Although compared to the likes of Gil Scott-Heron, Andy Bey and Bill Withers; Centric Selects artist Aloe Blacc is a true modern original. His 2010 song "I Need A Dollar" became his breakout hit after becoming the theme song of the HBO original series How To Make It In America. The song went on to become a top ten hit in five countries including Belgium, the UK, and Germany.

After over two decades in music, Anita Baker has sold nearly 15 million albums worldwide, charted countless top ten R&B hits, and has won eight Grammy Awards, proving that her artistry is legendary.

The North Carolina native and Grammy Award winning singer has created a brand of soulful music that has spawned a slew of top twenty Billboard hits including, "Charlene," "Can't Let Go," "Cool," and "The Point Of It All."

To say Beyonce is not the reigning queen of R&B music would be a sad case of denial. The Texas native, who got her start as the lead singer of best-selling girl group Destiny's Child, has gone on to sell 79 million albums worldwide---becoming one of the best selling music artist of all time---and has won 249 awards, including 16 Grammy Awards.

Born, raised, and nurtured on the South Side of Chicago in the early 80's, Centric Selects artist B.J's childhood was a fusion of elements from both the streets and the church. With parents who served as choir directors,and brother/singer Aaron Sledge alongside of him, his passion and gift for creating beautiful music seemed inevitable.

The Grammy-nominated crooner, best known for his strong falsetto range, is responsible for crafting and performing some of the most classic, R&B tunes of the past two decades. In an industry filled with fleeting talent, McKnight easily established himself with enviable, chart-topping consistency. Today, the singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist remains one of the greatest balladeers of adult, urban contemporary music.

When asked what she would like her audience to take away from her music, Bridget Kelly confidently states, "I hope to touch someone's life through my writing or my voice, even if it's just one person. I've always found music to be the most effective means for people to relate to one another. I sing about things women think and feel but don’t always say because they’re afraid of being judged. I want be that voice for women by saying what I really feel.

After over four decades in music, Charlie Wilson is living proof of how great talent and focus yield longevity. The six time Grammy Award nominee and 2009 Soul Train Legend Award recipient found success for three decades as the lead singer of The Gap Band, and later as a solo artist, releasing three critically acclaimed albums and seven chart topping Billboard Urban AC hits.

Described as a “soulful songbird” by Entertainment Weekly, Chrisette Michele has proved that she is worthy of such acclaim. The Long Island, NY native has released three albums, and snagged the Grammy Award for Best Urban/Alternative Performance in 2009.

Centric Select artist Daley began as an independent artist in the industry, building a reputation for himself by showcasing his melodic vocal style, flair for songwriting and vocal arrangement with a number of small gigs in and around the United Kingdom. In October 2010, he received his mainstream breakthrough when he became the guest vocalist on the top forty Gorillaz hit, "Doncamatic".

Veteran balladeer Donell Jones marks his return from a three-year hiatus with his new single, ‘Forever.’ The song is the title track from his upcoming album of the same name. It is always great to hear a songwriter, that has the voice to carry over their songs with conviction.

Before the world was captivated by the eye-popping stage shows of pop star Lady Gaga, Earth Wind & Fire was filling stadiums and changing the face of musical performance with their high-energy stage shows featuring floating pianos, spinning drum kits, bold costumes, bright lights, pyrotechnics and illusions. In over four decades the band has sold over 90 million albums worldwide, won six Grammy Awards, and have been inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Vocal Group Hall of Fame.

Who is Elle Varner? On the surface she’s a stylish girl who rocks a sickeningly gorgeous head of curls, 100 watt smile and a pair of over-sized spectacles—in the cool blipster way of course. But go beyond the surface, and you’ll find a multi-talented performer, who’s embraced—and now celebrating—her imperfections and made them the underlying influence of her music.

Influenced by Nina Simone, Massive Attack, and Joni Mitchell, jazz-soul artist Emeli Sandé regularly provided guest vocals for several of the U.K.'s most successful grime artists before eventually embarking on her own solo career in 2010. Born Adele Sandé in Aberdeen, she was encouraged to hone her musical talents, which included playing the clarinet and piano, and writing and performing her own songs, by her Zambian choirmaster father.

