These days Aloe Blacc is known as a retro soul singer, but the California-born artist began his career as a rapper. Originally recording as Emanon with the producer Exile, he became disenchanted with the hip-hop scene and decided to hone his singing talents. Siding with the indie powerhouse Stones Throw, 2006's Shine Through proved his vocal talent, before he broke big when the motivational lead single from 2010's Good Things project was picked as the title track to the HBO show How to Make It in America.