Yummy Bingham

SOUND Bingham's soprano is small but spunky, almost reminiscent of the young Michael Jackson. Her debut album, The First Seed, was recorded with the help of producer Rockwilder (Janet Jackson, Missy Elliott) and features two sure-shot singles: "Come Get It," which has a killer minor-key chorus and a cameo from Jadakiss, and the roughly funky "Is It Good to You." One influence: "I love Rick James!" she says. "He was such an extremist: His music was so hot, but he was subtle. That was some funk-punk!"

SUCCESS AFOOT The best props she has gotten so far: "People in my neighborhood will call me and say, 'They were playing your music in the Foot Locker!' "

LET ME CALL YOU, CHAKA KHAN When she can't deal with the buzz, Bingham turns to her godmother, R&B legend Chaka Khan. "I reach out to her when I'm in L.A., or when I need advice on being a female artist on the road, just dealing," she says. "She knows what it's all about."

LOOK FOR The First Seed, out in March.