Name	Fabolous
Landscape	yes
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	John David Jackson
Alias
Born	November 18, 1977Brooklyn, New York, United States
Instrument	vocals
Genre	Hip hop
Occupation	Rapper, songwriter
Years active	1993–present
Label	Desert Storm, Def Jam
Associated acts	Ne-Yo, Young Jeezy, Red Cafe, Nate Dogg

John David Jackson (born November 18, 1977), better known by his stage name Fabolous, is an American recording artist. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, part of his early popularity arose from his hit single "Can't Deny It" in 2001, from his debut album Ghetto Fabolous. The album reached number-three on the Billboard 200 chart and sold over 1.05 million copies by 2003. His followup album, Street Dreams (2003), produced the Billboard Hot 100 number-four hits "Can't Let You Go", featuring Lil' Mo & Mike Shorey, and "Into You", featuring Tamia.

In 2004, Fabolous released the album Real Talk, which peaked at number-six on the Billboard 200 with 179,000 copies sold in one week and contained the charting singles "Breathe" and "Baby". Following a three year hiatus since Real Talk, the artist released his fourth studio album, From Nothin' to Somethin' (2007), which debuted at number-two on the Billboard 200 and number-one on the Billboard Top R&B;/Hip-Hop Albums and sold 159,000 copies in its first week. The album spawned the singles "Diamonds", "Return of the Hustle", "Make Me Better", featuring Ne-Yo, and Baby Don't Go, which featured Jermaine Dupri and T-Pain.

Fabolous' success continued with his 2009 album, Loso's Way, which debuted at number-one on the Billboard 200, selling over 99,000 copies in its first week, and became the artist's first album to top the chart. Loso's Way produced the singles "My Time", "Everything, Everyday, Everywhere", "Throw It in the Bag", and "Money Goes, Honey Stay (When the Money Goes Remix)". He later released an extended play entitled , which contains the single "You Be Killin' Em".

To date, Fabolous has released five albums, which have collectively sold over three million copies in the United States. In September 2009, the rapper was ranked number eight on MTV's Hottest MC in the Game list.

Early life and career beginnings

Fabolous was born John David Jackson on November 18, 1977, of African American and Dominican descent. He grew up in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. While in high school in twelfth grade, Fabolous began to pursue a rap career. He was featured on several DJ Clue mixtapes and mixtapes with Roc-A-Fella artists. This earned Fabolous and Desert Storm a distribution deal with Elektra Records. The album's first single, "Can't Deny It", was produced by Rick Rock and features a chorus by Nate Dogg interpolating Tupac Shakur's song "Ambitionz Az a Ridah". It charted on the Billboard Hot 100, along with two of the subsequent singles. The other charting singles were "Young'n (Holla Back)", which is produced by The Neptunes and "Trade It All", which features vocals from Jagged Edge and is produced by DJ Clue and Duro.

2003: Street Dreams

Fabolous released his second album Street Dreams on March 4, 2003. Powered by a Just Blaze beat and guest vocals from Lil' Mo and Mike Shorey, "Can't Let You Go" reached number one on the Rhythmic Top 40 chart and number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. "Into You" with Ashanti / Tamia also reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100. Also released on Street Dreams was the lead single club banger "This Is My Party" and "Trade It All Pt. 2" which featured Jagged Edge as it did on the Ghetto Fabolous version, as well as Diddy.

Exactly seven months later, on November 4, 2003, Fabolous dropped his official mixtape, . It was an official release by his record label, Elektra. The album featured remixes and tracks not originally slated on Street Dreams. This album was also an outlet for his three man crew, known as the Triangle Offense, consisting of himself, Paul Cain, and Joe Budden. The album actually features a remix to song Fire, which was originally on Joe Budden's self-titled debut album.

2004–06: Real Talk

Fabolous' third album Real Talk was released on November 5, 2004. It debuted at number six on the Billboard 200 with 179,000 copies and had two charting singles, the lowest in his career. The two charting singles are his street anthem "Breathe" and "Baby," which features Mike Shorey, and shows his more sensitive side that he has shown on many songs in the past. His second single was not promoted until weeks after the album's release. "Tit 4 Tat" was his third single. Pharrell of The Neptunes produced it and did the hook. Fab feels that the single didn't hit it as big as it should have due to poor advertising. Making the music video for his fourth single, "Do the Damn Thing" cost Jackson $30,000. The song featured Young Jeezy, who became known to the public through the video. The same year, Fabolous was nominated for a Grammy Award for his collaboration on the "Dip It Low" remix by Christina Milian. In early 2006, Fabolous moved to Def Jam and left Atlantic Records who received Musiq in return. The album was certified Gold in July 2007. It is his first album on Def Jam Recordings.

The first single and video, "Diamonds", features Young Jeezy who also appeared on the Real Talk track "Do the Damn Thing". Lil Wayne and Remy Ma are featured on the remix. His second single was "Return of the Hustle" which featured Swizz Beatz, also came out before the album release, to some acclaim, but little airplay. His third single though, "Make Me Better," which features fellow Def Jam artist Ne-Yo, and is produced by Timbaland, was his biggest hit to date, spending 14 weeks at number one on the Hot Rap Track Billboard Chart. The fourth single was "Baby Don't Go." Jermaine Dupri produced it and T-Pain sings the hook. However, in music video version of the song, Jermaine Dupri sings the hook. This song also found success, reaching number four on the Hot Rap Track Chart.

2009: Loso's Way

Fabolous released his fifth studio album, Loso's Way, in July 2009. The album is based on the 1993 film Carlito's Way, similar to Jay-Z's American Gangster. The first official single is "Throw It in the Bag", featuring The-Dream, and is produced by Christopher "Tricky" Stewart. The second single is "My Time", featuring Jeremih, and is produced by The Runners and Kevin "KC" Cossom. The third single is "Everything, Everyday, Everywhere", featuring Keri Hilson, and is produced by Ryan Leslie. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, selling 99,000 copies in its first week. It became Fabolous' first album to top the chart. In its second week of sales, the album dropped 8 spots from #1 to #9, selling 37,000 copies. A deluxe album was released on the same day as the standard release. The edition features a bonus DVD, ("Loso's Way" the movie). The movie features Fabolous (and three other of his friends). Fabolous is leaving a restaurent when he is shot. His three friends quickly rush Fabolous to the hospital, but are stopped by the police after running a red light. Fellow rapper Styles P has a role in the movie. DJ Clue, DJ Khaled, Jadakiss, Swizz Beatz, DJ Envy, and Ryan Leslie make cameo appearances. The movie "Loso's Way" runs for 33:03 minutes. In order to view "Loso's Way", the deluxe album "Loso's Way" must be purchased. In September 2009, Fabolous was ranked number eight on MTV's Hottest MC in the Game list. Fabolous will release his sixth album, Loso's Way 2: Rise to Power, in March 2011.

Personal life

In January and March 2003, Fabolous was arrested for possessing an unlicensed gun in his car. His bodyguard later showed proof of ownership for the gun. Fabolous put his career on hiatus for much of 2005 and 2006.

NYPD linked Fabolous to a crew of robbers who targeted champion boxer Zab Judah twice. According to police reports, the Street Fam Crew is made up of 20 members, all former drug dealers from Fabolous's Brooklyn neighborhood. In 2006, three men tried to rob Judah as he stood next to his yellow Lamborghini on West 27th Street at 10th Avenue in New York City. The three men rolled up in a minivan at about 5 AM, and hopped out. One pulled a black handgun on Judah and told him to put his jewelry on the hood of his car. Judah ran instead. The muggers followed in their van, but crashed into a tree a block away. All three scattered, but one was captured by a Homeland Security agent on his way to work, and another was grabbed by a nearby cab driver. "A bunch of idiots that didn't have no control over what they were doing; they messed with the wrong guy," said Judah. Fabolous came forward to deny reports that he was involved.

On the evening of November 22, 2007, a childhood friend—Shamel McKinney—was stabbed to death inside of a New York nightclub. Police say that McKinney may have been stabbed after trying to steal jewelry off the neck of another clubgoer, Anthony Taylor (who has since the incident been arrested and has to face second-degree murder charges). The rapper further explained that despite reports, McKinney was not part of a robbery crew connected to the rapper. Fabolous stated, "On Thanksgiving, I think I came out of the house one time – to go get eggnog. And there wasn't any eggnog at Club Duvet."

On February 24, 2009 Arkansas police seized 500 pounds (226 kg) of marijuana from Fabolous' tour bus as it returned from the NBA All-Star Game. Fabolous was not on board the bus at the time and has not yet been charged in connection with the incident.

In an interview with XXL, Fabolous revealed that he has been in a long-term relationship that began in 2005.

