11. Chrisette Michele – I Am (2007)

After causing a stir with her guest appearances on Nas’ “Can’t Forget About You” and the Jay-Z single, “Lost One,” New York native, Chrisette Michele sauntered her way onto our radar with an understated yet powerful first album. I Am featured sultry slow jams and self empowered up tempo cuts with jazz inspired vocals. Women identified with the R&B vocalist over songs dealing with heartbreak and all of love’s twists and turns. The brothas could respect her because although there were songs detailing how bad a man treated he, one of the most poignant ballads was “Love Is You.” Dedicated to her father, “Love Is You” showed male listeners she wasn’t an angry black woman black men try to avoid like the plague. Since it’s release, Michele has dropped two more critically acclaimed albums and received a Grammy. With Jay-Z and Nas in her corner, how could anyone be surprised at her level of success?

10. Nelly – Country Grammar (2000)

When Nelly barged his way into our radios eleven years ago, nobody could get enough of the St. Lunatic. Having been rejected by almost every label in the game, Universal Records took a shot on Nelly and reaped the benefits. With the help of producer Jay E, Nelly’s single, “Country Grammar,” became a top ten hit and catapulted him to stardom. The title track was so catchy everybody disregarded the fact  that it’s talking about doing a drive by while smoking herb. Check those lyrics again. Follow up singles like “E.I.” and “Ride Wit Me” helped Nelly’s freshman set go nine times platinum. His sophomore disc, Nellyville, solidified his place atop the rap world in the earlier part of the 2000s. However, his last few albums have tarnished his multi-platinum album streak. Instead of platinum, Brass Knuckles and 5.0 have gone triple balsa wood.

9. India Arie – Acoustic Soul (2001)

Whoever said, “Progress is a slow process,” must have had India Arie in mind. The lead track, “Video,” peaked right outside of the top 40 and “Brown Skin” fared slightly better. Once Arie began performing the track on every television show she could, the disc’s steam began to pick up. In February of 2002, India was nominated for seven Grammys, the most for anyone that year. The problem was she lost every single trophy. Alicia Keys was the swan, while India Arie was given the role of the ugly duckling that night. We aren’t even going to get into the whole “Alicia won because she was light skinned” arguments that spilled from disgruntled mouths. Arie took a shot at the recording academy by wearing a shirt with a backwards ’7′ on Saturday Night Live a week later. India’s subsequent releases have been well received, but have never matched the double platinum status of Acoustic Soul. The Grammys have since awarded her four awards. They’re still trying to make up for the seven she was shut out for at the start of her career.

8. Clipse – Lord Willin’ (2002)

The Thornton Brothers form Virginia  hooked up with The Neptunes and created the album called one of the best albums of the 2000s by Pitchfork. Anchored by cocaine imagery and raw raps, Lord Willin‘ helped The Clipse become fan favorites. The Virginia bred duo’s debut was certified Gold a month after it’s release. Their initial success didn’t shield them from label politics. Work for their second album ground to a halt in 2004 when Arista Records was assimilated into Jive Records. Known as a pop label, Jive didn’t know how to market the brothers and allowed them to languish on the shelf. When they realized they were locked into their Jive contract, the brothers Thornton released the stellar mixtape, We Got It For Cheap. Their following collections have gotten critical acclaim, but they haven’t reached the same commercial success they tasted on their first album. Pusha T is doing his solo thing with Kanye West and G.O.O.D. Music and Malice published a book called Wretched, Pitiful, Poor, Blind & Naked. Their hustle continues.

7. Alicia Keys – Songs in A Minor (2001)

Alicia Keys had been in the industry a number of years before Songs in A Minor dominated radio. She provided vocals for Da Brat’s 2000 album, Unrestricted. Once “Fallin’” became a hit, she didn’t need any assistance from established artists to shine. Alicia Keys shocked R&B fans with soulful compositions that recalled greats like Marvin Gaye and Aretha Frankin. Songs in A Minor was collection of songs dealing with the highs and lows of a relationship on the decline. While many thought the first single was a remake, the only actual remake was Keys’ version of Prince’s “How Come You Don’t Call Me.” Due to its acclaim, Alicia rode the wave of stardom all the way to the Grammys in 2002, where she swept all of the R&B categories she was nominated in, tying Lauryn Hill’s record of five wins in a single night. Songs in A Minor was a solid foundation for Keys to leap from and spread her creative wings. Each album thereafter had a few more experimental elements than the previous. Though she’s received some backlash due to her personal life, excuse those indiscretions because of this album.

