Yemi Marie

Chicago-based pop-R&B singer, songwriter, and pianist Yemi Marie made her first public performance at a contest that took place at Disney World, where she sang for a crowd of several thousand. She issued her 2013 debut album, 12/11/12, before she turned 16 years old. The independent release, while wholly contemporary from a production standpoint, was something of a throwback to early albums by the likes of Brandy and Monica -- age-appropriate, yet sophisticated and positive. Among her 2014 releases, which included singles such as "Saturday," "Real Thing," and "Radio Station," was a nod to her city's bop dance style, "Love Bop." Yemi is also an anti-bullying and anti-violence activist with a campaign targeted at schools in her hometown. ~ Andy Kellman