Blowin' Up in '08

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Santogold

Who: Having studied both history and hand drumming at Wesleyan University, Santogold (born Santi White), knows a bit about the culture of music. And having worked in the churn-and-burn A&R departments at Sony and Epic, the Philly native also knows a bit about the culture of music that sells—in 2001 she wrote the lion’s share of “How I Do,” the commercially successful debut from R&B footnote Res.

What: White is a talented vocal chameleon, building her elastic jams not only out of the M.I.A. production-meets-politics school (“You’ll Find a Way”), but also with a cheeky nod to new wave and, dare we say it, top 40—single “LES Artistes” could propel Santogold into the Karen O “Maps” stratosphere.     

Most likely to blow up: On “Creator,” Santogold wails at the dance hall, with instrumentals courtesy of the Nintendo Entertainment System. But the more straightforward singing and catchiness of “Artistes” could be the winner. – Matt Rodbard