“Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable… Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.”

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The name is synonymous with equality and freedom for all people, regardless of race, color, or creed. The unwavering strength of his leadership coupled with his exemplary oratorical skills inspired an entire generation of people to march when they wanted to run and hide, turn the other cheek when they wanted to fight, and keep the faith when they wanted to throw their hands up in despair. His dream that one-day, ever member of society would be judged by the content of his or her character and not by the color of his or her skin continues to inspire to this day, forty-two years after his untimely death. As U.S. Representative John Lewis (D – GA), a leader in the American Civil Rights Movement and former chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, once said while discussing the 1963 March on Washington during which Dr. King shared his dream with the rest of the world, “By speaking the way he did, he educated, he inspired, he informed not just the people there, but people throughout America and unborn generations.”

During his brief but illustrious career as a human-rights advocate, Dr. King spoke out against discrimination, segregation, unfair wages, and even the Vietnam War. He did not skirt controversy, but rather embraced it if it meant providing some kind of relief to those who were suffering from the injustices of the world. Under the looming threat of death, Dr. King remained steadfast in his belief that the basic human rights explicitly stated in this country’s founding documents (“all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”) applied to all men, regardless of the color of their skin. His constant reaffirmation of that belief through simple civil disobedience, marches, and awe-inspiring speeches facilitated passage and enforcement of The Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Dr. King envisioned a colorblind society, and although we as a people have a ways to go, our current President is proof positive of how far we’ve come. No longer are our lives limited by societal dictates based on fear and ignorance; to the contrary, our only limit is the sky and the possibilities are endless. On the shoulders of Dr. King and those who marched alongside of him we stand as educators, doctors, lawyers, and CEOs. He dedicated his life to the betterment and empowerment of our people and humankind, and on this day, let’s honor his memory and celebrate his legacy in a manner befitting a King.

One might say 2010 was a year of ups and downs for the biggest names in hip-hop and R&B music. Titans like Kanye West, Eminem, Usher and Rick Ross dropped classic albums while understudies such as Drake, Nicki Minaj and B.o.B made stellar debuts, becoming instant global superstars. Previous chart favorites Soulja Boy, T.I. and Young Jeezy fell (momentarily?) from grace for delivering poor music and making some very bad choices, and let’s not even get into Diddy and his Dirty Money concept group that confusingly teetered between hot and cold, credible and wack the entire year.

There’s a new line-up of artists this year with the almighty “package” needed to mirror the success of those who came before them. No strangers to the grind, it’s taken them real time to make it here. My favorites are listed below, chosen not only for their musical talent but recognized for being in possession of other elements crucial to their ascent.

J. COLE
Just like the name of his 2009 mixtape, it took me a little while to “warm up” to the idea J. Cole could be a star. Premature fashion campaigns and hasty magazine shoots showed his Roc Nation team were initially confused with him, too. Much to the relief of his backers, since we first heard Cole on his debut offering The Come Up (2007) he’s grown comfortable with his “rising star” tag and is naturally developing a no-fuss image to go with it. Those who know him describe 25-year-old Jermaine Cole as a down-to-earth, somewhat introverted and freakishly talented young man whose main concern is creating classic hip-hop, not today’s fluffier fare. Strategic moves by the artist and his team to refrain from utilizing a major push from co-signor Jay-Z, allowing him to grow organically, were smart; it’s worked in his favor as he prepares his now anticipated debut album. I’m yet to interview J. Cole but am truly looking forward to it, simply to become part of the legacy he’s crafting.

YELAWOLF
He’s the kind of guy who can be found reciting a love poem to his girlfriend one minute, then be viciously smashing a bottle over some guy’s head in a fight the next (in other words, he’s perfect). Speak to him for a moment and it’s clear this Alabama native’s belief in himself is second to none. Yela’s reminiscent of the hallowed artists of yesteryear; a wide-eyed, talented roustabout who knows no prejudice in his music, philosophy or lifestyle. He has a small, dedicated team (including well-known exec Kawan “KP” Prather and manager Courtney “Bear” Sills) whose industry experience have him on the straight and narrow, allowing him to develop instinctively and focus on his craft. Equipped with a keen fashion eye, he’s been chosen as the face of brands like Famous Stars & Straps and during DrJays.com’s 2010 Summer Sensations campaign, he was the only artist to remix his outfits by cutting up his shirts, etc. Armed with rugged charm, a diverse appeal and an ear for southern-fried beats that compliment his manic flow, it’s almost certain Yela’s debut album Radioactive (slated for a March release) will be something special.

