There was once a time when it was cool to just be a hip-hop artist. Now, it’s all about the mystery, the fusion, and confusion of musical genres. Singer-rapper Keon B and musician-producer Blair Taylor—otherwise known as speakers (with a lowercase “s” because the music is more important than their name)—refuse to be defined. “We make all types of music. It’s a mix of hip-hop, R&B, dubstep, house, techno,” Taylor tells Rap-Up.com, “and the list goes on.”

The L.A.-based duo, both 22, hit the scene hard with their single, “Bass,” aptly named for its undeniable dance rhythm, playful lyrics, and hipster charm. Their sound on the single reflects New Orleans “bounce,” a distinctly regional sound that lays pop songs onto house-heavy hip-hop beats that mimic the reverberation of the second floor of a packed dance club at midnight.

If their goal is to create a cocktail of personalities in the music, it seems to be working. And they’ve got the look to match. “Blair’s pants are pretty tight,” Keon says, laughing when asked about their style. “Mine aren’t as tight, but I got the Steve Urkel glasses. We have a stylist, but we tell her what we want.” Fame hasn’t changed the guys too much though. They both insist they were fresh before the record deal.

While they don’t like labels, speakers does consider itself hip-hop and wants to see change in the culture. “I would like it to be more balanced and less restrictive. I hate how [a rapper] can’t be too animated. It’s too serious,” Keon admits. His energy and tone, along with Taylor’s trance-inducing beats, add to this sentiment.

While they don’t have a drop date for their Virgin Records debut yet, the guys excitedly promise big features and stellar production mostly done by Taylor himself. “We’ve got club tracks like ‘Bass,’ and then we’ve got more personal ones,” he shares. “It’s got everything. Hipsters can relate to it. My grandma can relate to it.”

–Rajul Punjabi

The baddest R&B chicks are known to roll with an entourage or at least a bodyguard or two, but Cherlise does it a little differently. The 23-year-old singer gets her support from her nine brothers and sisters—”All from the same parents!”—she playfully adds. Hailing from just outside Miami, Cherlise knows about the party life but credits her family for keeping her grounded, even after being signed to Rico Love’s Division1/Universal Republic imprint and having Fat Joe (“He’s the biggest teddy bear”) as her mentor.

“What’s great about having all the siblings is that I have a whole basketball team looking out for me,” Cherlise tells Rap-Up.com. “The support I get has taught me how to love unconditionally.”

All the love seems to be pouring into the studio though, as the tenacious songstress admits that the hustle is romance in itself, making it hard for her to pursue relationships. “I’m not really in a place to get involved right now,” she admits. “I’m realistic with myself and I don’t have the energy and time. I love really hard and fall really hard. Guys have a hard time committing when they haven’t realized their dream when they’re not where they want to be. I’m like a guy in that way. When I get there, only then can I invest.”

While she waits on that payout, Cherlise is drawing in devotion from an audience that has gotten a taste of her style. “The general tone and mood of my debut album is going to be straight with no chaser,” says the confident chanteuse.

There are soulful ballads on the album that will familiarize the masses with her tone and range, as well as more upbeat joints clearly influenced by her favorites—Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and Michael Jackson.

Her debut single, “Love U Right” featuring Lil Wayne, is a huge and humbling deal for the newcomer. While stunned at what an incredible opportunity it was to work with the rap icon so early in her career, recording the track made her feel secure in her company. “It just reminds me that the people I’m surrounded by have faith in me.”

–Rajul Punjabi

The future of pop is here, and her name is Jessie J. Rap-Up.com attended a showcase for the U.K. singer-songwriter at Stone Rose Lounge in Los Angeles this week, where U.S. tastemakers witnessed the power of the rising star. At 22 years old, Jessie has made a name for herself co-writing Miley Cyrus’ chart-topping record “Party in the U.S.A.,” and has a voice much bigger than her 5-foot-9-inch frame.

Among those singing her praises are Kelly Rowland, who was in attendance, super-producer Dr. Luke, and Justin Timberake, who called Jessie the best singer in the world right now. Not a bad endorsement.

The petite Brit blew away the industry crowd with material from her Lava Records/Universal Republic debut Who You Are, including the reggae-tinged “Stand Up,” feisty “Mamma Knows Best,” B.o.B-assisted “Price Tag,” and first U.S. single “Who You Are.” She also won over new fans with her first live performance of “L.O.V.E.,” rumored to have been written for Alicia Keys. Watch below and find out why we’re in L.O.V.E. with Jessie.

Like what you see? Watch more of Jessie’s videos on YouTube.

