Janelle Monae
Who? With hair like topiary, Janelle Monae emerged as a promising soul and R&B musician. In 2010, Monae released her studio debut "The ArchAndroid (Suites II and III)" for which she received a Grammy nomination. Three years later, she took home the golden gramophone for fun.’s “We Are Young.” In her rise to fame, the Kansas City native has gathered fans from Big Boi to Barack Obama. Her style is eclectic, in a galactic, otherworldly way, but she believes her eccentricities will help her break down barriers for other performers.
What to expect: A fusion of R&B and hip hop with subtle influences of 50s doo–wop and soul. Her sound is ambitious, inventive and upbeat—made to complement sunshine, tank tops and a cold one.
Songs to Know: “Cold War,” “Tightrope,” “Come Alive (War of the Roses),”
Who? Tyga, whose name is an acronym for “Thank You God Always” rose to fame alongside his peers T.I., Wale, Meek Mill and Birdman with his remixes and guest appearances. When creative differences separated him from cousin and Gym Class Heroes frontman Travis McCoy, Tyga started focusing on a solo career. In 2008, he released his first independent album, "No Introduction." Since then, Tyga has been a club staple with bumping–and–grinding hits like “Make it Nasty” and “Rack City.”
What to expect: Songs filled with sex, drugs and the rags–to–riches narrative. As far as genre goes, Tyga typically sticks to mainstream rap, making for a fun, charismatic performance.
Songs to Know: “Faded,” “Make It Nasty,” “Rack City”
