VIBE-RATERS: DRAKE, BAND OF HORSES, HOT CHELLE RAE BUZZING

As the weather heats up, so do the new entries on HITS’ Vibe-Raters chart of the most buzzing developing acts out there.

This week, Young Money/Cash Money/Universal Motown multi-talented phenom Drake, Brown/Fat Possum/Columbia alterna-indie faves Band of Horses and IMO/Jive Nashville pop-rock band Hot Chelle Rae all debut.

Canadian hip-hop sensation Drake’s long-awaited debut album, Thank Me Later, hits stores on June 15, with a million shipped. Two separate tracks, “Over” and “Find Your Love,” are climbing at Urban and Crossover, while a third cut, “Miss Me,” featuring Lil Wayne prepares to drop. Look for TV appearances on BET’s 106 & Park (6/16), Leno (6/23) and Kimmel (6/24). Check the full Vibe entry here.

Seattle-turned-South Carolina rockers Band of Horses’ Infinite Arms, their major-label debut, bowed at #7 on this week’s chart with the track “Laredo” roping in adds at PoMo outlets like KYSR, KNDD, KNRK, KITS, KSJO, WFNX, CD101, KBZT, WBRU and more. Look for an appearance on Craig Ferguson 5/26 and NPR’s All Things Considered this weekend. There are dates ongoing through summer, with a 10/9 appearance at Austin City Limits. See the Vibe entry here.

Nashville pop-rockers Hot Chelle Rae, whose management includes veteran label exec Don Ienner, have been tapped by MTV as “One of 10 Artists to Watch 2010. Early pop believers include WRVQ, KUDD, WKSE, WNCI and WKRQ. The band’s songs have also been licensed to 90210, The Hills and American Idol. For more, click here.