Relaxing under a cabana on the rooftop of a high-class hotel in Hollywood, 17-year-old Def Jam artist Aaron Fresh takes full advantage of his free time, taking in the sights of a poolside view. Yet lounging in the sun isn’t what he considers a hobby. The Trinidadian admits his passion is entertaining the masses with his single “Dirty Girl” featuring Cory Gunz, shooting hoops, and battling the best in a game of Halo. “I love playing sports and always entertaining people both on and off camera,” Fresh tells Rap-Up.com. “I go hard in any sport, but I love playing Halo. Me and Justin Bieber should play a game one day.”

As he sits back with his hands behind his neck, suited in a pair of skinny jeans, fitted hat, and a striped tee, the Caribbean sensation reminisces on his organic experience being discovered. “After I realized I wanted to be a part of the entertainment industry,” says Fresh, “I started going around asking people how to start.” A few years later, thanks to a chance encounter, his hard work paid off. “My friend left his window open while I was singing,” shares Fresh. “This guy walked by named Reo Mitchell, knocked on the door, and said I should come by his studio. The next day I [went] and Reo called in Nick Cannon, and after that it was a done deal.”

Prior to the fame and sky-high hotel rooms, Fresh was a vibrant teenager moving from state to state. “I was born in Chicago and raised in a lot of places,” he says. “But when I moved to Trinidad, I stayed there for like six years.” The Midwest native’s travels inspired both his music and personal life. “I took bits and pieces from each place,” he admits. A mash-up of island influence and R&B tunes are sure to be heard on his debut album, Fresh N Up. “I titled the album Fresh N Up because that’s what I think the music industry needs to do, put a little Aaron Fresh in your life,” states the confident singer.

With the heavy title of being Nick Cannon’s protégé, Fresh makes sure that he doesn’t let the hype get to his head, continuing to focus on school and developing his character. “I just want to make sure I am the same person people love,” he reveals. “I don’t ever want to turn into a monster.”

–Nyvia Weathersby

Lounging in a high-rise office on a snowy morning in Manhattan, 19-year-old Atlanta native Roscoe Dash seems unfazed by the blizzard happening outside in the streets. Much like the heavy snowfall, the rapper hit the masses with little warning, yet no one could’ve predicted the impact he would have on the music industry. His debut single, “All the Way Turnt Up” featuring Soulja Boy Tell’em, and follow-up single “Show Out,” have quickly captured listeners’ attention. Even Roscoe himself couldn’t have guessed the outcome. He may be a Southern spitter, but his sound has spanned the U.S. and beyond.

“When you come from a Down South region, a lot of other regions don’t really respect Down South music,” Roscoe explains to Rap-Up.com. “It was really surprising for me the fact that you got people on the West Coast, you got people up North, you got people across the Southwest region, and everybody likes the music—even people overseas and in Canada. We got a lot of people wanting to book shows, so it’s just amazing to see how fast music can change your life.”

Before Dash met Soulja Boy, he was a local basketball star on the rise. But fatherhood caused him to step off the court. After having a daughter at a mere 16 years of age, the baller focused on music to be closer to her. Eventually, his sound caught the attention of one of hip-hop’s most sought-after producers, Polow Da Don, who signed Dash to his Zone 4 Inc. imprint. As a result, the rapper has had the opportunity to conduct business with some well-respected players in the game. Besides Young Jeezy and DJ Khaled, Dash is looking to drop a bomb with his forthcoming debut Ready Set Go! “I’m trying to bring people back,” he admits. “Not necessarily bring ’em back, but bring somebody out of retirement. It adds that extraness to it that makes people wanna listen.”

As he sits back, dressed in skinny jeans, a silver Black Label bomber jacket, and sporting a mohawk, one would think writing rhymes is the only thing on his mind when he’s lost in thought. Surprisingly, it’s not. Though Roscoe’s prepping for the July 20 release of his first effort, he’s also working toward completing another goal. After getting his GED at 17, the rap newcomer enrolled in college, majoring in radiology tech and anesthesiology. The opportunity to have a legitimate music career came knocking, but that didn’t cause Roscoe to put his education on the backburner. “I’m making sure that stays in heavy rotation on my priority list,” he reveals. “Even if I have to take online classes.” Can’t knock the hustle.

–Nadia Chanté

Imagine attending college with a slew of rap stars. Think it doesn’t happen? Ask rap newcomer bONE about his experience at Prairie View A&M University and he’ll admit it does. “You know Superstarr, the one that wrote ‘Halle Berry’?,” bONE continues, “Him, Dorrough ['Ice Cream Paint Job'], and Party Boyz ['Flex'], they all went to Prairie View.” The Texas native may have a full load of studies to tend to—he’s a senior majoring in history—but he’s set on following in the footsteps of his hip-hop peers.

