2008 is just around the corner, and I’m sure that it’s going to be an exciting year for music. Various cool & new artists have been hitting the scene these past couple of years and I think that ’08 may be just as promising. There should be some interesting releases coming out, from singer/songwriters to huge producers.
Janet Jackson and Mariah Carey are making their come backs yet again and we know those are going to be obvious sellers – but what about the newcomers who have been grinding it out and waiting their turn to make an explosion onto the scene?
STEPH JONES / myspace
♫ Steph Jones – Melody To Snap To
You might remember Steph Jones from our artist spotlight section. Regardless of whether or not you’ve heard his music, Steph is looking to make an impact on the world with his smile, beautiful voice and message of love and music. The DTP signee is set to drop his first single at the top of ’08 and release his debut album soon after, and it’s been a long time coming. If his face is familiar, it may be because he was a model – but Steph is definitely out to prove that he’s not just a pretty face, and he’s got the pipes to let nay-sayers know.
PROTON / myspace
♫ Proton feat. Muffy – Ready To Go
Proton was featured a while back in our artist spotlight section, but since then, they’ve definitely taken it to the next level! The guys independently released an album earlier this year, but their buzz is growing and they are ready to take on the nation. With several comparisons to OutKast in our artist spotlight section, Proton definitely isn’t looking to be in anyone’s shadow, or be the wind beneath anyone’s wing. Their putting their print in music, and doing it with neither own style, their own swag, and their own sound.
KERI HILSON / myspace
♫ Keri Hilson & Timbaland – Miscommunication
’07 was a great year for Ms. Hilson. From numerous features on Timbaland’s Shock Value album, to practically writing for every and anybody who put out a hit this year, Keri has really been doing his thing this year. Her debut album, In A Perfect World… which features productions from Timbaland, Polow Da Don and Danjahandz, is an eclectic mix of R&B, hip hop influences and pop. Look out for Keri this year, because her debut album is to be released this year, as a joint venture between Zone 4 and the Mosley Music Group, signed both through Interscope.
JAZMINE SULLIVAN / myspace
♫ Jazmine Sullivan – In Love With Another Man
The powerhouse alto Jazmine Sullivan is definitely one to look out for. Writing and recording for years now, the 20-year-old Jazmine Sullivan has inked a deal with J. Records. If you’ve never heard of her, then you’re just not in the loop, because Jazmine Sullivan is not one to be slept on. She’s got industry heavyweights like Clive Davis and Missy Elliott in her corner, and she’s putting together a stellar debut album that will not leave her fans disappointed. Be on the look out for more updates on CL about Ms. Sullivan. ‘Cause she’s got big things in store.
TEYANA TAYLOR / myspace
♫ Teyana Taylor feat. Jazze Pha – Google Me
The Princess of Star Trak Entertainment is also set to release her debut in 2008. There’s been much buzz about her since her episode of MTV’s My Super Sweet 16. From what I’ve heard, Teyana’s album will be filled with a host of A-List producers and writers, including The Neptunes, Jazze Pha, The Clutch and a few others. I think this young girl’s got a swagger out this world, and I’ve actually had the pleasure of kickin’ it with her a couple of times. She’s definitely a cool chick.
KID SISTER / myspace
♫ Kid Sister – Damn Girl
Here’s another artist that CL has featured in our artist spotlights. It’s Kid Sister! The Chicago native teamed up with Kanye for the song “Pro Nails” in which she just shot the video for. If you haven’t heard, Kanye shouts CL out in his verse, which we are quite grateful for. Kid Sister is to release her debut album sometime next year, but in the mean time, you can purchase for EP from iTunes. I like her a lot, she’s got a funky style and I love how she rides the beat. I’m looking to see good things and cool collabs from her.
ZONE 4 PRESENTS… I15 / myspace
♫ I15 feat. Polow Da Don – Lost In Love
Polow Da Don is building his empire of artist, first their was Rich Boy, now Keri, and here are the guys from I15. Don’t know them? Well, they first made their splash onto the scene with the feature on Soulja Boy’s “Soulja Girl,” and then their single, “Lost In Love,” featuring their label head, Polow Da Don was released. The talented trio is set to release their debut album sometime next year.