Clothing line

Fabolous stated in 2005 that he wanted to release his own clothing line in the coming years. Without publicizing detail, he went into a search for designers and manufacturers for his line to accomplish the task. After finding qualified staffing, Fabolous announced the name for his line is Rich Yung Society Clothing, hich has clothes in selected stores worldwide and are currently working on relaunching their website richyungsociety.com

Discography

Ghetto Fabolous (2001)

Street Dreams (2003)

Real Talk (2004)

From Nothin' to Somethin' (2007)

Loso's Way (2009)

(2011)

Awards and nominations

American Music Awards

*2007, Favorite Rap/Hip Hop Male Artist [Nominated]

ASCAP Rhythm and Soul Music Awards

*2008, Top Rap Song, "Make Me Better" [Won]

BET Awards

*2010, Best Male Hip Hop Artist [Nominated]

*2010, Best Collaboration, "Say Aah" with Trey Songz [Nominated]

*2010, Best Viewer's Choice, "Say Aah" with Trey Songz [Nominated]

BET Hip Hop Awards

*2009, Viewer's Choice, "Throw It in the Bag" with The-Dream [Won]

*2007, Best Hip Hop Collabo, "Make Me Better" with Ne-Yo [Nominated]

Grammy Awards

*2010, Best Rap Performance by a Duo or a Group, "Money Goes, Honey Stays" with Jay-Z [Nominated]

*2005, Best Rap/Sung Collaboration, "Dip It Low" with Christina Milian [Nominated]

The Source Awards

*2003, Best Rap/R&B; Collabo, "Can't Let You Go" with Lil Mo and Mike Shorey [Nominated]

*2003, Trendsetter of the Year [Nominated]

Teen Choice Awards

*2007, Best Choice: Rap Artist [Nominated]

*2003, Choice Rap Track, "Can't Let You Go" with Lil Mo and Mike Shorey [Nominated]

*2003, Choice R&B;/Hip Hop Track, "4Ever" with Lil Mo [Nominated]

References

External links

Official Def Jam Site

Rich Yung Society Clothing site

Fabolous Clothing Line

Fan Community Site

Category:1977 births Category:1990s rappers Category:2000s rappers Category:2010s rappers Category:African American rappers Category:African American songwriters Category:American people of Dominican Republic descent Category:Hispanic and Latino American people Category:Hispanic and Latino American rappers Category:Def Jam Recordings artists Category:Living people Category:Rappers from New York City Category:Songwriters from New York Category:American shooting survivors Category:People from Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn Category:Desert Storm Records artists

Name	Young Jeezy
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Jay Wayne Jenkins
Alias	Jeezy, Lil J, Jeezy the Snowman
Born	October 12, 1977 Columbia, South Carolina),
Origin	Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Genre	Hip hop
Occupation	Rapper, songwriter
Years active	2000–present
Label	Corporate Thugz/Def Jam, Def Jam South
Associated acts	USDA, Blood Raw, Slick Pulla, Jay-Z, Bun B, Drake, Lil Wayne

Jay Wayne Jenkins (born October 12, 1977) , Because his parents were separated, custody of him transferred between family members frequently. In an interview with XXL magazine, he described his childhood as "empty". In 1994, he spent nine months in YCA (Youth Challenge Academy), a boot camp in Fort Stewart, Georgia, for narcotics possession.

Music career

Independent debut

Young Jeezy released his first independent album, Thuggin' Under the Influence (T.U.I.), in 2001 under the name Lil J. It featured artists such as Freddy J.,Kinky B, Fidank, and Lil Jon, who also produced some of the tracks. In 2003, Jeezy released (also independently) Come Shop wit Me, a two CD set featuring completely new tracks with some songs from T.U.I. Jeezy signed with Bad Boy Records in 2004 and joined the group Boyz n da Hood, whose self-titled album was released in June 2005 and peaked at #5 on the Billboard 200 albums charts.

Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101 (2005)

In May 2004, Jazze Pha's manager Henry 'Noonie' Lee showed Young Jeezy's demo to his friend Shakir Stewart, VP A&R; at Def Jam. Stewart "fell in love with it the first time [he] heard it" and promptly took it to L.A. Reid. It spawned several hit singles: "Soul Survivor" featuring Akon, which reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Hot Rap Tracks charts, "And Then What" featuring Mannie Fresh, which reached #67 on the Hot 100 and #13 on the Hot Rap Tracks, and "My Hood", #19 on the Rap chart. In an interview with HitQuarters, A&R; Shakir Stewart said that Jeezy had recorded over 60 songs for the album. Jeezy put out a track called "Stay Strapped" dissing Gucci Mane to the beat of T.I.'s song "A.S.A.P." Jeezy responded to Gucci Mane's diss, rapping "even his own momma know, Radric Davis a bitch". In a recent Cutmaster C mixtape, The Hood News Page 3: Jay-Z Boycotts Cristal, Gucci disses Jeezy along with Jay Z in his track, "745". Jeezy also addresses Gucci on the same mixtape, in the track "Break It Down", featuring Cmillz. On "Streets On Lock", from The Inspiration, Jeezy once again addressed Gucci Mane, saying "What type of real nigga name himself after a bag?/Nigga you's a hoe, a Louis Vuitton fag". Near the end of 2009, DJ Drama brought Young Jeezy to the radio station and called up Gucci Mane to settle the beef once and for all. The two stopped feuding but throughout early 2010, the crews of Jeezy & Gucci (CTE & Brick Squad) have been in and out altercations with each other despite the fact Jeezy & Gucci have nothing to do with that.

In interviews and on several records, Jeezy has affirmed his resistance to commercialism in his music. Maintaining his street credibility, according to Jeezy, is of the utmost concern to him as an artist. and Boyz n da Hood's "Dem Boyz". Due to having a successful solo career, he left the group. From time to time he still keeps in contact with a few of the members but early 2010 Jeezy & Jody Breeze (who is still a member of Boyz N Da Hood) began to diss each other which started a new beef between them two.

The Inspiration, U.S.D.A. (2006–2007)

In 2006, he was featured in Christina Milian's single "Say I". Jeezy's second major label album was The Inspiration, released in 2006. The album's first single "I Luv It" peaked at #14 on the Billboard Hot 100. "Bury Me a G" and "Go Getta" featuring R. Kelly, and "Dreamin’" featuring Keyshia Cole followed.

He also portrayed himself in the hip-hop fighting themed game . In 2007, Jeezy released , an album by rap group USDA which consists of Jeezy, Slick Pulla, and Blood Raw.

The Recession (2008)

His third album, The Recession, was released in 2008. "Put On" featuring Kanye West was the lead single, which also led to a Grammy Nomination for Best Rap performance by a duo, but it came short. Put On was followed by "Vacation", "Crazy World", "My President" with Nas, and "Who Dat" to complete the Recession's singles. Jeezy appeared on the R&B; singles "Love in this Club" by Usher and "I'm So Paid" by Akon (also with Lil Wayne). "Love in this Club" peaked at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Later, he performed on Ciara's single "Never Ever", from her album Fantasy Ride.

In the summer of 2008, Jeezy was at the center of a controversy over his choice for president. While he had previously endorsed Barack Obama, he spoke about meeting and supporting John McCain during an interview with Vibe magazine. The statement caused a stir, and Jeezy quickly clarified his choice, via a viral video. In the four-minute explanation, Jeezy made it clear, Obama was his main choice. "I represent the Democratic party. ... I've never been nor do I ever plan to be a John McCain supporter", the rapper said. "I support Barack Obama." Jeezy and Jay-Z performed in a concert to celebrate the inauguration of President Barack Obama on January 18, 2009. On The O'Reilly Factor, commentator Bill O'Reilly criticized their performance as a "rant that offended people", but Jeezy responded: "I got white friends. It's nothing like that. I'm a taxpayer, I got a right to voice my opinion at any point in time. I don't think he really understands my struggle."

TM 103 (2009–present)

Jeezy is working on TM 103, his latest LP, as of November 2009. In March 2010, It was reported that Young Jeezy dropped "Young" from his stage name. But in April 2010, Young Jeezy denied name change and it was just a rumor. Yet on the cover for his single "Lose My Mind", his name is printed as "Jeezy". After a few push backs there is currently no release date for the album.

On March 04, 2010 Jeezy released the track "Illin", featuring the group Clipse; specifically Pusha T. On the track Pusha T raps, "No amount of record sales could derail this ...Stuffing dead prezzies in the wall like that Yale bitch..." The line was controversial and many felt the line was in bad taste and demeaned Yale student Annie Le, who was murdered on September 8th, 2009, by making light of a crime that had grabbed a lot of media attention due to its extremely upsetting and tragic nature.

Personal life

He is a personal friend of fellow Atlanta rapper Yung Joc. After Hurricane Katrina, Jeezy opened his house to the victims in an effort to help them have a place to stay. In October 2005, the mother of his 9 year old son used this as the basis to petition for child support. Early in the year, she had claimed that she had little income, no assets and didn't even have a house.

On March 11, 2005, Jeezy was arrested after an alleged shooting involving some of his friends in Miami Beach, Florida. He was charged with two counts of carrying a concealed firearm without a permit; however, prosecutors dropped his charges two months later over lack of evidence. In the early hours of September 29, 2007, Jeezy totaled his Lamborghini when it was hit by a taxi crossing Peachtree Street, outside of Justin's, Sean Combs’ restaurant in Atlanta. The Atlanta Journal Constitution reported his claim that this gave him "a new appreciation for life". In Atlanta on June 18, 2008, police arrested him for DUI.

Discography

Solo albums

2005:

2006:

2008: The Recession

2011: TM103

Independent albums

2001: Thuggin' Under the Influence (T.U.I.)

