Sounds Like: Jay-Z

Influenced By: Nas, Nickelback, Otis Redding, Jay-Z

Why He's Blowing Up OurStage: The Detroit emcee's biggest fear is "not succeeding ... or drowning" and that's what motivates the rapper, who's toured with some of hip-hop's heavyweights. The secret to Se'von's OurStage success: passion. The 26-year-old "son of a soldier" has been making real hip hop for the past seven years.

Sounds Like: Ne-Yo, Mario

Influenced By: Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye

Why He's Blowing Up OurStage: Kevin Ross has just what R&B needs: a fresh, meaningful voice and charisma. Originally from Washington D.C., the singer-songwriter is honing his craft at Boston's Berklee School of Music while putting the finishing touches on his upcoming album, 'Beautiful Imperfections,' due this summer.

Sounds Like: Rakim meets Common

Influenced By: Nas, Black Thought and KRS-One

Why He's Blowing Up OurStage: The Boston-bred rapper delivers fresh lyrics without the muck and mire of drugs or gun violence. Instead, Slim Pickens' two-time No. 1 status on OurStage can be accredited to the integrity displayed in his music. "I do my best to create a sound and songs that are not the same recycled formula as most mainstream rap music," Slim explained. "[It's] more socially conscious, painting pictures of everyday struggles as I see them."