Black Music Month: New Faces Of R&B

BET.com celebrates Black Music Month with a look at the new faces Of R&B.

New Faces Of R&B - 2010 is breeding a new crop of R&B superstars. BET.com has your picks, right here!

1 / 11

New Faces Of R&B - 2010 is breeding a new crop of R&B superstars. BET.com has your picks, right here!

Keri Hilson - Keri Hilson is Atlanta’s secret R&B weapon. This singer/songwriter is signed to Polow Da Don(Zone 4) and Timbaland’s (Mosely Music Group) respective imprints and released her debut project “In A Perfect World” on March 24, 2009 and has been pegged as R&B’s next shining star. Aside her vocal contributions, Miss Keri Baby’s writing credits include Britney Spears, Diddy, Usher, Lloyd Banks, Timbaland and many others.

2 / 11

Keri Hilson - Keri Hilson is Atlanta’s secret R&B weapon. This singer/songwriter is signed to Polow Da Don(Zone 4) and Timbaland’s (Mosely Music Group) respective imprints and released her debut project “In A Perfect World” on March 24, 2009 and has been pegged as R&B’s next shining star. Aside her vocal contributions, Miss Keri Baby’s writing credits include Britney Spears, Diddy, Usher, Lloyd Banks, Timbaland and many others.

Ryan Leslie - This Harvard graduate controls all facets of his music. The 31-year old singer/songwriter/producer is master of the arts, but still a student to the game. With two albums under this belt, “Ryan Leslie” and “The Transition”, both of which were released in 2009, R.Les will have no problem controlling his own destiny. As an early understudy of Diddy, Leslie learned its not who you are, it’s how you do it!

3 / 11

Ryan Leslie - This Harvard graduate controls all facets of his music. The 31-year old singer/songwriter/producer is master of the arts, but still a student to the game. With two albums under this belt, “Ryan Leslie” and “The Transition”, both of which were released in 2009, R.Les will have no problem controlling his own destiny. As an early understudy of Diddy, Leslie learned its not who you are, it’s how you do it!

Miguel - Jive Records rookie, Miguel is no stranger to the R&B realm. Already securing two written songs under his belt (Mary J. Blige’s “If You Leave” and Jahiem’s “Find Your Way Back”), Miguel’s aim is to mix his soulful roots with today’s pop sounds. And with his debut album “All I Want Is You”, Miguel is ready to compete with the big dogs.

4 / 11

Miguel - Jive Records rookie, Miguel is no stranger to the R&B realm. Already securing two written songs under his belt (Mary J. Blige’s “If You Leave” and Jahiem’s “Find Your Way Back”), Miguel’s aim is to mix his soulful roots with today’s pop sounds. And with his debut album “All I Want Is You”, Miguel is ready to compete with the big dogs.

Dondria - Dondria just might be R&B's newest sweetheart. The soft-toned vocalist was discovered on Youtube and snatched up by Jermaine Dupri’s So So Def imprint. Originally scheduled for a July 2008 release, Dondria’s prepping the release of her rookie debut Dondria Vs. Phatfffat this August. Her first single “You’re The One” is currently climbing the 106 & Park video charts.

5 / 11

Dondria - Dondria just might be R&B's newest sweetheart. The soft-toned vocalist was discovered on Youtube and snatched up by Jermaine Dupri’s So So Def imprint. Originally scheduled for a July 2008 release, Dondria’s prepping the release of her rookie debut Dondria Vs. Phatfffat this August. Her first single “You’re The One” is currently climbing the 106 & Park video charts.

ADVERTISEMENT
Trey Songz - Trey Songz will not fail. Though he’s been a visible force in R&B for the past 3 years, the last 6 months for Trey have been nothing short of spectacular. More so, it was the arrival of Trey’s lastest project, “Ready” that put the young heart-throb in his own lane. Not to mention his presence at BET Honors, a Grammy nod, tagging along for Jay-Z’s Blueprint 3 tour and his 4 nominations at this year’s BET Awards. Looks like Trey Songz is ready.

6 / 11

Trey Songz - Trey Songz will not fail. Though he’s been a visible force in R&B for the past 3 years, the last 6 months for Trey have been nothing short of spectacular. More so, it was the arrival of Trey’s lastest project, “Ready” that put the young heart-throb in his own lane. Not to mention his presence at BET Honors, a Grammy nod, tagging along for Jay-Z’s Blueprint 3 tour and his 4 nominations at this year’s BET Awards. Looks like Trey Songz is ready.

Sean Garrett - Sean Garrett is a force to be reckoned with. Though Garrett’s song writing credits (Nicki Minaj, Beyonce, Usher, Jay-Z) is extensive, the Atlanta native is ready to hit the spotlight. Garrett will release his sophomore project later this year. His new single “Get It All” featuring Nicki Minaj has just been added to urban radio outlets.

7 / 11

Sean Garrett - Sean Garrett is a force to be reckoned with. Though Garrett’s song writing credits (Nicki Minaj, Beyonce, Usher, Jay-Z) is extensive, the Atlanta native is ready to hit the spotlight. Garrett will release his sophomore project later this year. His new single “Get It All” featuring Nicki Minaj has just been added to urban radio outlets.

Melanie Fiona - Drake isn’t the only artist making noise in Toronto. Melanie Fiona’s soulful sounds derive from her love for Sam Cooke, Whitney Houston, Bob Marley and Mary J. Blige. Her debut project, “The Bridge” circles around remaining true to her roots which garnered a Grammy nod for her hit single” It Kills Me.”

8 / 11

Melanie Fiona - Drake isn’t the only artist making noise in Toronto. Melanie Fiona’s soulful sounds derive from her love for Sam Cooke, Whitney Houston, Bob Marley and Mary J. Blige. Her debut project, “The Bridge” circles around remaining true to her roots which garnered a Grammy nod for her hit single” It Kills Me.”

Estelle - Though Estelle released her first album in 2004, it wasn’t until her 2008 break out hit “American Boy” featuring Kanye West from her “Shine” LP that put her in front the eyes of many. The song was later nominated for Song of The Year at the 51st Grammy Awards. Estelle is currently prepping her new album “All Of Me.”

9 / 11

Estelle - Though Estelle released her first album in 2004, it wasn’t until her 2008 break out hit “American Boy” featuring Kanye West from her “Shine” LP that put her in front the eyes of many. The song was later nominated for Song of The Year at the 51st Grammy Awards. Estelle is currently prepping her new album “All Of Me.”

Advantage: Drake - Drake's "Best I Ever Had" single from his third mixtape, "So Far Gone" earned the Toronto native numerous nominations including two Grammy nods in 2010.

10 / 11

Drake - Though many will dispute, Drake has deemed himself as much an R&B artist as he is hip-hop. The Young Money prince can be heard crooning on his 2009 “So Far Gone” mixtape and his breakout debut “Thank Me Later” on tracks like “Fireworks” and “The Resurrection.”

The-Dream - R&B’s newest bad boy is playing for keeps. The-Dream’s distinctive, raunchy and playful style of R&B has found its way into the ears of many. But with two albums under his belt, The-Dream is already contemplating retirement after the release of his third LP “LoveKing” later this month.

11 / 11

The-Dream - R&B’s newest bad boy is playing for keeps. The-Dream’s distinctive, raunchy and playful style of R&B has found its way into the ears of many. But with two albums under his belt, The-Dream is already contemplating retirement after the release of his third LP “LoveKing” later this month.