2003: Come Shop wit Me

Filmography

2009: Janky Promoters

Awards

BET Awards

*2010, Viewer's Choice Award ("Hard") with Rihanna [Won]

*2009, Best Male Hip-Hop Artist [Nominated]

2008, Best Collaboration ("I'm So Hood [Remix]") with DJ Khaled, Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, Big Boi, Lil Wayne, Fat Joe, Birdman, & Rick Ross [Nominated]

BET Hip-Hop Awards

2008, Best Hip-Hop Video ("I'm So Hood [Remix]") with DJ Khaled, Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, Big Boi, Lil Wayne, Fat Joe, Birdman, & Rick Ross [Nominated]

2008, Best Hip-Hop Collabo ("I'm So Hood [Remix]") with DJ Khaled, Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, Big Boi, Lil Wayne, Fat Joe, Birdman, & Rick Ross [Won]

2008, People's Champ Award ("Put On") with Kanye West [Nominated]

2006, Hip-Hop CD of the Year ("Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101") [Nominated]

2006, Hip-Hop MVP of the Year [Nominated]

*2010, Best Rap Performance By a Duo or Group ("Amazing") with Kanye West (Nominated)

*2011, Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group ("Lose My Mind") with Plies (Nominated)

Ozone Awards

*2008, Best Rap Artist [Nominated]

*2008, Best Rap/R&B; Collaboration ("Love in this Club") with Usher (Won)

*2007, Best Rap Album The Inspiration (Won)

*2007, Best Rap/R&B; Collaboration ("Go Getta") with R. Kelly [Nominated]

*2007, Best Video ("Grew Up a Screw Up") with Ludacris [Nominated]

*2007, Best Group with Slick Pulla & Blood Raw as USDA [Nominated]

References

External links

Official website

Young Jeezy Interview at prefixmag

Young Jeezy Circulate Music Video

Official Young Jeezy Mixtapes

Young Jeezy Talks About Nas

Category:1977 births Category:Living people Category:Def Jam Recordings artists Category:Musicians from South Carolina Category:People convicted of drug offenses Category:People from Columbia, South Carolina Category:Rappers from Atlanta, Georgia

Name	Tamia
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Tamia Marilyn Washington
Born	May 09, 1975
Origin	Windsor, Ontario
Genre	R&B;, soul
Occupation	Singer-songwriter, actress, entrepreneur
Years active	1986–present
Label	Qwest / Warner Bros. (1995–1999) Elektra (2000–2005) Plus 1 / (2006–present)
Associated acts	Anita Baker, Eric Benét, Brandy, Fabolous, Quincy Jones, Chaka Kahn, Gladys Knight
Spouse	Grant Hill
Url	TamiaWorld.com

Tamia Hill (born Tamia Marilyn Washington on May 9, 1975), professionally known as Tamia, is a six-time Grammy Award-nominated Canadian-American recording artist, and record producer.

She is best known for her 2000 hit "Stranger In My House" and Fabolous' 2003 song "Into You", sampling her 1998 song "So Into You", from her debut album. Tamia is married to NBA player Grant Hill of the Phoenix Suns. They have two daughters Myla Grace and Lael Rose.

Early life

Early music career: 1975–1994

Tamia's mother, Barbara Washington Peden, gave birth to Tamia when she was 17 years old, and raised her daughter in the projects of Windsor,Ontario, Canada, along with Tamia's three younger brothers, Tiras, Tajhee and Trajan.

Born as Tamia Marilyn Washington in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, she grew up in the inner city, not far from the Detroit border, with her mother and three younger brothers Tiras, Tajhee,and Trajan."My family comes in all shades from really light to very dark."

Aside from the music she heard and sang at church, Tamia was exposed to diverse music from an early age by her mother, Barbara. Singing was always her passion. As early as age 6, she was onstage singing gospel at the local church and by age 12 had already been involved in several musicals which continued to help her hone her musical skills. Tamia studied piano and voice with renowned Windsor musician, Eugene Davis, who was also instrumental in encouraging her to pursue her vocal passion. It was not long before the gifted young singer began receiving recognition for her talent. Her mother and Godmother decided that the arts program at Walkerville Collegiate Institute in Windsor would best suit Tamia's musical talent. Along with attending highschool at Walkerville, she made several appearances in local theater and choral concerts before winning Canada's prestigious YTV Vocal Achievement Award in 1993 and the Steve Ross Music Scholarship at the American Academy of Achievement's Annual Salute to Excellence in 1994.

"I was always happy growing up, but I realize now there are some things missing because of my situation. Now that I have a child, I know the importance of having a father in the household."

Tamia enjoys a wide range of music, especially ballads. She told Teen, "I don't care about labels-country music, rock music, it's the way it makes me feel that counts". Ebony Man described Tamia as "Naturally witty, comical, talented … and a bundle of energy". She told CNN's Mark Scheerer "I used to staple two paper plates together and put rice in them to make a tambourine…."''

In early 1995, Tamia recorded her first single, "You Put a Move On My Heart", which was produced by Quincy Jones. The single later appeared on his Q's Jook Joint album. The song itself, went at #12 on the R&B; charts and at #98 on the Billboard Hot 100, the single was a success on the R&B; charts, and showcased Tamia's early hit.

Personal life

Tamia has been married to NBA player Grant Hill since July 24, 1999. They have two children Myla Grace Hill (2002) and Lael Rose Hill (2007). The singer has been diagnosed with Multiple sclerosis. In an interview with Smooth magazine, Tamia reported that the disease is seemingly in remission and she has symptoms now and then but they are controlled.

Career

Tamia and other collaborations (1995–1997)

In early to mid 1995, Tamia, who has five-octave vocal range and whistle register, began recording her eponymous debut album, with production from the likes of Mario Winans, Jermaine Dupri, Tim & Bob, as well as additional help from Quincy Jones. The album's first single, "You Put a Move On My Heart", was released in December 1995, which was produced by Quincy Jones, off of his Q's Jook Joint album, charted at #98 on the Billboard Hot 100, but became Tamia's first Top 40 hit on the R&B; charts, peaking at #12, showcasing her first Top 40 R&B; hit. Another single, "Slow Jams" which was co-written by American singer-songwriter Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, features Barry White, and Babyface himself. The single also appeared on Q's Jook Joint, and appeared at #68 on the Billboard Hot 100 and at #19 on the R&B; charts, becoming her second Top 40 R&B; hit. In the second quarter of 1996, Tamia collaborated with American soul singer Gladys Knight, Brandy, and Chaka Khan for the single, "Missing You", which was featured in the 1996 blockbuster film, Set It Off, and released in August of that year, the single peaked at #10 on the Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs, and at #25 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming her first Top 40 single.

Tamia's debut album was released in Canada on April 14, 1997, three weeks later it was released in the United Kingdom on May 11, and in North America the following day. The album became a critical and commercial success, debuting at number two on the Billboard 200 and at number one on the Billboard R&B; Albums Chart, selling 145,000 copies in first week sales.

Acting

In June 1997, Tamia made her film debut as Sheri Silver in the action-thriller . As the cruise liner's musical entertainer, she performed the Diane Warren penned single "Make Tonight Beautiful", which was released as part of the film's soundtrack. She has also appeared in other TV sitcoms, including Rock Me Baby.

A Nu Day (2000–2001)

On October 24, 2000, Tamia released her second album, A Nu Day. The album debuted at number forty-six on the Billboard 200 and number eight on the Top R&b;/Hip-Hop Albums Chart. On June 4, 2001, A Nu Day, was certified gold by the RIAA. A Nu Day is Tamia's best selling album to date.

The first single from A Nu Day was "Can't Go for That" which was written by Missy Elliott. The single peaked at #84 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number twenty-three on the R&B; chart.

The second single from A Nu Day was the hit "Stranger in My House". The single went to number ten on the Billboard Hot 100, number three on the Billboard R&B; chart and to number one for 10 weeks on the Billboard Hot Dance chart. "Stranger In My House" still remains Tamia's biggest hit to date.

The third and final single from A Nu Day was "Tell Me Who". Although the single missed the Hot 100, it managed to reach #63 on the R&B; chart and peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot Dance chart.

More (2003–2004)

Tamia released her third studio album, More, on April 6, 2004 in the United States. The album debuted at number seventeen on the Billboard 200 and at number four on the Billboard R&B; Albums Chart. The album was certified Gold by the RIAA, for shipping over one million units in North America.

The lead single "Into You", which is a collaboration with rapper Fabolous, sampled the chorus from Tamia's "So Into You", a song from her self-titled debut album. The song soared to #4 on the Hot 100 and to #1 on the Billboard R&B; chart.

The second single, called "Officially Missing You", peaked at #83 on the Billboard Hot 100, and #31 on the R&B; chart.

The third single, "Questions", missed the Hot 100, but managed to climb to #40 on the R&B; charts.

The fourth and final single, "Still", peaked at #83 on the R&B; chart and #34 on the Billboard Hot Dance chart.

Split from Elektra Records and Between Friends

In 2005, Tamia split from Elektra Records.

On May 15, 2006, Tamia released Between Friends on South African independent label Gallo Records. It was released in the US on November 14, 2006. The album has three tracks produced by Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins. The rest are produced by Shep Crawford. The album peaked at number 66 on the Billboard 200 and number nine on the Billboard Top R&B; albums chart. Although none of the singles released made the Hot 100, Between Friends has sold more than 350,000 copies in the United States, 120,000 in South Africa, and more than 800,000 worldwide to date.

The first single off Between Friends, "Can't Get Enough", peaked at #26 on Billboard's R&B; chart.

The second single, "Me", which was written by Shep Crawford (who wrote "Stranger In My House"), also reached the Top 30 of the R&B; chart and peaked at #29.

On October 27, 2007, Tamia re-released her album Between Friends entitled A Gift Between Friends. The album also contains a few Christmas songs.

Shortly after the re-release of the album, Tamia released the third single, "Almost", which peaked at #59 on the US R&B; chart in early 2008.

Live album

On her 2008 Summer Soul Concert Series tour, Tamia recorded her Sunday 10 August 2008 performance at the Lincoln Theatre (Washington, D.C.). The recorded performance is planned to be released as a live CD album, along with the DVD. Both were slated for release on December 2, 2008, but have been pushed back several times. As of September 2009, it has not been released. The live album, called Live in Washington, DC, will include 3 new tracks. In March 2010, she confirmed on her Twitter page that the live album would be released later this year.

The Queen Project

It was announced in September 2009 that Deborah Cox, Kelly Price and her have formed a supergroup, The Queen Project. Tamia's longtime collaborator, Shep Crawford, who has also produced Cox's "Nobody's Supposed to Be Here" and Price's "As We Lay" will be the main collaborator for the project. The women have made it clear that they seek to empower other women with this project. Their collaboration will not be limited to the studio. They also plan to do a number of community service projects. The first single is to be released this fall with an album early 2010. FOLLOW UP: Tamia has since stated to Kempire Radio that the project has no tentative release date, admitting the project may have been a bit "ambitious" in timing as the members are also promoting their own albums and solo projects but still wish to pursue.

