Best of hip-hop and R&B 2008

posted in: Artist Features • Reviews & Playlists • Urban

To ring in the new year, we here at OurStage thought it would be a good idea to step back and reflect on some great new artists that emerged on the scene in 2008 and are likely to be the ones to watch in 2009. This is our list of top hip-hop and R&B artists:

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The Press Project
This 7 piece group blends the styles of hip hop, soul, funk, and jazz into a sound that is completely their own. Though best compared to acts like The Roots, Soulive, and Jurassic 5 they are more different than they are the same. In 2008 they watched their debut album climb the CMJ music charts eventually breaking into the top 40 and reaching number 12. Along with their album climbing the college radio charts the band had marquee performances playing Bonnaroo and opening for Soulive making 2008 a great year for these guys from Boston.

Twank Star
This Houston rapper kicked off 2008 by releasing his single, Free, in January. He got a distribution deal through Universal in November and was also chosen as the winner of the  Step in the Ring with T-Pain contest on OurStage.com. His album First Impressions is out now on Wide Boy Music as well as the single Everybody Else with T-Pain out on Nappy Boy Digital.

Tori Alamaze
With a sound similar to the soul of the 1960’s Tori Alamaze has added a modern twist to those like  Diana Ross and Tina Turner. After having her song Don’t Cha swiped and made famous by the Pussy Cat Dolls it has been a long road back to the top for this Atlanta native. Spending most of 2008 working on a new album with Gnarls Barkley’s Cee-lo it’s only a matter of time until Tori Alamaze is as recognized as The Pussy Cat Dolls.

LockBoyz
These five Arkansas natives have a sound similar to Mike Jones. All five members of Lockboyz are pursuing a college degree as well as their musical careers and are having success juggling the two. Their biggest feat in 2008 at was a spot on Little Rock Arkansas’ Juneteenth Festival along side Mike Jones and Lil Mama.

DK aka Wayne Watts
This Baltimore native channels the flow and passion of Lupe Fiasco and Kanye West in his songs. After showcasing at the NACA music conference in March DK released his About A Girl mixtape in July. Since the release of his mixtape he has toured the country playing clubs, colleges, festivals and anywhere people will listen.