JANELLE MONAE / myspace
♫ Janelle Monáe – Violet Stars Happy Hunting!
This year, Janelle Monáe independently released the first suite of her epic album, Metropolis through the Wondaland Arts Society, in which she signed herself. There have been talks of Monáe partnering her team of creatives at the Wondaland Arts Society with a major label, through major distribution for the next installments of her Metropolis project. If the rumors are true, be warned. The material is crazy and a completely breath of fresh air, and something the industry needs to get ready for.
SOLANGE KNOWLES / myspace
♫ Solange Knowles – White Picket Dreams
Much news has been circulating about Solange’s music career, and she’s been seen socialiting around for the past year. This Knowles is definitely showing that she’s trying to come into her own. From inking a new publishing deal with EMI, and also claiming a record contract with Geffen, Solange is well on her way to being her own person and her own artist. Apparently, she’s moved out of Mama Tina’s house, and high-tailed it to LA. Working with Cee-Lo Green, Lil’ Wayne, Q-Tip, Bilal and Marsha Ambrosius of Floetry, this year Solange is to bring to us Solange & the Hadley Street Dreams (the titled had changed, but now it’s back), a melting pot of old sixties and seventies soul mixed with electronica.
TIFFANY EVANS / myspace
♫ Tiffany Evans feat. Bow Wow – I’m Grown
Everyone seemed to take a liking to the young starlet Tiffany Evans in the exclusive interview that we had with her. With a good head on her shoulders, Tiffany Evans is ready to take on the mainstream with her bubbly personality and her beautiful voice. Her album, the self-titled Tiffany Evans is set for release next year. It was busy for her in ’07, from recording, to rehearsing, to touring, but ’08 is definitely her time to shine. Definitely look for a new single to be ready to drop at the beginning of ’08, which we’ve posted above.
There are other folks on the cusp this year, and we’ll be sure to feature them in our artist spotlights throughout the year. Be on the look out for these folks, though, because ’08 is definitely going to be their time to shine!
Well I hope 2008 is better than ’07…coz this year has been SHOCKINGLY PI$$ POOR!!
i was expecting better frm Tenya!
her music is wack… Pharell yall need to come harder
and JAZMINE what a voice!!!
I am lookin forward to Steph Jones, have been folowing him for awhile now. U could of at least posted the song that will be his first single though. “LALA Means Love” is hot.Check it out on his myspace.
I sure wasn;t expecting this from teyena ,her songs are a joke ,a mistake ‘google me’ is whack ,to me ,its almost as it ,she’s trying to be a celebrityt but unfortunately it doesnt come naturally for her .the doesn’t really make any sense ,when i saw her on sweet 16 i expetec her to blow up and be like real popular expecially with teens.i’m dissapointed.
Keri Hilson is beautiful and i love her voice ,cn’t wait for the album in 08.
cn’t wait for solange too ,i know she gonna kill it in 08 ,im glad she’s back ,im kinda tired of her sister.i wanna see tiffany evans do her thign too. I15 are great too.
the others have a different style ,i don’t really like it though
In 2008 I want Usher and Jennifer Hudson to drop albums. These folks mentioned above..not really interested in
WOA !! solange production is so good a voice is sweet but not original with no character i wish they would have give that track to someone else.it sounds like something like amy winehouse would sing over and kill it mind you.
do these artists know what it is about being an artist these days ?
the ones i’m looking forward to are steph jones and jazmine the rest is wack
keri teyanna solonge but most definently BRANDY i truely believe shes gonna suprise alot of ppl in 08 with a platinum album i just hopes she gets more love from all her pplz ps thank god that soulja boi shit is dead and pass r&b is finally back lol
Man I tried to hate on Polow Da Don, because he didnt keep his white girl love under wraps, but that I15 song is just dope.
