With 2013 upon us, I am always asked the question: What’s next in music? After careful consideration, and solitary debate there is a solid group of artists that are on my radar, and should be on yours. Presenting, CentricTV.com’s countdown of the Top Ten Music Artists To Watch In 2013.

10. JoJo

Many people remember JoJo as the cute little tweenage R&B pop star with the soul tinged voice from the early 2000s, but now she’s all grown up (pictured above), and the vocals are still in tact if not better. And while her music isn’t her old bubblegum musical fare, the new music can definitely get you sticky (“Demonstrate” anyone?). Her highly anticipated third album is slated to drop in 2013.

9. Austin Brown

Brown, the son of eldest Jackson sibling Rebbie Jackson, is following in the footsteps of his famous mom and relatives. His voice has that signature Jackson sound (this statement should be understood), and his music hints that he is no stranger to his late uncle Michael’s early solo music catalog—pop urban fare at its best.

8. Sevyn Streeter

After penning hits for Chris Brown (“Yeah 3x”), Kelly Rowland (“Keep It Between Us”), Estelle (“International”), Alicia Keys (“New Day”), Brandy (“Slower”) and Trey Songz (“Without a Woman”), the singer/songwriter is hoping for the biggest hit of her career thus far: her own. A former member of R&B groups TG4 and RichGirl, Streeter released her debut single “I Like It” in early October 2012. Her yet-to-be-titled album will be released via CBE/Atlantic Records in 2013.

7. Leah Labelle

Life after American Idol isn’t a complete death sentence for a budding artist, especially when you have a co-sign from two of the biggest producers in music—Pharrell Williams and Jermaine Dupri. With a little help from those heavy hitters, the singer signed with EPIC Records in 2011 and released her debut single, “Sexify.” Oh, and she won the Centric Award at the 2012 Soul Train Awards.

6. Daley

Boasting a soulful voice that is a welcomed juxtaposition to his quirky, yet stylish, appearance, the UK based singer has gotten a slew of critical attention, including a 2012 Soul Train Awards nomination for Best International Act. His mixtape, Those Who Wait, and the recently released Alone Together EP has proven that he is definitely one to watch in 2013.

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HONORABLE MENTION: Kendall Amyre
At just 17 years old Atlantic Records recording artist Kendall Amyre is on her way to being THE it girl of the teen set in 2013. With a voice that’s well beyond her years, the stylish glamour girl is the daughter of Jones Magazine Founding Editor Tracey Ferguson, and a cast member of Centric’s Keeping Up With The Joneses. Signed in 2011, the singer recently caught viral intention after her recording of Keyshia Cole’s “Trust and Believe” (which she recorded first) surfaced.

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5. Allen Stone

While Stone possesses a look that reads average, his voice reigns supreme. The self proclaimed “Hippie with Soul” grew up in the small town of Chewelah, Washington listening to the music of Stevie Wonder. Now—after releasing two independent albums (2010’s Last To Speak and 2011’s Allen Stone)—Stone is garnering widespread attention thanks in part to his video “Unaware,” that has gotten over one million view on YouTube.

4. Jhene Aiko

When listening to any songs off her critically acclaimed 2011 mixtape Sailing Souls or her most recent single, “Mirrors,” it’s hard to believe this is the same Jhené who had the 2003 top ten Billboard R&B pop hit “No L.O.V.E.” Now almost a decade later, the 24 year old singer is a mother (she has a daughter with singer Omarion’s younger brother O’Ryan) and is working on her debut album, Souled Out, which will be released via Def Jam Records in 2013.

3. Luke James

After bringing down the house with a soul stirring performance on BET’s Black Girls Rock 2012 (he performed alongside Eric Benet and Anthony Hamilton), James proved he could sing his ass off, and that people STILL don’t know who him. While he’s released a slew of songs—many of which have remained veritably unnoticed aural gems—James is out to take matters into his own hands. He’s just released Whispers In The Dark, a free EP that will definitely answer the question: Who is Luke James?

2. Solange Knowles

Since the moment Solange stepped on the music scene in the early 2000’s, she’s had to deal with being compared to her older sis Beyonce (ever heard of her?). Now two albums later, the noted singer/songwriter and DJ dropped the critically acclaimed TRUE. Released in late November 2012, the EP is a defining collection of music that further proves she is her own artist—style, sound and sound.

1. Tamar Braxton

She. Me. Her! It’s safe to say that Tamar-THE-Braxton-Herbert is heading toward a landmark 2013. The success of “Love and War,” her first solo record in nearly a decade and her highest charting solo record to date, has been quite impressive. Despite her over the top personality, one thing is clear, she can sing…dot com. Her album will be released in February 2013.

—Justin Dwayne Joseph (@iamjustinjoseph)

TAGS: Alicia Keys, Allen Stone, Artists to Watch, Atlantic Records, Austin Brown, BET, Beyonce, Black Girls Rock 2012, CHRIS BROWN, Daley, Eric Benet, Jermaine Dupri, Jhene Aiko, JoJo, Kelly Rowland, Kendall Amyre, Leah labelle, Luke James, Michael Jackson, O'Ryan, Omarion, Pharrell Williams, Rebbie Jackson, Sevyn Streeter, Solange Knowles, Stevie Wonder, Tamar Braxton, Tracey Ferguson