Powerhouse, Kanye West October 19, 2007

Powerhouse is a scorching soul-rock band from New Jersey.

After beginning his career as a producer, Kanye West joined Jay-Z's Roc-A-Fella Records, who lauded his soulful approach to hip-hop production. His debut album, 'The College Dropout,' scored with critics and fans alike, and his latest, 'Late Registration,' produced by movie composer Jon Brion, has pushed the envelope even further. Shaffer Smith, also known as NE-Yo, released his chart-topping debut album, 'In My Own Words,' in early 2006. He's also know for co-writing Mario's 2004 number one hit, 'Let Me Love You.' Hip Hop and R&B singer Akon was born in St. Louis, lived in Dakar, Senegal until the age of seven, then moved back to the US, settling in Jersey City. Son of jazz percussionist Mor Thiam, Akon has released two albums, 'Trouble' and 'Konvicted,' each of which has produced huge smash single hits, primarily 'Locked Up,' 'Lonely' 'Smack That' and 'I Wanna Love You.'