Nivea
Few artists, especially teenage ones, make debuts as assured asNivea. The self-titled disc from the Atlanta singer is notable for several reasons. She wrote or collaborated on the lion's share of songs. She attracted guests ranging from rapperLil Wayneto Atlanta homeboysJagged Edge. And she slips effortlessly between R&B;, rap, and even pop. "No Doubt" is a cuddly, undeniable ballad flecked with Nivea's sweet phrasings, while "Don't Mess with the Radio" is a hooky, finger-wagging strut. Although several tracks--"Don't Mess with My Man" and "Run Away"--are sassy enough to have been lifted from aToni Braxtonrecord, there's a playfulness to Nivea's music that's refreshing in a world ofChristinas. That Nivea first started singing in church is evident in her elastic delivery--witness the swooning "25 Reasons." And if Nivea doesn't quite have the range of her hero,Mariah Carey, she's got 10 times the swagger and soul.--Kim Hughes