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[THE STAGE] THE BAZ BROTHERS: STRENGTH OF LOVE

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Its always a good time when we catch up with The Baz Brothers. They’ve quickly become Atlanta’s go-to production company for some of the best stage plays and original stories. We’ve come full circle this time, as we reconnect for the second run of The Strength of Love. Many will remember we traveled out to Griffin, Georgia just over a year ago to cover this amazing stage play, which starred Chandra Currelley, Sean Baker, Paula Campbell, and Dwayne Cottle, among others. They all came together for an amazing show which centered around the undeniable strength in relationships, whether they be with spouses, significant others, or other family. It showcases the power of forgiveness, and so much more. Now, the crew has come back together to give it another go-round, this time adding a few new cast members. We talk with Maria Bazile of The Baz Brothers to get a full scope of what’s due to happen this time around. 

 

U.G. Digital Magazine: Once again, thank you so much for the opportunity. It’s so awesome to connect with your productions. There’s something amazing in the fact you’re redoing Strength of Love. Why relive this moment at this point?

 

Maria Bazile: Thank you so much for having us again. We just feel it has a positive and strong message to be heard. Some came to the play the first time who said it was a wonderful show. We want to bring it back to Griffin to be sure others see this strength and love. It’s told in a way it doesn’t just talk about spouses, it also talks about relationships, meaning children, parents, and best friends. Being that, we said we would bring it back for Valentine’s Day because there’s so much attention for love. Why not have a positive message during that time. 

 

U.G. Digital Magazine: How difficult was it to pull it together?

 

Maria Bazile: There’s always good and bad times in pre-production, but we love to do it. We have a blast in rehearsals, and the cast is working diligently to put on their best performance. Regardless of the trip-ups, it’s all worth it once it hits the stage. 

 

U.G. Digital Magazine: I’m impressed beyond measure with how it works out in the end. The professionalism is through the roof, even going back to me personally coming to Atlanta from Cleveland. Your productions are seamless. 

 

Maria Bazile: We appreciate it. Sometimes as a business we make the extra effort to be sure the cast feels good, and we put on a show for the people making sure we have fun, but showing a business of excellence. Are you doing the right things, and putting your best foot forward. When we hear those encouraging words, especially from someone like yourself, it’s encouraging to us. We appreciate it. 

 

U.G. Digital Magazine: In terms of cast, there’s new faces. You made an amazing choice in Meelah Williams. Her professional is through the roof and a perfect match with you guys. How many other new faces will we see?

 

Maria Bazile: We have Meelah Williams, and also Terrance Parham as the dad, and we have Iyanna Johnson as Monique. She was also in Making Moves. We also brought back the originals as well. 

 

U.G. Digital Magazine: I felt like I never had the chance to tell you how good Making Moves was, and how it connected so much with my life in regard to Sean’s character. Honestly, it mirrored my journey in terms of following passion, and needing that support. It definitely resonated with me. The writing was great, and again, it was seamless. 

 

Maria Bazile: With any production, there’s always that one movie that launches production into the spotlight. Stomp the Yard did that for Will Packard, and this is ours. The actors put their all into it. We stripped it down, filmed, and put it back together. We did everything we could as an independent production and more to be sure it was everything you wanted to see in a Hollywood production, and we’re hoping people get behind it because we’re looking to bring it to selected theaters this year. 

 

U.G. Digital Magazine: In terms of Strength of Love, it’s good, again, to see it come back. Do you see other cities in the future?

 

Maria Bazile: We have several investors coming out, and it’s in the works to take it on tour this fall. This play Valentine’s weekend will hinge all of that. 

 

U.G. Digital Magazine: What’s the ultimate that you want to see?

 

Maria Bazile: Going on the road. We will film it for distribution. We want to give a positive message with quality work. We don’t want your typical stage play. It’s not downing anyone, but we set our bar a little higher. 

 

U.G. Digital Magazine: I imagine that there will be a number of people who come out and they’ve seen it before. What will those viewers get to refresh it all?

 

Maria Bazile: The change of some cast members, and a slight change in the presentation. It’s the same story, but it’s told a little different. You’ll enjoy it a new way this time. 

 

U.G. Digital Magazine: In terms of the readers who want to know more about all else you have in the works, where can they go?

 

Maria Bazile: www.bazbrothersproduction.com, and follow us on twitter at @bazbrothers, Facebook as @bazbrothers, and instagram as @bazbros

 

U.G. Digital Magazine: What are you most proud of?

 

Maria Bazile: The cast and the crew who are putting in the work. They are making it their own. You write a script and have a production, but the people who get behind you and believe in you, and put it on stage to make it what it is, that’s what I’m proud of. 

 

U.G. Digital Magazine: What would you like to leave off with?

 

Maria Bazile: Come out February 10-12 to the Griffin auditorium, we have 4 shows through the weekend. We have a lover’s night special on Saturday night after the 7pm show, so you can come out and get a three-course meal, dining, dancing, and a night out with your spouse. It’s marriage ministry. When you come out and see this play, it will breathe into you what love is. If you are having problems in your relationship, come out and remember what it is to forgive, get redemption, and love again.

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[THE STAGE] CHANDRA CURRELLEY [ @3agape ]: STRENGTH OF LOVE

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We’ve had the honor of connecting in the past with Mrs. Chandra Currelley and It’s always been a good time. We’ve connected again, this time for the upcoming second run of the hit stage play, Strength of Love. Currelley will be starring alongside Sean Baker and Meelah Williams in the modern day love story that centers around the everyday struggles of relationships, and the processes of healing and forgiveness. The play kicks of Friday, February 10 in Griffin, Georgia, and extends throughout the weekend with 4 shows. 

 

Chandra talks with us about the play, what everyone can look for this time around, and the other projects she has in the works. 

 

 

U.G. Digital Mag: I’m so grateful for you and your time today. The last time we connected was for Making Moves, which was back in October. How have things been going?

 

Chandra Currelley: Things have been going great. It really opened the door for me with film. I have a new agent I’ve connected with, and I have a lot of auditions coming up. I needed a big machine (laughing). I have a few things coming up, and I’m excited. 

 

U.G. Digital Mag: Would you say getting to this point in your career was something you always wanted?

 

Chandra Currelley: Actually, It’s gone beyond my dreams. When I started, I just wanted to sing in front go millions. As I connected with people like Tyler Perry, my outlook became broader. 

 

U.G. Digital Mag: It’s amazing because so many people know the depth of your music, and your history. I still feel as though you being a part of these productions, especially with Tyler, it introduced you to a larger audience. 

 

Chandra Currelley: Yes. When I recorded with Roy Ayers, and then became the lead vocalist for the S.O.S. Band, it was a huge experience. As it went on, the DVDs did it. The tours were good, but by him recording the DVDs, it gave me such a huge exposure. I could get to people in a short amount of time. It re-introduced me to a whole new audience. People who knew me before knew me from S.O.S., and they saw me reinvent myself with a whole new generation. My demographic is pretty broad now. 

 

U.G. Digital Mag: I love that you realize how large your audience has grown. You’ve reach a lot of different age groups. I remember bringing a new camera guy for Making Moves, and he totally fanned out over you. He knows everything you’ve done. That showed me how wide your audience is and how many people you’ve touched. It’s pretty amazing. 

 

Chandra Currelley: That’s awesome. I had no idea it would be that way. As time goes by, it’s more and more. I’m still meeting young actors who have watched me. I’m thankful for that because I’ve always been a student of the arts. Hopefully when they saw me, they saw quality, and how things should go. I’m thankful for learning my craft and for the people around me. 

 

U.G. Digital Mag: We see the quality, and it takes me back to Strength of Love. It’s such an amazing story. You and I both know how good The Baz Brothers are. How did everyone come back together?

 

Chandra Currelley: I just think everyone was available and it worked out. Others were trying to secure me, but by the time they asked, I was already committed. I wanted to start the year off acting. When God puts you in a place where he extends a promotion in your talent and gift, then you recognize where you are and where you’re supposed to go. Sometimes you have to leave what you do best for your future. I wanted to start off that way. My experience was good. This time, I get to do things I never thought I would be able to try on stage. Now I have a better understanding. 

 

U.G. Digital Mag: I think of The Baz Brothers, and the professionalism that comes with everyone. Anytime I come out, I’m coming all the way from Cleveland, Ohio, and in a heartbeat, I drive out to their events because their professional. 

 

Chandra Currelley: It’s their integrity. Some people have professionalism, but no integrity. Everybody thinks they can write a play, but with Tyler, God had a mission for him. He gave him the ability to be able to look at something and suck it up like a sponge. I tell young people to learn their craft. When I read the script for this, I knew they understood what they were doing. You have to give people their respect for that. When I saw them, they reminded me of Tyler when I first met him. He was just trying to get people to read his script. When i read his stuff, I said I never had the chance to do those types of characters. And it was stuff people could implement in their lives. It gave the material a true purpose. The way they handle their business is a reflection. They’ve thought about it and sacrificed for it. 

 

U.G. Digital Mag: Some of the characters have change a bit. What has the change been like for you?

 

Chandra Currelley: For me, I like things that change. It’s something new and fresh. It has an effect on what you do. Meelah, I worked with her in A Mother’s Love by Kandi Burruss, I saw how talented and serious she was. It wasn’t about her being a reality star. She wanted to grow as an actress and artist. I saw that from the work she put in. I’m looking forward to working with her. She’s honest, and just try to be. It’s better this time because I think the magic is going to happen as intended. 

 

U.G. Digital Mag: I think you’re spot on. She’s got so much integrity in all she does. She works hard to learn her craft. I’ve heard nothing but great things about A Mother’s Love. I look forward to this play so much now. 

 

Chandra Currelley: That’s one of the few plays they were presenting on the urban theater circuit. Back in the day, they called it the chitlin circuit. It rose above that. I thank Mr. Perry, and another director who just did Almost Christmas. He was another one who took it past that, and they had to respect it. That play was going to bring something that had never been brought. It was a full-fledged musical. It was incredible, but it couldn’t do what it could do for whatever reason. That’s how I met Sean Baker. The second time we did it, they rewrote it. He was part of a singing group but they wrote that out. We stayed in touch, and it was because of his integrity. He really worked at his craft and was serious. When you get with your kind, the occasion is not the only time you’ll connect with them. You end up in similar situations where integrity is involved. We’re about the same thing. He new people, the fresh blood, it’s just awesome. 

 

U.G. Digital Mag: I think it’s a great thing to have that new blood. It freshens things up. 

 

Chandra Currelley: Yes, and the music is good. They were every particular about the songs in the show. Some plays, it’s song after song after song. The songs are to forward the story line. If you have too much, the message gets all muddied up. They were very particular about the number and the type. 

 

U.G. Digital Mag: Not giving too much of the story away, what are some of the things we can expect different since there’s new cast members?

 

Chandra Currelley: The material never changes. It’s like if you see A Raisin in the Sun. The lines never change, but it’s different when different people do it. If you have a good script, you don’t have to change it. The way the cast sees it makes it different. From the director’s point of view, what they got a chance to see before will be different in translation this time. I think this will be felt more. Earlier, it was in the head, but now, it’s in the heart. 