I AM FEELIN KERI, SHE IS VERY PRETTY IN DAT PIC, JAZMINE IS SO SPECIAL, SHE REMINDS ME OF LIL TINA, GOOGLE ME BABY, LOL, TEYANA HAS A NICE VOICE, I LIKE DA SONG, IT MUST BE A GOOD DAY B\C I EVEN DIG KID SISTER’S SONG, DAMN GIRL, LOL, SOLANGE OMG, FIRE!!
Solange song is WACK, OMG is like any person near Beyonce is s cursed to put out wack shit! That song
That song makes me want to SCREAM HELL NO! Please do not put that mess out… Solange, you need to get with Jill Scott or India Arie so your lyrics can have some substance instead of sounding like you are trying so hard to be deep.
Jazmine Sullivan WOW THAT WAS POWERFUL, She has a soulful voice and the production is that old school R&B that I love, I am feeling her. I think she has a Convert! Please put out details when her album drops and use this SONG!
the one has spoken..Now .SHUT The Back Door.
LOOK OUT FOR BRANDY!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jazmine is the best song. I am looking forward to Usher too.
I am loving that Solange Knowles song. She has really stepped her game up from her last cd. That song sounds so good and I cant wait for her cd to come out.
Jazmine can’t waiot for your debut. Her unreleased album was dope.
I wish Tiffanny the best coz she can sing, and she came from humble beginnings. Not too bothered with the rest.
KERI is the shit, i have been loving Miscommunication for a long time now.
waitin 4 ur album 2 come out tiff….
teyana just sux
anxious 2 c wut solange is up 2
I’m looking forward to Solange, Tiffany and Kid Sister. Everybody else is cool too but I’m looking forward to these three the most.
Solange has always had a beautiful voice. This will def set her apart from her sister. Go on girl..I’ve always like Janae MOnet..her sound is so unique and the music industry betta get ready for her…Kid Sister Rocks! Not ur usual hip hop rap..Can’t wait for more music releases from her…And I wish the best for I15.there actually good..and good looking.I haven’t liked any male groups since BOYS II MEN!
I love Teyanna Taylor!! My daughter aspires to follow the “Skater Girl” look that many people have copied and Teyanna wears so well!!
Good luck to all upcoming artists. I am impatiently waiting on Keri Hilson, Tiana Taylor, and ESPECIALLY Solange!
I think 2007 was a relatively strong year muscially. I mean cmon Chrisette Michele, Amy Winehouse, Janelle Monet had HOT albums out.
Then there were comebacks from Jill Scott, Angie Stone, Keyshia Cole, Chaka Khan, Mary J Blige which were the shit.
U gotta be selective and look out for good music these days. Dont rely on MTV and BET, cause 99% of the stuff they play is wack.
Roll on 2008.
This Jazmine Sullivan chick is the business! Her voice is so soulful. I’ve never heard a song about being in love with another man that took me to church! Let the church say AMEN! AMEN! AMEN!
some more high yellow, light skinned, light thin voiced, all image and no substance artists….would somebody please bring the REAL soul music back. Ain’t no dark skinned sisters and brothers out there that can sing??? Black is beautiful baby! until ya’ll labels realized that music is going to continue to suck, stop signing these no talent artefical high yellow pretty boys and girls.
Monet has a unique sound I am liking her sound for real, revolutionary in deed. Do it Sister!
I agree #24 ’07 wasn’t a lost musically…and MJB definitely is ending the year lovely!!! Her new one is the truth…
Also you gotta give Timbaland his props…he did his thing in ’07, and Lloyd’s album was really hot too (don’t sleep lol).
Personally, I am truly looking forward to Keri Hilson…I think she is going to be something special!
i lv solange…she sounds great.
Jazmine Sullivan the only one i am pushing for …go a head baby do ya thing. you in an industry that won’t promote you and gives your songs to artsit like Christina Millian and beyonce thinking they will sell better. stay strong your time will come
Teyana rocks my socks like kanye does =]
JAZMINE SULLIVAN ALL THE FUCKIN WAYYYYYYYYYYYYY. SHE SHITS ON EVERYONE ON THIS LIST AND MOST IN THIS INDSUTRY. PERIOD
FEELIIN KERI HILSON I KNOW SHE IS GOING TO BE BIIG FOR 2008!!!
