Snoh Aalegra

Snoh Aalegra is the global face of contemporary R&B, a singer-songwriter who personifies the genre’s cross-cultural appeal. Born to Iranian immigrant parents in Uppsala, Sweden, in 1987, she grew up listening to Lauryn Hill, Michael Jackson, and Stevie Wonder, and both her songwriting and singing—the statuesque singer is possessed of a husky alto that would make Mary J. Blige proud—hark back to a different era. None other than Prince took note, mentoring her for three years before his death in 2016. (In a characteristic stroke of high praise, he told her she had an “analog” voice.) After moving to the U.S., she signed with ARTium Recordings and appeared on labelmate Common’s 2014 album Nobody’s Smiling. In 2015 she released the RZA-produced “Emotional,” which drew flattering comparisons to Amy Winehouse. She also evinced left-field ambitions, guesting on Vince Staples’ “Jump off the Roof” that same year and supporting Daniel Caesar on tour in 2017. Her first album, 2017’s Feels, drew heavily on the retro vibe; the amusingly titled 2019 follow-up Ugh, those feels again, moved in a more contemporary direction, with songs like “I Want You Around” and “Find Someone Like You” showcasing her penchant for intimate, cinematic soul. She carried on that vibe with 2021’s TEMPORARY HIGHS IN THE VIOLET SKIES, which featured a pair of tracks with Tyler, The Creator.