6. Young Jeezy – Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101 (2005)

Jay Jenkins’ first release made a name for other people besides Jeezy. Producers, Shawty Redd and Drumma Boy, became household names because of it. Thug Motivation 101 was about one thing: moving that white to make money. Actually, that’s all Jeezy’s career has been about. Despite being strictly about the trap, Jeezy had records for everyone. The streets praised the “Go Crazy (Remix)” at the same time the charts were being dominated by “Soul Survivor.” With street cred being Jeezy’s ultimate concern, he resists doing commercial rap. The albums following Thug Motivation 101 have remained true to the formula found on the aforementioned. We still rock with Jeezy, but we can’t wait for his new project, Thug Motivation 103 to hit the streets in December. Cheeeeaaaa!

5. John Legend – Get Lifted (2004)

John Legend’s first opus hit the airwaves in late 2004. Get Lifted introduced us to the singer with killer piano skills. Primarily produced, by Kanye West, Legend found a way to blend gospel rooted soul with contemporary R&B production. The lead single, “Used To Love U” appealed to the people who were tired of their gold digging mates. “Ordinary People” was a ballad everyone could relate to. It was about the emotional roller coaster love takes you on. Eventually, the album won John three Grammys including Best New Artist. He’s managed to steer clear of the “Best New Artist curse” by continuing to deliver soulful R&B that’s thought provoking and inspiring. If you’re still sleeping on John Legend, you better wake up!

4. Jill Scott – Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1 (2000)

When Jill Scott crooned “Do you remember me?” The world replied, “No, but I’d like to know who you are.” Jill Scott came on the scene and made her natural vibe seem like the best thing since sliced bread. We loved her sass in the video for “Gettin’ In The Way” for threatening to drag a chick in the street and whoop her tail for all it was worth–$5.99 or something like that. Her wordplay and the way she bends notes as she sings is arguably the best aphrodisiac behind chocolate. Who Is Jill Scott? helped Jilly from Philly pursue all of her passions like acting and poetry. She started out with small parts on Girlfriends and wound up in two Tyler Perry films, Why Did I Get Married? and its sequel. As for now, Scott is enjoying motherhood and we are basking in the glow of her Light of the Sun album, which was released earlier this year.

3. 50 Cent – Get Rich Or Die Tryin’ (2003)

What can be said about Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson that hasn’t already? After recovering from getting shot nine times, 50 Cent stormed the music world with rhymes detailing his former life on the streets of Jamaica, Queens, New York. With the help of Dr. Dre and Eminem, 50 Cent became the biggest rapper in 2003.Thanks to the hype machine at Interscope Records, Get Rich or Die Tryin’ debuted at number one after selling 872,000 copies in four days. The first single, “In Da Club” broke records as the most listened to song in radio history. That feat was accomplished in a very short week. 50 has decided to venture into acting where he has shared the screen with greats like Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino, and Samuel L. Jackson. 50 Cent hasn’t abandoned rap. He’s gearing up to release a new album in the coming months.

2. Beyonce – Dangerously In Love (2003)

There’s no denying Beyonce’s star power. She might not be your favorite artist, but homegirl does the damn thing. After freeing herself from the two ball and chains Destiny’s Child, Beyonce mania exploded. You couldn’t go ten minutes without hearing “Crazy In Love” during the summer of 2003. A mix of go-go and hip-hop inspired beats, Dangerously In Love proved what we all kind of knew–Beyonce is better as a solo artist. Don’t get me wrong, we love Kelly and Michelle, but their only coup was having  survived all the member changes. Dangerously In Love spawned two number one tracks, “Crazy In Love” and “Baby Boy.” Critics hailed Dangerously In Love for its innovation and execution. Beyonce positioned herself as the Queen Bee of the music game and she wasn’t willing to hand over the throne until she announced at the 2011 Video Music Awards that she was expecting. We are all happy for her. Female R&B singers are a bit more appreciative than most because they can actually have a career now.