Eric Benet is undoubtedly one of the best male vocalist to surface in the last two decades. With a sound that is 100% grown and sexy, The Grammy Award nominated singer infuses male vulnerability and love into all of his music.

Get a window seat next to Grammy Award winning singer Erykah Badu as her unconventional style and lyrical wisdom captivate audiences every time. Plus, Badu knows how to make headlines.

With a career that spans nearly two decades, The Grammy Award winning singer has released five successful albums---three of which have gone platinum---and a catalog of R&B hits that includes "Soon As I Get Home," "Love Like This," "All Night Long," "I Love You," and "You Gets No Love."

The road to Gladys Knight’s storied five decades of Grammy Award winning and platinum success was grounded in family and her humble beginnings in Atlanta. As the lead singer of Gladys Knight & The Pips, she solidified her place in music history throughout the 70s. But her solo career was just as storied. As a solo act, the 'Empress of Soul' scored four Grammy Awards, a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, BET’s Lifetime Achievement Award, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the 2011 Soul Train Legend Award.

Since their 1998 debut album, “A Jagged Era”, group members Brandon and Brian Casey, Kyle Norman and Richard Wingo have long produced a slew of R&B slow jams and club bangers.

Jamie Foxx has come a long way since his days on the 90s sketch comedy show, 'In Living Color.' From his Academy Award winning role as Ray Charles in 2004's 'Ray,' to his string of hit R&B singles and albums, Foxx has become a powerhouse entertainer.

Eight-time Grammy Award nominee Jazmine Sullivan has proven that great vocals and "real" music can still be popular music.

Jhené Aiko was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Her older sisters Miyoko and Jamila were in the R&B group Gyrl and toured with Immature, who were signed to MCA/Silas Records. This led to Jhené’s first meeting with producer Chris Stokes when she was five years old. Eventually Stokes heard her sing. When B2K signed with Epic Records, Jhené was signed as well.

When you think of who’s at the top of contemporary R&B/Soul, Jill Scott definitely comes to mind. Jilly from Philly, continues to ooze soul through her old-school laced brand of music.

For nearly 25 years, Keith Sweat has been making the ladies swoon with his arsenal of hits. From his 1987 debut single, “I Want Her” to his recently released ”Make You Say Ooh”, he is undoubtedly one the greats.

After a chance encounter with producer Pharrell Williams, former American Idol contestant and YouTube sensation Leah LaBelle has garnered much attention in the music world. The singer's debut single "Sexify" highlighted the artist's lighthearted but distinct sound. LaBelle reached newfound success by winning Soul Train's coveted "Centric Award."

The daughter of a Greek father and a Jamaican mother, La Havas fell in love with music at a young age and cites her parents' tastes as a huge influence. Her dad, who played accordion, piano, and guitar, favored jazz artists like Louis Armstrong and Charlie Parker, while her mother loved female soul-R&B singers like Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, and Mary J. Blige. Centric Select artist Lianne La Havas's acclaim has been steadily growing over the last two-and-a-half years.

After 14 successful years as a member of the Commodores, Lionel Richie went on to have a successful solo career. Since 1982, he has sold over 100 million albums worldwide, and has won a Grammy Award, Academy Award and a Golden Globe for his music.

After achieving success as one half of neo-soul duo Floetry, six-time Grammy Award nominee Marsha Ambrosius broke out as a solo artist with the release of 2011's 'Late Nights & Early Mornings.'

From the moment Mary J. Blige was christened the "Queen Of Hip Hop Soul" in 1992, she has gone on to reign supreme for two decades. After 50 million albums sold worldwide, 21 top 10 Billboard R&B hits, and nine Grammy Awards---that she's earned for her work in pop, rap, gospel and R&B---all hail the queen.

With a beat that's secular and a message that's holy, Mary Mary have created a musical formula that has helped the singing duo cross genre lines, landing hits in both the gospel and R&B worlds.

Since the release of her 2009 debut album 'The Bridge,' the two-time Grammy Award winning Fiona has proven that she is an undeniable talent.

Formed in the mid 80s, Mint Condition has created a successful career on their ability to create dynamic music that infuses elements of jazz, rock, R&B and soul.

For nearly two decades, the Grammy award winning singer has produced two platinum albums and two gold albums, that have collectively sold over five million copies in the United States alone. She has produced 12 top twenty Billboard R&B hits including "Don't Take It Personal (Just One of Dem Days)," "The Boy Is Mine," "So Gone", and "Everything to Me"---all of which were number one hits.

