Lloyd

With a silky voice and a smoothly romantic persona, Lloyd is one of this century's most distinctive soul singers. Born Lloyd Polite Jr. in New Orleans in 1986, he began his career in the Atlanta-based boy band N-Toon before going solo and getting signed to Irv Gotti’s The Inc. At 18, he released his debut single, "Southside," a sparkling collaboration with R&B songbird Ashanti that landed him on the American pop charts. In the years since, his artistry and singing have both matured: His falsetto buoys tracks like the booming "Cupid," while his melodic runs add graceful flourishes to the passionate "Lay It Down" and emotionally raw "Tru." During the '00s and '10s, he supplied supple hooks for MCs like Rick Ross, 2 Chainz, and fellow New Orleanian Lil Wayne. With Lloyd's alluring croon and Weezy's hyperverbal lyrics forming a striking combo, the sweeping "You," the grooving "Girls Around the World," and the fizzy pop-crossover hit "Bedrock" are particular standouts in both artists' catalogs. As heard in his 2020 collab with New Jack Swing legend Teddy Riley, “Slow Wine Bass Line,” Lloyd’s vocal prowess, ear for slick melodies, and hip-hop-inspired swagger continue to impress, solidifying his status as one of the best crooners out there.