Unrapped

Oct
7
Unrapped: British Songstress Lolene

Lolene

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.”

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Jul
28
Unrapped: L.A. Jerk Duo The Bangz

The Bangz

Hailing from Los Angeles, Sabi and Ella Ann, the fresh new divas who make up the hip-pop outfit The Bangz, are taking over airwaves and teaching the nation how to “jerk” with their debut single, “Boys with Tattoos (We Jerkin’).”

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Jul
21
Unique: Long Hair, Don’t Care

Unique

Life for a young, burgeoning artist is all about the hustle. Luckily for R&B singer Unique, he’s made working his way to the top a high priority.

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Jun
22
Unrapped: Shooting Star Mr Hudson

Mr Hudson

“I probably drink too much,” 29-year-old Mr Hudson admits with a sheepish laugh. “Most Englishmen do.” While G.O.O.D. Music’s newest signee tends to take a swig of the occasional libation, it’s music that is his most indulgent addiction.

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May
29
Unrapped: Livvi Franc Is That B.I.T.C.H.

Livvi Franc

As of late, the isle of Barbados has gained notoriety for being the hometown of pop princess Rihanna. But now she’s got some competition in the form of Bajan British sensation Livvi Franc and her pop gem “Now I’m That Bitch,” an intensely hot single produced by Salaam Remi (Amy Winehouse, Nas).

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May
1
Unrapped: Norwegian Hip-Hop Duo Madcon

Madcon

Rap-Up.com breaks the seal on fresh talent in our newly-named breakout artist feature, Unrapped. On Wednesday, we introduced you to R&B quartet Richgirl. Now meet Madcon.

Hailing from Oslo, Norway, Yosef and Tshawe, rappers who make up the hip-hop outfit Madcon, are infiltrating American radio stations and iTunes playlists with the urban, reggae-tinged remake of Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons’ hit, “Beggin’.”

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Apr
29
Richgirl: Money in the Bank

Richgirl

Rich Harrison, the producer behind Beyoncé’s “Crazy in Love” and Amerie’s “1 Thing” has struck gold with his latest project, Richgirl. The R&B group consists of four empowered females who not only look like money, but have the golden pipes to back it up. Rap-Up.com visited with the newcomers last week in the lap of luxury, Beverly Hills, where they introduced themselves and won us over with their opulent voices.

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Jan
25
Electrik Red Turns Up Voltage with Debut LP

electrikred_good.jpg

Danger! R&B female group Electrik Red is cranking up the girl power wattage with their debut album How to Be a Lady: Volume 1, scheduled for release on March 24 via Def Jam.

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Jan
2
Who is Melanie Fiona?

Melanie Fiona

We’re starting out the New Year by introducing you to a new artist to watch for in 2009. Steve Rifkind, the industry veteran who brought you the Wu-Tang Clan and Akon, brings us his newest protégé Melanie Fiona.

The R&B singer/songwriter, who is of Guyanese descent, counts Sam Cooke, Nat King Cole, and Gladys Knight among her inspirations, and already has a fan in Kanye West after opening for the European leg of his Glow in the Dark tour.

The Toronto native’s debut album The Bridge is due out this May on SRC Records/Universal Motown, while her first single “Give It To Me Right” samples The Zombies’ “Time of the Season.” Listen below.

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