Bridget Kelly - Reality Bites (2018)

Bridget Kelly came to notice as a singer who, during several Jay-Z appearances and concerts, often performed Alicia Keys' part in the 2009 hit "Empire State of Mind." In 2010, Kelly was featured on "Take the World," the opening song on Tinchy Stryder's Third Strike. Signed to Jay-Z's Roc Nation label, Kelly released a free digital download, the Every Girl EP, in October 2011. Four of its eight songs, including the Frank Ocean composition "Thinking About Forever" -- later reclaimed by Ocean and taken to the Top Ten of Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop chart -- were produced by Shea Taylor. The same month, Kelly Clarkson released Stronger, an album with a song ("Einstein") Kelly co-wrote. Slowly but steadily, Kelly continued her solo career. The breakup ballad "Special Delivery" came in October 2012. A follow-up, the tougher "Street Dreamin," featured a guest verse from Kendrick Lamar and was issued in May 2013. ~ Andy Kellman