 

U.G. Digital Mag: I agree. It’s in their hearts because it’s been perfected, and they know the story. 

 

Chandra Currelley: That was the emphasis. Making sure the audience feels it. We want them to feel something, and cry. We want them to feel this and relate to it. I ran into a lady while getting my eyebrows arched, and we were talking about Valentine’s day. She and her husband had been having problems, and I was able to tell her about the show. The story is a match to their lives. That’s what we do. It’s therapeutic, but not clinical. This is just life, and we adapt our changes and things we experience to our relationships. 

 

U.G. Digital Mag: It’s amazing how much these stories touch people’s lives. I remember with Making Moves, and how Sean Baker’s character really related deeply to my life. It was like looking at my own life, or looking in a mirror. You connecting with the young lady is going to help her. 

 

Chandra Currelley: Right. That’s how we learn stuff, and know stuff. It doesn’t make sense to me to experience things and not pass them on. 

 

U.G. Digital Mag: It goes back to your own personality, and how you connect with people. It says a lot about you and how down to earth you are. 

 

Chandra Currelley: It’s how I’m built. I did think about it, but I felt like I needed to say something. 

 

U.G. Digital Mag: It’s natural to think twice because you never know how people receive stuff like that. 

 

Chandra Currelley: Right. But it’s the way God works. Nothing is by mistake. We have to take those opportunities. Those things come back to bless you. You do it just from the heart. 

 

U.G. Digital Mag: I would love for readers to know more of what you have going on, and other projects?

 

Chandra Currelley: I’ve been focusing on my acting. I have a lot of auditions coming. I’m working on more music. I’m in that mode of creating new material. That’s where I am. I still want to do that. I want to do a small tour, but it will be mores on the midwest and west coast. I had my hands full. I’m working on my films career, and then I still have to do my live thing. At the same time, I want to be stable. I don’t want to do so much that I’m running ragged. I’m finding a way to get everything to connect. 

 

U.G. Digital Mag: You’ve definitely done some powerful work, and everyone knows the phenomenal work you have done all over. We just need to get you on The Haves and the Have Nots…

 

Chandra Currelley: It’ll be great if he got me my own sitcom. You never know. I do have a desire to do something he writes for me as a motion picture. I think I’ll call and tell him (laughing). He’ll get a kick out of that. He’ll do something, and every time he does, it’s better than I can imagine. 

 

U.G. Digital Mag: In terms of final comments, what’s left to say?

 

Chandra Currelley: Never ever give up. Never, EVER, give up (laughing). Thats in any and everything. Sometimes, your head can rule over your heart. It’s about your belief system. Don’t believe someone telling you what you can’t do. They can say what they want, but it’s up to you.

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[THE STAGE] SEAN BAKER: STRENGTH OF LOVE

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Hands down, Sean Baker is one of the hardest working brothers out here in the acting game. We first met for the initial run of The Baz Brothers’ Strength of Love back in 2015, and since then, he has done a host of additional roles and projects. One of his more recent roles was the lead in the hit film Making Moves, which was also written by The Baz Brothers. We’ve also been watching as he’s been preparing for the highly anticipated biopic “All Eyes on Me”, which centers around the life of slain rapper Tupac Shakur. Coming up very soon, Baker will be hitting the stage once again in the reboot of The Baz Brothers’ Strength of Love alongside actors Chandra Currelley, Dwayne Cottle, and Strength of Love newcomer Meelah Williams. He’s constantly on the move, but we got him to slow down just a bit to talk to us about the play, as well as all else he has cooking right now. 

 

U.G. Digital Mag: You are one of the hardest working brothers out here man…

 

Sean Baker: Just one of em [laughing]. 

 

U.G. Digital Mag: I see the many projects you work on man. What gives you the drive to work as hard in the paint as you do?

 

Sean Baker: First of all, thank you so much for mentioning that. I’m one of a lot of brothers out her making a name for ourselves. What drives me is this is my passion. It’s what I love to do. It’s not a hobby, and it’s something for me. Since I was young and performing, my mother would have me singing and dancing for her friends. I was doing something in entertainment, and it was always in me. What drives me is it’s my passion. I live, eat, and sleep this. 

 

U.G. Digital Mag: The first time we connected was during the first run of Strength of Love. You’ve done so much since then. How did you first connect with The Baz Brothers?

 

Sean Baker: It was with "Strength of Love". I heard of the audition, sent in my headshots and resume, and prayed for the best. I believe when I got there, they said I was the first one, super early, and they knew I was what they needed. Now don’t quote me on that [laughing]. We had a great time, great connection, and they have a real passion for what they do. We don’t always get to work with a lot of writers and directors who have a true understanding. It’s a different experience when you work with people who have a love for the arts. They really understand what it is to do this, and there’s a meaning and method behind what they do. Since then, we did "Making Moves". That was my first leading role. They gave me that chance, and it helped me transition. To see that and work with them seamlessly was great. Now I’m doing "Strength of Love" for the second time around. It’ll be another great experience. 

 

U.G. Digital Mag: I’m quoting you on what you said man [laughing]. I see what you’re doing and your work is impeccable. I’ve never seen anyone work as hard, and I realized that the last time I came out to Atlanta. You were all over the carpet man, and just working. In the interview we did for UGD Live, I recall talking about your character for Making Moves, and it completely resonated with me and my journey. You did an amazing job in the movie bringing that to life. 

 

Sean Baker: Thank you brother, I appreciate that. I enjoyed doing the film, and when I read the script, it resonated with me as well. In following our dreams, we have to make certain sacrifices. It’s one of those life imitating art and art imitating life moments. It made it that much easier to tell the story because I literally lived a portion of the story. I was able to bring my personal experience to the situation and make it believable. 

 

U.G. Digital Mag: That made it even better though in my opinion.

 

Sean Baker: Definitely. It levels up everything. As actors, we may get roles where we may not have experienced everything the character went though, but with this, I just had to dig back into my memory. It was like playing out my life. That made it that much easier and brought that much more authenticity to it. 

 

U.G. Digital Mag: You have people backing you like Chandra Currelley and Meelah Williams. How is it to be back in that mode of this production?

 

Sean Baker: It’s funny you ask, because we had a table read, and of course we have new faces. As of right now, with Chandra Currelley, and Dwayne Cottle, they are familiar faces. I’ve been working with Chandra for years. It’s wonderful to say I’ve been working with her for years. For someone of her caliber, it’s a blessing. Familiarity is always good. Meelah is doing an excellent job. It’s refreshing to work with different people when you can. If it has to happen that way, you pray there’s chemistry with everyone. We’ve had our rehearsals, and it’s been great. I love working the project period. It’s a great thing, and Meelah has been bringing a different energy to it, and it’s refreshing. I love her energy. We are bonding and connecting in a way that the audience will get what they need. They can see the story from a different perspective. We have different people bringing new energy. Change is not always bad. Sometimes it’s good. We’re all learning the different nuances to telling a story. At the table read, we expressed the fact that it’s like we’re learning new things again. It’s like it’s the first time. 

 

U.G. Digital Mag: What do you feel like you were able to do to refresh your character, seeing as how there will likely be people coming out who saw it the last time?

 

Sean Baker: It’s funny because the other side of it is if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. When I look at it with a refreshed vision and new set of eyes, I’m not changing the dynamics of the character. For me, and looking at it again, it’s more in the details of the story. There’s different emotions I can tap into. I may find a scene where my character can show more emotion, or less emotion, or show a different range of hurt. Maybe it’s deeper in the back story. It’s something else that can be brought to the surface. It’s like Coke or Pepsi. Same great taste, but a different rapper. It’s different energy and a different way of telling the story. 

 

U.G. Digital Mag: I’m looking forward to this man. I know it’s going to be great. Tell everyone where they can check you out online? 

 

Sean Baker: My website is being reconstructed, it’s www.seanbakeronline.com and definitely at Instagram @seanbakeronline, Twitter @theseanbaker, and Facebook @Seanbaker. 

 

U.G. Digital Mag: We’re consistently checking you out and following. The Tupac feature you’re a part of, when is it dropping?

 

Sean Baker: We had a new production company jump on, Lions gate and Morgan Creek, and it’s looking like June for it to come out. 

 

U.G. Digital Mag: I appreciate you man. Any kind of final words, comments, or words of encouragement?

 

Sean Baker: It’s like a mantra of mine man. I always say do it with passion, or don’t do it at all. I don’t care what it is: dancing, singing, or being an architect. Do it with passion, or not at all. And secondly, I need y’all to come out. February 10, February 11, and February 12. Get your tickets, today! 

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[THE STAGE] MEELAH WILLIAMS [ @itmseelah ]: STRENGTH OF LOVE

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It’s so wonderful to reconnect with Meelah Williams. As most know, Williams has been venturing into the world of acting over the past few years, and she’s now taking a lead in The Baz Brothers production, Strength of Love. It’s an amazing story of love, forgiveness, and all the craziness that can happen in between. Strength of Love will be showing Valentine’s weekend in Griffin, GA. 

 

We took some time to chat with Ms. Williams about her role in this stage play, and what the world can expect from her first leading role. 

 

U.G. Digital Mag: I’m most grateful to you for a few things; one for you sharing your time with me today. Also, you were a tremendous part of our first issue. I’m always forever thankful to you. 

 

Meelah Williams: Thank you for the opportunity. I’m grateful that you even gave me that platform. 

 

U.G. Digital Mag: So we’re together for Strength of Love, but before I even start, I have to get your thoughts on the New Edition movie, considering how instrumental Michael Bivens was in the careers of 702. 

 

Meelah Williams: It really is outstanding. I’ve only seen two parts so far, but the actors have done an amazing job. The actors were spot on. I was there for some of it, but to see it on television, it’s refreshing to see the other side of the industry. A lot of people who want to do this often forget about the other side. It’s not always the glitz and glamour. It’s refreshing that they opened themselves up and allowed them[the actors] to be there with them. I had no idea that they went through all the things they did. It was like 1996 for the Home Again tour. We were clueless to a lot of what happened behind the scenes, but there were times when we definitely felt the tension. 

 

U.G. Digital Mag: When you mention how spot on they were, the kids were really amazing. 

 

Meelah Williams: I know, right? 

 

U.G. Digital Mag: The one who play Mike looked just like him. 

 

Meelah Williams: Isn’t that crazy? I asked where did they find that kid. He had that same swag, cocky arrogance, and the whole Boston swag. Clearly Mike and everyone was instrumental in picking the characters that played them, but it’s amazing they found someone so close. Those kids did an amazing job. The casting for Brooke Payne as well, which was the guy from the wire, Wood Harris. I've got to catch up with part 3 now. 

 

U.G. Digital Mag: It’s funny because my son is 10, and he’s enamored with the movie. 

 

Meelah Williams: I’m disappointed I missed last night, but I will definitely catch it. 

 

U.G. Digital Mag: So Strength of Love, it’s such an amazing story. I saw the first run of it last year, so it’s good to see it back. How is it for you to come in this time around?

