72: Faith Evans – Powerful Women of 2013
As Bad Boy Entertainment's first female artist, it would seem that Faith Evans had a lot to get used to. However, the singer seemed to hold her own by initially doing backup vocals for the likes of Usher and Mary J. Blige. Then her debut LP, 'Faith,' released in 1995, and became a success based on the popularity of its singles.
This became even truer when Evans, Diddy and 112 released 'I'll Be Missing You,' their tribute to the late Notorious B.I.G., in 1997. Not only did it become a No. 1 hit, but it also won the Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 1998. In the following year, she teamed up with Whitney Houston and Kelly Price on 'Heartbreak Hotel,' which was nominated for two Grammys. Evans released five more albums after her debut in 1995, but 2005's 'The First Lady' was her highest charting album to date.
Evans took the reality show route in 2012, joining the cast of 'R&B Divas.' Despite thoughts on the show, it did inspire her to release an album of the same name later that year, with proceeds going towards the Whitney E. Houston Academy of Creative & Performing Arts.