Kanye West – The College Dropout (2004)

Everything I’m about to write, Kanye West has already told you. He’s arrogant like that. The College Dropout was a shot in the arm for rap music. The sample heavy album wasn’t about the usual guns, drugs, money, and women topics. The College Dropout was about a guy who was from a middle class background with a love for rap music. Before West dropped this project, your issues with the law had to documented with mug shots. The College Dropout debuted at number two, selling 441,000 in its first week and earned West a host of acclaim and awards. His ego began to become a nuisance when he pitched a fit because he didn’t win an American Music Award. West threw a tantrum at the Grammys because Maroon 5 beat him out for Best New Artist. Although I don’t condone his behavior, can you blame the guy for getting upset? I mean really, “This Love” over “Jesus Walks?” “Jesus Walks” is technically a gospel song that got played in the clubs. I’ve never been to a church where the minister thanks the choir for their lovely rendition of  “Sunday Morning.”

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When Ross lost out to Eminem for Rap Album of the Year he was seen storming out of the venue and did not perform as scheduled.

The next day Chrisette went to her blog and said that his behavior was childish. “Hip Hop… Man up. I wanted to be supportive but I can’t understand you. I believed in you… But apparently you’re so high you can’t even see what the world needs,” she wrote.

Well, it sounds like Ross got his feelings hurt but doesn’t want to burn the bridge completely with his frequent collaborator.

“I haven’t spoken to Chrisette Michele or her team,” Ross told The Source. “But I didn’t speak to her to [invite her to] the show either. It was something maybe the label set up. [But] her choice of words were ugly. Denouncing Hip-Hop, that ain’t cool. Using ugly words could give off the wrong impression. That could make your hat look ugly to me now. That could make your haircut look ugly to me now. Hopefully if we win a Grammy, she’ll come out and accept it with your boy. Give me a kiss on the cheek.”

READ MORE AT Hip-Hop-N-More.com

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In this interview with TheUrbanDaily (conducted before her labelmate showed his arse at the Soul Train Awards) Chrisette insists the “Bawse” is a gentleman, Black Girls still rock and that colored girls don’t consider suicide if their song doesn’t make the soundtrack.

TUD: How has it been working with “the Boss” Rick Ross? You guys have done several songs together including the  “Epiphany”Remix, “Mafia Music, and “Aston Martin” Music.

Chrisette Michele: We also did a song called “So in Love” for my album. He is really a sweety, a gentleman. He is a really nice guy. It’s been easy getting along with each other creatively.

So he didn’t make you write five different hooks like Jay-Z did for “Lost One”?

What’s crazy is that I actually free styled “Aston Martin Music.” He told me the title of the song and I didn’t know what to write about so I just felt my way through the song.

You also worked with Ne-Yo for “I’m a Star.” What was that like?

He did a lot on my last album. This time around, I decided that nobody was working on my album. I was going to hide out and do my album all by myself and come back and say “here’s the record. Put it out.” Then Ne-Yo sent in a song called “I’m a star.”  At first I said that’s not something I believe in, that word makes me feel uncomfortable. But when I listened to the words and verses we all started to talk about going through things and coming out on top. I felt that was inspirational and that was worth giving it a try.

In the video for “I’m a Star” there were a lot of pink bottles. How much Nuvo do you really drink?

I’m not a heavy drinker, can you tell?

You do seem more like the girl in “Super Bad” that bought the liquor for her friends but didn’t drink any of it.

I didn’t even do that. I am such a cornball. It’s really bad. For fun I go to the spa. I’m not a drinker at all.

Your mixtape is called “Love thy Brother.” Why that title?

It’s a prelude to Let Freedom Reign. I felt like I needed to call it something that would [represent] what I think about America. It is a play on words because it is about my blood brother and brothers in society. I feel like the Black boys are still dying. Conscious rappers were so cool back in the day and now it is boring and not so cool anymore. So that was my way of telling my fans that I love them and I am giving [the fans] something for free.

