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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The message broke through and when her debut Acoustic Soul was finally released in 2001 it earned her seven Grammy nominations in 2002. Unfortunately, she did not receive one trophy that year for her work.  In an appearance on Saturday Night Live, Arie wore a shirt with a backwards seven etched on the front in silent protest. When her mother and stylist was asked the reason for the backwards number, she replied, “Because the Grammys are backwards.” Nevertheless, Acoustic Soul, went on to sell 3 million copies worldwide.

During this period, India Arie went back into the studio to concoct her sophomore album, Voyage to India. The album was released in late 2002 and sold more than 2.3 million copies. This time she would not be denied by the Grammy voters and took home two awards for “Best Urban/Alternative Performance” and “Best R&B” album for Voyage To India.

For an artist of her stature India Arie was particularly reclusive. Despite being spotted out and about with  fellow singer Musiq Soulchild the two insisted they were only “good friends.” However, they did record a song and video together for “Chocolate High.”

Arie’s third studio album, Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationships, was her first number one album. It spawned the moderate hit, “I Am Not My Hair,” featuring Akon. On a 2007 episode of The “Oprah Winfrey Show,” Arie stated that she wasn’t thrilled about working with Akon, but relented when the label suggested it would make the album more commercial.

After Testimony: Vol 1, India.Arie left her longtime label Motown for Universal Republic, where she released Testimony: Vol. 2, Love & Politics in 2009. She began recording with artists she felt made meaningful music. She stated, ” After collaborating with many artists, this is the first album I’ve created completely from my point of view without needing to cater to media needs.” Testimony: Vol.2 reached number 3 on the Billboard 200.

India is currently working on a new disc entitled, Open Door. It’s features collaborations with Israeli singer, Idan Raichel. The collection is scheduled to be released in June.

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The long awaited remake of the 1985 charity song “We Are The World” premiered tonight, February 12th, during the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics.

Download to donate at World25.org.

RELATED: Common Says Leave “We Are The World” Alone And Make A New Song

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With the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards a quickly fading memory (if it weren’t for our live blog coverage, I would’ve already forgotten what happened last night), here’s a list of the folks who probably won’t be forgetting it any time soon: the winners!

Beyoncé was the big winner last night, taking home six trophies, the most ever taken home by a woman in one night.  Jay-Z and the Black Eyed Peas brought home three awards each. Eminem, Kanye West, Rihanna, and Maxwell brought home two awards each.

Song of the Year: “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)” – Beyoncé, Thaddis Harrell, The-Dream, Tricky Stewart (songwriter’s award)

Record of the Year: “Use Somebody” – Kings of Leon

Album of the Year: Fearless – Taylor Swift

Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals: “I Gotta Feeling” – Black Eyed Peas

Best Pop Vocal Album: The E.N.D. – Black Eyed Peas

Best Female R&B Vocal Performance: “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)” – Beyoncé

Best Male R&B Vocal Performance: “Pretty Wings” – Maxwell

Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals: “Blame It” – Jamie Foxx & T-Pain

Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance: “At Last” – Beyoncé

Best R&B Song: “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)” – Beyoncé, Thaddis Harrell, The-Dream, Tricky Stewart (songwriter’s award)

Best R&B Album: BLACKsummers’Night – Maxwell

Best Contemporary R&B Album: I Am… Sasha Fierce – Beyoncé

Best Urban/Alternative Performance: “Pearls” – India.Arie

Best Rap Solo Performance: “D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune)” – Jay-Z

Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group: “Crack a Bottle” – Eminem, Dr. Dre, & 50 Cent

Best Rap/Sung Collaboration: “Run This Town” – Jay-Z, Rihanna, & Kanye West

Best Rap Song: “Run This Town” – Jay-Z, Rihanna, Kanye West, M. Riddick, E. Wilson (songwriter’s award)

Best Rap Album: Relapse – Eminem

I’m still waiting to figure out what you guys have to say about Cassie’s new style, but one thing’s for sure… these girls had their own swag. From the outrageous force of Grace Jones to the around-the-way-girl beauty of Eve – The Urban Daily says these are some bad baldies!

According to Billboard.com, India.Arie’s second volume in her series of “Testimony” albums, “Love & Politics,” will arrive Feb. 10 from Universal Republic. The lead single, “Chocolate High,” features Musiq Soulchild, while second single “Therapy” features Jamaican roots artist Gramps Morgan.

“Love & Politics” follows 2006′s “Life & Relationship,” which has sold 689,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Production was contributed by Arie, Novel and Dru Castro, among others.

For more on this go to Billboard.com.

If the rumors are true, the lead single is “Chocolate High” featuring fellow dirty backpacker, Musiq Soulchild

As with most India.Arie singles, “Chocolate High” is no doubt a love song, but it also has those thematic under tones of how much she loves being a black woman in love with a black man– ala “Brown Skin.”

[CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO "CHOCOLATE HIGH"]

Since the release of Testimony Vol. 1 in ’06, India has appeared on Broadway in the Whoopi Goldberg produced revival of Ntozake Shange’s “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf.”

She’s also signed long time collaborator Anthony David as the first artist on her new label Soulbird Music.

So what do you think? Anybody out there feeling her new joint “Chocolate High?”