Name	Kanye West
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Kanye Omari West
Born	June 08, 1977Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Origin	Chicago, Illinois, United States
Genre	Hip hop
Instrument	Vocals, keyboards, sampler, percussion, synthesizer
Occupation	Producer, rapper, musician, singer
Years active	1996–present
Label	GOOD Music, Roc-A-Fella, Def Jam
Associated acts	Go Getters, Child Rebel Soldier, Jay-Z, Common, John Legend, Kid Cudi, Pusha T, Mr Hudson, Pusha T, Big Sean
Url

Kanye Omari West (; born June 8, 1977) and critical acclaim. His father was Ray West, a former Black Panther who was one of the first black photojournalists at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and is now a Christian counselor. While attending school, West produced for local artists. He later gained fame by producing hit singles for major hip hop/R&B; artists, including Jay-Z, Talib Kweli, Cam'ron, Paul Wall, Common, Mobb Deep, Jermaine Dupri, Scarface, The Game, Alicia Keys, Janet Jackson, John Legend among others. He also "ghost-produced" for his mentor Deric Angelettie, according to his song "Last Call" and the credits of Nas' "Poppa Was a Playa". His work was featured on the lead single "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)," "Heart of the City (Ain't No Love)" and a against Nas and Mobb Deep named "Takeover"; West has worked with Mobb Deep and Nas since the track's release.

After meeting great commercial success and critical acclaim for his productions on The Blueprint, West became a sought after producer in the hip-hop industry, even before he became known as a rapper and solo artist. In the years 2002-2003 he would produce for artists such as Nas, Scarface, Talib Kweli, Mos Def, T.I., Ludacris, DMX, and Monica. He also continued producing for Roc-a-Fella Records artists and contribued four tracks to Jay-Z's follow up album to The Blueprint, .

After great successes as a producer, West now looked to pursue a career as a rapper and solo artist, but struggled to find a way to get a record deal. Chris Anokute, then A&R; at Def Jam, said that when West regularly dropped by the office to pick up his producer checks he would play demos of solo material to Anokute in his cubicle and bemoan the fact that no one was taking him seriously as a rapper. Beginning his career as a rapper, Kanye West rapped a verse on Jay-Z's , an album he produced for, from the same label he was signed to as a rapper.

The College Dropout (2004)

On October 23, 2002, West was involved in a near fatal car crash while driving home from the recording studio. The crash provided inspiration for West's first single, "Through the Wire". The album was eventually certified triple platinum. Guest appearances included Jay-Z, Ludacris, GLC, Consequence, Talib Kweli, Mos Def, Common, and Syleena Johnson. The album also featured the singles, "All Falls Down" and "The New Workout Plan", as well as Twista's number one single, "Slow Jamz".

Late Registration (2005)

performing "Gold Digger" at the Democratic Convention in Denver, Colorado]] Taking a more eclectic route, West collaborated with American film score composer Jon Brion to construct his second album, Late Registration, which was released on August 30, 2005. Aboolian referred her to another internist. Donda never met with the doctor recommended by Aboolian and had the procedures performed by a third doctor, Jan Adams.

Adams sent condolences to Donda West's family but declined to publicly discuss the procedure because of confidentiality.

West has said that Wu-Tang Clan producer RZA influenced him in his style, After hearing his work on The Blueprint, RZA claimed that a torch-passing had occurred between him and West, saying, "The shoes gotta be filled. If you ain't gonna do it, somebody else is gonna do it. That's how I feel about rap today."

West has stated on several occasions that outside of work, he favors listening to rock music over hip-hop. He cites Franz Ferdinand, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and The Killers as some of his favorite musical groups. Additionally, on Graduation, West drew inspiration from arena rock bands such as U2, The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin for melody and chord progression. West was criticized by various celebrities for the outburst, After Swift appeared on The View two days after the outburst, partly to discuss the matter, West called her to apologize personally. Swift said she accepted his apology. In September 2010, West wrote a series of apologetic tweets addressed to Swift including "Beyonce didn't need that. MTV didn't need that and Taylor and her family friends and fans definitely didn't want or need that" and concluding with "I'm sorry Taylor." West also revealed he had written a song for Swift and if she didn't accept the song, he would perform it himself.

