In only six years, Anthony Hamilton has released three albums, gone platinum, gotten hitched, won a Grammy alongside an R&B legend (Al Green), and co-founded a record label with his wife, but you wouldn’t know it just by looking at the soul crooner. Why? Because he’s played it so darn cool. Later this year, however, the Charlotte, N.C., native will take a step from behind the shadows with TASTE (Take a Step to Elevate), a video and text message campaign aimed at elevating and educating others about the benefits of eating right and living healthy.

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Growing up as the daughter of R&B crooner James DeBarge has its advantages. Songstress Kristinia DeBarge (pronounced Kris-ti-nee-a), 19, was thrust into the entertainment world by her father while still in diapers. Now she’s making a splash with her debut single, “Goodbye,” a new-age rendition of a classic.

Running around L.A. and preparing for her upcoming East Coast tour, Kristinia chats with Rap-Up.com about snagging a meeting with Babyface on her own, collaborating with a top-tier singer-songwriter, and waving “goodbye” to romance, at least for now.

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Florida’s top-tier production trio J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League is definitely in a league of their own. The team of Colione, Kenny, and Rook have already scored a Grammy for their work on 2006’s Best R&B Album, Mary J. Blige’s The Breakthrough, and mastered beats for the likes of Young Jeezy, J. Holiday, and Rick Ross. The latter’s third album, Deeper Than Rap, boasts plenty of J.L.’s film score-worthy tracks, most notably “Magnificent” featuring John Legend and “Maybach Music 2” featuring Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and T-Pain.

Rap-Up.com got the talented threesome to slow down in the studio for a 10-question grill session on the bosses they’ve worked alongside, the story behind their moniker, and the magic number three.

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Mario has a dilemma on his hands, one that plenty of artists before him have spent months pondering over. He must whittle down a multitude of tracks and select the gems that will make up the tracklisting of his fourth effort, And Then There Was Me. But the Maryland native isn’t breaking a sweat over it. He’s already chosen his first single, “Break Up” featuring Gucci Mane and Sean Garrett, a tune that has caused critics to raise their eyebrows for its unconventional beat and devoted fans to embrace the R&B singer’s return.

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When it comes to energy and stage presence, Hurricane Chris sits at the top of a short list. His hand-clapping, head-rocking debut single, “A Bay Bay,” sold over two million copies in 2007. Fast forward two years later and his new single, “Halle Berry (She’s Fine)” featuring Superstarr, off his sophomore album, Unleashed (July 28), is geared to do much of the same. The record has women across the country convinced they too can keep up with the Oscar winner.

Rap-Up.com caught up with the Louisiana rapper right after his latest appearance on BET’s “106 & Park” to pick his brain on his love life, the latest toy in his garage, and the Snapple cap he’s got tucked away in his back pocket.

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From “Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check” to “Touch It” to “Arab Money,” Busta Rhymes can’t seem to miss a punch even if he tried. His eighth solo album, Back On My B.S. featuring Lil Wayne, T.I., Pharrell, Mary J. Blige, Jamie Foxx, and Common, hit stores this week.

After a three-year break, Busa Buss is coming back swinging. Rap-Up.com caught up with the hip-hop veteran in NYC to get his thoughts on going up against Eminem, what he’s listening to, and almost losing his pricey ring overseas.

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If you’ve ever stumbled across one of Esmée Denters’ YouTube videos (she’s sung countless covers over the past couple of years), you know about the doe-eyed, ’round-the-way, beautiful girl from the Netherlands. She’s also got a voice that’s silky smooth and hints at innocence. With a webcam, a dream, and a devotion to tried and true love music—Stevie Wonder in particular—the 20-year-old has built an astounding worldwide fan base, including Justin Timberlake. The pop hybrid discovered Esmée last year, signing her to his label, Tennman Records.

Esmée recently released her first studio single, “Outta Here,” and is preparing to drop her debut album. In between a whirlwind of press, she steps away from her YouTube page to reveal a little bit of her personality to Rap-Up.com.

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In the aftermath of Nas and Kelis’ separation, we’re taking a moment to look back on a relationship once filled with love and trust. In 2006, Rap-Up interviewed Kelis for a story that appeared in the magazine’s Winter 06/07 issue.

Seated at a Manhattan bistro with Nas only a few tables away, Kelis spoke candidly about throwing a surprise birthday party for her man, what gift she gave him, how she thwarts divorce, and her deep friendship with the Queensbridge MC.

Read what she had to say about her soon-to-be ex-husband in happier times.

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Crossing over is hard to do, but when your name is Se7en, luck is on your side. The Korean pop star makes his debut in the States with his Lil’ Kim-assisted single “Girls” from his first English album. Relaxing with his manager in a Midtown office overlooking New York City’s Times Square, Se7en dishes to Rap-Up.com about getting up close with the Queen Bee, his craziest fan encounter, hobbies, and which girls he adores.

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