 

Meelah Williams: First, I’m just humbled and flattered for someone to reach out and ask of my interest. It’s always a blessing after all this time that people still call and seek my talent. Everyone has been so welcoming. I knew Chandra Currelley because I worked with her for Kandi Burruss’ A Mother’s Love. I was so excited to see Mrs. Chandra again. She’s always great, professional, and so cool. The woman knows what she is doing. I look at her like an auntie. She’s so magical, and anytime I’m in her presence, I’m in awe. She’s so multifaceted. I have to see one of her shows because I love jazz. She’s like someone you’ve known for years. When you go into an ensemble of new people, you never know how it will be. The directors and writers are so chill and laid back. By the second or third rehearsal, they were like family. They’re serious too, but they know how to have fun and make you feel comfortable. 

 

U.G. Digital Mag: There's something special about The Baz Brothers. Chandra is amazing too, and her background with S.O.S. Band is something else. 

 

Meelah Williams: Listen! That’s good music. 

 

U.G. Digital Mag: But it’s just knowing all she’s done and how humble she is, and how welcoming she is. She’s simply amazing. You have a family of people for sure. 

 

Meelah Williams: I’m so grateful. The opportunity is so cool. It’s my third stage play, but the first time I’ve been a leading character. It’s humbling, and exciting to pursue something like this. It’s a blessing to get the acting chops going and the blood flowing. It’s a different level of entertainment coming from the music world. 

 

U.G. Digital Mag: You character has so much depth. How was it to tap into that?

 

Meelah Williams: It’s interesting because I had this conversation with my mother. It can be very draining at times. That goes for acting in general because you have to morph into these characters and tune into that space. Every nuance and characteristic that your character embodies, you have to align with that. After tomorrow, we’re no longer called by our real names. I have to get into that zone. Her story is so deep, and it’s deep to have to go there. You have to tap into things that may be uncomfortable from your own life and path. You have to find something that’s parallel in some sense to help you convey the emotions. I didn’t know it would be this deep. If that’s what it takes, then let me do this. It’s all in being an actor. 

 

U.G. Digital Mag: Everyone is looking forward to it. What are your hopes for the three days?

 

Meelah Williams: I hope that those who come out, whether it’s to see me, someone else, or they're just interested, are satisfied. I hope they enjoy everything they see and are not disappointed in my acting, or on any level. I hope they see my passion, and know that I’m working to take this to another level. This is just the beginning. 

 

U.G. Digital Mag: Again, I think you’re so amazing with this. I’ve followed since 702. I’ve watched the R&B Divas, and could really appreciate how you stuck to your guns in terms of portrayal, and what people saw in you. You protected your image, and that was major. Thank you for that. 

 

Meelah Williams: I appreciate that. It’s hard. Unfortunately, the business has changed so much from the time 702 came out until now. The values are different, with social media, and reality shows. If you are someone who’s wholesome, or “a good girl”, you come off as boring, dull, and as having no personality. If I’m not flipping over a table, cursing someone out, or just being flat out ignorant, I have no personality. I have layers to me and I’m complex. I just want to be decent on television because it’s how I was raised. Does that mean I can’t defend myself in a situation? Of course not, but will I be confrontational? That’s not my way. I thank you for acknowledging that though. 

 

U.G. Digital Mag: There’s more who look for what you offer than there are who look for the craziness. It doesn’t seem so at times, but there are. 

 

Meelah Williams: It’s frustrating because I have ratchet tendencies (laughing). If you take me there, for instance about my son, or my family, you’ll see the turn up. I’ve been taught to be classy. I am human though, and don’t always know how to turn the other cheek, but I try to be pretty chill. I plan on doing reality TV again, maybe if I have creative control. 

 

U.G. Digital Mag: I would love to see it. The last time we spoke, we talked a lot about your foundation. I would love to see more about that. 

 

Meelah Williams: Thank you! Yes. That was the other thing with my story line on R&B Divas. We touched on it, and I guess that was the basis of it, but I wanted to focus more on that. Moving forward, there have been some ideas out there. I’ve been approached, being an autism mom. 

 

U.G. Digital Mag: There’s so many people who deal with it [autism], but you touch a lot of people with your story and they really benefit from it. 

 

Meelah Williams: It needs to be talked about more. I respect everyone’s wishes because I too wasn’t sure in the beginning if I wanted to put it out there. It’s definitely private and personal. They have that right, but those of us who do want to talk, I think we should. A lot of parents don’t know how to handle it. It’s not an easy thing or a walk in the park. There’s several levels, even mild levels. It’s challenging, but life has challenges. I think it would be cool in the African Amercian community to touch on it, even with mental illness. We don’t touch on it much. We just sweep it under the rug. Unfortunately, where there’s no communication, other issues arise. It’s like, this could be prevented if we just talk about it. 

 

U.G. Digital Mag: Can you talk about other things you’re working on or have coming up?

 

Meelah Williams: I actually just signed a record deal with Soulstar / E1 music. This will be my solo debut album. It feels like I’ve been doing solo music for a while and I’ve had singles here and there, but this will be my first body of work. 

 

U.G. Digital Mag: Knowing of Soulstar, and your music, you’re in the perfect place. They can really get it out there. 

 

Meelah Williams: Thank you so much. It’s a good feeling to be in this space with complete and creative control. I can zone out and figure out what I want to do sonically. A lot of people still don’t know who I am. It feels good to create a project that is all me. I just started recording a few weeks ago, so I’m in the very beginning stages. I’m not rushing it, but it may be around late summer or the end of 2017. I’m looking for a super successful album. It’s still so premature that I don’t even have a title yet. 

 

U.G. Digital Mag: People like myself, and your entire fanbase, knowing you have something coming, it’s more than enough for us. You gave us “Give It to You” a few years ago, and then it was like OK, we’re waiting. 

 

Meelah Williams: I know. I was kinda teasing y’all a bit (laughing), with Stupid in love, a great single written by TC, but I just do a little bit to hold y’all over (laughing). 

 

U.G. Digital Mag: Well we’re waiting patiently [laughing]. How can everyone keep up with you online?

 

Meelah Williams: All my social media handles are @ItsMeelah for Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. It’s the same for my website [www.itsmeelah.com], but I’m revamping everything. I’m under new management, with a new label, new "er’thang (laughing). I don’t have a snapchat, and don’t y’all come for me (laughing). I think I’m the only one in the world who don’t have one. 

 

U.G. Digital Mag: I’ll keep it real with you. I can’t get with it [Snapchat]. I don’t know what the hell I’m doing [laughing]. 

 

Meelah Williams: We’re neck and neck. I’m already giving y’all all of me in three other places, what more do you want? [laughing]

 

U.G. Digital Mag: It’s crazy. I can’t figure it out, but my ten year old has it down to a science. 

 

Meelah Williams: At least Instagram tried to help us out. It’s all inclusive there. Y’all wanna see what’s up with me, follow me on Instagram. I also recently added a camera crew to my team, so I’ll be in the studio today, and you’ll see some things on my YouTube channel, eventually maybe even a webisode. 

 

U.G. Digital Mag: People look forward to it. Thank you again, so much for today, for our first issue, and everything. 

 

Meelah Williams: I’m so happy I was able to help.

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"I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO" DIRECTOR, RAOUL PECK, REACTS TO OSCAR NOMINATION FOR "BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE"...

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The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the official nominations for the 89th Academy Awards®. I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO, a bold new documentary inspired by legendary writer, James Baldwin, created by master filmmaker, Raoul Peck and narrated by Hollywood A-lister, Samuel L. Jackson, moves one step closer to winning an Oscar for "Best Documentary Feature!"

Following the announcement, the film's director, Raoul Peck, shared his thoughts on winning a nomination:

"I'm grateful and joyful to be nominated for I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO. All of our partners and the entire team are joining me to thank the Academy members who participated in the vote of this incredibly humbling nomination. We would like to thank especially the James Baldwin Estate and Gloria Karefa-Smart, James Baldwin's sister. Baldwin had developed a clear narrative about America's historical denial and irrational relationship with race and articulated it freely in the media during his lifetime. I'm not sure this kind of raw and profound expression would be tolerated today -even though it is more than ever necessary. I want to congratulate the other nominees who have made amazing films, most of whom are dear friends. Thank you."

"I Am Not Your Negro" hits theaters nationwide February 3, 2017. For a complete listing of nominees, visit the official Oscars website at www.oscar.com

Click below to view the official documentary trailer! 

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[NEWS] JANELLE MONÁE, AMBASSADOR ANDREW YOUNG, AND MORE PARTICIPATE IN ATLANTA SCREENING OF "I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO" AT MOREHOUSE COLLEGE...

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ATLANTA (January 24, 2017) Last night, musical superstar and social critic/activist, Janelle Monáe, civil rights icon, Ambassador Andrew Young, and more engaged with students, press and influencers at a private screening of the new James Baldwin documentary, I Am Not Your Negro, presented by Liquid Soul for Magnolia Pictures.

The documentary which releases to theaters, February 3rd, has been nominated for an Oscar Award and a NAACP Image Award for best documentary in the Documentary (Feature) categories.

Famed visual artist and scholar, Fahamu Pecou, wearing a University Of Baldwin long sleeve tee, kicked off the evening introducing artist/activist Janelle Monáe who recited a moving excerpt from Baldwin’s "Notes Of A Native Son," setting an empowering tone for the screening.

Just before her presentation, she shared a special connection that she and her labelmates at Wondaland Records, have with James Baldwin. "@Wondaland Arts Society and I had the honor of hosting a gut wrenching and TIMELY documentary about our hero James Baldwin. It was an honor to screen a documentary about one of the greatest American writers, JAMES BALDWIN!" At the end of the screening, the audience rose to their feet and the film received a standing ovation.

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The final highlight of the evening is an intriguing talkback panel discussion moderated by Morehouse Cinema, Television and Emerging Media Studies (CTEMS) Director, Dr. Stephane Dunn which featured Ambassador Andrew Young; Clark Atlanta University African American Studies Professor, Dr. Daniel Black; Morehouse College Asst. Professor of English, Dr. Francine Allen, Georgia Equality Field Organizer, Rob Woods and artist/activist, Fahamu Pecou. The discussion explored race relations - past and present, the impact of James Baldwin during the civil rights movement and now, the relevance of the documentary to the social issues of today, concluding with thoughts on where we should go from “here.” Civil Rights icon, Ambassador Andrew Jackson Young, Jr. gave the students a first-hand perspective sharing on the civil rights movements and marches then compared to now.

Other notable guests attending were: Egypt Sherrod (HGTV’s “Flipping Virgins”); DJ FaDelf (Celebrity DJ, Author and Motivational Speaker); Jack A. Daniels (Psychotherapist, 5x Bestselling Author and Host of FYI’s “Black Love”); Marshawn Evans (Author, NBC’s “The Apprentice”); Christopher Hicks (Director, Mayor’s Office of Film and Entertainment); (Founder, Hat-titude Big Hat Brunch) and many more!

I Am Not Your Negro opens nationwide on Friday, February 3!

ABOUT I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO

In 1979, James Baldwin wrote a letter to his literary agent describing his next project, Remember This House. The book was to be a revolutionary, personal account of the lives and successive assassinations of three of his close friends—Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr. At the time of Baldwin’s death in 1987, he left behind only thirty completed pages of this manuscript.

