How Do We Feel About Skylar Grey Without Rappers? (Listen & Download)

Skylar Grey, a.k.a. the chick who sang the hook on Rihaninem's (not a typo) "Love the Way You Lie", a.k.a. the chick who sang the hook on Lupe's "Words I Never Said", a.k.a. the chick who's actually not that chick floating around in Dre's "I Need a Doctor" has to be one of the more unlikely hip-hop stars in history. A couple years ago she was just another L.A. songwriter doing open mics at coffee shops with her acoustic guitar, then Rihanna heard one of her songs, decide it'd make a good single and boom, almost overnight she's one of the most in demand singers in rap. But will that translate to solo success? That depends, how do you feel about "Dance Without You"?

Produced by Alex da Kid, who also produced everything I listed above, "Dance Without You" is Grey's first solo release since her blow up. I have to say, I'm divided. At first that beat made me want to punch a grandma, but as the beat box gave way to the rock guitars I found myself liking it more and more. I could pretty much say the same for her thinging - the verses left me a little cold, but damn if the woman can't sing a hook.

Looks like I'll have to turn things over to the fine minds at RefinedHype Nation: