Patti Smith is an American singer-songwriter. Referred to as the punk poet laureate, Smith became an influential figure of the punk rock movement with the release of her album Horses. Many world-renowned musicians, such as Madonna and Michael Stipe, have cited Smith as their inspiration. Even actresses like Ellen Page and Maria Doyle Kennedy have called Smith a major influence.
Chief Keef is a hip-hop sensation who has revolutionized the drill and trap sub-genres. His track I Don’t Like was remixed by Kanye West and was featured on the Billboard Rap Top 20. He was dropped by the label Interscope for several legal issues and then formed his own label.
Lil Durk is an American singer-songwriter and rapper. He is credited with founding a rap collective and record label called Only the Family (OTF). Over the years, Lil Durk has faced many legal issues, including his arrest for unlawfully carrying a weapon. He has also been involved in feuds with other rappers, such as Tyga, The Game, and Tay600.
Polo G is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, and record executive. Polo G, who became famous for his Chicago drill sound, gradually adopted a more melodic style. Renowned for his vivid storytelling, Polo G's lyrics often reflect on subjects, such as mental health and racism. In 2020, he announced the launch of ODA Records, his own record label.
Richard Marx is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer. In 1987, his self-titled debut album was certified triple-platinum, following which he went on to work on several chart-busting hits. As a songwriter, Marx worked on Luther Vandross' Dance with My Father, which earned him the Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 2004.
Billy Corgan is an American professional wrestling promoter, singer, and songwriter. He is credited with forming the popular alternative rock band The Smashing Pumpkins. He is also credited with founding Resistance Pro Wrestling and currently owns the National Wrestling Alliance promotion, for which he also serves as the promoter. Having struggled with several mental disorders, Corgan promotes abuse support networks.
Rapper and record producer Earl Sweatshirt was previously known as Sly Tendencies. He was part of the hip-hop collective Odd Future. Following the release of his debut mixtape, his mother sent him to a Samoa boarding school. He went back to Los Angeles soon and began making music again.
Warren Zevon was an American musician, rock singer, and songwriter. As a songwriter, Zevon contributed immensely to the success of songs recorded by other artists, such as Murray McLauchlan. Also known for his acerbic lyrics and dry wit, Warren Zevon made several appearances on shows like the Late Show with David Letterman and Late Night with David Letterman.
One of the best known R&B artists, R Kelly, who’s sung many chart-topping songs and has sold millions of records, has been accused of sexual abuse by many women. He and is facing several state and federal charges in the US. He was arrested in July 2019 on charges of sex trafficking and child pornography.
Haley Reinhart is an American songwriter, singer, and voice actress. She started hogging the limelight after finishing third in the 10th season of popular reality TV show, American Idol. Also a well-known philanthropist, Reinhart has worked closely with organizations, such as Starkey Hearing Foundation and Habitat for Humanity. She has also been involved with charities that fight against bullying.
Fredo Santana was an American rapper whose debut studio album peaked at number 45 on Billboard 200 chart. Santana suffered from drug addiction throughout his life and attributed his addiction to trauma experienced in his childhood. Eventually, his addiction took a toll on his health and he died in 2018 at the age of 27, joining the dreaded 27 Club.
Lou Rawls was an American singer, composer, record producer, and actor. Rawls sold over 40 million records during his illustrious career. He was also renowned for his charity work; in 2004, he was honored by the popular philanthropic organization United Negro College Fund for his work with the organization for more than 25 years.