Now, in his incendiary new documentary, master filmmaker Raoul Peck envisions the book James Baldwin never finished. The result is a radical, up-to-the-minute examination of race in America, using Baldwin’s original words and flood of rich archival material. I Am Not Your Negro is a journey into black history that connects the past of the Civil Rights movement to the present of #BlackLivesMatter. It is a film that questions black representation in Hollywood and beyond. And, ultimately, by confronting the deeper connections between the lives and assassination of these three leaders, Baldwin and Peck have produced a work that challenges the very definition of what America stands for.

[ARTIST] Tank

While making his seventh full-length album, SLP2 [R&B Money/Atlantic Records], Tank posed a crucial question.
“What does cutting edge R&B sound like in 2016?” he asks. 
 

He answered that question by crafting the long-awaited sequel to his influential 2007 opus, Sex, Love & Pain. That album not only provided a blueprint for the likes of Chris Brown, Trey Songz, and more, but it also debuted at #2 on the Billboard Top 200 and earned a Grammy Award nomination for “Best R&B Album,” while its #1 single “Please Don’t Go” became nominated for “Best R&B Male Vocal Performance.” Following 2014’s Stronger, Tank once again captured a creative spirit that resembled the process behind his seminal third body of work.
 

“Sex, Love & Pain was the first time I had ever made an album just because I wanted to make some good music,” he recalls. “There was no pressure to meet a deadline or put out a single because money was low. We were writing and producing for pretty much everybody and just decided to create a Tank album one day. That was the inception of the project. We chose to write some great music and let the chips fall where they may. That process mirrors this process. I made Stronger, and it was natural for me at the time. People have been screaming for SLP2 though, and I wanted to give them what they wanted. To do that, we had to merge classic and modern sounds and make this super crazy hybrid. When people are asking for something, you’ve got to deliver it right.”
It all started with his first single “You Don’t Know” [feat. Wale]. Co-written by Eric Bellinger [Justin Bieber, Kid Ink], the track fuses a subtle trap beat with airy, open production. Meanwhile, Tank carries a smooth and soulful refrain between incendiary bars courtesy of Wale.
 

“My music parallels my life eventually,” he remarks. “This song was happening at the same time I’d be telling my lady at home, ‘Listen, you don’t understand. I really love you. We’re in a different space. You’re on my back about all of this other stuff right here, and you’re making issues out of nothing. This is not where we’re supposed to be. You don’t know. I’m trying to show you, but in my own way.’ As soon as I got the record from Eric, I knew that was it. If you’re getting someone to complement raw emotion, Wale’s my favorite right now. It came together perfectly.”
 

As far as sequels go, Tank knew he had to go even bigger to make SLP2 the blockbuster audiences desired. In addition to cameos from Shawn Stockman of Boyz II Men and Yo Gotti, he assembled a new West Coast anthem in the form of the Tank produced “Birthday” with a little help from Chris Brown, Problem, and Siya. He also teamed up with TGT collaborator and producer Brandon “BAM” Hodge to “help set the musical tone,” of this new project.
 

Then, there’s “She With The S***” featuring Rich Homie Quan. As a self-professed “huge fan” of the original Sex, Love & Pain, the Atlanta rapper jumped at the chance to fire off a verse on the follow-up. “It’s so next level,” smiles Tank. “Quan’s one of the hottest rappers out period right now. I was literally in the booth cheering him on while he was rapping and singing. He’s just fearless with it, and it was one of the coolest studio interactions I’ve ever had sitting in the booth.”
 

In between crafting his albums, Tank continues to make an impact as a songwriter, leaving his mark on pop culture at large. His writing credits include songs for everybody from Jamie Foxx, Pitbull, Aaliyah, and Beyoncé to Trevor Jackson and Adrian Marcel. At the same time, he’s evolved yet again outside of music with his fitness program Stronger U and starring role on the 2015 TV One hit Born Again Virgin. It builds upon his legacy, which encompasses everything from his first two gold-certified albums—Force of Nature and One Man—and 2013’s chart-topping TGT collaboration with Tyrese and Ginuwine, Three Kings.


“The moon, the stars, and the sun don’t align very often like they have recently,” he smiles. “I finally feel like I’m in a space creatively where I’m doing my best music and best acting. I’ve reached this amazing place.”
 

In the end, Tank taps into something timeless with SLP2, while delivering the perfect sequel.
 

“The meaning of Sex, Love & Pain never changes,” he leaves off. “That’s the order I put it in. I’m a guy, so most of the time, sex comes first. Then, we fall in love. Somewhere later, the pain creeps in—whether it’s us doing the pain or feeling it. You build off that. The process starts all over. We fall back in love again. It’s still the same. Nothing has changed. That’s my life, and I write my life. I use that to inspire melodies, song titles, and lyrics. I want to create a moment that can help change someone else’s life.”

[ARTIST] Philly Weeden

Philipé Winston Weeden is a Designer, Model, Semi-Professional Football Player, Public Speaker, Author, Playwright and now Screen Writer. He has two published books titled REALationship Breakdown Philly Style: Based on Real Life Experiences and The Black Man's Guide: If You Knew Better You'd Do Better, under his belt and is currently working on his third book. 

At a young age Philipé loved to write fictional stories. As he aged and matured his writings were about his own life situations. Throughout Philipe's life he has experienced good times and bad times. From being married, divorced, and father at a young age. But it doesn’t end there, he was also a member of a famous dance/rap group, the creator of his own clothing line, an off & on football career, a life threatening car accident and even being homeless. Throughout this, Philipé always remained humbled. How he survived? He lifted himself above all his hardships through his walk with God. Philipé is an avid believer that with God all things are possible! He took a leap of faith and pursued writing. With the encouragement of his Facebook friends, Philipé set out to release all he had pinned up inside of him. He realized that by helping others through words he was in turn helping himself to heal. His first book REALationship Breakdown Philly Style: Based on Real Life Experiences released October 30, 2011 and pre-sold over 1,500 copies. The focus of this book was to breakdown relationships and help people to retain or gain one. The success of this book, along with the rave reviews from readers, gave Philipé the motivation to release his second book The Black Man's Guide: If You Knew Better You'd Do Better on January 1, 2012. This book focused on breaking down the male partner of the relationship.

After releasing his second book, Philipé decided to take his writing to another level, birthing the hit stage play If You Knew Better You'd Do Better. The first showing on April 22, 2012 at Cleveland State University was a sold out show. Many of Philipe's supporters and fans demanded a second show that he delivered on June 3, 2012 which was filmed by TV 20 and aired June 2012. His cast, which he hand-picked himself, consisted of all local Clevelanders with no acting experience.

With all the suspense from the first play many people were left to wonder what happened to the characters and their situations. Since Philipé loves challenges, he embarked on the sequel immediately after the plays sold out show. The sequel titled "If I Knew Then, What I Know" played September 22, 2012 with another sold out performance. Part 3 "If Only You Knew... The TRUTH!" played May 4, 2013 and was the biggest production he has done thus far adding 4 sold out performances. Philipé went back in the lab to bring forth another 3 Part series from a Romantic- Dramedy perspective. First up was "BRUTHA's... We All We Got!" being performed in front of a sold out audience. He wrote and produced his next stage play "God's Gift to Women!" April 26, 2014. Not soon after Philipé started filming his first movie "If You Knew Better; You'd Do Better!" which premiered November 8, 2014 at Solon Cinemas selling out 4 theaters and over 1,000 people in attendance. Showing a second time at Cedar- Lee Theatres selling out with over 175 people in attendance. Then showing it at Capitol Theatre which included over 100 people selling out the auditorium. “Standing in the Need” was Philipe’s production and Playhouse Square debut where he not only came into a new mark but being the youngest African American to sell out the Ohio Theatre. 

 

Awards & Accomplishments
2008 Young Black Business Association Growing Business Award winning clothing company (OHIO) 
Nominated Entrepreneur of the Year 2012 OMA's (Ohio Mixtape Awards) Hip Play Producer/ Playwright
2012 Young Black Business Association Entrepreneur of the Year (OHIO) 
2013 "Key to the City" Recipient - "for your dedication to improving the lives of others through your books and stageplays" 
2014 Who's Who in Black Cleveland Honoree of Game Changer Award
2014 Man on Fire Award
2015 Feed the Heart Ministries Service Award
2015 Dawson Foundation Cycle Breaker Honoree

[ARTIST] Kelly Rowland

For a Grammy-award winner who has been part of one of the most successful groups of all time, a solo star in her own right, with roles in motion pictures and television, Kelly Rowland isn’t kidding when she says, “This is a fresh start for me. I’m in a fantastic place right now.”

With brand-new management, a new record label and a world-wide hit, “When Love Takes Over,” with acclaimed French dance producer David Guetta, call this new phase, “When Kelly Takes Over,” as the multi-talented singer/songwriter/TV host and actress exerts full control on a career that has already produced millions of album sales, smash records and accolades.

After spending a summer in Europe, Rowland found herself turned on to different sounds and musical genres, especially dance and electro, which has encouraged her latest stylistic direction.

“I went out and had great experiences learning about the culture of dance music, how people interact with the DJ,” she says. “It really inspired my sound moving forward.”

Kelly launched her post-Destiny’s Child solo career by teaming up with rapper Nelly in 2002, recording the vocals for the track “Dilemma” for his album Nellyville. The song ended up with a Grammy nomination for Record of the Year and earned Rowland an award in the Best Rap/Sung Collaboration category.

After two successful solo albums—2002’s RIAA-gold certified Simply Deep, which reached #12 on the Billboard chart, and 2007’s Ms. Kelly, featuring top producers like Billy Mann, Scott Storch, Sean Garrett, Tank, Rockwilder and Polow da Don, and guest stars Snoop Dogg and Eve, going on to sell 1.2 million worldwide—Rowland found herself ready for a change of pace. One of the singles from Ms. Kelly, “Work,” offered a hint of her new direction, when a dance remix hit the Top 10 in France, Italy and the U.K.

“When the Freemasons did their thing, it became this massive international hit,” explains Kelly. “To be quite honest, I was a little nervous about doing it, but when I met David, I realized how much I was enjoying dance music.”

Playing the same club in the south of France, Rowland and Guetta hit it off straight away. He played her one of his tracks, which Kelly took back with her to London, and finished writing what became “When Loves Takes Over” with Mim and Liv of the production/ songwriting team Nervo, whom she had just met for the first time. She sent it back to David, and the rest can be heard on club floors all over the world.

“Half the time, I don’t even have to sing the words,” marvels Kelly at the reaction of dancers to the hit. “It’s just a fun record. It feels good. For so long, I’ve been saying I wanted to do a record that I could be me on.”

While “When Loves Takes Over,” which has already topped the charts throughout Europe, appears on Guetta’s new album, One Love, Kelly and the DJ/producer/songwriter will reprise their collaboration on her own third solo effort, which she has begun to record in L.A., New York and Miami, where she makes her home.

“Yes, he will definitely be a part of it,” nods Kelly. “We have started thinking about what we want to do and I know in my gut, it’s going to be fantastic. Our chemistry in the studio and on-stage is so good. It just works.”

Aside from Guetta, Rowland has already begun working with a variety of European producers, including up-and-comers like Calvo and Fredro Odesjo, as well as U.S. hitmakers like producer/songwriter Brian Kennedy (“Disturbia”).

