SHAZAM

Discovered by Pharrell Williams, singer/songwriter and DJ Yasmin has managed to more than hold her own on the predominantly male-fronted U.K. hip-hop scene. Born Yasmin Shahmir in Manchester to an Iranian father and English mother in 1989, she moved to Scotland at a young age, where she developed a huge passion for R&B. Originally intending to study for a physiotherapy degree, she left university in her first year after deciding to pursue a career as a hip-hop DJ; moved to London, where she ran her own club night, Bad Intentions; and soon attracted the attention of N.E.R.D., Eve, and Taio Cruz, who all invited her to open for them at various shows. After performing with Dizzee Rascal at Ibiza Rocks, she supported Example on his U.K. tour and provided guest vocals for Devlin's number 15 hit "Runaway." In 2010 she signed a deal with Ministry of Sound Recordings imprint Levels Entertainment and began work on material with Labrinth, Shy FX, and Future Cut. Her debut solo single, "On My Own," was released in early 2011, with its parent album expected to follow later in the year. ~ Jon O'Brien, Rovi