The-Dream

• Genre: Contemporary R&B

About

Atlanta singer-songwriter The-Dream (ne Terius Nash) became a household name in late 2007 with his smash hit "Shawty Is a 10." With a drooping melody, light synth embellishments and a piano line that dances around the downbeat, the song was the equivalent of RnB cotton candy. But Nash's story begins before then. Among many other credits, Nash wrote Rihanna's smash hit "Umbrella," as well as J. Holiday's "Bed." His solo debut, Love Hate, dropped in December 2007.

- Sam Chennault