Top 5 Breakthrough Artists of the Year

2007 is just a few days away, so we are taking a look back at the past year and selecting our top 5 breakthrough artists of 2006. These artists did not necessarily have the most critical acclaim, but all 5 made lots of noise when they released their debut albums this year. Tell us whether you agree or disagree with our choices and look out for our best song and best album picks later this week.

5. Lady Sovereign

Jay-Z signed the self-described “biggest midget in the game” to Def Jam earlier this year. Hate her or love her, the white British rapper made noise in ’06 by being compared to Eminem.

4. Yung Joc

Yung Joc had everyone dancing to “It’s Goin’ Down,” even Tom Cruise.

3. Lupe Fiasco

Lupe is the most original and thought-provoking MC to release an album since Kanye West.

2. LeToya Luckett

LeToya proved that she didn’t need Destiny’s Child to debut at #1 and go on to sell almost 500,000 albums in the U.S.

1. Danity Kane

The ladies of MTV’s “Making the Band 3” surprised everyone when they beat OutKast for the top spot on Billboard and finished the year with 800,000 records sold. Look out for them on tour with Christina Aguilera next year.