“These guys are really creative, excited about dance music and understand it,” says Kelly. “I want to incorporate those sounds without going too far away from what people know me for, which is R&B. I’ve traveled the world as a solo artist and have been influenced by all these different sounds—Europop, electro, dance, etc.—that I want to share with my fans. I’d like my audience to get to know me better on this album, discover my personality—which is sass and class, the fun part. That’s what I’m trying to showcase.”

As for her illustrious past, Kelly just wants room to grow as an individual, to explore her own artistic path.

“It’s about respecting me in my space as an individual, as I respect the other members of Destiny’s Child in theirs,” she insists. “That is certainly a large part of my career, how big it was. We continue to love and support each other, but we’re all adults moving forward.”

Rowland is also intent on continuing to appear on TV and in the movies. She had a recurring role in the UPN sitcom The Hughleys, before appearing in other network shows such as Eve and Girlfriends. She also appeared as Martha Reeves in American Dreams, singing “Nowhere to Run.” In 2003, Rowland made her big screen debut in the film Freddy vs. Jason, then the following year starred in the romantic comedy, The Seat Filler, executive-produced by Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, playing a pop star who falls for an awards-show seat filler she mistakes for a high-profile record executive. She just finished co-hosting Bravo’s reality series The Fashion Show with designer Isaac Mizrahi.

“I’m definitely going up for more roles because it’s something I truly enjoy,” she says. “I really want to continue to study the craft to where I can be respected as an actor. I want to completely understand the role and get engrossed in it to the point where I am that character. For me, it’s about passion, not taking a role just to say I did it.”

With a clean slate and a promising start on this latest phase of her impressive career, Kelly is ready to embark on this latest phase of her career.

“I’m very confident in everyone that’s around me now,” she says. “I believe in them as much, if not more, than they believe in me. I let them know what’s going on, what I want, what I expect from them. I’m in control, and that’s a great thing.”

Now that she’s set in the present, Kelly has no problem casting an eye toward the future.

“I want to put together a great #1 album and tour, just play live, be with the crowd and create more of those magic moments,” she concludes, before adding she’s working on creating her own TV show, one which she wouldn’t mind being behind the camera for a change.

Now that “Love” has taken over, Kelly Rowland won’t be far behind.

[ARTIST] Aaliyah

When considering Aaliyah's track record, it's befitting that her name means "The highest, most exalted one, the best." Her parents, Diane and Michael, decided on the name based on the high hopes and expectations they would have if they had a daughter. Her success as both a recording artist and actress actually makes the name of a self-fulfilling prophecy. Aaliyah made her dreams come true. At 22, she not only had a very successful recording career but also established herself as a motion picture actress and an accomplished business woman.

 

From an early age, Aaliyah found satisfaction in her music. When she didn't win the youth vocal competition on "Star Search" as a preteen, she didn't let it deter her from continuing to sing. In fact, at age 11, she landed a five-night stint performing with Gladys Knight in Las Vegas. Born in Brooklyn, New York, she was raised in Detroit while also going home to New York frequently and eventually became a client with Abrams Artists. She graduated from the Detroit Performing Arts High School in 1997 with a 4.0 GPA. She credits her educational success to the support from her family, her mother (who was a teacher that home schooled her), Dr. Sylvia Twyman, Dr. Denise Cotton, the Education Guidance Center, Dr. David Snead (Superintendent of Detroit Schools who approved Aaliyah's program with Dr. Cotton and her parents) and Jennifer Vandenbrooks who also assisted in her education. College was definitely in the plans.

 

"When I told my parents that I wanted to embark along this path," says Aaliyah, "they were with me all the way. They were the ones who shuttled me back and forth to my vocal lessons, dance lessons, private guitar, play rehearsals at Gesu Elementary School and they even saw to it that the sets for the plays were transported to Mary Grove College in Michigan. What could be more important?"

 

In 1994, at the age of 14, Aaliyah released her first album, "Age Ain't Nothing But A Number." It was an instant success. The first single, "Back And Forth," was a Top 5 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and a No.1 R&B song. The follow up single, a remake of the Isley Brother's "At Your Best (You Are Love)" reached Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was No. 2 at R&B radio. "I still remember how nervous I was right before "Back And Forth" came out," she says. "I kept wondering if people would accept it. When it went gold, I had my answer, and it was just such an incredibly satisfying feeling." The acceptance of her music inspired other female teen singers to follow in her footsteps. Her taste in fashion still influences her fans and other artists. Teen Vogue once wrote Aaliyah set the prototype for the young female artist of the 90's.

 

Her trademark baggy pants and oversized shirts simply reflect the sense of style she developed as a child. She always loved wearing her father and brother's clothes. She said she was never going to wear a dress or carry a purse. As we know, that eventually changed. Just remember The MTV Awards, when she won her award and took center stage in her Roberto Cavalli dress with her beloved brother. They both were wondrous.

 

In 1996 Aaliyah released her second record, "One In A Million." The first single, "If Your Girl Only Knew," went double platinum and contains Timbaland's signature syncopated beats and Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliot's poignant lyrics. "4 Page Letter," and "Hot Like Fire" were also well received. "I love working with Timbaland," Aaliyah says. "He understands what I can do and always wants to try new things. We have a great chemistry, we are musical soul mates." Rashad wrote the video treatment for 4 Page Letter in two hours while studying at Hofstra University.

 

Jermaine Dupri, Rodney Jerkins, J. Dibbs, Daryl Simmons, Kay-Gee, Vincent "V.H." Herbert and Craig King were also involved with producing "One In A Million." The album was multi-platinum and an international hit. Aaliyah performed throughout Europe, Japan and South Africa. In Tokyo, concert goers sang the words to all of her songs. In Paris, eager fans chanted her name before she took the stage.

 

In 1998, Aaliyah had a huge hit with "Are You That Somebody" from the Dr. Doolittle soundtrack. Produced by Timbaland, the song was infectious, known for it's sampling of a baby crying. Fans particularly enjoyed the classy Flamenco dance moves in the video that was choreographed by Fatima. They actually learned the dance by studying movies and going to a flamenco specialist. Also that year, Aaliyah performed "Journey To The Past" for the motion picture Anastasia. "Journey To The Past" was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Song. Aaliyah performed it on The Academy Awards Show that year, the year of Titanic.

 

Aaliyah's motion picture debut in "Romeo Must Die", produced by Joel Silver for Warner Brothers, is spectacular by any standards. Co-staring Jet LI, the film was a box office success and has led to Aaliyah's huge hit record, "Try Again." The "Romeo" soundtrack sold millions of copies and spent weeks atop the Billboard soundtrack charts. What makes this even more extraordinary is that she was executive producer for the soundtrack. Aaliyah also had two other cuts on the record including one with DMX.

 

Aaliyah was working on her third studio album and selecting her next film roles from the many offers she was receiving. She planned to continue her collaboration with Timbaland and was also hoping to work with some more outstanding producers and artists.

 

"I studied for one month in preparation for the fight scene in Romeo. My brother, Rashad and I took some martial arts classes when we were younger so I had some knowledge of the process. Jet Li is really amazing. He's such a natural. He just came in and did his part. It only took three days to shoot. At the MTV Movie Awards this year, a lot of media asked me if there were any categories that I would like to see added to the awards. Actually, I would: Best hug and dance scene. In the movie, Jet Li and I never have a kissing scene, but we do have a hot dance sequence. I will never forget the RMD (Romeo Must Die) team and their kindness towards me, my brother (who was able to be on set during his break from school) and to my mom and dad."

 

Following up on her box office success in Romeo Must Die, Aaliyah starred alongside Stuart Townsend, Vincent Perez and Lena Olin in the 2001 film The Queen of the Dammed, directed by Michael Rymer. Aaliyah played the title role of Akasha, in the supernatural adventure based on the third novel in the Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles. Aaliyah read all the chronicles and was intrigued by vampiric information. She even had the opportunity to talk to Anne Rice who was pleased that she received the role. Aaliyah worked very hard for this role with her speech instructor and mime specialist for movement both were referred to her by her beloved acting coach Harold Guskin who was on the set for RMD. Joann and WB Baron worked with her on the set for "Queen Of The Dammed".

 

Aaliyah's last studio album reflected her growth as a person and as an entertainer. The self-titled album Aaliyah, released in July 2001, debuted at number 2 on the US charts and sold over 2.4 million albums worldwide. Aaliyah featured the smash singles "We Need a Resolution," "More Than A Woman" and "Rock The Boat".

 

From a film career standpoint Aaliyah had obtained roles in "Matrix Reloaded and Revolutions", "Honey", "Sparkle" (she met with Whitney Houston whose company was producing "Sparkle") and a true story that was based on an interracial love. She actually pitched it with one of her agents from CAA to Fox Searchlight. It was accepted with Aaliyah in the lead role!!! Unadulterated Business savvy at 22!

 

On Saturday, August 25th, 2001 we lost our baby girl Aaliyah Dana Haughton, Anthony Dodd, Eric Foreman, Scott Gallin, Keeth Wallace, Gina Smith, Douglas Kratz, Christopher Maldonado, and Luis Morales. May their memories never be forgotten.

 

Aaliyah continues to have an impact on the world after her passing that fateful day in 2001. She was a person of virtue, honor, hard work and love. She was a unique individual who gave all of herself in whatever she did. Whether it was charity work, singing, acting, time with friends, signing autographs, Aaliyah lived her life with a smile on her face and love in her heart. To her family, friends, loved ones, and fans worldwide, Aaliyah will be missed but will always be remembered. A true angel in every sense of the word, she lives now in our minds, our hearts and in the way we all live our lives; in her name we strive to be the BEST and make our world a better place.

 

With Aaliyah In Our Hearts!!! Always...

[ARTIST] Rah Digga

One of music’s most respected and premier “rapper’s rapper” – regardless of gender, former First lady of Busta Rhymes’ Flipmode Squad Rah Digga has returned with another classic album and accomplished something that is unheard of in Hip-Hop. "No female rapper has ever released a sophomore album 10 years later and I hoped to capture all audiences once more and remind everyone why they fell in love with Dirty Harriet in the first place!" states Digga.

In an industry ruled by flash in the pan MC's and a what is "hot" at the moment mentality, Rah Digga is not worried about her absence from the game or her place in it, "I'm not a gimmick; I wasn't created by a label. I am a natural born talent that broke into the industry based on my ability to rhyme and that's what people will always expect from me." With a recent album produced by Nottz, one of the most famed beatsmiths in Hip-Hop, Digga had no problems meeting the expectations of any hardcore Hip-Hop fan. Accolades from music icons such as Amy Winehouse have been ringing aloud thoughout Rah’s entire career. With her creative and progressive outlook, she has returned to prominence as a trendsetter in music. "Classic" was released September, 14th 2010. 
 

Keeping an eye on the future and her continual work in directing, editing, business, acting, motherhood, motivational speaking and activism, Rah Digga’s work is never done. A true renaissance women is an understatement. "With all the time that has passed what I've learned from all the outpouring of support is that people just want their good ole "Dirty Harriet" back. 

[ARTIST] Jazmine Sullivan

The most powerful stories are real. They’re the sagas that we grasp on to, learn from, and live with. Jazmine Sullivan tells her story in all its unfiltered, unabridged, and unrestrained glory on her third full-length album, Reality Show [RCA Records].

