Kelis

A sultry soulstress who started out screaming, moved on to moving the boys in the yard with her milkshake, then writhed in a fabulously gaudy video (for “Bossy”) more than worth watching, Kelis has negotiated a strange career. Her association with The Neptunes has been an asset, and her love affair with Nas has landed her in the gossip columns. And then there’s her music, which continues to purr and prowl to eccentric ends. 2006's Kelis Was Here ranked among the more singular offerings of modern pop and R&B. Some new tracks have popped up this year, though Kelis has taken time off to give birth.

Updated 10/21/2009