Special Features

Before we knew Missy Elliott as the singer and rapper who rocked garbage bags in videos and kicks, she was one of the masterminds behind Aaliyah's 'One in a Million' LP, which went went double platinum and became one of the late singer's best albums to date...

When Ciara released 'Goodies' in 2004, she became an instant success with the LP going triple platinum and spawning three hit singles -- 'Goodies,' '1, 2 Step' and 'Oh.' 'Goodies' also earned her four Grammy nods. She received similar success with her sophomore effort, 'Ciara: The Evolution...

Keri Hilson has been working in music since she was in high school. But instead of being behind the mic, she made a name for herself by penning tunes and doing backup vocals for some of today's chart-toppers. Teaming up with Polow da Don and joining The Clutch, she co-wrote Ciara's 'Like a Boy,' Omarion's 'Ice Box' and Mary J...

Getting her start on the sixth season of 'American Idol,' Jordin Sparks wowed audiences week after week and eventually won the title. She dropped her debut album in 2007, which also released one of her biggest singles to date: 'No Air,' her duet with Chris Brown...

Although she has yet to release her first LP in the U.S., Rita Ora has already made an impression on the American audience with her track, 'How We Do (Party).' Part of the Roc Nation family, the Londoner released her debut LP, 'Ora,' in August 2012, and worked with The-Dream, Kanye West, Ester Dean and Drake...

Although RaVaughn is still a newbie, she is a voice that is one to watch out for in 2013. Calling Ne-Yo a mentor, the Los Angeles native gained stage experience by singing backup for Brandy, Keri Hilson and Keyshia Cole. Her song, 'Same Ol' BS,' has already been released on the 'Think Like a Man' soundtrack last year...

If there's one rags to riches story that really made headlines, it was that of Fantasia Barrino. As the Season 3 winner of 'American Idol,' her life was broadcasted to millions and presented the good and bad parts of her life. And her performance of 'I Believe' after winning the title was full of so much emotion that fans instantly fell for her...

Growing up in a musical family, it only seemed natural for Elle Varner to follow the same path. Writing her first song at 11, the singer's efforts were praised early on and she was offered the opportunity to study at the Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music at NYU, where she graduated in 2008...

As the Queen of Soul, this list would not be complete without Aretha Franklin. Her first moment of success came in 1960, when her first-ever single, 'Today I Sung the Blues,' was released and topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Following that success, Franklin released over 40 LPs, which boasted hits including 'Respect,' 'Chain of Fools,' 'I Say a Little Prayer' and 'Freeway of Love...

Probably one of the more controversial artists on this list, M.I.A. rocks hip-hop with her mix of political messages, biting lyrics and her initial lo-fi approach to beat-making. She released 'Galang,' which she she recorded in her London apartment with a 4-track tape machine, the MC-505 and a radio mic, via Showbiz Records in 2003...