Goapele – R&B + Hip-Hop Artists From Oakland

Goapele is a rising star in the R&B game with beauty and vocals to match. The Berklee College Music alum first gain attention with her 2001 indie debut album, 'Closer.'

In 2002, she formed her own record label, Skyblaze Recordings, and repackaged her debut album with a new title, 'Even Closer,' releasing it nationwide. Her follow-up albums 'Change It All' and 'Break of Dawn' were also well-received by critics and fans.

While Goapele often sings about love and heartbreak, she also addresses the urgency for socio-economic change on such songs like 'Soweto' and 'Victory.' For her tireless community activism, the 35-year-old Oakland native was honored with the first-ever Human Right Cultural Hero Award in 2006.

Outside of singing, Goapele is also a burgeoning actress. The 'First Love' singer made her acting debut in the big-screen remake of 'Sparkle,' which also starred the late Whitney Houston.

Watch Goapele's 'Tears on My Pillow' Video