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The BMI Know Them Now (KTN) Experience is a must-see annual event, and 2020 is no exception. Since the beginning, KTN has given the spotlight to many of R&B/Hip-Hop's most exciting and groundbreaking new talents including Mulatto, Moneybagg Yo, and Gunna. The music doesn't stop just because we can't be together in person, so we're taking the experience virtual this time around. Check out exclusive performances from Bren Joy, Jai'len Josey, and Jac Ross, then stream our curated playlist of their top tracks.

Bren Joy

Nashville’s Bren Joy is leading the new wave of R&B with a fresh sound inspired by artists like John Legend, Kirk Franklin, and The 1975. Joy’s 2019 EP, Twenties, was written while he studied music at Belmont University, and fan favorite tracks of his include “Henny in the Hamptons”, “Sweet” with Landon Sears, and his most recent single, “Freezing.”

Jai’len Josey

Soul-pop singer Jai’len Josey is one of the most exciting new talents to emerge from Atlanta’s hip-hop/R&B scene. She made her professional vocal debut in the Spongebob Squarepants Broadway musical, and also wrote and performed a song for Oil of Olay in 2019. All of Josey’s music is self-written, and her first official single, “Death of a Black Girl,” was released in February. Her new EP, Illustrations, debuted in September.

Jai’len Josey

Soul-pop singer Jai’len Josey is one of the most exciting new talents to emerge from Atlanta’s hip-hop/R&B scene. She made her professional vocal debut in the Spongebob Squarepants Broadway musical, and also wrote and performed a song for Oil of Olay in 2019. All of Josey’s music is self-written, and her first official single, “Death of a Black Girl,” was released in February. Her new EP, Illustrations, debuted in September.

Jac Ross

Darkchild/Island Records artist, Jac Ross, is using his soul-stirring vocals to tell stories of struggle, success, and hope. This on-the-rise talent has released a series of singles this year, most notably “It’s OK to be Black,” written in response to the events of 2020. Ross’ silky voice and powerful harmonies aim to give people a reason to smile, hence the release of his most recent single, a holiday-themed track called “Someday at Christmas.”

Throwbacks

Rick Ross pictured onstage during BMI's 14th Annual Know Them Now Showcase, held at The Buckhead Theatre May 18, 2011, in Atlanta, Georgia

Travis Porter performs at BMI 14th Annual Know Them Now Showacse, held at The Buckhead Theatre May 18, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia

Teyana Taylor performs for the crowd gathered at the 11th Annual BMI Know Them Now Showcase

Drake headlines BMI's 13th Annual Know Them Now Showcase at the Havana Club on April 20, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia

Jacquees gets ready to step onstage at the 2016 Know Them Now Showcase

EarthGang gets the crowd on their feet at the 2016 Know Them Now Showcase

Ace Hood was one of the performers featured at the BMI 14th Annual Know Them Now Showcase, held at The Buckhead Theatre May 18, 2011, in Atlanta, Georgia

Sonny Digital commands the stage at the 2017 BMI Know Them Now Showcase at Terminal West in Atlanta

Hip-Hop superstar Nas, BMI Vice President Creative, Atlanta, Catherine Brewton and Trey Songs pictured together at BMI’s 12th Annual BMI Know Them Now Showcase

BMI's Wardell Malloy, Legends of ATL honoree Lil Jon and BMI Vice President Creative, Atlanta, Catherine Brewton

Byron Wright, Catherine Brewton, BMI Vice President Creative, Atlanta, and V-103 Radio DJ and Legends of ATL honoree Greg Street

BMI Vice President Creative, Atlanta, Catherine Brewton poses with prolific producer and 2008 Legends of ATL recipient Dallas Austin and former BMI President and CEO Del Bryant

CeeLo Green accepts the 2017 Legends of ATL distinction from BMI Vice President Creative, Atlanta, Catherine Brewton at BMI's Annual Know Them Now Showcase

Ciara hosts the 11th Annual BMI Know Them Now Showcase

Curren$y hits the stage at the 2013 Know Them Now Showcase

YFN Lucci hypes up the crowd at the BMI Know Them Now Showcase at Terminal West in Atlanta

Showcase host Gipp Goodie poses with BMI Vice President Creative, Atlanta, Catherine Brewton and YFN Lucci

Lil Wayne plays an unforgettable set at the 2008 BMI Know Them Now Showcase

Lloyd, Khujo Goodie, BMI’s Catherine Brewton, BMI “Legends of ATL” award recipient Big Boi, Rico Wade and T-Mo Goodie at the BMI 13th Annual Unsigned Urban Showcase at the Havana Club on April 20, 2010 in Atla

12th Annual Know Them Now Showcase headliner Nas electrifys the audience

Summerella impresses the audience at the BMI’s Know Them Now Showcase, May 30th at Buckhead Theatre in Atlanta

Atlanta native Gunna proves he's a megastar at BMI's Know Them Now Showcase held at the Buckhead Theater

Moneybagg Yo freestyles during BMI’s 2018 Know Them Now Showcase, held May 30th at Buckhead Theatre in Atlanta

BMI’s Marché Butler, rapper Lil Keed and BMI’s Catherine Brewton, Vice President Creative, Atlanta pose for a picture at BMI’s 2018 Know Them Now Showcase, May 30th at Buckhead Theatre in Atlanta

Mulatto stops by the step and repeat at the 2018 BMI Know Them Now Showcase, May 30th at Buckhead Theatre in Atlanta

LightSkinKeisha thanks the crowd at BMI’s 2018 Know Them Now Experience, May 30th at Buckhead Theatre in Atlanta

Zaytoven proudly shows off his Legends of ATL award at BMI’s 2018 Know Them Now Showcase, May 30th at Buckhead Theatre in Atlanta

Rapper and actress Bre-Z hosts BMI's 2016 Know Them Now Showcase

Teyana Taylow plays host for BMI's 2013 Know Them Now Showcase