Brian Josephs

Happy Birthday, Red Cafe!
Red Cafe has long been one of the underground MCs who reps Brooklyn, N.Y., to the fullest. Born Jermaine Denny, Red Cafe turns 39 years old today (Sept. 19).

Happy Birthday, Tiara Thomas!
Tiara Thomas is one of the recent stars who’s trying to build a solo career after a standout performance of a hit single. The Indianapolis-bred songstress turns 26 years old today (Sept. 12).

Happy Birthday, 2 Chainz!
Hip-hop’s king of absurdist visions of grandeur celebrates his birthday today. 2 Chainz, born Tauheed Epps, turns 38 years old today (Sept. 12).

Happy Birthday, August Alsina!
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).

Happy Birthday, Keke Palmer!
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 years old today (Aug. 26).

Happy Birthday, Bone Crusher!
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.

Happy Birthday, Bilal!
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).

Happy Birthday, Lianne La Havas!
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).

Happy Birthday, Dom Kennedy!
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).

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