Brian Josephs

Last year was the breakout year for many of today’s R&B stars. Tinashe and Sam Smith are two examples. New Orleans native August Alsina is another one. The singer turns 23 years old today (Sept. 3).

Nickelodeon has churned out a decent amount of talented child actors who would later become music superstars. There’s Ariana Grande, Alexandra Shipp and Nick Cannon to name a few. Now it looks like Nickelodeon alumnus Keke Palmer wants to follow in their footsteps. The actress-singer turns 22…

With Atlanta’s current reign of hip-hop dominance, it’s understandable if some fans forget some of ATL’s known figures during the last decade. One of them was the heavy and ready Bone Crusher, who celebrates his 44th birthday today.

Perhaps one of the century’s most underrated R&B artists is Bilal, who was part of the famed Soulquarians collective during their heyday. Now an independent artist, Bilal turns 36 years old today (Aug. 11).

One of the year’s slightly overlooked albums comes from young British songbird Lianna La Havas. The singer turns 26 years old today (Aug. 23).

Being independent has become the new hustle in the rap game. Dom Kennedy has carved out a successful career being an independent rapper. The Los Angeles-born rhymer celebrates his 31st birthday today (Aug. 22).

Beenie Man, the self-proclaimed King of the Dancehall, celebrates his 42nd birthday today (Aug. 22).

One of the artists involved in Bad Boy’s complex family tree is Charli Baltimore who was romantically connected with the Notorious B.I.G. at one point. The former Murder Inc. rapper turns 41 years old today (Aug. 16).

Another one of Atlanta's own is celebrating a birthday. Rapper Cash Out, whose real name is John-Michael Hakim Gibson, turns 25 years old today (Aug. 15).

Los Angeles’s heritage runs deep when it comes to hip-hop and the industry hustlers. Nipsey Hussle has proven he’s a bit of both. The independent rhymer celebrates his 30th birthday today (Aug. 15).