Trey Songz

Although R&B star Trey Songz has had his fair share of requisite guest spots on various hardcore rap songs, he is cut from a more traditional cloth, which harks back to the classic days of R&B and soul, than many of his contemporaries. He signed to the venerable Atlantic Records and was heralded by its legendary founder, Ahmet Ertegun, as the next legend in the label's long line of soul and R&B performers. He released his debut, I GOTTA MAKE IT, in 2005 and quickly accomplished the goal of the album's title.

• r&b/soul
• hip hop/rap