 

In 2013, the eight-time Grammy Award nominee experienced a personal revelation that would spark the recording process. It also broke her creative silence after she had initiated a hiatus from music on Twitter only two years prior.


“I took a break, and I had some time to reflect on my life,” she admits. “I was trying to figure out what things were wrong and how to fix them. Instead of keeping that journey to myself, I decided to take the opportunity to make songs about it. I’m definitely being as honest as I can be. I’m growing up. When I was young, I was emotional, I was little crazy, and I used to bust windows out! I didn’t know how to handle things. Now, I do. I hope this process can help someone else.”

 

The Philly native retreated to a hometown studio and, for the first time in her career, assumed the role of executive producer. She also tapped the talents of iconic producer Salaam Remi, Key Wane, and more. Not only did Jazmine oversee the entire production, but she served as the primary writer on each of the album’s twelve tracks. As a result, Reality Show encompasses everything from R&B and soul to hip-hop, funk, and even a little disco.

 

“I love so many different styles and genres,” she says. “It wasn’t about following one muse, but rather embracing what spoke to me in the moment. Everything was scaled down to the basics. I feel like you can hear that in the album. There’s no glitz and glamour. It’s really raw and straight-to-the-point.”

 

That’s why the title Reality Show fits so perfectly. While making the album, Jazmine spent a lot of time watching Bravo’s Real Housewives of Atlanta and VH1’s Mob Wives, Love & Hip-Hop Atlanta, and T.I. and Tiny: The Family Hustle. The exposed emotions of those programs definitely seeped in.

 

“I found that some of the songs and storylines had a bit of drama,” she smiles. “The language was affected by a lot of reality television. It’s grimy, but I wanted to write how people actually speak and feel. My story found its way into each of the songs.”

 

The first single “Forever Don’t Last” sees her inimitable vocals rise over bluesy acoustic guitar and production from Chuck Harmony [Mary J. Blige, Ne-Yo]. “You can get to a point where a relationship isn’t good for you,” she says of the song. “That’s where it comes from. I’m really pouring out my heart on that one.”

 

Trumpets and piano augment a jazzy intro on the DJ Dahi-produced “Brand New” just before her spirited cadence takes the spotlight. She goes on, “I was looking at a lot of famous rappers and thinking to myself, ‘It doesn’t seem like any of them are with the girls they started out with.’ Those are the women who helped and supported them when they didn’t have anything. I wanted to tell that story. People identify with feeling unappreciated. Once their significant other gets a bit of success, it’s like they’re forgotten. I don’t want to speak for the superstar ideal. I represent the normal woman.”

 

On the other end of the spectrum, the upbeat and undeniable “Stanley” slides forward on disco-infused production courtesy of Da Internz [Nas, Rihanna], calling out another “guy who doesn’t appreciate his woman.” At the same time, “If You Dare” dives into intoxicating haze tempered by confessional lyrics. Meanwhile, Reality Show’s conclusion “Masterpiece (Mona Lisa)” begins with a chord progression Jazmine wrote on her keyboard, and then showcases her passionate, potent powerhouse voice.

 

“I really want everyone to hear this one,” she exclaims. “In a way, it’s a reminder for me to love myself the way I am. I’m just a regular woman in an industry that expects perfection. This was how I assured myself that no matter what situation I’m in, I know I’m beautiful.”

 

Jazmine’s evolution shines throughout the album loud and clear. She has come a long way since her gold-certified 2008 full-length debut, Fearless. The record boasted the chart-topping singles “Need You Bad” and “Bust Your Windows” and achieved seven Grammy Award nominations. Her sophomore effort 2010’s Love Me Back garnered critical acclaim as well as her eighth Grammy nomination for “Holding You Down (Goin’ In Circles).” Along the way, Jazmine also received Billboard’s “Rising Star Award” and played to sold out crowds worldwide.

 

Ultimately, Reality Show sees Jazmine deliver a timeless true story — hers. “I don’t want to be put in a box,” she leaves off. “I wanted to make the album as eclectic as I could, include different styles, and open people’s minds. I needed to get real with the lyrics and not hold anything back. This is me.”

[ARTIST] Alexandra Burke

“I'm not super human, I'm just Alexandra from North London,” says Alexandra Burke. Yes, she is indeed 'just' Alexandra Burke from North London, but she's also the 2008 winner of The X Factor, a three-time chart-topper on the singles chart (her debut, a stirring cover of Hallelujah, sold 105,000 copies on its first day of release) and the creator of a UK number 1 album, Overcome, that features collaborations with the likes of Flo Rida (on the amazing Bad Boys) Ne-Yo and RedOne. She can belt out a ballad with the best of them (as shown by her beautiful duet with Beyonce during The X Factor final) and she brings energy in abundance once the tempo shifts up a gear, as on her dancefloor-slaying 2012 collaboration with Erick Morillo, Elephant. She may not be super human, but in pop terms she's not exactly of this world either.

That's not to say that Alexandra doesn't work hard for her success. In fact, it's this determination to succeed that's come to define a career that started with rejection during the 2005 series of The X Factor, but which only made her eventual victory all the sweeter. A favourite to win from the start thanks to an obvious versatility and a voice saturated in emotion, her position as the nation's favourite was cemented by her determination to take the opportunity the show gave her and kickstart a proper career, not just become a flash in the pan. With 1.5 million copies of Overcome sold worldwide and a sold-out national tour under her belt, it was the sort of success story that many of the show's critics didn't believe could happen.

Once again though, Alexandra wasn't complacent: “Literally straight after I performed The Silence on The X Factor [in December 2010] I started recording for the second album.” Keen to keep progressing as an artist, Alexandra knew she'd not only have to take more risks but also take more control over the follow-up album. So, as well taking part in writing camps that would go on to produce a number of the songs on what would become Heartbreak On Hold, she also executive produced the whole thing. “It basically meant that nothing got passed me and my say was the last and final say,” she says of her new role. “The amount of control I've had is unreal.” One of the first decisions she made on a personal and professional level was to be more honest and open with her emotions. While Overcome could only have been an Alexandra Burke album, the lyrics, while inspired by Alexandra and drawn directly from her diaries, were written by others. “With this album I just wanted to be totally honest. For me to be able to be the executive producer I had to make sure that I was more honest than I've ever been”.

While most other pop stars looking to follow up a successful debut are made to rush their second albums, Alexandra took a year and half to take stock of what she'd achieved and set about putting her journey into music. There was also the small matter of a label change from Syco to RCA in the middle of recording to contend with. “I'd been with Syco since 2008 and then to have to leave and go somewhere else because it just had to work out that way, that was hard,” Alexandra explains. “Syco, for me, are my family. Anyone I work with, I see as a family member. I get that deep. They were all there with me from the beginning. To have to leave them was a bit of a heartbreaker as well. That's why I named it Heartbreak On Hold – in that year and a half of recording I went through a lot in my personal life.”

Like all great pop music Heartbreak On Hold effortlessly wraps lyrical sadness in songs that make you want to dance. It's not by accident. “I'm that person who always wants to turn a negative into a positive because it's just the way I think,” explains Alexandra. From the frustrated stomp of first single Elephant – a song written about a relationship that was slowly stalling and an immediate favourite of Alexandra's because it “it just felt right” - to the exuberant throw-your-cares-away dance rush of second single Let It Go, Heartbreak On Hold is an album that acknowledges the hard times but offers a window of opportunity for people to forget about it all. “Yes it's upbeat and uptempo and I want to get you dancing but I want people to understand the deeper meaning behind the album.”

While Elephant and Let It Go both slot nicely into the current pop trend for dancefloor stompers, Heartbreak On Hold also displays Alexandra's love for 90s dance, specifically the emotional house music of Robin S or the soul-inflected dance of Soul II Soul, as heard most obviously on the heart-burstingly bittersweet title track. Featuring a vocal that almost erupts with emotion (“I tried everything to get over you, trying to make it through but nothing ever seems to work”) it's the kind of song that makes you want to dance while tears stream down your cheeks. Elsewhere the “very sexy” Between The Sheets and Daylight Robbery bear a stronger R&B influence, whilst the fluttering synths and four to the floor beat of This Love Will Survive marries Alexandra's survival extinct (“Sometimes if you really want something you've got to fight. It's telling the other person 'we will survive'”) to a beat that Alexandra rightfully says you'd have to be dead not to dance to. Then there's the ballad. Of course there's a ballad. A big, emotionally-charged blubathon that closes the album and features a lone piano and Alexandra's raw emotion speaking directly to the listener, What Money Can't Buy is possibly the best thing she's ever done.

It's apt that the album ends with Alexandra at her most emotional. Written when she was just 18 years old, it's a song that captures both her vulnerability and her strength, not only in what it expresses as a song but also in the fact that she fought to have the song on the album in the first place. Heartbreak On Hold isn't just a collection of songs it's a representation of Alexandra Burke, the artist. “This album is a lot more sexier and grown up. It's deeper. I think and feel it has an element in there where it's just more uplifting than ever. I'm just trying to give a bit more of my personality and how I see life, which needs to be positive,” she explains. That positivity is seriously infectious.

[ARTIST] Erykah Badu

Erykah Badu was born on February 26, 1971 to William and Kollen Wright in Dallas, Texas. They named her Erica Abi Wright and she was the first of their three children. She inherited a taste for music from her mother who introduced her to multiple genres of music (Joni Mitchell, Parliament-Funkadelic, Pink Floyd, Phoebe Snow, Chaka Khan). At the tender age of four, Badu began singing and dancing in productions at the local Dallas Theatre Centre. It wasn’t until her acting debut in the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreational Center’s musical production of “Really Rosie,” directed by her godmother Gwen Hargrove, that Badu realized she was a natural performer. “I played Alligator,” Badu says, “and at 6 years old, I got my first standing ovation. I knew I wanted to bring people to their feet from that point on.”

Badu stayed true to her artistic leanings and enrolled at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing Arts in the late ’80s. Tomboyish and a bit of a class clown, Badu devoted most of her time to perfecting her dance form, studying the techniques of Martha Graham and Katherine Dunham, as well as practicing ballet, tap, and modern dance. Badu also sharpened her Hip-Hop skills, freestyling on the Dallas radio station 90.9 FM KNON under the name Apples the Alchemist until she eventually changed the spelling of her name from “Erica Wright” to “Erykah Badu,” “kah” being Kemetic (Egyptian) for a human’s vital energy or “inner-self” and “ba-du” after her favorite jazz scat-sound. But later, Badu would discover that her chosen name holds a far deeper meaning.In 1989, her senior year of high school, she decided to dedicate her life to a path of holistic wellness and became a vegetarian. 

Badu enrolled at Grambling State University, where she majored in theater and minored in Quantum Physics. She left in 1993 to pursue music full-time. During the day, she taught drama and dance at the South Dallas Cultural Center and worked as a coffeehouse waitress. At night, she recorded and performed songs like “Appletree,” produced by her cousin Robert “Free” Bradford. In 1994, her 19-song demo caught the attention of aspiring record executive Kedar Massenburg by way of the SXSW music festival. Massenburg signed her to his upstart label Kedar Entertainment. The company eventually merged with Motown/Universal and Badu started opening for D’Angelo, prepping the world for the massive Neo soul movement to come.

