They've Got Next: Four of the Hottest New Voices of '08

From The Cocoa Lounge



ESTELLE

//sounds like: Lauryn Hill, Floetry

For the past 5 years, British singer/emcee, Estelle, has slowly been establishing herself as a formidable presence on the UK music scene, but has remained relatively unknown by mainstream American audiences... that is until now. Recent developments may just transcend the sassy talent to a revered household name--namely signing with John Legend's newly formed Homeschool Records. Her newest project finds Estelle working with producer-heavyweights Will.I.Am, Swizz Beats, Mark Ronson (the dynamo behind Amy Winehouse)and Wyclef Jean. Her first single, "Just a Touch: Wait A Minute," is an upbeat thumper that stays in rotation on our playlist.

See Estelle performing "Just A Touch." (Live)



MUFFY

//sounds like: Kelis, Roxanne Shante, J*Davey

We know very little about the lively entity who assumes the handle "Muffy" but her souped-up, hyper-colorful flair is sure to catch fire soon. Besides resembling Monica's long-lost twin sister, Muffy, like fellow new artists, the Cool Kids, is reinventing the 80s and putting the fun back into R&B/Hip Hop music. With an already strong web-presence, Muffy may be on track to becoming an internet-marketing Itgirl, much like 2007's Girls of Summer sensation, Janelle Monae.

Visit Muffy on myspace: http://www.myspace.com/muffymommy



JOI STARR

//sounds like: Jazmine Sullivan, Shareefa

If you've placed your peepers on any Kanye West performance as of late, you've more than likely already been exposed to Joi Starr, Kanye's stylish background singer. It's a tough job finding limelight amongst Kanye West's loveable stage antics, but Joi Starr always manages to hold her on. Besides singing backup for Kanye, Joi has lent her syrupy vocals to projects for Ghostface Killah and recorded several solo tracks of her own, including the catchy "What I Want." If Joi Starr manages to pocket a few solid West productions for her debut, there's no limit to how bright this Starr can shine.

See Joi Starr in action: Kanye West, "I Wonder" (Live).



Nikki Jean

//sounds like: Amel Larrieux meets Feist.

We practically crashed our iTunes replaying Nikki Jean's "Sunshine," last year. Her light, airy approach to singing, is part Rock, part Hip Hop with a whole lotta Niki in between. Jean, who's been gaining a strong following of indie music lovers as the lead singer of post-genre band Nouveau Riche, has upped her visibility this year with collaborations on Lupe Fiasco's critically acclaimed, The Cool. Besides being a band front woman, and highly anticipated solo artist, Nikki Jean has been an avid daily video blogger. See her video journals here.

Give Nikki Jean a listen on myspace: http://www.myspace.com/thenikkijeanproject