Before hitting the books, bONE, 23, had a Fisher-Price karaoke machine and a dream. The rapper, who acquired his moniker from a sixth grade football coach when he began to call him “Hambone,” turned his audio into full-fledged raps once he could read and write. But that doesn’t mean what he initially came up with was golden. “I don’t remember what [my first song] was about, but I do know it was horribly wack,” he admits. “I wrote it when I was about six or seven.” Practice made perfect and by the time the young lyricist was 17, he was a force to be reckoned with in his neighborhood, releasing his first solo mixtape, The Come Up, Vol. 1.

With music not far from his mind, bONE, born DeMarcus Hamilton, began to focus on his education, splitting his downtime between studying and recording. Eventually, the avid PS3 player (“When I’m not at school, I’ll be hanging with my friends and hitting Madden”) caught the eye of influential Def Jam label head L.A. Reid. “When I first auditioned for L.A. Reid, he told me that he saw me two or three years down the line; that I had longevity and potential,” says bONE, who cites LL Cool J and Scarface as his inspirations.

bONE’s first order of business is his single “Homegurl (He Gotta)” and its remix featuring Bun B, Rick Ross, and The-Dream. Though the track has staying power, the content is undeniably on the risqué side. “When I first wrote it, I didn’t plan on it being that raunchy,” he reveals. “It’s really about when you meet a girl and she tells her friends all about you.” As for the second goal on his label to-do list: complete his debut album, The Undergrad. Though he’s purposely omitting talk of street life from his first effort, the tunes he plans to create with hitmaker Tricky Stewart and his own production company, Red Prodigy, will keep listeners engaged. “As far as being a rapper, I like telling stories,” bONE states. “I’m trying to create a scene and bring you into it like you’re watching a movie.”

–Nyvia Weathersby

Don’t be fooled by the complexion. Alabama-born, Atlanta resident Yelawolf may look like a skateboard-thrashing rock head, but he’s actually a rapper known more for the hypersonic lyrics he spits. Though one of his favorite pastimes is riding on a deck, these days, he’s got a collection of beats to ride.

Yelawolf, who’s half Cherokee Indian, is aware of the skepticism that comes as a result of his skin color. He may have a plethora of projects under his belt (a 2005 debut album, CreekWater, and mixtapes, Stereo, Arena Rap, and Ball of Flames: The Ballad of Slick Rick E. Bobby), yet he understands why critics are quick to judge him. “There has only been one successful white artist [in hip-hop], which is Eminem,” says Yelawolf, a fan of rock group Lynyrd Skynyrd and gangsta rap icons N.W.A. “We’re the minority in this game, but I think it’s fair. Even after I blow up, the next white artist that comes along will deal with the same thing.”

Confident words spoken from a man who has no major record label backing him. But what he does have, in his eyes, is something far greater: the support of Kawan “KP” Prather. After inking a deal with KP’s Ghet-O-Vision Entertainment in 2007, the heavily-tattooed artist—19 in total—is set to gain some of the same benefits that successes like OutKast and Pink earned upon working with the music industry executive. Trunk Muzik, Yelawolf’s latest mixtape, is one of those perks. Besides shooting a video for the tape’s lauded track, “Pop the Trunk,” Yelawolf also delivered his high-octane flow alongside one of his rap idols, Bun B, on “Good to Go”: “‘Cause you know I got Bun B in the front seat and we got these boppers on the chrome/ One time for your boy Pimp C, ‘Pocket Full of Stones’/ I got a pocket full of stones ’cause I fell off my dirt bike in cargo pants/ I rock a microphone literally, litter the track lyrically with bottles, cans.”

While most rappers celebrate riding in Maybachs, it’s apparent Yelawolf isn’t one of them. Dirt bikes, Chevys, and skateboards are his methods of transportation, with a heavy emphasis on the latter two. So which does he prefer? “That’s the hardest question anyone has ever asked me,” he admits. “A Chevy is where I can get away. You don’t feel like anyone can mess with you. It’s the same feeling with a skateboard. I love them both.”

–Georgette Cline

When Usher seeks a songwriter to pen tracks for his upcoming album, Raymond v. Raymond, the final product better be amazing. According to Los Angeles crooner Miguel, it is. While he’s cementing his name in the music industry as a solo artist, Miguel also finds time to craft hits for the star.

The 22-year-old singer has been writing songs for Usher’s sixth studio album with producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and the Avila Brothers, and was excited about a “dope concept” he wrote for the Grammy winner. “It’s been amazing seeing the album evolve,” Miguel tells Rap-Up.com. “It’s really valuable to see how something can flourish from beginning to end. Usher’s given me a lot of advice. I think the most resounding advice he’s given me is to stay true to myself.”

