Born Algebra Felicia Blessett in Atlanta, Georgia, Algebra Blessett has established herself as a standout talent in the independent R&B scene. Emerging from a rich musical background, she gained early acclaim with her debut album, Purpose (2008), featuring hits like “Run and Hide” and “U Do It for Me.” Her work with notable artists such as Monica, Bilal, India.Arie, Esperanza Spalding, and Anthony David further solidified her reputation.
Blessett’s sophomore album, Recovery (2014), showcased her growth and collaboration with top urban producers Bryan-Michael Cox, Kwamé Holland, and Shannon Sanders. The album’s standout tracks, including “Nobody But You” and “Right Next to You,” highlight her talent for crafting emotionally resonant songs rooted in personal experience.
Growing up in a family steeped in gospel music, Algebra initially resisted pursuing music despite singing in a gospel choir and dreaming of becoming a professional dancer. Her acceptance into the Atlanta School of the Performing Arts, after auditioning with a song, marked a pivotal moment. She eventually embraced her musical destiny, becoming a sought-after background vocalist and working on Grammy-winning projects like India.Arie’s Voyage to India.
Blessett’s solo career took off with the release of Purpose, which spent 14 weeks on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop album chart. Purpose earned for Algebra the New Artist of the Year honors at the 2008 SoulTracks Readers’ Choice Awards.
Between Purpose and Recovery, she remained active, collaborating on Anthony David’s albums and co-writing and singing on Esperanza Spalding’s “Black Gold.” Her 2010 duet with David, “4evermore,” rose all the way to #1 on the Urban Adult Contemporary Charts, and the two reunited more than a decade later for two hit cover songs, “Heaven” (a remake of the BeBe and CeCe Winans classic) and Lady A’s “Need You Know.”