AM ALSO FEELIN JAZMIN SULLIVAN…HER VOICE IIS REAL STRONG….
AM NOT TO KEEN ON SOLANGE…Y THE HELL DOES SHE HAVE TO FOLLOW HER BIIG SIS?? SHE NOT REALLY GONNA GO FAR COZ BEYONCE WILL ALWAY OVER SHIINE HER….SHE SHOULD STAY HOME AND LOOK AFTER HER CHIILD…
TENNAYA SONG IS FUNNY..BUT SHE GOT A NICE VOICE…
THE REST I AIN’T REALLY INTRESTED IIN…
Keri Hilson I15 and
Solange got my attention
One artist that you missed was Ledisi! She has a song at radio right now called “ALRIGHT” – She just received two Grammy nods for her cd Lost and Found. She has been an underground artist for a few years and now in the mainstream signed to Verve. I’m surprised there has never been any mention of her on this sight. Check her out at Ledisi.com
YESSSSSSS SOLONGE….IM GOIN HARD FOR THAT ONE!
RAZ-B was not lying Chris did touch him as well as others he will get his
WOW!!!!!! @ Jasmine. Her voice is untouchable and so unique – and she writes too!? J Records better do her right. She has serious star power.
Oh yeah, and I heard “White Picket Dreams” when ya’ll posted it earlier this year and I loved it then and love it now. Her writing style is very eclectic and certainly completely different from her big sis, which is refreshing. Her vocal arrangements are soooo cool. I hope she does well.
Wow I have to admit, Solange really surprised me. Also loving Jazmine Sullivan, Keri Hilson, Janae Monelle is doing her thing, & Teyanna & Tiffany are opening it up for the young ladies. I really like Teyenna’s style (probably cause its the way I dressed at that age. I am definitely looking forward to this year. Hopefully there will be good sounds for all tastes! OH & I agree that there were ALOT of great albums that were released during 07′ but lets be real, MOST of them did not get the airplay they should have. But then AGAIN I don’t listen to the radio anyway lol.
Jazmine Sullivan’s voice is AMAZING!! I can’t wait for Jennifer Hudson’s album, now that’s the one to look out for in 2008!
JAZZY IS THE BUSINESS! NO ONE LISTED IS REALLY ON HER LEVEL! SHE IS NOT SOME BUBBLE GUM POP ARTIST. SHE IS WHAT IS MISSING FROM THE INDUSTRY……SOUL!!! THAT GIRL IS AMAZING! SILENT TEARS IS A HOT JOINT FROM HER. CHECK IT OUT PPLZ!
and i hate to admit it, but Teyana’s song makes me move in my seat a little. LOL!
Oh and Proton is kinda hot too! They remind me a lot of Outkast. Although they would have big shoes to fill if that’s the feel/route they’re going for, it’s still not a bad outline to follow. I loves me some Outkast baby!
I liked Solange’s song, “white picket dreams.” It’s so unique. It’s not like everthing Beyonce aka so POP, that its tiring. This is kind of like Kem and Teedra Moses put together. AND I love Teedra Moses. please, DARE TO BE DIFFERENT!! Thank you!
2007 sucked.but solange’s song is nice.and good luck to the new comers cause we need more fresh faces and sounds in music.
Plusssssss, Steph Jones is from Mo-City baby . He can sing well .
Plusssssss, Steph Jones is from Mo-City baby . He can sing well .
Dont hate Solange song is Hooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooot it remind me of Jill Scott ,Erkya Buydo she is not her sister so stop compareing her!