In an industry where male R&B singers are a dime a dozen, Miguel is blazing his own trail with a unique sound. The half-black, half-Mexican singer is making waves on the Internet with his track “Sure Thing,” which has over 7 million plays on his MySpace page. “MySpace has created a platform for my fans to know who I am,” he reveals. “Without it, I don’t know if my music would be able to reach such a broad audience.”

Miguel, whose sound is a mixture of smooth R&B, hip-hop, and rock, rounded out by distinctive production, got his start in music at eight years old after being inspired by his parents’ divorce. Today the R&B dream is readying his debut album, State of the Art, and collaborating with rap newcomers like Asher Roth. Miguel sang the hook on “His Dream,” a song featured on Roth’s debut, Asleep in the Bread Aisle. “A friend of his happened to produce some of the records on the album, and he was a mutual friend who thought it would be a really good look,” Miguel says. “I was honored to be a part of that, because it was a personal record for him.”

Working with such acclaimed artists as Usher and Asher Roth makes sense, considering Miguel is set on bringing a distinct approach to his brand, just as they have before him. “I’m all about individuality, so at the end of the day, I hope that people take that from my music.” Follow his lead.

–Arianna Davis

While some singers aspire to have careers like that of Michael Jackson, Kentrell envisioned walking down a different path as a teen. “Before music?” Kentrell continues, “I thought that I would be the next Michael Jordan. I thought I was going to play basketball!” Shooting hoops may have been his occupation of choice long ago, but once the 23-year-old Mississippi-born, Chicago-bred artist, dove into music, he never looked back.

Kentrell’s debut album, U Will Believe, is a springy mix of pop and R&B, which he promises will cause some serious inspiration and perspiration. “It’s going to be real fly and sexy on this album,” he reveals. “But at the same time, I may have my inspirational uplifting track [and] up-tempo songs on there. It’s going to be a mix of everything you want on an album.” For instance, there’s the slow jam “Encore,” in which Kentrell promises to have girls screaming for more.

The self-described “pop-soul” artist looks to a mix of singers to capture the essence on his debut. While Kentrell gets inspiration from Prince, he also applauds the greatness of Marvin Gaye and Michael Jackson. “Marvin Gaye had various emotional feelings to his music,” he says. “Prince, he was real creative and just different. And Mike, his energy… Just to dance and to sing like he did was amazing.”

When Kentrell isn’t singing like MJ, he likes to “chill” in his off time. But most every waking moment is spent on his craft: “I chill at the same time, but even when I’m chilling, I’m either watching a documentary on music or a live show of musicians performing. It’s always something musically that I’m doing even when I’m not doing [music].” Interestingly enough, with music on his mind all the time, one would think Kentrell has some sort of vocal training. But this crooner just plain sounds good without the solfège.

Kentrell’s debut album drops next year on Jive Records. Listen to his first single “Encore” below.

–Tanya Remekie

Lolene has a penchant for pancakes and she’s unapologetic for her craving. “It’s well-deserved,” she admits. “My trainer kicked my ass this morning.” As the latest imported talent hailing from the U.K., the singer with the spiraling, cocoa-colored curls has her own high-energy kick to deliver in the form of her debut single “Sexy People.”

Besides writing songs as a young girl in Bristol, England, Lolene, also known as Miss Foo Foo (“Like Beyoncé plays off her Sasha Fierce ego”), received the privileged opportunity to sing backing vocals on Rick Ross’ J.R. Rotem-produced track “The Boss.” She’s also lent her talent to artists ranging from Eminem to Christina Milian (“Diamonds”). Lately, the songstress has dedicated her writing skills to her debut album, The Electrick Hotel (Capitol/EMI Records), due out in early 2010. “I decided [on that title for] my album because I am the Electrick Hotel,” she says with a fit of laughter. “I’ve got many rooms, many different vibes. So ‘Sexy People’ is like the penthouse party.”

Though she’s worked with some of hip-hop’s elite, Lolene cites her musical influences outside of the genre: Grace Jones, Debbie Harry, and Rick James. “I actually adore Rick James,” admits Lolene. “I love his showmanship, I love his bravery, and his pimpness.” Calling on her own feisty nature, Lolene takes notes from those artists to create a fusion of retro-pop as heard on one of her earlier tracks, “Boujis Baby.” So does the busy pop star tend to partake in any “boujis” self-indulgences during her downtime? “I love massages and like to get pampered.”

–Nadia Chanté