Who Is Skylar Grey?

More than an overnight success.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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There's no clear-cut path to success. A lot of new artists find early blog support and YouTube subscribers essential to the ride. Then there's artists like Skylar Grey who blow up in that split-second, WTF, where-did-they-come-from, sort of way. Last year, she helped pen Eminem and Rihanna's No. 1 single, "Love The Way You Lie" (RiRi's chorus, obvs), that stayed at the top of the charts for seven weeks.

She's gone on to work with T.I. and Diddy, and most recently provided hooks for Lupe Fiasco's "Words I Never Said," and Dr. Dre's Detox single, "I Need A Doctor." The 24-year-old Wisconsin native born Holly Brook Hafermann, has been quietly working since she was a kid, and shrouded in mystery until her newfound success—but she just released her first official pictures as Skylar Grey, so not anymore. And especially not after you read this...

Written by Ernest Baker (@newbornrodeo).

Generations

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Machine Shop Recordings

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Brie Larson "She Said"

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Holly Brook EP

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Fort Minor f/ Lupe Fiasco "Be Somebody"

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Fort Minor f/ Lupe Fiasco "Be Somebody"

Date: October 30, 2005

It turns out "Words I Never Said" isn't Skylar's first time working with Lupe Fiasco. She appeared on the chorus to "Be Somebody" from Fort Minor's (Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park's side project) We Major mixtape. The tape served as a prequel to the band's debut, on which Skylar was also featured.

Fort Minor "Where'd You Go"

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Holly Brook Like Blood Like Honey

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Holly Brook Like Blood Like Honey

Date: June 6, 2006

Skylar Grey releases her solo debut, Like Blood Like Honey, as Holly Brook. The album features the singles "What I Wouldn't Give" and "Wanted."

Duncan Sheik Whisper House

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Ciao Water Commercial

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Apathy "No Sad Tomorrow"

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Apathy "No Sad Tomorrow"

Date: October 6, 2009

Underground Connecticut rapper Apathy, affiliated with Mike Shinoda, releases his sophomore album Wanna Snuggle? Skylar is featured on "No Sad Tomorrow" as Holly Brook.

Deep Deep Sleep "Erase You"

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Holly Brook O'Dark:Thirty EP

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Holly Brook O'Dark:Thirty EP

Date: June 10, 2010

While the Eminem and Rihanna's Skylar Grey-penned "Love The Way You Lie" was making its six-week run at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, she was still releasing music as Holly Brook. This EP was her last attempt before fully switching over.

Avril Lavigne in the Studio with Alex Da Kid and "Grizzly Bear"

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Name Change, Signs with Alex Da Kid

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Skylar Plans Grammy "Reveal"

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First Pictures of Skylar Grey

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