Greatest Hits

Tamia released her greatest hits in South Africa on 2 November 2009. It includes a bonus DVD.

New album 2011

In March 2010, Tamia confirmed on her official Twitter page that she is working on her new album. As of November 8, 2010, Tamia told Kempire Radio she is "seven songs into the album" and will remain true to her signature themes of love:

"I'm on a roll. Obviously, I love my ballads so they'll be there, too."

The album will feature writing and production from Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins in addition to Chuck Harmony, Jermaine Jackson, Andrew Harr, Claude Kelly, Ivan Barias, and others. The album is presently untitled.

Discography

Albums

1997: Tamia

2000: A Nu Day

2004: More

2006: Between Friends

2009: Greatest Hits

2011: Untitled (Tamia album)

;Soundtracks

1996: The Associate (on "Keep Hope Alive")

1997: Speed 2: Cruise Control (on "Make Tonight Beautiful")

Tours

2004, Verizon Ladies First Tour

2005, South Africa Tour

2005, Ladies In Soul Concert

2006 - 2007, Between Friends Tour

2008, Summer Soul Concert Series Tour

2008 September, Johannesburg Arts Alive, South Africa

2009, Summer Soul Concert Series Tour

2009, The Queen Project

Awards and nominations

;Grammy Awards

1997, Best New R&B; Female Artist(Nominated)

1997, Best Female R&B; Vocal Performance: "You Put a Move On My Heart" (Nominated)

1997, Best R&B; Performance by a Duo or Group: "Slow Jams" (Nominated)

1997, Best Pop Collaboration w/ Vocals: "Missing You" (Nominated)

2000, Best R&B; Performance by a Duo or Group: "Spend My Life with You" (Nominated)

;Juno Awards

1999, Best New Solo Artist (Nominated)

1999, Best R&B;/Soul Recording: "Tamia" (Nominated)

2001, Best R&B;/Soul Recording: "A Nu Day" (Nominated)

2005, R&B;/Soul Recording of the Year: "More" (Nominated)

2007, R&B;/Soul Recording of the Year: "Between Friends" (Nominated)

See also

List of number-one dance hits (United States)

List of artists who reached number one on the U.S. Dance chart

List of people with multiple sclerosis

References

External links

; Official

Official site

Official South African site

; Official Fansite

Tamia Fans

; Interviews

Interview with Al Sharpton on AskDoctorV.com (April 25, 2007)

Tamia Talks New Album, Beyonce, and Country Music.

Category:1975 births Category:Black Canadian musicians Category:American people of Canadian descent Category:Canadian house musicians Category:Canadian expatriate musicians in the United States Category:Canadian female singers Category:Canadian rhythm and blues singers Category:Elektra Records artists Category:Living people Category:Musicians from Windsor, Ontario Category:People with multiple sclerosis Category:ECM artists

Name	Ryan Leslie
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Anthony Ryan Leslie
Alias	R-Les
Born	September 25, 1978
Origin	Harlem, New York
Instrument	guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, drums, vocals, trumpet
Genre	R&B;, hip hop, Crossover R&B;
Occupation	music producer, singer-songwriter, musical arranger, rapper
Alma mater	Harvard
Years active	2000–present
Label	NextSelection Lifestyle Group/Casablanca Records/Universal Republic
Associated acts	Cassie, Fabolous, Keri Hilson , Jadakiss, Booba, Jim Jones, LL Cool J, Lloyd Banks
Url	http://www.ryanleslie.com/

Anthony Ryan Leslie (born September 25, 1978, in Washington, D.C.) is a Grammy nominated American record producer, multi-instrumentalist, rapper, entrepreneur, and singer. Founder of the media company NextSelection Lifestyle Group, Leslie has produced singles for a number of artists in a variety of genres ranging from R&B;/Hip-Hop to Pop to Gospel. From 2005–2006 he had his most commercial success to date with NextSelection/Bad Boy/Atlantic recording artist Cassie and her single "Me & U". Leslie's debut album, Ryan Leslie (2009), features the songs "Diamond Girl," "Addiction," and "How It Was Supposed To Be."

Biography

Ryan Leslie was born into a multicultural (mixed race) family. Leslie is the oldest son of mother (Evangeline) Mooi Leslie who is of Caribbean Dutch, Chinese, and African descent, and father Clement Leslie who is from Barbados and of Irish ancestry, raised in Trinidad. His parents were Salvation Army officers who frequently relocated for work. Ryan has lived in various states, cities, and countries. At an early age, Leslie taught himself how to play the piano. He developed the ability to recite music, as well as arrange chords to create songs. At the age of 14, Leslie scored a 1600 on his SATs—a perfect score—while attending Bear Creek High School, in Stockton,California. In 1993 he applied to four University of California campuses as well as Stanford, Yale and Harvard. In his application essays he explained his interest in matriculating from his junior year in high school without having earned a diploma. He was accepted to all except Yale. He ultimately decided to attend Harvard College. During his commencement ceremonies, Ryan delivered the prestigious Harvard Oration.

Music

During his freshman year at Harvard, Leslie devoted many hours per week to creating and developing music in a studio basement on campus. He taught himself basic production skills and also developed a musical style. As the semesters progressed, Leslie spent more and more time in the school's studio molding his craft. Eventually, Leslie moved back home with his parents in Phoenix where he convinced them to take out a loan for a production studio so that he could pursue music full-time. He vowed to his family that he would pay back the $15,000 loan one day, even if it meant going back to school and getting a job. For the next several months, Leslie worked towards developing a distinct sound. During this period, Ryan has said that he ate and slept very little. In the summer of 2003, Ryan landed a production internship with producer Younglord. He has said in interviews that he considers this 30-day internship the jump-start of his career in the music industry. Within the first week, Leslie produced the song “Keep Giving Your Love To Me” that would later be performed by Beyoncé for the Bad Boys II soundtrack. The soundtrack was supervised by Sean “Diddy” Combs, who was impressed by Leslie’s production style and offered him a management contract upon meeting him.

Under the management of Combs, Ryan worked on various Bad Boy projects including releases from Loon, Cheri Dennis, B5, New Edition and Danity Kane. During that time, Leslie also co-produced a record for Britney Spears. Also in 2003, Leslie was introduced by his then attorney Ed Woods to Tommy Mottola. Mottola soon became a mentor of Ryan’s and offered him a publishing deal with Aspen Songs and a recording contract with Casablanca, Mottola's imprint distributed by Universal Music Group. Under the mentorship of Mottola and Combs, Ryan signed then-aspiring model Cassie Ventura to his imprint, NextSelection in 2005.

Debut album, Transitions, & Leaving Label

Ryan Leslie returned to the studio in 2006 to record a new debut album. The lead single, "Diamond Girl", was released in December 2007. The video for "Diamond Girl" was premiered on BET’s 106 & Park, and released on Leslie’s YouTube channel with a special behind the scenes clip. In November 2007, he released a video for a song named "I-R-I-N-A" that was produced in-house and released through his YouTube channel as well.

His second single, "Addiction," features pop singer and protege Cassie with a rap cameo from long-time collaborator, rapper Fabolous. The song was officially released in August 2008.

His third single, "How It Was Supposed To Be," also has two music videos: a rock version and a military take on the so ng, Leslie's directorial debut and co-directed by model Tyson Beckford. The single was released March 23, 2009. After many setbacks, his self-titled album, Ryan Leslie, was finally released on February 10, 2009. Leslie wrote, arranged, produced, and performed every song on his album. Notable instrumentalists on his debut set include Tommy Mottola, Tom "T-Bone" Wolk, and Brent Paschke.

Ryan Leslie enamored old and new fans alike (June 23) during the first of two back-to-back performances at New York City's Bowery Ballroom. The R&B; singer/rapper/songwriter/producer/multi-instrumentalist—who parted ways with former label Universal Motown last month—celebrated his new-found independence with performances of former hits like "Addicted" and "How It Was Supposed to Be," as well as two new tracks: "Glory" and "Maybachs and Diamonds."

"Never had a top ten, but they still respect my art," Ryan Leslie sang during "Glory," which is slated to be included on his third release, "Les Is More" -- his first independent album following 2009's self-titled debut and "Transition." "Maybachs and Diamonds" is a slow, groovy tune about flourishing his partner with more than just material things, like "Maybachs and Diamonds."

Initially, Leslie had a four-album deal with Universal, but toward the end of that contract, "Universal was interested in reshaping my deal to more of a 360, and they actually made a counter-offer from the initial recording fund," Leslie tells Billboard.com. "At that point I saw that as a window to potentially branch off and try something that was going to be new and dynamic."

While Leslie didn't make any formal announcements about his departure from Universal Motown during the set, he took some subtle jabs at his previous label home. "I've always wanted to play these songs but I couldn't before," he said while singing "Guardian Angel." "I always felt like this song should be a single. Ryan Leslie Produced a song for Samyr De Souza

Online presence

Leslie is considered a pioneer for his sharp online marketing skills. His intuitiveness of the shift in technology has kept him ahead of the game with establishing an online presence. Leslie’s blog, YouTube channel, MySpace page and most recently Twitter have been the biggest contributors to his growing fanbase. Leslie releases content that brings fans into his lifestyle as a musician. His videos have become some of the most popular on YouTube, bringing accolades such as "Top 10 Most Subscribed Users". backstage passes to his concerts, and invitations to have dinner with him. His energy and creative spontaneity have earned him the respect from those inside and outside of the music industry. On his website/video diary, there is a clip featuring artists such as Boyz II Men, Chrisette Michelle, Musiq Soulchild, Keri Hilson, Christina Milian, and David Banner praising him for the inspiration they’ve received from his videos.