Legal issues

In December 2006, Robert "Evel" Knievel sued West for trademark infringement in West's video for "Touch the Sky." Knievel took issue with a "sexually-charged video" in which West takes on the persona of "Evel Kanyevel" and attempts flying a rocket over a canyon. The suit filed in federal court claims infringement on his trademarked name and likeness. Knievel also claims the "vulgar and offensive" images depicted in the video damage his reputation. The suit seeks damages and to stop distribution of the video. West's attorneys argued that the music video amounted to satire and therefore was covered under the First Amendment. Just days before his death in November 2007, Knievel amicably settled the suit after being paid a visit from West, saying, "I thought he was a wonderful guy and quite a gentleman."

On September 11, 2008, West and his road manager/bodyguard Don Crowley were arrested at Los Angeles International Airport and booked on charges of felony vandalism after an altercation with the paparazzi in which West and Crowley broke the photographers' cameras. West was later released from the Los Angeles Police Department's Pacific Division station in Culver City on $20,000 bail bond. On September 26, 2008 the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office said it would not file felony counts against West over the incident. Instead the case file was forwarded to the city attorney's office, which charged West with one count of misdemeanor vandalism, one count of grand theft and one count of battery and his manager with three counts of each on March 18, 2009. West's and Crowley's arraignment was delayed from an original date of April 14, 2009. West was arrested again on November 14, 2008 at a hotel near Gateshead after another scuffle involving a photographer outside a nightclub in Newcastle Upon Tyne. He was later released "with no further action", according to a police spokesperson.

Discography

; Studio albums

The College Dropout (2004)

Late Registration (2005)

Graduation (2007)

808s & Heartbreak (2008)

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010)

; Live albums

''Late Orchestration (2006)

(2010)

; Collaboration albums Watch The Throne (2011) (with Jay-Z)

Awards and nominations

References

External links

Kanye West at Beatbuggy

Category:1977 births Category:1990s singers Category:2000s rappers Category:2010s rappers Category:2000s singers Category:2010s singers Category:African American rappers Category:African American singers Category:American bloggers Category:American hip hop record producers Category:American music video directors Category:American pop musicians Category:American record producers Category:Songwriters from Georgia (U.S. state) Category:BRIT Award winners Category:Chicago State University alumni Category:Electro-hop musicians Category:Grammy Award winners Category:Hip hop musicians Category:Hip hop singers Category:Living people Category:Mercury Records artists Category:People from Atlanta, Georgia Category:Rappers from Chicago, Illinois Category:Roc-A-Fella Records artists Category:World Music Awards winners

Name	Jamie Foxx
Caption	Foxx promoting Stealth in July 2005
Birth name	Eric Marlon Bishop
Birth date	December 13, 1967
Birth place	Terrell, Texas, United States
Medium	Stand-up, film, television, music
Nationality	American
Active	1992–present
Genre	Black comedy, Musical comedy, Satire/Political satire, Observational comedy, Character comedy, Blue comedy
Subject	Race relations, racism, African-American culture, pop culture, human sexuality, American politics, current events, self-deprecation
Notable work	In Living ColorJamie King on The Jamie Foxx ShowAlvin Sanders in BaitDrew 'Bundini' Brown in AliRay Charles in RayLt. Henry Purcell in StealthStaff Sgt. Sykes in JarheadCurtis Taylor Jr. in Dreamgirls
Website	Official site

Eric Marlon Bishop (born December 13, 1967), professionally known as Jamie Foxx, is an American actor, R&B; singer, songwriter, stand-up comedian, and talk radio host. As an actor, his work in the film Ray earned him the Academy Award and BAFTA Award for Best Actor as well as the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a musical/comedy. He is also a Grammy Award winning musician, producing two albums which have charted highly on the Billboard 200: Unpredictable, which topped the chart, and Intuition.

Early life

Foxx was born as Eric Marlon Bishop on December 13, 1967, in Terrell, Texas.

Foxx attended Terrell High School, where he received top grades, played basketball and football as quarterback, and had an ambition to play for the Dallas Cowboys. He was the first player in the school's history to pass for more than 1,000 yards. After completing high school, Foxx received a scholarship to United States International University, where he studied classical music and composition. In addition his recurrent In Living Color character LaWanda shared names with Redd's friend and co-worker, LaWanda Page.

Foxx joined the cast of In Living Color in 1991 and subsequently played a recurring role in the comedy-drama sitcom Roc. He was cast in the role in part because of his background as a football player. Foxx has since evolved into a respected dramatic actor. Following Any Given Sunday, Foxx was featured as taxi driver Max Durocher in the film Collateral alongside Tom Cruise, for which he received outstanding reviews and a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. His standout performance, however, was his portrayal of Ray Charles in the biopic Ray (2004), for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor and the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.

