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HelloBeautiful.com’s “Base Level” column features the hottest new artists we’re buzzing about. Before they make it to the summit of superstardom, we spot them at base level–the beginning of their hopeful journey to the top.

When Talib Kweli, one of hip-hop’s most treasured emcees, signs an artist to his Javotti Media, he’s telling the world that they’re worthy of a listen. Singer/songwriter Res may be new to all you youngins, but this music veteran who’s been making hits for 10 years now has a fresh perspective, sound and attitude.

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After releasing her EP, “Refried Mac,” a cover of five of her favorite Fleetwood Mac songs, the chanteuse was asked to join Macklemore & Ryan Lewis as the opening act for their tour. Res took sometime out to talk to #TeamBeautiful about her musical reemergence and her new album she’s working on, titled “Reset.” You can call it a restart, or a refresh, but at the end of the day, it’s just Res.

Name: Res

Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Who are your musical inspirations?

I would say a lot of Motown. I grew up listening to whatever everyone in my family listened to. From Motown stuff to 80s pop music. I love Sade. I love her tone of voice. It’s amazing. Her voice can be soothing, dramatic at times, uplifting and vulnerable. I love Marvin Gaye. I love Al Green, Jimi Hendrix, Gladys Knight. I like a lot of bands and a lot of music. And I like hip-hop too. Tribe Called Quest, Pete Rock and Talib Kweli.

What has been your biggest break thus far?

I don’t think I got it yet, to be honest. I would say my introduction to the music industry and getting a record deal, I believe was my break. After that, I feel like I’m having a reemergence and re-releasing music.

Do you have any fears as a “new” artist?

No. It does feel like I am being reintroduced and I am a new artist. It doesn’t really bother me. Not everybody knows everything. If someone who has never been introduced to me sees me perform and they’ve never heard of me they’re going to think I am the sh*t! [laughs] And if someone who has known of me sees me perform, they’ll see I’ve improved. So either way, I win.

If you were the lovechild of two musicians–dead or alive–who would they be?

I think with my sound right now, if Neil Young and Lauryn Hill had a baby, that would be me. I think Neil Young because of the meaningful lyrics and trying to say something powerful and the classic chords of a great rock-n-roll song and I say Lauryn Hill because our influences are similar as far as soul music and have the soulfulness in your voice.

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