YOUNG CHRIS
Christopher Ries’s strength of character will get him the success he craves this year—and rightfully so. He first showed it as a resilient teenager when his rhyme partner (Young Neef of the Young Gunz) started appearing as the weaker link in their rise to the top. He showed it again when the beloved Roc-A-Fella Records empire he knew crumbled and dissolved; when bigger name members like Beanie Sigel decided to embrace the controversy, Chris backed away and remained neutral. And he’s showing it now, more than ever, as he makes his exciting solo debut. Chris dropped The Re-Introduction mixtape in late 2010 and its buzz single, “Philly,” is currently in rotation on BET’s 106 & Park. With boyish good looks, an easygoing attitude and a professional demeanor that comes from years in the business, here’s hoping Young Chris’s official debut (coming sometime this year) is one for the record books.

BRUNO MARS
Crossover vocals, pop sensibilities and multicultural looks have blessed Bruno Mars with mainstream success and global recognition out the gate. Born Peter Gene Hernandez to Puerto Rican and Filipino parents and raised in Hawaii, the 25-year-old’s sunny personality matches his homeland’s climate. Mars’s songwriting prowess (he’s co-written international hits like B.o.B’s “Nothin’ On You,” Travie McCoy‘s “Billionaire” and Cee-Lo‘s “F*ck You”) was a springboard to his own star status. His debut album, Doo-Wops & Hooligans, peaked at number three on the Billboard charts, anchored by the monster singles “The Way You Are” and “Grenade.” Currently nominated for seven Grammy Awards, Mars (who’s signed to Atlantic Records) is an unlikely pop idol who will no doubt continue to impress.

MARSHA AMBROSIUS
Testament to talent, drive and determination, Marsha Ambrosius has carved a truly unique lane for herself. Parts ’round the way girl, English lady and sangin’ soul diva, the former Floetry member will be the unlikely R&B chart queen this year. Her luscious voice, songwriting ability and chemistry with producers like Just Blaze ensure her upcoming solo debut album, Late Nights & Early Mornings (due next month) will be a winner. A new body image (how did she hide those killer legs so long?) provides a sexier aesthetic to everything Ambrosius delivers nowadays and just in time, too, as her profile is growing by the day. Developing into a true voice of the people (her brilliant new video, “Far Away,” depicts the anguish that comes from homophobia) it’s evident Ambrosius’ musical journey is just beginning.

SOURCE: http://live.drjays.com/index.php/2011/01/11/whos-taking-over-the-charts-in-2011/

Jay-Z

Jay-Z is a hustler, so of course he’s working on the holiday. The Brooklyn rapper is going to be performing with Coldplay at the grand opening of The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas. Hov’s getting paid $1 million so he’s definitely bringing in the new year on the right foot.

Lil Wayne

With Weezy only recently released from jail it’s only right his first party-hosting gig be on New Year’s Eve—and what a party it will be. The Young Money CEO will be in the windy city of Chicago hosting a party at Adrianna’s Club Ballroom. The party is sure to be a big deal—not only will Lil Tunechi be in the building, he’ll also be joined by Harlem rap group, The Diplomats.

Nicki Minaj

If you want to party with the Harajuku Barbie, you’ll have to head down to Club Mansion in Miami, Florida. The YM mistress will be putting on a show for her fans, performing at her “All Pink Everything” New Year’s Eve extravaganza.

Drake

It seems a bunch of Young Money members are looking to get paid going into 2011. Drake is  scheduled to perform poolside at WET at the W Hotel in South Beach, before heading inside to party at WALL.

Rihanna

Rihanna is doing big things as she closes out the New Year—she’s going to be in Las Vegas at Ceaser’s Palace club, PURE partying hard into 2011.

SOURCE: http://live.drjays.com/index.php/2010/12/31/party-with-your-favorite-artist-this-new-years-eve/