MY TWO FAVS ARE JANELLE MONAE AND KERI HILSON. ive been hearing there music all this year. Janelle music is so fresh and creative, and really gets me excited about music again. and keri hilson pretty much made timberlands album hot. all her songs with him are hot and i cant wait to see her make some fire. im quite surprised by some of the people that Solonge is planning on working with im actually looking for her come wit fire i likes her song. i love how shes trying to go for something complety different then her sister, smart move. 07 Wasnt the best year as far as music goes SOME NEW ARTIST CLEARLY STOOD OUT LIKE amy winehouse, and EMILY KING. BUT some of my favorites didnt come with as great cds as they usually do EXAMPLE musiq soulchild, angie stone, india arie, jill scott (these are my favorite artist but their albums dont compare to their previous albums) 08 I REALLY FEEL IS GOING TO BE AN EXCITING YEAR
JANET
MARIAH
BRANDY\
MADONNA
WHITNEY
TONI
USHER
ETC.
I am most defenitely anticipating Keri Hilson in 08. I’m already a fan of hers & I think she’s gonna bring something different to the game. She is oh so talented & has a beautiful voice.
MY VOTE IS FOR I15, KERI HILSON, AND JANELLE MONAE …
I simply love i15! I’ve been a fan for like 6yrs and they never let me down. So glad that they’re finally getting some recognition b/c it has really been a long time coming. Search them on IMEEM.COM to hear some more music!!! =)
I was so suprised when alot of people didn’t know much about Keri Hilson b/c she definitely isn’t a new comer to the game. She’s written ALOT of songs for alot of A list artists. So she’s got the whole package — pretty, mean with the pen, and a great voice! What else do you need.
Janelle Monae is something special. I’ve listened to her album “The Audition” and her voice just blew me away. Her style reminds me alot of Outkast — a true individual. She seems to be doing her own thing but doing it in a great way. I can’t wait to hear more.
I CAN’T WAIT TILL KERI HILSON ALBUM COMES OUT
WHAT ABOUT ‘THE COOL KIDS’?!
Damn nah this is a bunch of shit not really looking forward to hearing from either one of these artist they all suck…………………….sorry
OMGoodness..That Jazmine is the truth…what an amazing voice..I was almost speechless after I heard that song…About time a song I can actually relate , too….
I’VE BEEN A JAZMINE SULLIVAN FAN FOR A MINUTE NOW…
I’M ACTUALLY IMPRESSED WITH MS. SOLANGE! I THINK I’M BEGINNING TO GET THE CONCEPT FOR THE “HADLEY STREET DREAMS” PROJECT.
LOOKING FORWARD TO ALL THE NEW ’08 MUSIC!! LOVING THE INNOVATIVE DIRECTION THAT MUSIC IS GOING IN.
The only person worth mentioning is Jazz Sullivan… This girl is just amazing!.. I can’t wait..
Only others in 08 for me:
Mariah Carey
Brandy
I guess a few others? lol
That SOLANGE joint is FIYAH!!! I love it
Watch out for Ashanti
Ashanti is Back You Guys
Trust Me Say what you want but she’s back
#24 and 28 I agree also 2007 had a lot of great music Lloyd.Neyo,Kanye,Mary,Jay-z,Chrisette,Mario,T.I. and
Jill Scott
I am sure I am missing a few
I am really looking forward to what Solange puts out in 08′. I have always liked her style and how she doesn’t throw herself at her audience. She is obscure when she wants to be and on the scene when she wants to be….everything that she stands for seems simplistic but still very interesting. She can mix and dabble with different styles of music and accomplish her musical goals as well. I love a writer, and Solange can write music well so I am always impressed with the choices she makes career wise.
Oh my, the Picket White Dreams sells off! I want to listen again, and again. I am interested in what she is actually saying. As compared to other artist we are bombarded with on the daily, who only have beats and die hard promotion and sexuality to promote to an audience, Solange is going to be a very big STAR in her own right, very soon without all the accolades!
Big Up Solange!
I see Solange of being on the level of every HOT writer and producer out there. She doesn’t get the credit she deserves, but she’ll get it now. She got that publishing deal, so people are starting to take notice.
Her song’s fire.