Prior to his 2009 MySpace Release concert, Leslie encouraged aspiring musical artists to utilize digital media while marketing themselves.

NextSelection Lifestyle Group

While working as a producer, Leslie went on to create NextSelection Lifestyle Group, his music-media company. Ryan signed his first artist, Cassie in 2005. Under Ryan’s guidance, Cassie went on to become one of the fastest rising R&B; acts that year. Her breakout smash "Me & U" (written and produced by Leslie) spent 20 weeks on the Top 40 and went on to reach number three on the Billboard Hot 100, selling over a million digital units. Me & U also went on to become one of the biggest records in the history of Atlantic Records.

Recently, Ryan signed Krys Ivory as his newest act under NextSelection. He also signed Youtube star Mia Rose.

Discography

Studio Albums

2005: Just Right (Shelved)

2007: Used to Be (Mixtape)

2009: Ryan Leslie

2009: Transition

2011: Les Is More

Awards/Nominations

BET Awards

*2009, Best Male R&B; Artist [Nominated]

*2009, Best New Artist [Nominated]

Grammy Awards

*2011, Best Contemporary R&B; Album: Transition (Nominated)

Soul Train Awards

*2009, Best New Artist [Nominated]

Academic Awards

2010, AMBLE Vanguard Award from Harvard College

References

External links

Ryan Leslie Discography & Production

Ryan Leslie on Soulrnb.com French Artist Page

Category:1978 births Category:Hip hop record producers Category:American record producers Category:American singers Category:American rappers Category:American people of Chinese descent Category:American people of Dutch descent Category:American people of Barbadian descent Category:American people of Irish descent Category:Living people Category:American Internet personalities Category:YouTube video producers Category:People from Harlem Category:People from Washington, D.C. Category:African American rappers Category:African American record producers Category:African-American businesspeople

Name	Sean Combs
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Sean John Combs
Alias	Diddy, P. Diddy, Puff Daddy, Puffy, Sean John
Born	November 04, 1969Harlem, New York, U.S.
Origin	Mount Vernon, New York, U.S.
Genre	Hip hop, R&B;, dance-pop
Occupation	Rapper, record producer, actor, fashion designer, dancer
Years active	1992–present
Label	Bad Boy
Associated acts	The Notorious B.I.G., Lil Kim, Diddy-Dirty Money
Url

Sean John Combs (born November 4, 1969), currently known by his stage name Diddy, is an American record producer, rapper, actor, and men's fashion designer. He has won three Grammy Awards and two MTV Video Music Awards, and his clothing line earned a Council of Fashion Designers of America award.

He was originally known as Puff Daddy and then as P. Diddy (Puff and Puffy being often used as a nickname, but never as recording names). In August 2005, he changed his stage name to "Diddy". He continues to use the name P. Diddy in New Zealand and the United Kingdom, the latter after a legal battle with another artist, Richard "Diddy" Dearlove.

His business interests under the umbrella of Bad Boy Entertainment Worldwide include Bad Boy Records; the clothing lines Sean John & Sean by Sean Combs; a movie production company; and two restaurants. He has taken the roles of recording executive, performer, producer of MTV's Making the Band, writer, arranger, clothing designer, and Broadway actor. Combs' net worth was estimated at US $346 million in 2006. He grew up in Mount Vernon, New York. When Combs was a child, his father, aged 33, an associate of Frank Lucas (the New York drug lord), was shot dead in his car at a Manhattan park after attending a party. Lucas and rival gangster Nicky Barnes both publicly state that they were close to Melvin.

Combs played football at the Roman Catholic Mount Saint Michael Academy. In 1986, his team won a division title; he graduated in 1987. Combs has stated that he is a Christian.

Combs says he was given the nickname "Puff" as a child because he would "huff and puff" when he was angry, and "Daddy" was another version of "playa".

Music career

Uptown Records

Combs attended Howard University in Washington, D.C., where he showed a penchant for marketing and gained a reputation as a party promoter. He eventually became an intern at New York's Uptown Records. when he became a top executive at Uptown. He was instrumental in developing Jodeci and signing and producing Mary J. Blige.

In 1991, Combs promoted a concert, headlined by Heavy D and held at the City College of New York gymnasium, following an AIDS charity basketball game. The event was overcrowded since it was oversold to almost twice capacity, while thousands without tickets were outside. To keep them out Combs' people shut the only door to a stairwell and put a table behind it, though the crowd jammed inside was pounding on the door and pleading for help. When the crowd outside broke several glass doors in an attempt to get in a stampede ensued inside the gymnasium in which nine people died. In a 1999 ruling, a Court of Claims judge found Puff Daddy and Heavy D. responsible for 50 percent of the incident. City College bore the rest of the responsibility in part for abandoning security responsibility to Puff Daddy though they knew the event was oversold.

In 1992, Combs entered into an agreement with Hartford, Connecticut disc jockey JC "Big Balla" Sledge to start a label in Hartford for the city's untapped talent, named Hip Hart Beat Records. The pair had creative differences over the usage of talent and eventually split. In a statement to Rolling Stone Magazine, JC said, "Sean and I remain friends, just not as close as we once were. Our split where it relates to business was because we saw two totally different avenues. I wanted to drive left and go the way of Def Jam and its mainstay of artists and Puffy [Puff Daddy] wanted to drive right, business as usual. The split was amicable. Hip Hart Beat Records will one day become a reality. We are close now."

Establishing Bad Boy Records

on the edge of Times Square looking down to a billboard of Combs]]

In 1993, after being fired from Uptown, Combs established Bad Boy Records, taking then–newcomer The Notorious B.I.G. with him. Both The Notorious B.I.G. and Craig Mack quickly released hit singles, followed by similarly successful LPs, particularly The Notorious B.I.G.'s Ready to Die.

By the late 1990s, he was receiving criticism for watering down and overly commercializing hip–hop and overusing guest appearances by other artists, samples and interpolations of past hits in his own hit songs. The Onion parodied this phenomenon in a 1997 article called "New rap song samples "Billie Jean" in its entirety, adds nothing."

Club New York

In December 1999, Combs was accused of assaulting Steve Stoute of Interscope Records. Stoute was the manager for Nas. Combs had filmed a video scene earlier that year for "Hate Me Now" that featured Nas being crucified but demanded that the images be removed. Stoute's refusal led to an argument and Puff Daddy's arrest for aggravated assault. This was followed by yet more negative publicity as The Lox left Bad Boy Records and a recording session with Lil' Kim and Lil' Cease, both of The Notorious B.I.G.'s Junior M.A.F.I.A. posse, was interrupted by gunfire.

On December 27, 1999, Combs and his then–girlfriend Jennifer Lopez were at Club New York, a midtown Manhattan nightclub, when gunfire broke out. After a police investigation, Combs and fellow rapper Shyne were arrested for weapons violations and other charges. The New York County District Attorney's Office, led by Assistant District Attorney Matthew Bogdanos, indicted Combs after his driver, Wardel Fenderson, claimed that Combs had tried to bribe him into taking the weapon after the shooting.

With a gag order in place, the highly–publicized trial began. His attorneys were Johnnie L. Cochran Jr. and Benjamin Brafman. After the trial was over, Combs was found not guilty on all charges; Shyne was convicted on the same charges

"P. Diddy"

In 2001, after his acquittal on gun possession and bribery charges, Combs changed his stage name from "Puff Daddy" to "P. Diddy". He later appeared as a drug dealer in the film Made and starred with Halle Berry and Billy Bob Thornton in Monster's Ball. He tried to reinvent his image, but soon faced assault charges by a Michigan television host, Dr. Roger Mills, and then was arrested for driving on a suspended license in Florida. A gospel album, Thank You, was never released. After an accusation of reckless driving by the Miami police, Combs began working with a series of unusual (for him) artists. A collaboration with David Bowie appeared on the soundtrack to Training Day and he also worked with Britney Spears and 'N Sync. He signed California–based pop girl group Dream to his record label. He was also an opening act for 'N Sync on their Spring 2002 Celebrity Tour.

Later in 2002, he made his own reality show on MTV called Making the Band 2, a sequel to the first Making the Band, in which contestants competed to be in a new group on Bad Boy Records. Six finalists were to come up with their name, CD and video (see Da Band). The group, maligned by comics and critics and drawing a skit on Chappelle's Show, was dissolved by Combs at the end of the series.

In 2003, Combs ran in the New York City Marathon and raised $2,000,000 for the educational system for the children of New York. On March 10, 2004, he appeared in The Oprah Winfrey Show to discuss the marathon, which he finished in four hours and eighteen minutes.

In 2004, Combs headed the campaign "Vote or Die" for the 2004 Presidential Election. The "Vote or Die" slogan was mocked by both The Daily Show and South Park as being too simplistic and encouraging young people to vote without knowing the issues. In a South Park episode entitled "Douche and Turd", Combs and his friends were depicted chasing Stan Marsh, one of the show's main characters, around with weapons, literally threatening to kill him if he wouldn't vote in his school election.

"Diddy"

On August 16, 2005, Combs appeared on the Today show and announced that he was altering his stage name yet again, dropping the "P." and referring to himself simply as "Diddy", saying that "the P was getting between me and my fans." However this upset Richard "Diddy" Dearlove, a London based musical artist & DJ, who in November 2005 sought an injunction of the Royal Courts of Justice, London but accepted an out–of–court settlement of £110,000. As a result, Combs no longer uses the name Diddy in the UK, where he is still known as P. Diddy.

