Katy B

The versatile London, England-based Katy B (aka Baby Katy, Baby Katie), a garage/dubstep vocalist inspired by the likes of Mary J. Blige, Faith Evans, and Gwen Stefani, first gained notice with “Tell Me,” a 2006 single produced by DJ NG. A series of other features followed, including lead turns on Jelly Jams' “I Try,” Geeneus' “Good Life” (a cover of the late-'80s Inner City house classic), and the Count & Sinden's “Hold Me.” All of those tracks preceded the release of her first proper solo single. “Katy on a Mission,” produced by Benga, was issued on Rinse in 2010. The album On a Mission was released the following April and debuted at number two on the U.K. album chart. Nominated for the 2011 Mercury Prize, it was issued that September in the U.S.