Joe Budden has been on the radar as an emcee for a decade, producing successful hits and critically-acclaimed mixtapes, along with working with legends and some of the brightest lyricists and producers in the game.

Luke James is a smooth, sensual, and emotional singer, who draws plenty of reminiscence to the feel-good Motown sound. His sound conveys a nostalgic vibe and his stage show is griddy, heartfelt, and captivating.

Students of music, Trackademicks and 1-O.A.K. stay on the honor roll, but it’s not the scholarly hierarchy system you’re thinking of. They’re a part of the Bay Area’s Honor Roll Crew, a collective of rappers, musicians, DJs, singers, who came together in the name of music.

Did you attend Beyonce’s “I Am…” tour? Heard Chris Brown’s hit “Yeah 3x”? Felt empowered by Alicia Keys’ single “New Day?” Then chances are you’ve seen, heard, and/or felt Amber “Sevyn” Streeter.

I decided I wanted to sing or be a singer when I heard the Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. I was like 'up this is it, this is what I want to do.'

They say, “if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” This seems to be the maxim, recording artist Johnta Austin has been following for years.

Other people have motives that they don’t showcase. They’ll sell you a dream, but their motives are everything but that. The people that you pass going up are the people you’ll meet coming down.

The name says it all with exotic recording artist, composer and bassist, Divinity Roxx. A vital part of Beyonce's live sound when she served as music director, Divinity Roxx rocks shows and takes names.

Ciara has dealt with her fair share of ups and downs in her professional career. Not one to be defeated, the R&B singer-songwriter finds strength through life experiences and her lessons growing up as an only child.

Dawn Richard is independent in more ways than one: stepping out on her own as a solo artist, and doing it without the backing of a major label. She’s an artist with a focus and message; that the little voice in your head and feeling in your gut is your passion, and it’s important to follow it.