A New Yorker who grew up in the Chelsea Hotel, Jean Grae paid her dues on the underground circuit in the '90s as part of the group Natural Resource. As the crew disbanded, she marked her solo career with Attack of the Attacking Things in 2002, a project that showcased her quick-witted rhyme skills and clever approach to songwriting. The album This Week followed in 2004, although it was her hook up with the producer 9th Wonder for Jeanius in 2008 that was quickly hailed as a fan favorite.