The New York Times described Badu’s groundbreaking debut, 1997’s Baduizm, as “traditional soul vocals, staccato hip-hop rhythms and laid-back jazzy grooves.” Yet, hindsight reveals that Badu’s debut was more than just an album, it was the introduction of a new lifestyle. The music evoked speakeasies, incense, head wraps, and boho coffee shop culture all in one easy breath. Propelled by the lead single “On & On,” the album went multi-platinum, winning her two Grammys for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Album. Badu topped Rolling Stone’s Reader’s poll for Best R&B Artist, and Entertainment Weekly named her Best New Female Singer of 1997.
In 2003, she founded her non-profit group, B.L.I.N.D. (Beautiful Love Incorporated Non-Profit Development), which is geared toward creating social change through economic, artistic, and cultural development. Among B.L.I.N.D.’s many accomplishments, the organization has provided arts, crafts, and dance classes to children displaced by Hurricane Katrina. Also in 2004, Badu’s charitable efforts helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to support the scholarship fund at St. Phillips School and Community Center in Dallas, Texas.

Badu continues to use her platform as an alter. By incorporating instruments such as tuning forks, crystal singing bowls, and gem stones and more into her music, she has created a wave of healing energy throughout the planet. But her true instrument is the 'intent' with which she sings. She has become a spiritual midwife, aiding in the rebirth of moral and spiritual consciousness for her generation. Badu’s artistic and spiritual contributions to humanity earned her an honorary Doctorate degree in Humanities from Paul Quinn College in 2000.

Erykah Badu’s three children, son Seven Sirius (b. 1997) and daughters Puma (b. 2004) and Mars Merkaba (b. 2009), were all born at home with a practicing midwife. She is an advocate of natural childbirth, healthy birth outcomes and breastfeeding for robust infant development. Recently, she was the keynote speaker at the International Center for Traditional Childbearing (ICTC) 7th International Black Midwives and Healers Conference in October 2010.

Erykah currently studies and apprentices to masters Queen Afua, holistic health guru and spiritual teacher. Dr. Jewel Pookrum , neurosurgeon, physicist and midwife and Dr. Laila Africa, scientist, health practitioner and theorist. In 2006 Erykah was certified as a Holistic Health practitioner thru Dr. Laila Africa and she is also a 3rd Degree Reiki Master-Teacher. Badu hasn’t stopped yet; she continues to study sound and vibration healing and presently assists and apprentices as a direct entry midwife. Erykah has served as doula for five natural births and only has 31 left to becoming a full fledge midwife.  

Erykah currently makes her home in Dallas, Texas. Self described as a “mother first”, Badu is a touring artist, DJ, teacher, community activist, 25 yrs vegetarian, recycler, and conscious spirit. 

[ARTIST] King Chip

Charles Jawanzaa Worth (born October 20, 1986), better known by his stage name King Chip (formerly known as Chip tha Ripper), is an American hip hop recording artist from Cleveland, Ohio. He is best known for his collaborations fellow rappers Kid Cudi, The Game, Michael Bolton, Bun B, Big Sean, Juicy J, Kanye West, Hitek, Jadakiss, Nipsey Hussle, Scarface, 8 Ball & MJG, Devin Tha Dude, Trey Songz, Smoke DZA, GLC, Asher Roth, Fonzworth Bentley, Jeramiah, ASAP Rocky, Ray Cash, Twista, Layzie Bone, Krazie Bone, Curren$y, Audio Push, Hit Boy, Travi$ Scott, Chuck English, Kidz in the Hall, Mike Posner, Mikey Rocks, Freddie Gibbs, Logic, Boldy James, Dom Kennedy, Chiddy Bang, Key Wayne, ASAP Twelvy, Roscoe Dash, and Eric Bellinger. Chip is currently with his own record label Rebel Castle

2006-2011:

Since 2006, Worth obtained a significant following through hip-hop blogs and frequent appearances on mixtapes. Much of Worth's recent work has been done alongside fellow Ohio native and rapper Kid Cudi. Worth incorporates the slow, "chopped 'n' screwed" style of southern hip hop in his music. Worth amassed a cult-like following on the underground scene and Internet blogs throughout 2007 and 2008 for his hard, but often humorous lyrics. A large part of his internet success was due to his rap "SLAB Freestyle." The lyrics "Interior Crocodile Alligator / I Drive a Chevrolet Movie Theater" gained notoriety in blogs and image boards and eventually grew into an internet meme. Multiple videos featuring the lyrics from "SLAB Freestyle" were posted on sites such as YouTube with humorous images accompanying the looped lyrics or featuring altered lyrics based on Chip's track. In 2007, the track "Club Rockin" off his Money mixtape featured hip-hop artist Akon singing the chorus. Worth has decided to remain independent over the years and keep his options open as far as labels go. In 2008 Worth started making trips to Chicago which lead to working with Kidz in the Hall on their album The In Crowd doing a song titled "Mr. Alldatshit" as well as forming many other relationships that Worth still holds till this day. On September 5, 2010 Chip Tha Ripper announced plans to form a group called "The Almighty GloryUS" with fellow Cleveland rapper Kid Cudi. Chip Tha Ripper states The Almighty GloryUS stems from a mutual appreciation between the two artists. Worth was featured on producer Hi-Tek's album, Hi-Teknology 3 in 2007; and on Kid Cudi's first mixtape, A Kid Named Cudi in 2008. He hooked up with The Kids In The Hall and Donnis for what seems to be a favorable connection, by featuring on their 2008 The In Crowd and their 2010 Land of Make Believe album. Then in 2009 he was featured on Kid Cudi's first album "Man on the Moon: The End of Day" which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Chip was a featured artist on the track "The End" from Kid Cudi's sophomore album, Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager (2010).

2012-Present:

On August 9, 2012, the rapper announced a name change, from Chip tha Ripper to King Chip. He also revealed he signed a deal with talent agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Defending his decision to change his moniker, Chip tweeted: "I am King Chip. Actually born in the ghetto slums of East Cleveland, Ohio. Rest in peace my mentor & former king, Hawk. His death made me....". Continuing on later, he said: "My birth name is Charles Jawanzaa Worth. Jawanzaa is Swahili and it means 'great leader and great warrior.' Look it up. I am King Chip." His first credit under the new pseudonym was his role as a featured artist on longtime friend and collaborator Kid Cudi's single "Just What I Am", taken from Cudi's third studio album Indicud (2013). On September 4, 2013, King Chip released the mixtape 44108.

[ARTIST] Claybama

Born on Dayton’s West Side before relocating to Cleveland, Clay'Bama was exposed to a varied and rich cultural backdrop. His musical influences range from ZZ Hill to Kendrick Lamar, from Bill Withers to Bone Thugs n Harmony. The influences he accrued and his Midwestern roots afford him the ability to make songs that are craftily written, sonically enthralling, and always heartfelt. Songs such as “What Up Doe”, “Let My People Go,” and his newest single “Nonviolent?” exhibit the soul of a man trying to do good in environments that may not necessarily be the best. The songs shed light on ambitions that only the big city can provide, with a down-to-earth humility that only his small city roots can provide. The result is quality, real hip hop. Clay'Bama has opened up for Layzie Bone of Bone Thugs n Harmony as well as Cleveland artist Jul Big Green.

 

-For more information-

Official site | Facebook | Instagram | 

 

Photos [ OHHA Showcase Tour - Cleveland ]

[Photo1] [Photo 2] [Photo 3]

[ARTIST] Jeremih

“I can make a great sex song anytime I want, without even saying a body part, without saying anything that would be omitted on the radio. Somehow I’ve just been given that ability,” Jeremih remarks matter-of-factly, not even the hint of a mischievous grin on his face. The man knows his talent, and his calling card. And as enviable as that talent is, no man of Jeremih’s intelligence and versatility would be satisfied in a pigeonhole: “In no way do I feel that ‘Birthday Sex’ defines me as an artist, or defined my first album. People are quick to make comparisons: ‘he’s the next R. Kelly, he’s the next Dream.’ That’s flattering talk but we’re all different, as people and as artists.”

Indeed, 23-year-old Jeremih Felton has planted his own flag among the glittering banner acts at Def Jam: “I feel like I’m on the best label I could be on; I’m not intimidated by anyone musically, and I’m honored and inspired by the artists around me. There were a lot to choose from, a lot of labels were interested in a short period of time, but I didn’t get this far by making bad decisions. And to be blessed with L.A. Reid’s thoughts and even his critiques, I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

So the stage is set for Jeremih’s sophomore album, All About You, dropping September 28th. The singer/ rapper/producer/multi-instrumentalist has again aligned with producer Mick Schultz to deliver eleven songs long on sophistication, sex appeal, and even some old soul. “Mick and I have a great chemistry; we entered the game together, and we have albums’ worth of music,” Jeremih imparts. “I want him to get known too; I’m not selfish like this has to be the Jeremih show. This album is a great showcase for his ability as well as my own. Once people hear this album, others will recognize what I recognized in him and reach out for more of what we create.”

What they create is a sonic palate ranging from subtle savoir-faire to unapologetic, house-shaking climax. First single “I Like,” featuring labelmate Ludacris and co-written by Keith James, is pure babymaking bliss. Jeremih’s uncanny falsetto wends into Ludacris’ irresistible, irrepressible flow, bobbing and weaving with Schultz’s bubbly, scaled-back rhythm. Elsewhere, the titular track is a languid 4/4 offset by sawing high-octave synth riffs. But Jeremih’s vocals, smacking of a young Michael, steal the show. Rare is a falsetto this controlled, this textured, this evocative. Listen for it also on “Take Off,” what Jeremih terms a relationship record told from the lesser-heard male point of view: “Guys have feelings too, guys get hurt, and this record expresses that. There’s a point when we feel like we’ve done enough in trying to work this out, and now it’s best if I take off for the both of us. I can say I been there, but I also hear this from a lot of peers. Women can relate to it too, even if it’s not from their perspective.”

“Down on Me” featuring 50 Cent is a supersmash in the waiting. 50 unleashes an insistent, machine-gun flow, while Jeremih contorts himself through some outrageous vocal acrobatics. His voice, spiced with an island cadence, bends and stretches about one of the nastiest hooks R&B has seen in quite some time. “Down on Me” is definitely a song to be up on. “I’ve always respected 50 and always wanted to work with him,” Jeremih notes. “I wanted to reach out to a couple artists who could bring to the table what I know I do.”
Jeremih doesn’t lack for confidence. Nor should he. A native of the unforgiving Southside Chicago ―“a city full of talent”― streets, Jeremih kept to a positive path, honing his prodigious musical chops on saxophone, drums, and piano. He graduated high school a year early and enrolled at the University of Illinois as a prospective engineering major. Bookworm by day, beatmaker by night. “I write off beats,” Jeremih reveals. “I’m a producer myself, that’s how I thought I’d initially get into the game. After a while, I just got to writing to the beats. And at the time, I was rapping, not singing.” Indeed, the U of I campus couldn’t hold Jeremih; he transferred to Columbia College, one of Chicago’s preeminent creative schools. 

