A lifetime in the making, Brooklyn-born singer Angela Hunte releases her debut album, R.A.W., today via Therapist Music.

The Grammy-winning writer (and co-producer) of Jay-Z and Alicia Keys’ “Empire State of Mind” — one of the most iconic anthems of the 21st century — Angela Hunte has a story unlike any other. Her career started in her teens, as a stylist and casting director for era-defining videos by Bell Biv Devoe, Boyz II Men, Biz Markie and Jodeci. Working alongside influential directors Lionel Martin, Ralph McDaniels and Hype Williams, she birthed many of the definitive looks of the 1990s, laying the foundation for hip-hop fashion as we know it.

Hunte’s own music career has taken her from Brooklyn to Sweden to London and her family’s native Trinidad. Her track record as a songwriter and studio singer spans nearly a dozen genres, from dancehall and soca to drum and bass. A secret weapon for producers from Diddy to Diplo, she’s penned tracks for Britney Spears, Snoop and Amy Winehouse — and the most successful song of Jay-Z’s iconic career. Her distinctive, high-register vocals have colored tracks by Nas and Santana, while artists from M.I.A. to Leikeli47 cite her as an influence.

Stepping out from behind the scenes on her very first solo project, Hunte reveals her true self on R.A.W., which premiered today at Vibe.com. The Brooklyn-born, Trinidadian singer lets years of pent-up emotions loose over sweet reggae rhythms and island pop flavors from producer DJ Buddha. Lead single “Runaway Love” is the sound of a NY girl reviving a rocky romance with a trip to the islands; “Rub A Dub” celebrates the sound system culture of Jamaica and the whole Caribbean. “King and Queen” is a triumphant duet with reggae royalty, Tarrus Riley.