OneRepublic's debut effort, "Dreaming Out Loud," surfaced in December and reached No. 14 on The Billboard 200. With a little help from hip-hop star/producer Timbaland, the Colorado-bred quintet scored its first hit with "Apologize," a version of which is featured on the "Timbaland Presents: Shock Value" album. That song entered the history books by breaking the record for the most spins at radio in one week, according to a press release. "Apologize" continues to chart across a host of radio formats, as does OneRepublic's latest single, "Stop and Stare."

Fabolous' fourth album, "From Nothin' to Somethin'," reached No. 2 on The Billboard 200 when it dropped a year ago. The set features hit single "Make Me Better" featuring Ne-Yo, which shot to No. 1 on the rap chart and crossed over into pop and R&B/hip-hop charts.

The Next Step Campus Tour, produced by footwear company Crocs and 360 Productions, will find opening acts through its first Virtual Battle of the Bands competition. Each university will have an opportunity to nominate three local bands, which will post pictures, videos and music at the tour's website. Students can vote for their favorite group and the winners will perform on the main stage and receive coverage in Spin Magazine.