Adriana Evans, also known as Adriana Madera, is an American R&B vocalist. She was born in San Francisco, California and was one of the first Neo soul artists.

Adriana Evans was immersed in music from a young age, with her mother Mary Stallings singing with jazz artists like Count Basie, and her godfather being jazz saxophonist Pharoah Sanders. At the age of 18, Adriana moved to Los Angeles where she planned to attend college, while living in the city she met rapper Dred Scott and the two quickly became friends. As their friendship grew, the two began working together in music, Adriana Evans appeared on Dred Scott’s Check the Vibe in 1993 and Evans relied heavily on Scott for production on her debut album. Paul Stewart, CEO of PMP records, played a crucial role in helping Adriana Evans get a deal with Capitol Records during the 1990s. Stewart was attracted to Evans after hearing a demo featuring her and having seen her in the video for Scott’s “Check the Vibe.” As Capitol Records folded, Stewart brought Evans onto his PMP Records where she released her self-titled debut album.

Wife of Dred Scott.