Combs starred in the 2005 , played Walter Lee Younger in the critically–acclaimed 2004 Broadway revival of A Raisin in the Sun and the television adaptation which was aired in February 2008. In the same year Combs sold his record company to the Warner Music Group. Tensions still existed between him and former Warner's CEOs Lyor Cohen and Kevin Liles (both formerly of Def Jam) but they arranged for his imprint to be a part of the company. In an interview with AndPOP Combs said that he was developing a line of men's suits. He later hosted the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards, and was named one of the 100 Most Influential People of 2005 by Time magazine. He even earned a mention in the world of country music: The narrator of "Play Something Country" by Brooks & Dunn and Sean Okundaye says he "didn't come to hear P Diddy", which he rhymes with "something bumpin' from the city."

Combs released his first album in 4 years, Press Play, on October 17, 2006 on the Bad Boy Records label with guest appearances from Christina Aguilera, Keyshia Cole, Mario Winans (signed to his label 'Bad Boy Records'), Nas, Will.i.am (of The Black Eyed Peas), Mary J. Blige, Nicole Scherzinger (of the Pussycat Dolls), Jamie Foxx, Fergie, Big Boi (of Outkast), Ciara, Twista, Just Blaze, Pharrell, Brandy. The album reached number one on its first week in the charts.

It was reported that Combs would be singing on all the tracks of this album but he did not sing at all on the album's first single, "Come To Me" (featuring Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls), but rather did his traditional rapping. He did sing on the third single, "Last Night" (featuring Keyshia Cole). "Tell Me" (featuring Christina Aguilera) was released as the second single. He was asking fans on his MySpace page to help him choose the fourth single, which was "Through the Pain (She Told Me)" (featuring Mario Winans).

In October 2007, he was sued by hip–hop promoter James Waldon for allegedly unleashing three violent bodyguards on him in a New York nightclub. In March 2008, a source for the Los Angeles Times claimed that The Notorious B.I.G. and Combs orchestrated the '94 robbery and assassination attempt on Tupac, substantiating the claim with supposed FBI documents to that effect; the newspaper later retracted the story, acknowledging that the supporting FBI documents had been fabricated.

August 2008 saw Combs venture into reality television with the premiere of his VH1 series I Want to Work for Diddy. After the second season finale of , Combs confirmed that he will be heading back into the studio to record his next album. He posted a Myspace Bulletin on February 19, 2009 that his next album is set to release in November 2009.

Combs has stated that he would like to work with Leona Lewis on his new album. In an interview with The Daily Mail he said: "I had Christina Aguilera on my last album, but its all about Leona Lewis on my next."

Under his real name of Sean Combs, he starred in two episodes of Season 7 of ; 'Presumed Guilty' and 'Sink or Swim' in the role of the lawyer Derek Powell.

He has created a rap supergroup known as "The Dream Team". The group consists of Diddy, Rick Ross, DJ Khaled, Fat Joe, Busta Rhymes and Red Café. Fabolous is also rumored to be in the group.

Business ventures

In 2002, he was featured on Fortune magazine's "40 Richest People Under 40" list and was placed number one in the list of the top ten richest people in hip–hop. He has donated undisclosed amounts to the Patricia Kirby Foundation, an organization that battles teenage bulimia, anorexia and other eating disorders. In 2006 his estimated worth was US $346 million, making him one of the richest people in the hip hop entertainment business.

Sean John

clothing line)]] In 1998, Combs started a clothing line, Sean John. It was nominated for the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Award for Menswear Designer of the Year in 2000, and won in 2004.

The clothing line was subject to controversy in 2003 when it was discovered that factories producing the clothing in Honduras were violating Honduran labor law. Among the accusations put forth were that workers were subjected to body searches and paid sweatshop wages. Charles Kernaghan of the National Labor Committee, who first exposed the factory, is quoted in the New York Times as saying, "Sean Puff Daddy obviously has a lot of clout, he can literally do a lot overnight to help these workers." On February 14, 2004, Kernaghann announced on Pacifia station that Combs had made some "unprecedented" changes at factories including adding air conditioning and water purification systems, and allowing a union to form.

In late 2006, MSNBC reported, "Macy's has pulled from its shelves and its Web site two styles of Sean John hooded jackets, originally advertised as featuring faux fur, after an investigation by the nation's largest animal protection organization concluded that the garments were actually made from an animal called a 'raccoon dog'". Combs said he had been unaware of the material, but as soon as he knew about it, he had his clothing line stop using the material. In 2008 he appeared in a Macy's commercial.

In November 2008, Combs launched his latest men's perfume under the Sean John brand called "I Am King" dedicated to Barack Obama, Muhammad Ali and Martin Luther King. In his blog he stated: "There is a black president and it's time for there to be a black Bond". In November 2008, he unveiled a new Times Square billboard for the "I Am King" line to replace his iconic Sean John ad. The giant billboard is currently the largest print ad in Times Square. Model Bar Refaeli was chosen to be the face of the fragrance.

Other ventures

In addition to his clothing line, Combs owns an upscale restaurant chain called Justin's, named after his son. The current restaurant is in Atlanta; the original New York location closed in September 2007. He is the designer of the green Dallas Mavericks alternate jersey.

On September 18, 2007, Combs teamed up with 50 Cent and Jay-Z for the "Forbes I Get Money Billion Dollar Remix." He also made appearances with Jay–Z on his American Gangster concert tour in 2007.

As of October 2007, Combs has inked a multi–year deal, in which he'll help develop the Ciroc brand, one of Diageo PLC's super–premium Vodka lines, for a 50–50 share in the profits. The agreement is the latest in which a celebrity is going beyond the typical role of endorser to share in a brand's rise and fall. Diageo said the agreement could be worth more than $100 million for Combs and his company, Sean Combs Enterprises, over the course of the deal, depending on how well the brand performs. Since then, he has launched multiple ventures for Ciroc, many of which were featured during the 2008 presidential election.

Combs acquired the Enyce clothing line from Liz Claiborne for $20 million on October 21, 2008.

After a prolific Twitter campaign by comedian Chris Gethard, Combs is set to make an appearance at the comedian's live show in January 2010 at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater in New York City. Gethard originally campaigned for Al Roker to appear, though he politely declined.

In February 2010, Combs announced on CNN to Wolf Blitzer, that he plans to open a business school in New York. He announced that he wanted a school, "that’s known for building leaders."

Personal life

premiere]] Combs has never married, but he is the biological father of five children and the informal stepfather of another child. His on–again, off–again girlfriend Kimberly Porter has a son, Quincy Jones Brown (born December 1991) with 1980s New Jack Swing romantic singer/producer Al B Sure. Quincy was featured on My Super Sweet 16. Combs' first biological child is Justin Dior Combs (born December 1993), from a relationship with his , designer Misa Hylton–Brim. In January 2010 it was widely reported that Combs presented his son Justin with a $360,000 Maybach car (and chauffeur) as a 16th birthday present. Justin was also featured on My Super Sweet 16. His second child is son Christian Casey Combs (born April 1998) with Kim Porter. Porter is also the mother of Combs' twin daughters, D'Lila Star Combs and Jessie James Combs (born December 2006). In July 2007 Combs and Porter ended their relationship. In October 2007, Combs took legal responsibility for Chance, his daughter with Sarah Chapman. and a pair of cufflinks to commemorate the inauguration of an annual October 13 "Diddy Day". He received the honor as reward for certain charitable work at Chicago's City Hall.

In the February 2007 issue of Blender magazine, Combs spoke about his wardrobe. He describes his style in three words: "Swagger. Timeless. Diverse." On September 2, 2007, Combs held his ninth annual "White Party" in which all guests are limited to an all white dress code. The White Party, which has also been held in St. Tropez, was held in his Long Island home in East Hampton. It featured a white carpet to go along with the white dress code. Combs stated, "This party is up there with the top three that I've thrown, It's a party that has legendary status. It's hard to throw a party that lives up to its legend."

Discography

;Studio albums

1997: No Way Out

1999: Forever

2001: The Saga Continues...

2002: We Invented the Remix

2006: Press Play

2010: Last Train to Paris

Accolades

NAACP Image Awards

* 2009, Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special, A Raisin in the Sun (Winner)

MOBO Awards

* 2007, Best International Act (Nominated)

BET Awards

* 2007, Best Male Hip Hop Artist (Nominated)

MTV Video Music Awards

* 1997, Best R&B; Video: "I'll Be Missing You" (Winner)

* 1998, Viewers Choice: "It's All About The Benjamins (Rock Remix)" (Winner)

Grammy Awards {| class=wikitable |- ! Year ! Category ! Genre ! Song ! Result |- align=center | 1998 | Best New Artist | General | N/A | |- align=center | 1998 | Best Rap Performance By a Duo or Group | Rap | "Can't Nobody Hold Me Down" | |- align=center | 1998 | Best Rap Performance By a Duo or Group | Rap | "Mo Money Mo Problems" | |- align=center | 1998 | Best Rap Performance By a Duo or Group | Rap | "I'll Be Missing You" | |- align=center | 1998 | Best Rap Album | Rap | No Way Out | |- align=center | 2000 | Best Rap Performance By a Duo or Group | Rap | "Satisfy You" | |- align=center | 2002 | Best Rap Performance By a Duo or Group | Rap | "Bad Boy For Life" | |- align=center | 2003 | Best Rap Performance By a Duo or Group | Rap | "Pass the Courvoisier (Part 2)" | |- align=center | 2004 | Best Rap Performance By a Duo or Group | Rap | "Shake Ya Tailfeather" | |}

Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time (Albums Executive Produced by Sean Combs)

{|class=wikitable |- ! Rank ! Artist ! Album ! Year |- align=center |133 |The Notorious B.I.G. |Ready To Die |1994 |- align=center |279 |Mary J. Blige |My Life |1994 |- align=center |483 |The Notorious B.I.G. |Life After Death |1997 |}

References

External links

Official website

Sean Combs at MTV

Category:Living people Category:1969 births Category:1990s rappers Category:2000s rappers Category:2010s rappers Category:Actors from New York City Category:African-American Christians Category:African-American businesspeople Category:African American film actors Category:African American rappers Category:African American record producers Category:American dance musicians Category:American fashion designers Category:American hip hop record producers Category:American music video directors Category:American socialites Category:Bad Boy Records artists Category:Businesspeople from New York City Category:Grammy Award winners Category:Howard University alumni Category:Participants in American reality television series Category:People from Harlem Category:People from Westchester County, New York Category:Rappers from New York City

Name	Nate Dogg
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Nathaniel Dwayne Hale
Born	August 19, 1969 (age 41)
Origin	Long Beach, California, United States
Genre	West Coast hip hop, R&B;, g-funk
Occupation	Singer, Rapper
Years active	1992–present
Label	Death RowElektraDoggystyleAtlantic
Associated acts	213, Snoop Dogg, Warren G, 2Pac, DJ Quik, Dr. Dre, Game, Eminem, Tha Dogg Pound,

Nathaniel Dwayne Hale (born August 19, 1969), better known by his stage name Nate Dogg, is an American musician.