In the beginning of the mixtape you say that you are “Def Jam’s good girl.” Are you giving your labelmate’s hugs and telling them to stop sending off nasty emails?

C: No. I’m not even sure which emails you’re talking about but I had a song on my first album called “Good Girl,” which my mother and I wrote. My definition of a good girl at the time was a girl who could make their own money, asking for nothing, carrying herself like a lady.

So you’re happy with Def Jam…

Yes, this is my third album here. Many people don’t make it this far.

Have  you seen For Colored Girls yet?

I actually saw it while it was being previewed. I was suppose to make music for it, another song on my album called “I Am Not Your Friend, I Am Your Life” didn’t make the soundtrack [for the film].

Why didn’t it make the soundtrack?

I don’t know..

What did you think of the film?

It was incredible. It was really amazing how he took dialogue straight from the original [book] and then allowed young people to hear and see that type of art. It was clever of him to add that prose to the language.

Is there any acting for you in the future?

Absolutely. This year, I’ll be coming to a theater near you in my first musical production. It’s really exciting and I can’t wait for you guys to see it.

Can you tell us the name of it yet?

I want to but I can’t give you the name, even though it is written in stone. It’s very colorful, vibrant, and you’ll get a great laugh. I am playing a comedic role because I’m ready for people to see that I am not completely serious and I’m an absolute clown.

Did you get to tune in to “Black Girls Rock” this year? ?

I got to see it before it aired on BET and I am so proud of the whole entire movement. I was honored in one of them in 2008 and I performed a song called “A Day In Your Life.”

You cut your hair sometime back. What was the motivation?

My hair was like this when I first got signed. Then I grew my hair and cut it. It’s a natural progression. I get bored easily and I’m tired of the status quo that you can’t be natural and beautiful. People told me if I went to my natural texture that it wouldn’t be fashionable and I wouldn’t sell any records. This is my “F You.” That’s how I felt.

So it’s been about 4 years since your career started. What would you say is industry rule #4,081 ?

On this mixtape I actually had a comeback for that very line (that record company people are shady). I took a line from KRS-One’s “Step into the World.” I played his first verse on there. It talks about how we rely on marketing schemes but don’t rely on talent anymore. People think if they put out what they really believe, it won’t sell. The mixtape is not about me wanting to sell, I just have to say this.  It think the next rule is not to be afraid to be a failure. I have a song called “Nobody Sings Along.” No one is singing my songs with me but I still say what I have to say.

What will the next video be from the album?

My favorite record, it is called “Goodbye Games”. I think it should have been the first single. I can’t wait for you guys to hear that song.

Let Freedom Reign is in stores NOW!

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The show was heavy on performances from the likes of Ne-Yo, R. Kelly, Jazmine Sullivan, Erykah Badu, Bruno Mars, Tamia, Faith Evans, Lalah Hathaway, Bilal, and many more.

Thanks to Yardie, we got all the performances here for you to check out!

Scroll down to watch!

Ne-Yo “Champagne Life / One In A Million”

R. Kelly – “Bump & Grind / Your Body’s Callin’ / When A Woman’s Fed Up / Happy People / When A Woman Loves

Jazmine Sullivan “10 Seconds / Holdin’ You Down (Going In Circles)”

Chrisette Michele, Tamia, Rachelle Farrell, Kem, Faith Evans, Lalah Hathaway, Dionne Farris, Goapele “Tribute To Anita Baker”

Cee Lo Green “Forget You”

Erykah Badu “Out My Mind Just In Time / Window Seat”

Bruno Mars “Grenade”

Keyshia Cole, Bilal, Tank, El DeBarge, Eric Benet, Peabo Bryson, Freddie Jackson, Jeffrey Osbourne “Tribute To Ron Isley”

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After losing the award for Best Hip Hop song to Eminem, Officer Ricky pulled a Kanye West and threw a tantrum by storming out of the awards ceremony.

Chrisette told the world how she really felt this morning on her blog.

If this is the way hip hop is then I denounce it.

This is not about ego. This is about what I can bring to the world. My life is for the people. I live to give.

It’s my desire to bring life and freedom light and love everywhere I go. Upward mobility in the brown skinned community.

