Teairra Marí

With a name that's nearly an anagram for "Teena Marie," Teairra Mari broke out nationally in 2005 with a single titled "Make Her Feel Good." Upon hearing the song, you could've been forgiven for thinking that the Teena Marie connection runs a little deeper, considering Mari's pouty delivery and assertive lyrics. Actually a Detroit native with no genetic relationship to her elder, Mari's first release was an EP released through the independent K.I.S.S. Productions. The disc made its way into the hands of Island Def Jam chairman Antonio "l.a." Reid, and once he heard Mari sing in person, he offered a contract. Mari released her debut album on the Island Def Jam-distributed Roc-a-Fella, with full support from Roc-a-Fella head Jay-z, in August 2005. ~ Andy Kellman, All Music Guide