Kelis

Part hip-hop, part alternative pop-rock, the sound of Harlem native Kelis turned heads with the singer's 1999 debut release, KALEIDOSCOPE. Her striking image (she sported a multi-coloured Afro) didn't hurt her high profile, either. While mixing rock and hip-hop had been done before (Neneh Cherry, etc.), Kelis updated it all new millennium-style, scoring a signature hit with the provocative "Milkshake," and in the process proving herself to be one of rap's most promising and groundbreaking artists. In a marriage of true hip-hop minds, the MC wed Queens wordsmith Nas in 2005 (despite much mutual serenading, they parted by 2009).

• pop
• dance
• hip hop/rap