Who stands off at an award show because they don’t win? (Ed: Kanye West) An award is winning at being as “stuck in a category” as possible. Congratulations to all the trophy holders who won at being the most like every one else.

I could have sworn hip hop was on the come up. But apparently rapping is about venting, bashing, chauvinistic pigging, and EGO. Not cool. Don’t LET me start rapping. (album in stores november 30th)

They say…I’m ecclectic. I’m underrated. I’m different. Well If I win an award it’s because I paved a way. Every award I’ve won was new in it’s category. You know why? Because I’m amazing at being my damn self.

Grammy – best alternative R&B song Centric award – Soul Approved Etc.

Have u even heard of those categories? Nope. But guess what? You ain’t never seen another me. And u never will. No ego here. Why? Because it’s none needed. My award is waking up every morning and CAKING off of what I believe in by the grace of God.

LET FREEDOM REIGN – in stores NOVEMBER 30th. Go pick that up.

Maybe I’ll call my 4th album “winners : just like every body else” maybe not.

I pray with every song I sing Im singing from the bottom of my heart. If all we want is an award for telling our truths, then we really have no true reason. This isn’t a competition. This is a stage for self expression and I’m grateful for the opportunity to live on it. I’d sing even if nobody sang along.

-from the bottom of my disappointed heart. Hip Hop… Man up. I wanted to be supportive but I can’t understand you. I believed in you… But apparently you’re so high you can’t even see what the world needs.

Is all hip hop like that? Absolutely not! But some of it certainly is. Let me spit a few bars. I’m not that kinda hip hop. I rep hip hop too. But not that kinda ego trippin foolery.

Chrisette Michele – the girl on that Aston Martin Music record…

Kudos to Chrisette for speaking out and not being afraid to do so even if she has done several records with Ross in the past!  You’re cool with me, lady!

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Check out his latest video, “Aston Martin Music” featuring Drake & Chrisette Michele.

…and LOL at the kid playing young Officer Ricky saying “Bawwwwse!” at the beginning.

Watch “Aston Martin Music” below!

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Janet Jackson headlined this years festivities, having commanded a 72,000+ audience, shattering last years record set by Beyonce. The Louisiana Super Dome in New Orleans was packed from stage to seat, all to watch Janet’s heart-thumping two- hour performance.

If tuning in to see Miss Jackson (cause we’re nasty) isn’t reason enough, you can catch live performances from Chrisette Michele, Earth Wind & Fire, Keri Hilson, Joe, Estelle and Dougie Fresh. There was a waiting list for the tickets but you can have front row seats this Sunday when TV One airs the show.

Also, join The One Night Only group on BP for special performance photos, video clips and link up with other members.

Here are some clips from the extraordinary show:

Take a look our photo gallery of performances from the festival:

Don’t miss it, Sunday August 29, 9pm(ET) on TV One.

Rick Ross & Chrisette Michele’s video for “Mafia Music Pt 2″ is finally finished!

Peep the video featuring Chrisette Michele wailing in the background and watch to the end for clips from Rawse’s Teflon Don film.

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“I paid for all her shit and dragged her ass to the studio…”

Was all the effort worth it? Check out the track below:

Check our gallery of Chrisett photos!

Island/Def Jam recording artist Chrisette Michele dishes about her obsession with Twitter. Follow her at Twitter.com/epiphanygirl and make sure to hit her Blackplanet page as well!

“I hate the word followers because then I feel like Jesus” – Chrisette Michele

EPIPHANY: Moments with Chrisette Michele (Twitter Epiphany) from Teen Diaries on Vimeo.

The original “Epiphany” received such a great response that Chrisette went and gave Rick Ross and Juelz Santana their walking papers on this remix. The album Epiphany will hit stores May 5th. Let us know what you think of the thug passion cameos in the comments.

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A few years ago I had the opportunity to interview R&B singer Chrisette Michele for XXL’s Hip-Hop Soul magazine. Since so many of you are feeling her new single, “Epiphany” I thought it’d be cool to share the transcript of that interview from March 2007 when she was promoting her debut, I AM.

