Yasmin

Yasmin, a singer, songwriter, and DJ first noticed by Pharrell Williams, has carved out a lasting place for herself inside the male-heavy U.K. hip-hop circuit. She came into the world as Yasmin Shahmir in Manchester in 1989 to an Iranian father and English mother, then relocated to Scotland during childhood and there built an intense devotion to R&B. After enrolling at university with plans to complete a physiotherapy qualification, she exited during her initial year to chase work as a hip-hop DJ, settled in London, established her own club night called Bad Intentions, and soon drew bookings from N.E.R.D., Eve, and Taio Cruz to open their shows. A stage appearance with Dizzee Rascal at Ibiza Rocks led to support slots for Example across his U.K. tour dates and featured vocals on Devlin’s number 15 hit “Runaway.” In 2010 she secured a recording agreement with Levels Entertainment, a Ministry of Sound Recordings imprint, and entered the studio with Labrinth, Shy FX, and Future Cut. Her first solo single, “On My Own,” surfaced in early 2011, while the full album was anticipated before year’s end.