Faith Evans

Known best in hip-hop circles as the Notorious B.I.G.’s widow, Faith Evans matured as an artist only after the murder of her (in) famous husband, from whom she was separated at the time. In fact, she likely made her most lasting impression as a prominently featured vocalist on "I’ll Be Missing You," Puff Daddy’s tribute to his late friend and business partner. Released in 1995, Faith was a decent example of ’90s R&B — thoroughly produced and somewhat formulaic — but it only hinted at the depth of her artistry.

It wasn’t until the release of Keep the Faith that Evans began to show the kind of promise that separated her from an army of other R&B vixens (Brandy, Deborah Cox, Kelly Price, Monica, etc.). Faithfully, her 2001 release, was by far her best album, with its lush backing arrangements and smooth (but not slick) grooves that recall the ’70s soul of Philadelphia International artists such as Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, the O’Jays, and Billy Paul.