Dwele

• Genre: Neo-Soul

About

Dwele, nee Andwele Gardner, is an R&B singer, producer and storyteller that stays true to the grind -- he's worked with the likes of Common and Kanye West and was nominated for a 2008 Grammy for his cover of Earth, Wind and Fire's "That's the Way of the World." Hailing from the rich musical hit factory of Detroit, Dwele found his soul-man footing thanks to his fertile surroundings and, most importantly, his audiophile father, who tragically passed away early on, but left sonic seedlings for Dwele to sow. At the age of six, Dwele started to learn the piano and eventually picked up trumpet, guitar and bass as well. After leaving his initial emcee aspirations behind, the rapper-turned-singer dropped a demo tape in 2000. His falsetto lit the Motor City underground on fire, piquing the interest of hip-hop troupe Slum Village. This led to his big break, crooning the hook on Slum Village's hit "Tainted." He quickly followed that with his 2003 debut Subject and the breakthrough single "Find a Way." After some time on the road, he released his sophomore LP, Some Kinda, in 2005. Sketches of a Man (2008) is signature Dwele -- smooth, seductive and true to his Detroit roots.

- Angela Bruno