Foxx is the second male in history to receive two acting Oscar nominations in the same year for two different movies, Collateral and Ray. The only other male actor to achieve this was Al Pacino. In 2005, Foxx was invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Personal life

Foxx, being from Texas, is a Dallas Mavericks Fan. Former Jamie Foxx Show co-star Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon made a public announcement on The Wendy Williams Show stating that Foxx has a second child. Foxx was spotted with the baby in Miami for New Year's Eve 2010, and it was revealed to be a girl.

Foxx performed a public service announcement for Do Something to promote food drives in local communities.

Legal issues

In April 2003, Foxx was involved in an incident with two police officers who were attempting to escort him and his sister out of Harrah's casino in New Orleans. Employees claimed they had failed to show identification upon entry. Originally charged with trespassing, disturbing the peace, battery on police officers and resisting arrest, Foxx pleaded no contest to disturbing the peace in exchange for the other charges being dropped, and was sentenced to a six month suspended jail term with two years probation and a $1500 fine.

Controversy

On the April 17, 2009 episode of The Jamie Foxx Show on Foxxhole Radio, Foxx and his co-hosts made several sexually suggestive and disparaging jokes regarding teenaged singer Miley Cyrus, in response to a caller's comment on a recent altercation between Cyrus and rock band Radiohead. Foxx issued a public apology on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno several days later in response to growing public outcry as well as televised criticism by Cyrus's father, country singer Billy Ray Cyrus.

Discography

Peep This (1994)

Unpredictable (2005)

Intuition (2008)

Best Night of My Life (2010)

Tours

The Unpredictable Tour (2006)

The Blame It Tour (2009)

Filmography

{| border="2" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="margin:1em 1em 1em 0; background:#f9f9f9; border:1px #aaa solid; border-collapse:collapse; font-size:90%" |- ! style="background:#B0C4DE" | Year ! style="background:#B0C4DE" | Film ! style="background:#B0C4DE" | Role ! style="background:#B0C4DE" | Notes |- |1992 | Toys | Baker | |- |rowspan=2|1996 | The Truth About Cats & Dogs | Ed | |- | The Great White Hype | Hassan El Ruk'n | |- |rowspan=|1997 | Booty Call | Bunz | |- |rowspan=|1998 | The Players Club | Blue | |- |rowspan=2|1999 | Held Up | Michael | |- | Any Given Sunday | Willie Beamen | Nominated — BET Award for Best Supporting ActorNominated — MTV Movie Award for Best Breakthrough Male Performance |- |2000 | Bait | Alvin Sanders | |- |rowspan=2|2001 | Date from Heaven | | |- | Ali | Drew 'Bundini' Brown | BET Award for Best Supporting ActorNAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture |- |2003 | Shade | Larry Jennings | |- |rowspan=4|2004 | Breakin' All the Rules | Quincy Watson | Nominated — BET Award for Best Actor, Musical or Comedy |- | Collateral | Max | BET Award for Best Supporting ActorWashington D.C. Area Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting ActorNominated — Academy Award for Best Supporting ActorNominated — BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting RoleNominated — Broadcast Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting ActorNominated — Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Motion PictureNominated — NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion PictureNominated — Online Film Critics Society Award for Best Supporting ActorNominated — Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actor - Motion PictureNominated — Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role |- | Ray | Ray Charles | Academy Award for Best ActorBAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading RoleBET Award for Best ActorBoston Society of Film Critics Award for Best ActorBroadcast Film Critics Association Award for Best ActorFlorida Film Critics Circle Award for Best ActorGolden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or ComedyKansas City Film Critics Circle Award for Best ActorLas Vegas Film Critics Society Award for Best ActorLondon Film Critics Circle Award for Best ActorNAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion PictureNational Board of Review Award for Best ActorNational Society of Film Critics Award for Best ActorPhoenix Film Critics Society Award for Best ActorSatellite Award for Best Actor - Motion Picture Musical or ComedyScreen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading RoleSeattle Film Critics Association Award for Best ActorVancouver Film Critics Circle Award for Best ActorWashington D.C. Area Film Critics Association Award for Best ActorNominated — MTV Movie Award for Best Male PerformanceNominated — Online Film Critics Society Award for Best ActorNominated — Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture |- | |Tookie | BET Award for Best Actor, Network/Cable TelevisionNAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic SpecialSatellite Award for Best Actor – Miniseries or Television FilmNominated — Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Miniseries or Television FilmNominated — Independent Spirit Award for Best Lead MaleNominated — Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Miniseries or Television Movie |- |rowspan=2|2005 | Stealth | Lt. Henry Purcell | |- | Jarhead | Staff Sgt. Sykes | Nominated — Black Movie Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor |- |rowspan=2|2006 | Miami Vice | Ricardo Tubbs | |- | Dreamgirls | Curtis Taylor, Jr. | Nominated — BET Award for Best ActorNominated — NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion PictureNominated — Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture |- |2007 | The Kingdom | Ronald Fleury | |- |rowspan=2|2009 | The Soloist | Nathaniel Ayers | Nominated- Black Reel Awards- Best Actor |- | Law Abiding Citizen | Nick Rice | Nominated- BET Awards- Best ActorNominated- - Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture |- |rowspan=2|2010 | Valentine's Day | Kelvin Briggs | |- | Due Date | Darryl | |- |rowspan=3|2011 | Rio | Bobby, the yellow canary | Post-production |- | Horrible Bosses | Motherfucker Jonas | Post-production |- | Kane & Lynch | James Seth Lynch | Filming |}

