TONEX

Who he is: This 26-year-old minister from San Diego made waves with his genre-defying offerings: Pronounced Toe-Nay; 02, which won him a 2003 Stellar Award for rap/hip-hop CD of the Year; and his latest CD and DVD, Out the Box. What he sounds like: He has a piercing falsetto that would make Prince proud. Backed by his multicultural choir, the Peculiar People, he spreads the gospel with riveting rock and funk. Why we like him: "I put my cards on the table," says Tonex. "You feel the love, you feel the creativity, and you feel God."

KIERRA "KIKI" SHEARD

Who she is: She was groomed for gospel greatness--her mother is Karen Clark-Sheard, one of the legendary Clark Sisters. What she sounds like: Kiki has a youthful R & B vibe on her impressive debut, I Owe You, produced by hitmaker Rodney Jerkins. Why we like her: At 17, the Detroit native is firm about her music's purpose. "I want to let kids know that you can be young and give God praise."

LISA McCLENDON

Who she is: She's a 29-year-old wife who is unafraid to stag about her trials ("I was tempted to cheat on my husband") on her disc, Soul Music. What she sounds like: McClendon's jazzy, honey-glazed vocals and poetic lyrics make her spiritual message more accessible to the masses. Why we like her: McClendon says, "I'm bold enough to tell people they're not the only ones dealing with problems."

TYE TRIBBETT

Who he is: His 18-member Greater Anointing choir gave Justin Timberlake's hit "Cry Me a River" its pulpit-blessed fervor. What he sounds like: On his debut, Life, Tribbett and his choir interweave neosoul and hip-hop. Why we like him: Says Tribbett, 26, Every song has an underlying theme of hope."

COPYRIGHT 2004 Essence Communications, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group