Life and career

Nate Dogg was born in Long Beach, California. He is the close friend and partner in the music game with rappers Snoop Dogg, Warren G, RBX, Daz Dillinger and is the cousin of Butch Cassidy and Lil' ½ Dead. He began singing as a child in the New Hope Baptist Church in Long Beach and Life Line Baptist Church in Clarksdale, Mississippi where his father (Daniel Lee Hale) was pastor. At the age of 16 he dropped out of high school in Long Beach, California and left home to join the United States Marine Corps, serving for three years. In 1991 Nate Dogg and Snoop Dogg, and their friend Warren G, formed a rap trio called 213. 213 recorded their first demo in the back of the famed V.I.P record store in Long Beach, the demo was later heard by Dr. Dre at a house party and he was instantly hooked on the soulful voice of Nate.

Nate Dogg made his debut on The Chronic. Singing in what later become his trademark style, he was well-received by fans and critics alike, and would go on to sign with Death Row Records in 1993. Nate Dogg was also featured on Mista Grimm's "Indosmoke" with Warren G. Then in 1994 he produced his first hit single "Regulate" with Warren G. Nate Dogg was also featured in many Tupac releases, including his collaboration record Thug Life: Volume I. Then in 1998 after a tumultuous time at Death Row Records he released another album. The double album was titled G-Funk Classics Vol. 1 & 2 and was followed up in late 2001 with Music & Me on Elektra Records. Music & Me peaked at number three on the Billboard hip-hop charts in 2001.

In 2002, Nate Dogg appeared on a celebrity episode of the Weakest Link making it to the last three players before being eliminated by Xzibit and Young MC.

Nate Dogg was arrested in Arizona in April 2002 and was charged with firearms and drug offenses. He pleaded guilty in May and was sentenced to probation, community service, and ordered to attend drug counseling sessions.

Nate has found his greatest success not in solo projects, but in collaborations with other hip-hop artists. As of 2004, Nate Dogg has featured in and contributed to over 40 chart singles.

After a number of delays and an original release date of April 2004, his self-titled album Nate Dogg is set to be released on Affiliated Entertainment Group on June 3, 2008. Nate Dogg has already begun work on a new project.

On December 19, 2007, he suffered a stroke, according to a coordinator for his recently formed gospel choir, Innate Praise. Reports had circulated that Nate Dogg had been admitted to Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center in Pomona, California after suffering a heart attack. Erica Beckwith, however, confirmed to MTV News that Nate Dogg was released on December 26 after being treated for a stroke and is currently in a medical-rehab facility to assist him in his recovery. On January 18, 2008, it was officially reported that the stroke had rendered the left side of his body paralyzed. Doctors believe there will be a full recovery, and his voice was not affected. In September 2008, Nate suffered a second stroke and today is still recovering in a long term care facility. Warren G later confirmed that Nate did in fact suffer two strokes and is currently undergoing physical therapy to get back to how he was. It is currently unknown if he will be able to continue his singing career.

Discography

G-Funk Classics, Vol. 1 & 2 (1998)

The Prodigal Son (2000)

Music and Me (2001)

Essentials (2002)

Nate Dogg (2003)

Filmography

The Transporter song "I Got Love" (2002)

Doggy Fizzle Televizzle as singer of the theme song for the sketch "The Braided Bunch" (2002–2003)

Head of State as himself (also singer/composer of theme song) (2003)

song "Keep it Comin"

''The Boondocks (2008)

Awards/nominations

Nate Dogg has been nominated for four Grammy Awards, but has yet to win one.

Category	Genre	Song	Year	Result
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration(with Eminem)	Rap	"Shake That"	2007	Nominated
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration(with Ludacris)	Rap	"Area Codes"	2002	Nominated
Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group(uncredited with Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg)	Rap	"The Next Episode"	2001	Nominated
Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group(with Warren G)	Rap	"Regulate"	1995	Nominated

References

External links

Category:1969 births Category:Living people Category:African American actors Category:African American rappers Category:American film actors Category:Atlantic Records artists Category:Baptists from the United States Category:Death Row Records artists Category:Hip hop singers Category:People convicted of drug offenses Category:People from Long Beach, California Category:Rappers from Los Angeles, California Category:Stroke survivors Category:United States Marines Category:Crips

Name	Juelz Santana
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	LaRon Louis James
Born	February 18, 1982New York City, New York, United States
Genre	Hip hop
Occupation	Rapper, record producer, actor
Years active	1999–present
Label	Skull Gang, Def Jam
Associated acts	Skull Gang, The Diplomats, Lil Wayne, Cam'ron, Chris Brown, Lloyd Banks
Url	juelzsantana.defjam.com

LaRon Louis James (born February 18, 1982), better known by his stage name Juelz Santana, is an American rapper, producer and actor. He came to fame following his appearances on Cam'ron's 2002 singles, "Oh Boy" and "Hey Ma". In 2003, his debut album From Me to U was released by Def Jam Recordings; his next album What the Game's Been Missing! contained the top-ten single "There It Go (The Whistle Song)".

Early life & career

Santana was born to an African American mother and to a Dominican father. He began rapping at the age of five and at age twelve started duo Draft Pick, which was signed to Priority Records. In 2000, Santana made a guest performance on a track on Cam'ron's album S.D.E. and eventually joined The Diplomats.

==Music career== Had his first daughter Tatayana Harris

2002-2004 (Final Destination, From Me To U)

After the signing of The Diplomats, also known as Dipset, to Roc-a-Fella Records in 2002, there was an influx of mixtapes, features on other artists' records, television and radio interviews, in which Juelz achieved mainstream recognition not previously gained through the various Diplomat mixtapes, and his solo mixtape Final Destination, that was sold in late 2002. After being featured on fellow Diplomat member Cam'ron's two singles, "Hey Ma" and "Oh Boy". Juelz started working on his debut album. In the summer of 2003, Santana released his debut album entitled, From Me to U under Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam; its single "Down/Rain Drops" which didn't reach success and debut single "Dipset (Santana's Town)" reached #70 on the Billboard R&B;/Hip-Hop chart.

What the Game's Been Missing! (2005)

What the Game's Been Missing! followed in 2005 with the singles "Mic Check", "There It Go (The Whistle Song)", "Oh Yes", "Clockwork," "Shottas", and "Make It Work For Ya" Feat. Young_Jeezy Young Jeezy] and Lil Wayne. "There It Go" reached #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #3 on the Hot Rap Tracks charts; "Oh Yes" reached #56 on the Hot 100 and #8 on the Rap charts. "Mic Check" reached 35 in the Billboard Hot 100. Both this album and single "There It Go" were certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America.

I Can't Feel My Face, Def Jam Signing & Skull Gang(2006-2009)

Santana began working with Lil Wayne on a collaboration album I Can't Feel My Face in 2006. Mick Boogie, a DJ from Ohio, released a mixtape in late August 2006 titled Blow that contained 12 leaked tracks from the album recording sessions. Recording and production reportedly concluded by summer 2007. Santana told Angie Martinez in an interview on New York City hip-hop station Hot 97 that he blames the delay on the album on fellow Dipset rapper Cam'ron. In April 2008, Santana stated that issues existed over his and Lil Wayne signing to different labels and thus announced plans for various mixtapes to promote "unity and creativity". Santana claimed that Cam'ron blocked collaborations by other artists. XXL magazine brought up the delay of the album release in a February 2009 interview with Santana, who replied that "contractual issues" were to blame and that he was talking to L.A. Reid about releasing this album before his own solo album. In Lil Wayne's album Tha Carter III, Santana appeared on the fifteenth track.

In August 2008, Dipset founder Cam'ron revealed that he had sold Santana's contract to Def Jam Records for $2 million. Despite selling him to the Def Jam label, Santana says he is not mad at Cam. He revealed that he had inked a joint 50/50 joint venture with Def Jam, where he will release his next album Which will feature up and coming rapper slay webb of plainfield,nj Born to Lose, Built to Win. Santana performed on Jim Jones' single "Pop Champagne", which was produced by Ron Browz. "Pop Champagne" peaked at #22 on the Hot 100 and #3 on the Hot Rap Tracks chart; it was also certified Gold by RIAA on February 26, 2009. In May 2009 Skull Gang's debut album was released on Santana's new label, Skull Gang Entertainment, and Koch Records.