Awards and nominations

Television Awards

*1998, Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series: The Jamie Foxx Show

*1999, Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series: The Jamie Foxx Show (nominated)

*2000, Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series: The Jamie Foxx Show (nominated)

*2001, Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series: The Jamie Foxx Show (nominated)

Music awards

American Music Awards

*2009, Favorite R&B;/Soul Male Artist (nominated)

*2006, Favorite R&B;/Soul Male Artist (winner)

*2006, Favorite R&B;/Soul Album: Unpredictable (nominated)

BET Awards

*2006, Best Male R&B; Artist (nominated)

*2006, Best Collaboration ("Unpredictable") with Ludacris (nominated)

*2009, Best Collaboration ("Blame It") with T-Pain (Winner)

*2009, Video of the Year: ("Blame It") (nominated)

*2009, Best Male R&B; Artist (nominated)

Grammy Awards

*2010, Best R&B; Performance by a Duo or Group ("Blame It") with T-Pain (winner)

*2010, Best Contemporary R&B; Album (Intuition) (nominated)

*2010, Best R&B; Song ("Blame It") (nominated)

*2007, Best Rap/Sung Collaboration ("Unpredictable") with Ludacris (nominated)

*2007, Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group ("Georgia") with Ludacris & Field Mob (nominated)

*2007, Best R&B; Performance by a Duo or Group ("Love Changes") with Mary J. Blige (nominated)

*2007, Best R&B; Album (Unpredictable) (nominated)

*2006, Best Rap/Sung Collaboration ("Slow Jamz") with Twista & Kanye West (nominated)

*2006, Best Male R&B; Vocal Performance ("Creepin") (nominated)

*2009, Outstanding Male Artist (winner)

*2006, Outstanding Male Artist (winner)

MOBO Awards

*2006, Best R&B; Act (nominated)

MTV Video Music Awards

*2006, Best Hip-Hop Video: "Gold Digger" with Kanye West (nominated)

*2006, Best Ringtone: "Gold Digger" with Kanye West (nominated)

*2006, Best R&B; Video: "Unpredictable" featuring Ludacris (nominated)

*2004, MTV2 Award: "Slow Jamz" with Twista & Kanye West (nominated)

Soul Train Awards

*2009, Record of the Year: "Blame It" (winner)

*2009, Album of the Year: Intuition (nominated)

*2007, Best R&B;/Soul Album, Male: Unpredictable (winner)

*2006, Best Music Video: "Gold Digger" with Kanye West (winner)

*2006, Best R&B;/Soul Dance Cut: "Gold Digger" with Kanye West (nominated)

Vibe Awards

*2005, Best Collabo: "Gold Digger" with Kanye West (nominated)

*2004, Best Collabo: "Slow Jamz" with Twista & Kanye West (nominated)

Movie/TV Awards

Academy Awards

*2004, Nominated Best Supporting Actor - Collateral

* 2004, Won Best Actor - Ray

BAFTA Awards

*2005, Won Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role - Ray

*2004, Nominated Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role - Collateral

BET Awards

*2006, Nominated Best Actor

*2005, Won Best Actor

Black Movie Awards

*2006, Nominated Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role - Jarhead