After six successful albums, and nine Top 20 Billboard R&B hits, it's no secret Philly-bred artist Musiq Soulchild can turn out groove inducing music.

Ne-Yo is one of today's most accomplished musical artists. With five top ten Billboard R&B hits, two number one albums, and a catalog of hits written for other artists, this singer/songwriter is definitely “One in a Million.”

Few would deny R. Kelly the title of musical genius. He's got a history of hits (46, to be exact), a wall full of platinum plaques (twelve and counting) and a musical resume that speaks volumes.

With a songwriting style reminiscent of Stevie Wonder, Rahsaan Patterson infuses old-school sensibilities into his forward style of soul music. He has released six critically acclaimed albums, and has helped pen songs for the likes of Brandy ("Baby") and Tevin Campbell ("Back To The World").

Discovering her love for music at the prime age of four years old, RaVaughn began her solo performances in her parent’s living room for an audience of two but soon was cast in her first leading role in the musical “Annie.” Fast forward to the spring of 2011, where a chance meeting with NE-YO catapulted RaVaughn to a new dimension that included a record contract with Compound University and Columbia Records. With the stars newly aligned, the stunning young artist is setting the tone for her debut album, collaborating with many musical tycoons.

Robert Glasper has long kept one foot planted firmly in jazz and the other in hip-hop and R&B. The acclaimed musician and composer is releasing his long awaited album, Black Radio, featuring Erykah Badu, Musiq Soulchild, Chrisette Michele, KING, and Lalah Hathaway.

Robin Thicke’s evolution into the pop-soul hit maker he is today has been nothing short of extraordinary. After penning songs for the likes of Brandy, Christina Aguilera and New Kids On The Block's Jordan Knight; he has gone on to find success as an artist, releasing five studio albums, including 2006's platinum certified 'The Evolution of Robin Thicke.'

His iconic falsetto has dominated radios for over five decades. As the lead singer of the Isley Brothers, he has released over 31 studio albums, over 100 singles; and has sold millions worldwide.

Solange Piaget Knowles may be best known as the younger sister of Beyoncé, but she is a singer, songwriter and actress in her own right. She wrote her debut album, Solo Star, aged just 14, but quickly followed this up with a career break when she got married and bore a son, Daniel Julez Smith, Jr, when she was 17. Following her divorce, she returned to the music scene and released her second album, Sol-Angel And The Hadley St. Dreams, in 2008.

Since their 1992 debut album, “It’s About Time”, R&B girl group SWV has sold 18 million albums and singles worldwide. Cheryl “Coko” Clemons, Tamara “Taj” Johnson and Leanne “Lelee” Lyons, collectively bring a street sweet style to the landscape of all female singing groups that sets them apart from their contemporaries.

Braxton was born in Severn, Maryland to Michael and Evelyn Braxton. The youngest of the Braxton’s six children, Tamar started singing as a toddler. The Braxton children also would eventually enter in their church choir, where Michael Braxton was pastor. Her voice was in sharp contrast to her older sister’s husky contralto. The sisters released a single on Atlantic Records in 1990 as “The Braxtons,” and caught the attention of producers Antonio “L.A” Reid and Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds.

Before there was Lisa Stansfield, Mariah Carey, and even Amy Winehouse—there was Teena Marie. The California bred singer and multi-instrumentalist developed her musical talents under the tutelage of legendary funk singer Rick James, only to become one of the most celebrated entertainers in R&B and soul music history.

In a career that has spanned nearly two decades, Braxton has accumulated sales of 60 million records worldwide. From her 1993 self-titled debut album to 2010's Pulse, Toni Braxton has released a string of gold and platinum albums that have yielded an arsenal of classic R&B hits.

Born and raised in South Central, Los Angeles, V left her home in 2006 and relocated to Atlanta, where she joined a succession of short-lived R&B girl groups, including one in which she sang lead that caught the attention of renowned singer-songwriter-producer Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds. In 2008, Edmonds signed the group to his SodaPop Entertainment label; a year later, the group disbanded without releasing an album. At the top of 2012, V signed to Cutcraft /Imagem Publishing and just this summer to Cee Lo Green’s Eight Entertainment.