“That’s where I met Mick Schultz and started vibing with him,” he continues, “And began singing over his beats, because that’s what a lot of his stuff called for at the time. But singing and rapping both came natural; that stemmed from playing instruments growing up. Playing the piano taught me how to sing, or at least how to sound out, reach, and hold notes.”

Jeremih holds notes, and court, on All About You. The album has a depth, a sense of growth, an exploratory side. “The Five Senses” is a slow, sultry firestarter featuring Jeremih’s peerless tone. Then there’s “Broken Down,” full of ominous piano chords and cadenced like a frozen moment in jazz or soul lore. And “Holding On,” the subsequent track: “After being broken down, you gotta keep holding on,” Jeremih affirms. “It’s about trying to see the future when you’re going through something in the moment that’s getting you down. I played this for my Grandpops and a lot of older listeners and they really responded to it. I’m proud of this song and how far I’ve come as an artist.”

Jeremih has other reasons to be proud. Concurrent with his album release, he’ll be appearing on the second season of BET’s popular series, Rising Icons. Icons, presented by Grey Goose vodka, pulls back the curtains and chronicles the lives of rising stars, both at home and on tour. Jeremih will share the spotlight with fast risers such as J. Cole, Estelle, Laura Izibor, and B.O.B. Elsewhere, he’s been honing his pen game for other ballyhooed newcomers, including Jenna Andrews, for whom he and Mick wrote “Tumblin’ Down,” her debut single on Island Records. “I write what I feel, and with the pitch of my voice, I can write for a man or a woman,” he states. “My voice just has the ability to do a lot of different things.”

Speaking of different things, fans yearning for even more Jeremih can cop the Deluxe version of All About You, available via iTunes and featuring several tracks not on the physical CD. Expect also a Jeremih mixtape, on which the young star does as much spitting as singing: “I rapped a little on my last album with ‘Raindrops,’ and people asked ‘Who was that?’ Now, I have some new stuff that I went hard on that just didn’t fit with the theme of this album. So I’m looking forward to the mixtape to let people see that side of me. A lot of singers try to do it, and it can either A) turn all your fans away like ‘You need to stick to singing, fam’ or B) get you respect as being able to do both. I can put rhyme to a melody and have it accepted.”

It’s been a whirlwind couple years for Jeremih, first setting the Midwest ablaze with his indy anthem “My Ride,” following that up with the RIAA-certified platinum “Birthday Sex,” a nomination for an American Music Award, and now, an imminent sophomore album. “I’ve almost traveled the world in a year, and that’s an amazing experience. I now know what to expect this time around. When I do shows, I perform every song off the last album. People still want to hear those songs live, and those are from a year ago. So I’m excited to see the response to this material.” Jeremih recognizes that without his dedicated fans, none of these amazing experiences would be possible. That is why, on September 28th, he would like to tell each and every one of them it's "All About You".

[ARTIST] Trick Daddy

Trick Daddy born Maurice Young, has made an impact on the mainstream that paved the way for fellow thugs in the rap game. Despite the obstacles that were prevalent in the industry his talent broke through the barriers with his raw ability to relay his message straight from the hood while proving club bangers to the masses. His past achievements cannot be disputed from the first time his skill ravaged the airways with the release of Scarred in 1996. Subsequent releases were in 1997 Based on a True Story, in 1998  www.thug.com containing the hot single Nann Nigga featuring Trina, and 2000:Book of Thugs: Chapter AK Verse 47.

The album that erased the line between underground and mainstream was in 2001 with the release of Thugs Are Us with cameos from Ludacris and Mystykal. In 2002 Trick Daddy released Thug Holiday and brought a new awareness of the lifestyle of thugs. Trick Daddy is an artist that has remained close to his roots and to date has exemplified how being a product of your environment does not have to dictate your destiny. Over the next few years he would reiterate this with his releases of Thug Matrimony: Married to the Streets in 2004, Back by Thug Demand in 2006 and Finally Famous: Born a Thug, Still a Thug in 2009. If it wasnt for Trick Daddy birthing a Thug Kingdom in the mainstream music arena the rap game would not be what it is today. Trick Daddy, one of the Original Kings of the south has evolved without sacrificing the voice of the streets. He is like the Hulk of the Hip Hop Game the harder hes hit the meaner he spits annihilates the odds against his movement.

[ARTIST] Ceelo Green

As an entertainer and businessman with many layers, CeeLo Green cannot be summed up in just one title. He is a five-time Grammy Award Winning singer-songwriter-producer, television personality, actor, entrepreneur, pop culture & fashion icon, and professional lady killer. In 2001, CeeLo received five Grammy nominations for his worldwide hit “Forget You” (aka “F—k You”), winning the category for “Best Urban/Alternative Performance”. The single is certified Gold in the United States and Denmark and achieved platinum status in Canada, New Zealand, and the UK; and multi-platinum status in Australia. In October 2012, CeeLo will release a new Christmas album as well as a solo album in 2013 entitled “Everybody’s Brother”. He’s made memorable appearances on Saturday Night Live (2011), Oprah (2011), presented at the ESPYs (2011), and Kids’ Choice Awards (2012) as well as making remarkable performances at the 2012 Super Bowl with Madonna, The Grammy Awards with the Muppets (2011), Brit Awards (2011), Billboard Music Awards (2011/2012), Soul Train Awards (2011), BET Awards (2011), and hit such mainstream status that even Gwyneth Paltrow covered “Forget You” on Glee (2011). CeeLo has also landed the cover of Fast Company’s 2012 “Most Creative People in Business” issue, Rolling Stone magazine as well as Jet magazine. 

In addition to his success as a recording artist, CeeLo Green has completed two seasons as a mentor/ judge on NBC’s hit show The Voice alongside Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton and will return for the 3rd season on September 10th, 2012. He has also made guest-appearances on NBC’s popular show Parenthood (2011), FOX’s American Dad (2011), Nickelodeon’s How To Rock (2012) and also hosted his own talk show “CeeLo Green Talking to Strangers” on FUSE TV. On top of his television work, CeeLo Green is also transitioning his career into acting and has made an impact on the film industry starring in Sparkle, which hit theaters on August 17th, 2012 and is Whitney Houston’s last film. He is also the voice of “Murray the Mummy” in the Sony animated film Hotel Transylvania along with Adam Sandler, Selena Gomez, Andy Samberg, premiering in September 2012 at the Toronto International Film Festival and in theaters September 28th, 2012. CeeLo will also star in the John Carney film Can a Song Save Your Life? along with Keira Knightley, Mark Ruffalo and Catherine Keener, which is slated for a 2013 release. With a strong passion and natural talent for acting, CeeLo has big plans to further his career as an actor and film/TV producer. 

CeeLo Green is also gearing up for his new Las Vegas residency “CeeLo Green is Loberace” at Planet Hollywood opening February 27th, 2013 and running through March 2013. More of a spectacle than a show, CeeLo, the conductor/ringmaster “LOBERACE,” will take you on a ride through the colorful decades of music, stopping at legendary moments in time, from Prince to Blue Magic to The Rolling Stones, new wave to disco and beyond. Visually, the production will combine CeeLo’s flamboyant sense of style & over-the-top creativity, magnified and intensified, with his soulful voice covering some of his favorite music, as well as original songs.

CeeLo truly approaches the industry as a businessman. He was appointed Chief Creative Officer of Primary Wave Music, the management company CeeLo signed with in 2010 and is one of the largest independent music publishing, marketing and talent management companies in the US. He is co-owner of a premium Sake brand TY KU; the voice behind the NFL’s new Thursday Night Football theme song; remixed the iconic Meow Mix Jingle; became the face of ad campaigns such as 7UP and Las Vegas Tourism; and has a book slated for release in 2013. 

CeeLo Green first came onto the music scene as a member of the southern hip-hop group Goodie Mob along with Big Gipp, T-Mo and Khujo, who have reunited and will release their new album “Age Against the Machine” in 2013. The new album will feature the new Goodie Mob single “Fight to Win”, which they debuted on NBC’s The Voice (2012) as well as the Billboard Music Awards (2012). Goodie Mob released their 1st album “Soul Food” in 1995, pioneering them to the top of the emerging Southern rap scene. The Southern Hip Hop group then released two more albums “Still Standing” (1998), and “World Party” (1999). After CeeLo’s success with Goodie Mob, he reinvented himself and formed Gnarls Barkley with deejay-producer Danger Mouse to release the 2006 worldwide hit “Crazy”, which reached #1 in various singles charts worldwide. In the US, “Crazy” reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Following Gnarls Barkley, Green put his time back into his solo career as CeeLo Green and released the 2010 album “The Lady Killer”, which featured his hit single “Forget You”.  

On a personal note, CeeLo Green grew up in Atlanta, GA. Both of his parents were ordained ministers and he started his music career in church. His father died when he was just two years old and his mother, Sheila J. Callaway, a volunteer firefighter, was in a fatal car accident and died when he was 18. His mother and grandmother were both very involved in various philanthropic efforts and to continue his family legacy, CeeLo and his sister Shedonna launched GreenHouse Foundation in August 2012, a non-profit organization with a mission to help make “green education” easier and accessible to students in underserved school districts.

[ARTIST] Rico Love

Rico Love: Songwriter and Producer
Love has written and produced hit records which include Usher’s “There Goes My Baby,” Nelly’s “Just a Dream,” Trey Songz “Heart Attack,” Kelly Rowland’s “Motivation” feat Lil’ Wayne and Beyoncé’s “Sweet Dreams,” and has contributed to Grammy Award winning works such as Beyoncé’s 2009 Best Contemporary R&B album “I Am... Sasha Fierce,” Usher’s 2010 Best Contemporary R&B album “Raymond v. Raymond,” and Usher’s 2010 Best Male R&B Vocal Performance “There Goes My Baby.” In addition, Love has written and produced records for artists such as Fergie, Chris Brown, A$AP Rocky, David Guetta, Wiz Khalifa and Mary J Blige. 

Rico Love: Recording Artist
Having appeared as a featured artist on records with Usher, T.I., Jermaine Dupri, Jamie Foxx, Rich Boy and Fat Joe, Love released the acclaimed “Discrete Luxury” EP, his first work as a solo recording artist in 2013. The lead single “They Don’t’ Know” was called “one of the hottest songs on the radio right now” by Vibe magazine and reached #4 on Billboard’s Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop chart. His second single “Bitches Be Like” released in early 2014. A “smash hit” according to XXL magazine, the track received heavy rotation by leading digital broadcasters Sirius XM radio and Music Choice. Following summer 2014’s “Honest Tour,” Love released “He Got Money” featuring tour headliner, Future. The track was taken from Love’s forthcoming LP, “I SIN,” released August, 2014. 
 

Rico Love: CEO
Love is the CEO of Division1, a record label formed in partnership with Interscope Records in 2013. Division1’s roster features Love alongside singer, songwriter, and musician Tiara Thomas, celebrated for writing and singing the hook on Wale’s highly acclaimed #1 hit, “Bad”. In 2015, Division1 will release Tiara Thomas’ debut LP, “The Bad Influence” and Love’s follow up LP, “#TTLO.”

 

For more info on Rico Love, visit his official site at:

www.ricolove.com

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