Ashanti - The Declaration
Although several years have passed since her historical and controversial receipt of the Soul Train Aretha Franklin Award for "Entertainer of the Year," time has proven—without much trumpeting—that Ashanti is more than a one-album, let alone a one-hit, wonder. For the record, Ashanti is the only singer to have fourteen top ten R&B hits this decade. She was also the first female performer to simultaneously hold the top two places on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Surprised? Well, dear reader, you are probably not alone. More than half of her 15 million albums have been sold outside of the U.S. — making her an international superstar by all measures. Original release date: June 3, 2008
Tracks to check out: "Things You Make Me Do" (ft. Robin Thicke), "Struggle", "The Way That I Love You" (YouTube)
Craig David - Trust Me
British artists rarely get a fair shake in America , especially when it comes to R&B music. In fact, most R&B junkies, would be hard-pressed to name three British vocalists. Over the past decade, however, one name has consistently crossed the Atlantic : Craig David. Although Trust Me is Craig David's fourth album, only two of his previous efforts have been released in the States. That being said, Craig David still remains one of Britain's most consistent musical exports.
Since 2000, Craig David has amassed thirteen Top 10 hits on the U.K. charts. With such success on the other side of "the Pond," American audiences would be wise to keep an eye on this guy. Original release date: May 6, 2008
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