49: Ester Dean – Powerful Women of 2013

Like Bruno Mars and Keri Hilson, Ester Dean got her start in the business as a songwriter. After penning a hook for Young Jeezy, she was immediately signed to Zone4/Interscope in 2009. Dean then went on to write or collaborate on songs for some of today’s chart toppers including Nicki Minaj’s ‘Super Bass,’ Rihanna’s ‘S&M’ and ‘What’s My Name’ featuring Drake and Katy Perry’s ‘Firework.’

Dean eventually released her first single, the Chris Brown-assisted ‘Drop It Low’ in 2009. The song, which rose to No. 38 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, was part of LeBron James’ documentary, ‘More Than a Game.’

She also appeared on the ‘Rio’ soundtrack and was one of the voices in “Ice Age: Continental Drift.’ However, Dean made her presence known by co-starring alongside Anna Kendrick and Brittany Snow in the 2012 film ‘Pitch Perfect,’ where she got a chance to put her own spin on ‘S&M’ during one of the film’s performances.

In January, ‘How You Love It’,’ featuring Missy Elliott, surfaced on the internet. This is the first single off her debut LP, ‘Story Never Told,’ set to release at some point this year.