Who?

Born Terius Youngdell Nash, The-Dream is one of R&B's best and most promising artists, not to mention an incredible songwriter and producer in his own right. Spending years behind the decks, The-Dream produced a steady stream of hits with his partner, Christopher "Tricky" Stewart, including Rihanna's "Umbrella." Finally releasing his own debut, Love Hate, in 2007, The-Dream has quickly rose to prominence for his near-perfect beats as well as his simultaneously sensual and emotional lyrics. Becoming a bona fide star with last year's Love vs. Money, The-Dream returns today with Love King, his third album.

And I Care Because?

- He's R&B's heir apparent. In the last three years, The-Dream has proven time and time again that he has the goods to become the best his genre has to offer. Having already mastered both beats and the craft of pop songwriting over the years, The-Dream has managed to give his own unique take on the world, with a touch of gentlemanly flair most other R&B artists have forgotten, a refreshing and sensitive perspective on the charts today.

- Be thankful he's still around. Leading up to his new album, one sad aspect of The-Dream's career is that he was ready to cut it short. With so much work to do for other artists, The-Dream was prepared to ditch his still-growing career, but finally changed his mind. Instead of retirement, you can look forward to his fourth album, Love/Affair, next year.

- He's our King. With his third album in four years, The-Dream is still incapable of running out of ideas. On the strength of slow jams like "Yamaha," The-Dream's latest is far and away your go-to album for a both a romantic evening or just a fun night of partying.

Stream Love King, buy his albums, and watch the video for "Make Up Bag."