Jidenna

Dapper "Classic Man" singer Jidenna met Janelle Monáe at masquerade party, impressing her so much that she subsequently signed him to her Wondaland Record imprint, which released his debut album, The Chief. The singer-songwriter's sophomore record, 85 to Africa, explores the African dispora through tunes that augment contemporary hip-hop and R&B production with afropop rhythms and dancehall beats (which have already infiltrated the sonic palette of countless mainstream pop artists). Even if the music Jidenna is making isn't entirely groundbreaking, he boasts an undeniable earnestness and swagger that escapes most performers—especially when he inevitably dons a smart suit for a performance of his most well-known single.