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When you hear that beat, you know the band

 
Kurt Cobain of Nirvana during the taping of MTV Unplugged at Sony Studios in New York City, 11/18/93. Photo by Frank Micelotta.  *** Special Rates Apply *** Call for Rates ***
Kurt Cobain of Nirvana during the taping of MTV Unplugged at Sony Studios in New York City, 11/18/93. Photo by Frank Micelotta. *** Special Rates Apply *** Call for Rates ***
Published Feb. 18, 2015

Throughout the years, musicians come and go, fading in and out of mainstream fame. For most, it happens faster than they can truly show their potential. However, there are always the few who remain, actually live up to the hype and possibly even define a generation. Whether that may be through one song or album or through several doesn't matter. They have made their mark. Here are a few of tb-two*'s picks for the best signature sounds behind the artists:

Nirvana

This trio channeled angst and grittiness into music that embodied the feelings of many '90s teens and has inspired generations since. Defining sound: the intro to Smells Like Teen Spirit

Mary J. Blige

Her tough but feminine image, along with combining R&B with hip-hop on her early records, made her a part of furthering hip-hop soul. Defining sound: Real Love

Michael Jackson

The King of Pop obviously needs no blurb on his accomplishments. The man has done it all. Defining sound: Thriller

OutKast

Taking urban and mainstream radio by storm around the turn of the century, OutKast broke authentic Southern hip-hop first and shook up the world of rapper fashion (Sorry Big Boi, excluding you). Defining sound: early — Player's Ball, late — the hook of Hey Ya!

D'Angelo

He introduced neo soul, an update of '70s and '80s soul, to a wider audience, sparking a short-lived but influential movement. Defining sound: the epic that is Untitled (How Does it Feel)

Arctic Monkeys

You have to love the youthful grittiness of the "foreign" depictions of life in Northern England on their first two albums. Defining sound: the opening of I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor

Miguel

Although there are many others in the same boat, Miguel champions new era sensuality just like a contemporary from the heyday of R&B. Defining sound: Adorn

Lady Gaga

Redefining pop, arguably the most widely heard genre, was a huge feat that Gaga successfully completed. Who knew that would come from a former bar singer and NYU dropout. Defining sound: Paparazzi

Calvin Harris

While his earlier works were quirky and novel, Harris is now better known for his superstar collaborations and exotic melodies. Defining sound: early — Acceptable in the 80's, late —Feel So Close

Kendrick Lamar

He brought the storytelling back into hip-hop music and surprised us all. Defining sound: Swimming Pools (Drank)