Born to Lose, Built to Win & Dipset Reunion(2010-present)

Since 2007, Santana has been recording material for his third album, Born to Lose, Built to Win. Shortly after recording began, Santana released a promo single, "The Second Coming", produced by Just Blaze. After a two year hiatus, he released a new song, "Days of Our Lives", with two accompanying music videos featuring cameos from Skull Gang. In late 2009 he released the first single off Born to Lose, Built to Win, "Mixin' Up the Medicine" featuring Yelawolf. In 2010, he released the second single titled, "Back to the Crib" featuring Chris Brown. In April 2010, Cam'ron and Jim Jones announced they ended their feud. In June 2010, the Dipset reunion began with a teaser titled "Under Construction" and a street single, "Salute" produced by Araabmuzik. The song features Jim Jones, Cam'ron, and Juelz Santana. The remix features new Diplomat artist Vado with a verse added. Since the reunion it is not yet known if or when Juelz will release the album. But it is known that he is working on a new album with The Diplomats. Recently Santana Twits "I will give people that people wants Reagan Era in the studio" so that means that we can wait a new album for 2011.

Juelz Santana recently collaborated with UK rapper's Giggs & Wiley on a track called Bright Lights produced by UK producers Dan Dare & Zdot.

Personal life

Santana maintained a store of his clothing and music near his old neighborhood of 151st and Amsterdam/Broadway on Amsterdam Avenue between 150th and 151st Streets

Legal issues

Santana was arrested outside of his Teaneck, New Jersey home in March 2008. After being pulled over for driving with a suspended license,stating he was driving to Plainfield,NJ to see a close friend Rahjon Ross. After a search of Santana's Bentley police found marijuana, 29 hollow-point bullets, and $19,500 in cash inside a plastic bag filled with Jolly Ranchers .

Discography

;Studio albums

2003: From Me to U

2005: What the Game's Been Missing!

TBA: Born to Lose, Built to Win

;Official mixtapes

2003: Final Destination

2004: Back Like Cooked Crack Pt. 1

2005: Back Like Cooked Crack Pt. 2

2006: Back Like Cooked Crack Pt. 3

2011: Reagan Era

;Collaboration albums

2003: Diplomatic Immunity (with The Diplomats)

2004: Diplomatic Immunity 2 (with The Diplomats)

2009: Skull Gang (with Skull Gang)

2011: Diplomatic Immunity 3 (with The Diplomats)

Filmography

State Property 2 (2005)

Killa Season (2006)

The Project (2011)

References

External links

Official website

Official blog

Category:1982 births Category:Living people Category:African American rappers Category:American people of Dominican Republic descent Category:The Diplomats members Category:Hispanic and Latino American rappers Category:People from Manhattan Category:People from Teaneck, New Jersey Category:People from Harlem Category:Rappers from New York City Category:Roc-A-Fella Records artists

Name	Jermaine Dupri
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Jermaine Dupri Mauldin
Alias	J.D.
Born	September 23, 1972
Origin	Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Label	So So Def Recordings, Island Urban Music, TAG Records
Genre	Hip hop
Years active	1984–present
Occupation	Producer, songwriter, rapper

Jermaine Dupri Mauldin (born September 23, 1972; although some sources say 1973 but his debut album called Life in 1472 refers to the year of Dupri's birth, 1972), better known simply as Jermaine Dupri or J.D., is an American record producer, rapper and songwriter.

Biography

Using his father's "connections" to start a career dancing for the likes of Diana Ross when he was not yet in his teens, Jermaine Dupri had already moved on to performing and producing by the time he reached 7. He made his first production effort for the female rap trio Silk Tymes Leather. Although the group was unable to produce a successful album, Jermaine received attention for his efforts and made strong contacts within the industry. He later formed the teen duo Kris Kross (Chris Kelly and Chris Smith) after meeting the boys at a local mall in 1991. The group's first album, Totally Krossed Out, was released in 1992 and went multi-platinum due to their singles "Jump" and "It's a Shame".

After he established his new record label So So Def Recordings, his next big break would come in 1993 in the form of Xscape, a female R&B; group he discovered during a festival in Atlanta and signed to So So Def Recordings. After signing, they released their debut Hummin' Comin' at 'Cha and went platinum. During the same year, on Yo! MTV Raps he met Chicago rapper Shawntae Harris, A.K.A Da Brat through Kris Kross, signed her to his label So So Def Recordings, and released her debut Funkdafied (1994). It went platinum making her the first female hip hop artist to sell 1,000,000 units. Dupri subsequently built on this success through working with other R&B; artists such as Boyz II Men, as well as R&B; singers Mariah Carey, Luther Vandross and Babyface, achieving multi-millionaire status for himself by the age of 24. His finances were not hindered by a distribution deal made with Columbia Records in 1993. Since its inception, over 20 gold and platinum records have accumulated on So So Def's studio walls. He met Jagged Edge through Xscape band member Kandi Burrus, who at the time was dating one of the members, in 1996.

In 1998, Jermaine Dupri surpassed all of his prior commercial ventures with his involvement in the release of Destiny Child's eponymous debut album. The same year, he began work on his own music career with the albums The Party Continues and Jermaine Dupri Presents Life In 1472: The Original Soundtrack. The same year, he met 10 or 11 year old rapper Lil Bow Wow through one of his influences, Snoop Dogg, when signed to Death Row Records. He signed him to his So So Def Recordings and got to work. Then in 2000, they released his debut Beware of Dog, which was certified double platinum. After releasing Doggy Bag (2001) for him, the two broke up their relationship before releasing Unleashed (2003), but certified it gold. Many believe Dupri was his biggest source to his career, so they went back on track and became close again.. The deal with Columbia was terminated in 2002, and in 2003 Dupri switched to Arista Records. Jermaine worked on Mariah Carey's recent Christmas album, Merry Christmas II You.

Discography

Life in 1472 (1998)

Instructions (2001)

TBA (2011)

References

External links

Official website

Jermaine Dupri at Beatbuggy

Jermaine Dupri's Official Youtube

Category:1972 births Category:Living people Category:African American rappers Category:African American record producers Category:American music industry executives Category:Grammy Award winners Category:Musicians from North Carolina Category:People from Asheville, North Carolina Category:Rappers from North Carolina Category:Rappers from Atlanta, Georgia Category:So So Def artists

Name	Jeremih
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Jeremih Felton
Born	July 17, 1987Chicago, Illinois, United States
Instrument	Vocals, Drums, piano, saxophone
Genre	R&B;
Occupation	Singer–songwriter, record producer
Years active	2009–present
Label	Def Jam
Associated acts	Fabolous,50 Cent
Url	www.jeremihmusic.com

Jeremih Felton (born July 17, 1987) who performs under the mononym Jeremih (), is an American recording artist and producer. Signed to Def Jam Recordings, Jeremih's debut single, "Birthday Sex", peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100. His self-titled debut album, Jeremih, debuted at number six on the Billboard 200, selling 59,000 copies in its first week.

Life and career

Early life

Jeremih Felton was born in Chicago, Illinois. Born into a musical family, he began playing instruments at the age of four and taught himself how to play several, including drums, piano and the saxophone. Jeremih attended Morgan Park High School, where he was part of the marching band as well as a Latin jazz band, where he learned to play percussion instruments like congas and timbales. He graduated at the age of 16 and enrolled into the University of Illinois to pursue a career in engineering. Having graduated from high school at an early age, he said in an interview that he found himself "getting in a lot of trouble" while attending the university and plans on returning to earn his degree. After performing a tribute for Stevie Wonder at one of the campus's talent shows, he received positive feedback and realized his vocal ability, saying that the "music was just taking over".

Career beginnings and debut album

While attending Columbia College Chicago, Jeremih collaborated with record producer Mick Schultz. In February 2009, Jeremih met with Island Def Jam chairman L. A. Reid and executive vice president of A&R; Karen Kwak. After performing for the two, Jeremih was signed to Def Jam Recordings that same day. His eponymous debut album, Jeremih, was released in June 2009 under Def Jam; In promotion of the album, Jeremih took part in America's Most Wanted Tour, alongside Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy and Soulja Boy Tell 'Em. The second single, "Imma Star (Everywhere We Are)", has peaked at number 51 on the Billboard Hot 100.

In August 2009, Jeremih was selected by Ron Huberman and Mayor Richard Daley of the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) to campaign children to return to school. Community activists protested and demanded CPS to undo their decision, claiming that Jeremih's music was "not appropriate for students" and "promotes teen sex". Huberman argued that "school officials would be naive to pretend students don't listen to Felton's music already". Daley also argued that recording artists have the freedom of speech, noting that Jeremih was "a young man, [with a] back-to-school message, a young man who has had great success recording, producer, going to school, went to public school".

All About You (Second Album)

On June 1, 2010 Jeremih released the first single off of his second studio album All About You titled "I Like " featuring Ludacris. The single is available for purchase on iTunes. "All About You" was released on September 28th, 2010.

The confirmed second single off the album is "Down On Me" featuring rapper 50 Cent.A video was shot in 3D for this but it has been confirmed that it's not the official music video, which has been since been shot and released on December 17 2010.

Musical style

Jeremih cites Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and R. Kelly as his biggest influences. He described their music as "timeless", calling them "true musician-artists". In contrast, Ken Capobianco of The Boston Globe felt that Jeremih's voice was "thin", showing "little range". Jody Rosen expressed that Jeremih "has a way with tunes and hooks". He received comparisons to The-Dream, R. Kelly and Stevie Wonder.

Discography

;Studio albums

Jeremih (2009)

All About You (2010)

Awards and nominations

;MOBO Awards The Music of Black Origin Awards (MOBO Awards) is an awards ceremony established in 1995 by Kanya King.

!Source |- |align="center"|2009 |Jeremih |Best R&B;/Soul Act | |align="center"| |-

;American Music Awards The American Music Awards is an annual awards ceremony created by Dick Clark in 1973.

!Source |- |align="center"|2009 |Jeremih |T-Mobile Soul/R&B; Breakthrough Artist | |align="center"| |-

References

External links

Official website

Category:1987 births Category:Living people Category:African American singer-songwriters Category:American record producers Category:American rhythm and blues singers Category:Columbia College Chicago alumni Category:Def Jam Recordings artists Category:Musicians from Chicago, Illinois Category:University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign alumni