Black Reel Awards

*2007, Nominated - Best Actor - Dreamgirls

*2005, Won Best Actor, Drama - Ray

*2004, Won Best Actor - Redemption: The Stan Tookie Williams Story (TV)

*2004, Won Best Supporting Actor - Collateral

*2004, Nominated - Best Actor, Musical or Comedy - Breakin' All the Rules

*2002, Won Theatrical - Best Supporting Actor - Ali

*2000, Nominated - Best Supporting Actor - Any Given Sunday

Blockbuster Entertainment Awards

*2000, Nominated - Favorite Supporting Actor - Drama - Any Given Sunday

Boston Society of Film Critics Awards

*2004, Won Best Actor - Ray

Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards

*2005, Won Critics Choice Award Best Actor - Ray

*2004, Nominated Critics Choice Award Best Supporting Actor - Collateral

Florida Film Critics Circle Awards

*2004, Won FFCC Award Best Actor - Ray

Golden Globes

*2005, Won Golden Globe Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy - Ray

*2004, Nominated Golden Globe Best Performance by an Actor in a Mini-Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television - Redemption: The Stan Tookie Williams Story (TV)

*2004, Nominated Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture - Collateral

Hollywood Film Festival

*2004, Won Hollywood Breakthrough Award Breakthrough Actor

*2007, Nominated Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture - Dreamgirls

*2005, Won Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture - Ray

*2004, Won Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special - Redemption: The Stan Tookie Williams Story (TV)

*2004, Nominated Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture - Collateral

*2002, Won Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture - Ali

*2001, Nominated Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series - "The Jamie Foxx Show"

*2000, Nominated Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series - "The Jamie Foxx Show"

*1999, Nominated Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series - "The Jamie Foxx Show"

*1998, Nominated Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series - "The Jamie Foxx Show"

Independent Spirit Awards

*2005, Nominated Best Male Lead - Redemption: The Stan Tookie Williams Story (TV)

Kansas City Film Critics Circle Awards

*2005, Won Best Actor - Ray (2004/I)

Kids' Choice Awards

*2001, Nominated Favorite Television Actor - "The Jamie Foxx Show"

*2000, Nominated Favorite Television Actor - "The Jamie Foxx Show"

Las Vegas Film Critics Society Awards

*2005, Won Sierra Award Best Actor - Ray

London Critics Circle Film Awards

*2005, Won ALFS Award Actor of the Year - Ray

MTV Movie Awards

*2005, Nominated Best Male Performance - Ray

*2000, Nominated Breakthrough Male Performance - Any Given Sunday

MovieGuide Awards

*2005, Won Grace Award Most Inspiring Television Acting - Redemption: The Stan Tookie Williams Story (TV)

National Board of Review

*2004, Won Best Actor - Ray

National Society of Film Critics Awards

*2005, Won Best Actor - Ray

Online Film Critics Society Awards

*2005, Nominated Best Actor - Ray

*2004, Won Best Supporting Actor - Collateral

People's Choice Awards

*2008, Nominated Favorite Leading Man

*2006, Nominated Favorite Leading Man

Phoenix Film Critics Society Awards

*2004, Won Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role - Ray

Prism Awards

*2005, Won Performance in a Feature Film - Ray

Satellite Awards

*2005, Won Golden Satellite Award Best Actor in a Miniseries or a Motion Picture Made for Television - Redemption: The Stan Tookie Williams Story (TV)

*2004, Won Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical - Ray

*2004, Nominated Golden Satellite Award Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Drama - Collateral

Screen Actors Guild Awards

*2007, Nominated Actor Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture - Dreamgirls

*2005, Won Actor Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role - Ray

*2004, Nominated Actor Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture - Ray

*2004, Nominated Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role - Collateral

*2004, Nominated Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries - Redemption: The Stan Tookie Williams Story (TV)

Seattle Film Critics Awards

*'''2004, Won Best Actor - Ray

Southeastern Film Critics Association Awards

*2004, Won Best Actor - Ray

TV Land Awards

*2007, Nominated Little Screen/Big Screen Star

*2006, Nominated Little Screen/Big Screen Star

Teen Choice Awards

*2007, Nominated Choice Movie: Liplock - Dreamgirls

*2005, Nominated Choice Movie Actor: Drama - Ray

Vancouver Film Critics Circle

*2005, Won Best Actor - Ray

Washington DC Area Film Critics Association Awards

*2004, Won Best Actor - Ray

*2004, Won Best Supporting Actor - Collateral

References

External links

Official Site

Category:1967 births Category:Actors from Texas Category:African American film actors Category:African American comedians Category:American adoptees Category:American stand-up comedians Category:American television actors Category:BAFTA winners (people) Category:Best Actor BAFTA Award winners Category:Best Actor Academy Award winners Category:Best Musical or Comedy Actor Golden Globe (film) winners Category:Living people Category:People from Linden, Texas Category:People from the Dallas – Fort Worth Metroplex Category:African American television actors Category:Grammy Award winners

