Maxwell

Maxwell, born Maxwell Fraser, came up in Brooklyn and put out his first album, 'Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite,' in 1996. The single 'Fortunate' got a lot of play and introduced his smooth, thoughtful take on R&B. He was part of that late-'90s wave of artists who got called neo-soul, though his voice always had its own quiet, velvety quality.

His second album, 'Embrya,' had some delays and didn't land the same way. He kept working, though, and put out records like 'Now' in 2001 and 'BLACKsummers'night' in 2009. Songs like 'Pretty Wings' and 'Ascension (Don't Ever Wonder)' became fan favorites for their unhurried, introspective feel.

He's mostly worked as a solo artist, but has recorded with people like Erykah Badu and Mary J. Blige. His later albums, including 'blackSUMMERS'night' from 2019, continued in that vein, soul music that feels more like a late-night conversation than a big show.