JLB: How did you meet L.A. Reid?
CM: I got signed to Def Jam the day that I met him. My A&R Shalik Berry found me at the Village Underground and had me come in and perform for L.A. Reid. It was that simple. I got signed that very day. I sang ‘A Day In The Life’ which I played on the piano and a song called ‘Golden’ which is on the album as well.

What made you get into song writing?
I’ve been writing songs since I was ten or eleven years old. It was a natural progression because my father taught English.
What were the shows at 5 Towns college like?
The first thing I saw when I got to the school was a microphone and I sang “Eyes On The Sparrow.” I wasn’t even enrolled at the school yet. They were having an open mic night during my orientation.They had us come into the city and sing a lot because they had us incorporate ourselves into the music scene.
You sang on two of the most anticipated hip-hop albums of the year at the same time, Hip-Hop Is Dead and Kingdom Come, how did that feel?
Cool. I’m from Long Island and all of my cousins are from Brooklyn, so for me to be able to tell them that I was on Jay-Z’s album, I finally got that credibility from them I’d been looking for. And Nas is the best rapper, who doesn’t want to be on the best rappers album? Now I’m not only credible, I’m cool.

Did you like being in the videos?
I felt alive, like I belonged. It felt right being on camera with Nas
You seem to have a little preference for Nas…
Naw, their swagger is totally different. Jay is more cocky, I’m the ish. Nas is more, I’m the ish and I don’t have to say it. I’mma get in trouble for that one…
Jay-Z is somebody I look up to because I’m so coy, nervous. His confidence is something not enough of us have.

Were you in the studio with either of them when you recorded the songs?
I was in the studio with Jay-Z and I wrote 5 hooks before we got to one that we agreed on…
Why five?? That hook is so simple…
I had one that went “Fame money, fortune and people, they don’t get around together, sometimes they leave you…” he was like ‘too many words.” We just took parts from one and added to another. We don’t like to take long to do a song. With Nas I was in the studio freestyling to a track that Stargate did and it got to his wife, Kelis. She liked it apparently and sang it. He heard about me through that and had me do “Can’t Forget About You.” Then I went in again for “Still Dreamin” where I just mimicked whatever Diana Ross did. Then his friend LES had me come through to his studio in L.I. and hang out for the last song on his CD “Hope.” That was just me and LES buggin out in the studio.
You performed with Nas on the Letterman show, what was that like?
Freezing cold! I guess Letterman likes it cold in his studio. It was very exciting because the guy that leads his band was talking about me when it was over. It was very fun.
How do you describe your sound?

I’m very jazzy. I fell in love with jazz when I was 16. My first CD was Astrud and Gilberto singing “The Girl From Ipanema.” I have a classical background so my voice has range…

So many people are making moves with potty mouths and hip gyrations, how are you going to make your mark?
I’m not mad at that, do what you gotta do, but I have so much to say straight from my heart that I don’t really have to dress it up with a whole bunch of stuff. I think that I’m a beautiful person on the outside, but I have a beautiful heart too.

I spoke with your mom and she said that you are quite vocal about the issue of celibacy. Does that topic come out in your music?
I am a Christian and at the end of the day, who I am shines through every song that I sing. “Good Girl” is about not allowing yourself to be taken advantage of by a man. “Your Joy” is just about the relationship between me and my father. My actions speak louder than my songs. I’ll mess up and get back up because God forgives.

I am celibate, if somebody asks me if I am I’m gonna say yeah. But what if I have sex tomorrow because it just took over? Does that make me not a Christian anymore? I have this song called “If I had My Way,” and I’m sitting on the couch with this guy and he’s so fine, and I’m so fly and it’s really a cry to God to get me off this couch tonight or its going down! That’s all part of the Christian struggle. I’m keeping it real. I’m not gonna say ‘I never have and I never and oh my God’ this is what it is. Christians and non-Christians alike. I’m just trying to stay saved, that’s all.

Want more R&B interviews? Check out the making of The Foreign Exchange’s Leave It All Behind

Definitely one of the most slept on R&B singers in the game right now…

CLICK HERE TO READ AN INTERVIEW I DID WITH CHRISETTE FOR HIP-HOP SOUL MAGAZINE!   “…My actions speak louder than my songs. I’ll mess up and get back up because God forgives….”