Avril Lavigne took the music industry by storm and became an overnight star with her multi-platinum CD Let Go. But what makes Avril particularly special is that she writes her own music and has a style that is all her own.

From humble beginnings in Houston, Texas, Beyonce Knowles has overcome many disappointments early in her career to emerge as one of her generation's most gifted and successful performers. Beyonce first gained national attention as a founding member of the girl-group Destiny's Child, which burst onto the music scene in 1997 with the multi-platinum #1 single, No,No,No, from their self-titled debut album.

Shad Moss (better known as Bow Wow) got hooked on hip-hop when he was only six years old. His mother took him to a Snoop Dogg concert and Shad volunteered to rap on stage during a break between sets.

Clay Aiken's life story is one that most people not born into privilege can identify with.The self-proclaimed geek took a one in a million shot at music stardom by qualifying for and then nearly winning the American Idol contest. In losing the contest however, he won America's heart.

Like many hip-hop stars, Marshall Mathers III rapped about surviving prejudice and poverty in the inner city. Except Marshall was white. Growing up in a rough section of Detroit, Michigan, he often experienced prejudice because of his skin color. When he took the stage as Eminem, he endured the same bigotry.

Raised in the tough Philadelphia projects, Eve struggled against poverty, adversity,and rejection to become one of the most important female rap stars of our time. It took fierce determination and an iron will to succeed in an industry where many fail, but with the help of people like Dr.Dre, Mase, and DMX, Eve went from street corner rap battles to sold out concert halls.

To Jeffrey Atkins, survival was everything. Until he found that music was his passion, Jeffrey tried to support himself and his young family by dealing drugs. He quickly realized that his career as a drug dealer would only lead him to jail or an early grave.

Rap artist Shawn Carter grew up in Brooklyn, New York. He attended George Westinghouse Technical High School which would later be dubbed "Hip-Hop High School" for the future stars who attended.