Name	Jamie Cullum
Landscape	no
Background	solo_singer
Born	August 20, 1979Romford, Essex, England, UK
Instrument	Vocals, piano, guitar, stomp box, drums
Genre	Crossover jazz, power pop, blue-eyed soul
Active	1999-present
Occupation	Musician, songwriter
Label	UCJ, Candid, Decca, Verve (US), Verve Forecast (US), Deckdisc (BR)
Url	www.jamiecullum.com

Jamie Cullum (born 20 August 1979) is an English pop and jazz-pop singer-songwriter. Though he is primarily a vocalist/pianist he also accompanies himself on other instruments including guitar and drums. Since April 2010, he has presented a weekly jazz show on BBC Radio 2, broadcast on Tuesdays from 19:00. for three albums with Universal, who beat Sony in a bidding war. Cullum's second studio album, Twentysomething, released in October 2003, went platinum and became the #1 selling studio album by a jazz artist in the United Kingdom. Cullum ended 2003 as the UK's biggest selling jazz artist of all time.

Although primarily a jazz musician, he performs in a wide range of styles and is generally regarded as a "crossover" artist with his musical roots firmly based in jazz. Cullum draws his inspiration from many different musicians and listens to an eclectic mix of music from Miles Davis and the first single is "I'm All Over It", written by Deacon Blue frontman, Ricky Ross. The album was recorded at a Los Angeles studio, using songs that Cullum originally recorded at his Shepherd's Bush recording studio, Terrified Studios.

The Pursuit was recorded in a variety of places; Jamie's kitchen, a studio in L.A. and "Terrifed Studios" (Jamie's own in Shepherd's Bush). Various musicians were also used in the recording process. Songs recorded in L.A. mostly used session musicians and sees Greg Wells and Cullum play various instrument including drums and bass. "Don't Stop The Music", the second single from the album (released as a download only in January 2010) was recorded with Chris Hill and Brad Webb.

Other band members

From 2003 to 2008 Cullum played consistently with Geoff Gascoyne on bass, and Sebastiaan de Krom on drums. From 2003 until 2004 the trio was joined by Ben Castle on saxophone, John Hoare on trumpet, Barnaby Dickinson on trombone and Malcolm MacFarlane on guitar.

Sam Wedgwood (guitarist, bassist and trumpeter) later joined Cullum, on tour, for a little over a year. At the end of 2005 Cullum was joined by Tom Richards (saxophonist, occasional guitarist and percussion). Soon after that Sam Wedgwood left to pursue his own solo musical career. At the beginning of 2006 Rory Simmons (trumpeter and guitarist) joined the band as a replacement, bringing the total number of band members (including Cullum himself) to five.

In late 2008 Cullum replaced Geoff Gascoyne (bass) and Sebastiaan de Krom (drums) with Chris Hill (bass) and Brad Webb (drums).

Awards

The British Jazz Awards first recognised Cullum's growing success by awarding him the "Rising Star" award, at the 2003 ceremony in July. At the 2004 BRIT Awards, Cullum was nominated in the "British Breakthrough Act" category. He performed live in the ceremony at Earl's Court, a duet with Katie Melua of The Cure's "The Lovecats". In the 2005 BRIT Awards, Cullum was nominated for two awards: "Best Male Artist" and "Best Live Act". In 2005 Cullum was nominated for a Grammy while taking BBC Radio 2 "Artist of the Year" honours at the BBC Jazz Awards (as voted for by listeners of Radio 2). In 2007 Cullum won the Ronnie Scotts Jazz Award for "Best British Male". He was also nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song for his composition, "Gran Torino".

Personal life

Cullum married British food writer and former model Sophie Dahl in a private ceremony at the Lime Wood country house hotel in the New Forest National Park in England on 9 January 2010. On 11 September 2010, the couple confirmed that they are expecting a child.

