold millions of records and earned 13 Grammy nominations.
Atlanta rapper Jeezy pioneered the Southern trap sound. He became a top commercial rapper following his 2005 major-label debut, Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101. Known for his gruff voice and powerful raps, his successful albums include Trap or Die 3 and TM104: The Legend of the Snowman.
Three-time Grammy nominee and 2023 BET Best Female Hip-Hop Artist winner Latto is an Atlanta-based rapper known for her albums Queen of Da Souf, 777, and Sugar Honey Iced Tea. She made history as the first solo female rapper from Atlanta with a #1 on Billboard's Top Rap Albums chart and a #1 single across Pop, Rhythm, and Urban Radio with Big Energy.
Grammy-nominated rapper and entrepreneur Meek Mill hails from Philadelphia. Known for hits like Ima Boss and Dreams and Nightmares (Intro), he founded Dream Chasers and co-owns Lids. He is also a prominent criminal justice reform advocate and co-chair of REFORM Alliance.
2 Chainz, born Tauheed Epps in College Park, Georgia, is a Grammy-winning Southern hip-hop and trap artist. Known for his distinctive style, clever wordplay, and charismatic persona, he gained fame with hits like "No Lie" and "Birthday Song". His albums include "Based on a T.R.U. Story" and "Pretty Girls Like Trap Music". He has collaborated with numerous artists, including Drake, Kanye West, and Lil Wayne, and is recognized for his engaging touring and "Most Expensivest" series.
Formed in Philadelphia by rapper Black Thought and drummer Questlove, the Roots are a progressive hip-hop band known for live instrumentation and acclaimed albums like Things Fall Apart. They earned a Grammy for You Got Me and became a prominent late-night television house band.
Multi-platinum dance music pioneer Crystal Waters is best known for the 1991 hit Gypsy Woman and 100% Pure Love. With 12 number one Billboard dance hits, she has earned six ASCAP awards, three American Music Award nominations, and four Billboard Music Awards.
Backyard Band delivers a raw, powerful mix of Rock'n'Roll, Blues, and Punkrock-Attitüde. Their characteristic garage sound bridges legends like Little Richard and The Sonics, known for being dirty, direct, and captivating. They are recognized for their energetic shows and honest rock'n'roll power.
Born in Dayton, Ohio, disco and dance artist CeCe Peniston rose to fame in the early 1990s. Signed to A&M, she released her gold-certified debut album, Finally, featuring the hit singles Finally and We Got a Love Thang. She followed with Thought Ya Knew and I'm Movin' On, and her club-favorite music continues to be widely remixed.
Montreal-raised producer Kaytranada blends hip-hop beats and house grooves. His debut album, 99.9%, won the 2016 Polaris Music Prize and a Juno Award. He later released his sophomore album, Bubba, and earned two Grammy Awards. He has collaborated with artists including Kendrick Lamar and Snoop Dogg.
Los Angeles (San Pedro) progressive R&B singer-songwriter. Broke through co-writing Jaheim’s Grammy-nominated “Finding My Way Back,” then scored hits “Sure Thing” and Grammy-winning “Adorn” from Kaleidoscope Dream (2012). Also known for collabs with Mariah Carey and Wale.
Philly-born Roots MC Black Thought: incisive ’90s street poet (“What They Do”). Grammy winner (“You Got Me” w/ Erykah Badu); LPs Things Fall Apart+. Worked w/ Danger Mouse.
Bronx-born, Virginia-raised rapper Pusha T, known for intricate wordplay, rose to fame with Clipse. His solo career includes acclaimed albums like "Daytona" and "It's Almost Dry," featuring collaborations with Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, and more. Notable for hits like "Untouchable" and "The Story of Adidon," he’s also been in a high-profile feud with Drake. Pusha T is a Grammy nominee and integral part of G.O.O.D. Music.
Lagos-born Nigerian singer-songwriter/producer blending intimate, spiritual alt-R&B/Afrobeats; known for "For Broken Ears", "If Orange Was a Place"; Grammy & BET winner.
Lay Bankz, from Philadelphia, blends club, Hip-Hop, and R&B with dynamic dance. Influenced by legends, she's a TikTok sensation with 3.8M followers and 135M likes.
Tina Dunham, aka Diamond Kuts, was born in Philadelphia and became the first woman DJ on Philly radio. Known for trap-EDM and pop-R&B tracks like "Dribble" and "Hella Sauce," she has spun for artists like Nicki Minaj and Lil Mama.
CeeLo Green is an Atlanta-born singer and songwriter who rose to fame as a member of the influential hip-hop group Goodie Mob. He later achieved massive global success as a solo artist and as half of Gnarls Barkley, winning multiple Grammy Awards for hits like Crazy and Fuck You.
Rock musician Lenny Kravitz blends soul, rock, and funk. The writer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist has won four consecutive Grammy Awards, setting a record for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance. He has released 11 studio albums.
Born in Richmond, Virginia, D'Angelo is a neo-soul pioneer inspired by Marvin Gaye and Prince. Known for "Brown Sugar" and Grammy-winning albums "Voodoo" and "Black Messiah," he collaborated with the likes of Lauryn Hill and Common, and contributed "Unshaken" to Red Dead Redemption 2.
Trenton, New Jersey-born bassist, songwriter and producer Adam Blackstone spans jazz, R&B, hip-hop and pop. Best known as musical director for Nicki Minaj and Justin Timberlake; earned Emmy nods for 2018 and 2020 Super Bowl halftime shows.
Brooklyn-born singer, songwriter, and producer LAILA! makes modern R&B/pop. Her songs Like That! and Not My Problem hit No. 1, and debut album Gap Year! earned Best of 2024 nods from outlets incl. Pitchfork and Billboard.
Philadelphia-born contemporary gospel/CCM artist Jermaine Dolly grew up in the church, toured as a background vocalist for Tye Tribbett, and appeared on Tribbett’s Grammy-winning Greater Than. His 2015 debut single “You” hit #20 on Billboard Hot Gospel Songs.
Peyton, born in Houston, blends classical and gospel influences. Signed to Stones Throw by Peanut Butter Wolf, she debuted with "Roller Coaster." She's collaborated with Steve Lacy and gained recognition with "Sweet Honey" on HBO's Insecure. Her 2021 album PSA involved producers like Biako and Vicky Farewell.
Brooklyn-born neo-soul star Maxwell redefined R&B with Urban Hang Suite and hits “Ascension”/“Lake By the Ocean”; 4x platinum, Billboard No.1, 3 Grammys, NAACP & Soul Train “Legend.”
