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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.

Singer-songwriter Algebra had the privilege of growing up in a gospel family. Touring with her religious blood opened the singer up to some of the world’s most soulful musicians and impacted her own music. Now with the release of her album “Recovery” #TeamBeautiful got a chance to chat with the songbird about her accomplishments, goals and her sound.

And let’s be honest, anyone who claims to be the love child of Nina Simone and Young Jeezy is DEFINITELY worth your time.

Go on, soak up some Algebra in your life.

Name: Algebra

Hometown: Atlanta, GA

Who Are Some of Your Musical Inspirations?  I usually say everything I’ve ever heard. I love Donnie Hathaway. I love Outkast. I grew up on gospel quartet music. They traveled a lot, and I traveled with them. We listed to Earth Wind and Fire. My mom was a huge Donnie Hathaway and Stevie Wonder. I remember loving Whitney Houston so much it got my mom’s nerves!

What’s Been Your Biggest Break Thus Far? I’ve had a lot, but being able to write with artists who have received Grammys is a big accomplishment. Esperanza Spalding, India Arie and Anthony David.

What’s Your Biggest Fear As A New Artist? My fear isn’t conventional. I don’t want to present myself as anything other than I am. For me to not represent myself accordingly is a fear of mine.

If you were the lovechild of two musicians–dead or alive–who would they be? It’s so sad that we can only have two parents. I would  say Nina Simone and Young Jeezy. Nina endured a lot of heartache, and she wanted to just make peace. There was a time when her music wasn’t appreciated so she had to go overseas. With Jeezy he’s from Atlant and I know these the streets, and I know what he had to go through. He’s a country bumpkin’, but I appreciate his music. And the music moves you. He’s very street and I’m not saying that I’m street but I got it.

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BASE LEVEL: Jade de LaFleur Makes Being “Jaded” Sound So Beautiful 

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For 2024’s iteration of MadameNoire and HelloBeautiful’s annual series Women to Know, we knew we wanted to celebrate the people who help make the joys of film and television possible. To create art is to create magic. This year, we spotlight Hollywood Executive’s changing the face of cinema.