Discography

References

External links

Official record label site

Category:1979 births Category:Living people Category:Alumni of the University of Reading Category:English drummers Category:English-language singers Category:English male singers Category:English pop guitarists Category:English pop pianists Category:English pop singers Category:Jazz-pop pianists Category:Jazz-pop singers Category:People from Wiltshire Category:BBC Radio 2 presenters

Name	High Contrast
Birth name	Lincoln Barrett
Landscape	yes
Background	non_performing_personnel
Origin	Penarth, Wales, UK
Genre	Drum and bass
Years active	2000–present
Label	Hospital

Lincoln Barrett, better known by the stage name High Contrast (born 18 September 1979 in Penarth, Cardiff), is a Welsh drum and bass DJ and producer.

History

Barrett grew up more interested in films and film soundtracks rather than music, and still cites Wendy Carlos's A Clockwork Orange soundtrack album and the Vangelis soundtrack for Blade Runner as defining musical influences. Whilst studying film making in Newport, he heard J Majik's Arabian Nights which turned the then 17-year-old Barrett onto drum and bass music. Barrett used to work in Cardiff's (Wales) only electronic record shop, Catapult.

A short time after he began to make music, he was given a DJ residency at Cardiff's drum and bass night, named Silent Running. During his residency at Silent Running, Barrett played alongside artists such as Grooverider and London Elektricity.

In June 2002, Barrett's debut LP True Colours was released on Hospital Records to critical acclaim, with "Return of Forever" and "Global Love" finding their way into the UK Singles Chart. His second album High Society was one of the most successful drum and bass albums of 2004.

On 6 April 2003, High Contrast was featured on the BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix show. His mix included most of the then current liquid funk anthems, mostly from the Hospital Records label. On 9 January 2005, this Essential Mix was replayed on Radio 1 when another drum and bass artist, Andy C, was unable to deliver his mix.

In 2007, he delivered his second essential mix, this mix was selected as 'Essential Mix of the Year' by Pete Tong.

Musical style

Barrett's sound can be simply classified as drum and bass, but some critics class his specific sound "liquid funk", the sound first defined by Fabio. It is sometimes described as uplifting jungle. Barrett has been credited for creating the drum and bass sound now recognized as Liquid.

His music contains many motifs and elements found in House music, such as androgynous time stretched vocals, electric pianos, violins and low-pass filtered samples. Many tracks have epic/anthemic chord progressions and simple bass lines that contrast with some of the more complex basslines found in much drum n bass today.

While Barrett has kept a signature sound throughout his drum and bass releases, his sound has undeniably matured and evolved. His first album 'True Colours' contained many disco influences and "Return of Forever" was the first track to use the syncopated bassline, playing notes next to each other one octave apart, which he has used in other productions since. 'High Society' had slicker production, many jazz samples and big, epic vocals. 'Tough Guys Don't Dance' had a variety of influences and critically contained many tracks with elements from early 1990s jungle - especially in the drum programming and breakbeats used in classic jungle tracks. 'If We Ever' for example uses the break Andy C used in his Origin Unknown classic "Valley of the Shadows (31 seconds)", speeded up "chipmunk" vocals and a piano riff that sounds like it could have come from that era. While Drum n Bass producers have often reused elements of old school jungle, many of the tracks on the album strongly captured the atmosphere of early jungle and many other producers are now making similarly influenced tracks including Hospital label mate Danny Byrd's "Shock Out".

Barrett has often said in interviews that he believes that drum n bass is about continual progression so it is likely his next album will contain a fresh new sound, combined with many of his staple techniques that make his distinctive style.

Today

He is a highly sought-after DJ and receives numerous remix requests; previous popular remixes include Missy Elliot's 'We Run This', The Streets' 'It's Too Late' and The White Stripes 'Blue Orchid'. Arguably, his best remix to date is his edit of Future Sound Of London's 'Papua New Guinea' which embodies his unrelenting liquid style. More recently in 2008, he remixed Adele's 'Hometown Glory' which became the best selling Drum and Bass single of the year. Eric Prydz summer anthem Pjanoo was also re-worked by High Contrast that year.

Barrett doesn't drink, smoke, or take any other drugs. He is a vegetarian. He comes from a music oriented family as his father Paul 'Legs' Barrett used to manage Shakin' Stevens. His mother is the Welsh Assembly Member Lorraine Barrett for Cardiff South and Penarth.

Barrett currently is a resident DJ at the following clubs: Hospitality as part of Hospital Records at Matter in London (previously at Heaven), Aperture at Clwb Ifor Bach (The Welsh Club) in Cardiff, at Roxy in Prague. He is also on regular rotation at Fabric in London.

With the releases of "When The Lights Go Down", "Angels and Fly Remix" and "Days Go By", Barrett shifted his talents somewhat from liquid funk to music with a somewhat harder edge. His newer, more synth-driven releases still contain his classic melodic style.

In October 2005, Barrett launched his own record label, The Contrast. The first single, "Days Go By/What We Do" was released out in early November 2005. To date it has only had this one release and did not officially have his artist name - which is likely due to the uncleared Stevie Nicks sample on "Days Go By".

His third album 'Tough Guys Don't Dance' was released on October 1, 2007. The second single from the album- 'If We Ever' was considered the drum n bass record of the year 2007 and remains an anthem. "If We Ever" has been heavily played and supported on Radio 1 by Annie Mac, Zane Lowe and Jo Whiley helping it to reach number 1 in the DnB chart, number 1 in the dance chart and number 4 in the Indie chart.

He was featured once again on Radio 1's Essential Mix on 7 October 2007. A tracklisting can be found here. This essential mix won Essential Mix of the year (2007) as chosen by Pete Tong. In 2008, High Contrast remixed the #1 single "No Way to Say" for Japanese Mega-star Ayumi Hamasaki's remix album titled . He also made successful remixes of Hometown Glory by Adele and Pjanoo by Eric Prydz which were later included on album Confidential.

He has started producing house tracks under the alias "Two Fisted Tales" Tracks so far are "Fugue State" and "Rushmore" He played them during his take over for the Rob Da Bank show on BBC Radio1 (1/26/2009)

Barrett has been awarded many titles over the years, including Best Producer, Best Album, and Best Liquid DJ for a few years running at the 'National Drum & Bass Awards'.

Discography

Albums

True Colours (2002)

High Society (2004)

Tough Guys Don't Dance (2007)

Watch the Ride - High Contrast (2008)

Confidential (2009)

Compilation

FabricLive.25 (2005)

Hospitality Presents This is Drum + Bass (2009)

Singles

"Make it Tonight" / "Mermaid Scar" (2001)

"Return of Forever" (2002)

"Global Love" (2002)

"Basement Track" (2003)

"Twilight's Last Gleaming" (2004)

"Angels and Fly" (2004)

"Racing Green" / "St Ives" (2004)

"When the Lights Go Down" / "Magic" (2005)

"Days Go By" / "What We Do" (2005)

"Everything's Different" / "Green Screen" (2007)

"If We Ever" / "Pink Flamingos" (released 16 July 2007)

"In A Gadda Da Vida" / "Forever And A Day" (2007) UK Indie - #12

Remixes

"Kaleidoscope" by Tiesto

"Wall" by Enter Shikari

"Baggy Bottom Boys" by Jokers of the Scene

"Ready for the Weekend" by Calvin Harris

"In For The Kill (Skream's Let's Get Ravey Mix)" by La Roux

"Most Precious Love" by Blaze featuring Barbara Tucker

"Hometown Glory" by Adele

"Pjanoo" by Eric Prydz

"Reload It" by Kano (rapper)

"Time to Pretend" by MGMT

"Something Good '08" by Utah Saints

"Papua New Guinea" by Future Sound of London

"I Found U" by Axwell

"It's Too Late" by The Streets

"Talk" by Coldplay

"Gold Digger" by Kanye West

"Flashing Lights" by Kanye West

"We Run This" by Missy Elliott

"My Dreams" by London Elektricity featuring Robert Owens

"Headlock" by Imogen Heap

"Barcelona" by D.Kay & Epsilon

"My Doorbell" by The White Stripes

"Hey U" by Basement Jaxx

"Thugged Out Bitch" by Dillinja

"Girls & Boys (Aquasky song)" by Aquasky and El Horner

"Renegade Snares" by Omni Trio

"Back For More" by Influx Datum

"Karma (Comes Back Around)" by Adam F & Guru

"No More" by Roni Size & Dynamite MC

"No Soul" by ILS

"Spaced Invader" by Hatiras

"This Feeling" by Blue Sonix

"Born Free" by M.I.A.

"Blue Orchid" by The White Stripes

"Wall" by Enter Shikari

References

External links

High Contrast official biography at Hospital Records.com

High Contrast blog

Category:1979 births Category:Living people Category:People from Penarth Category:Drum and bass musicians Category:Hospital Records artists Category:Welsh record producers