Name	Ciara
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Ciara Princess Harris
Born	October 25, 1985Austin, Texas, United States
Origin	Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Voice type	Contralto
Genre	R&B;, pop, hip hop, dance
Occupation	Singer-songwriter, record producer, dancer, actress, model
Years active	2002–present
Label	LaFace, Jive, Sho'nuff
Url

Ciara Princess Harris (born October 25, 1985), who performs under the mononym Ciara, is an American recording artist, dancer, actress, and fashion model. Born in Austin, Texas, she travelled around the world during her childhood, only to land in Atlanta, Georgia where she met music producer, Jazze Pha. With his help, she was signed to LaFace Records, and went on to become a successful artist, selling more than seven million albums worldwide and having numerous top ten hits.

In 2004 Ciara released her debut album Goodies which spawned the number one hits "Goodies" and "1, 2 Step", selling over five million copies worldwide and certified triple platinum in the United States. The album earned her four nominations at the 2004 Grammy Awards. In 2006, she released her second album, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and included the hits "Get Up" and "Promise". Her third album Fantasy Ride released in May 2009, included the worldwide top ten hit single "Love Sex Magic" with Justin Timberlake which earned her a nomination at the 52nd Grammy Awards for "Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals". Since making her musical debut in 2004, Ciara has attained five Billboard Hot 100 top ten singles including a number one. Prior to the release of her third album, Ciara has sold over seven million albums worldwide, and as of June 2010, she has sold more than 4.3 million albums and 6.9 million digital tracks in the United States alone.

Early life

Ciara was born in Austin, Texas on October 25, 1985 as the only child of Jackie and Carlton Harris. Since her father was in the United States Army, throughout her childhood Ciara grew up on army bases in Germany, New York, Utah, California, Arizona, and Nevada. In speaking of this, Ciara states that while she hated to lose good friends, this helps her in her career when she has to travel all over the world. During her teens, Ciara and her family settled in Atlanta. Ciara is quoted to have reached what she considered "a career pinnacle" when she recorded with Janet Jackson on Jackson's 2008 Discipline album.

Career

2002–03: Hearsay and record deal

In her mid-teens Ciara formed the all girl group Hearsay with two of her friends. The group recorded demos, but as time went on they began to have differences and eventually parted ways. She began production on her debut album later that year. In early 2004, Ciara wrote a demo with record producer, Sean Garrett. The demo was later brought to the attention of Lil Jon and became her debut single "Goodies". Lil Jon stated later that he knew it would be big seeing how it sounded similar to Usher's international hit, "Yeah!" and topped the Top R&B;/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Goodies itself had a seventy-one week stint on the Billboard 200, and certified three times-platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America on October 10, 2006, and has sold around 2.7 million copies in the United States as of June 2010. Charting at twenty-two on the Canadian Albums Chart, it was certified Platinum by the Canadian Recording Industry Association. The album charted at twenty-six on the UK Albums Chart, and spent twenty weeks on the chart.

Goodies's lead single, the title track, featuring Petey Pablo, was released on June 8, 2004. Conceived as a crunk female counterpart to Usher's "Yeah", the lyrical content goes against the grain, speaking of abstinence, rejecting advances because "the goodies will stay in the jar." Critics hailed it as an "anthem of the summer" and one of the best singles of the year, complementing its dance-feel and beat, and the irony of the "clever" lyrics. The single performed well worldwide, topping the charts in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom, and charting in the top ten of other charts, receiving Platinum certification in the United States. "1, 2 Step" featuring Missy Elliott was released as the album's second single. While topping the charts in Canada, it additionally appeared the in top ten of six other countries, and was certified Platinum or Gold in multiple regions. "Oh" featuring Ludacris was released as the third single on March 5, 2005. The song performed well worldwide, appearing in the top ten of seven charts, and certified either Platinum or Gold in multiple regions. The source of the album's creativity such as the sound and edge comes from Ciara in general. Although, Michael Jackson, Prince and Madonna were influences on the album. Ciara worked with a new line of producers including Rodney Jerkins, Pharrell, Bryan-Michael Cox, Will.i.am and many others, as well as working with producers Jazze Pha and Lil Jon who previously worked with the singer on her debut album.

Ciara: The Evolution became Ciara's first number one album on the US Billboard 200 and second on the Top R&B;/Hip-Hop Albums charts with sales of more than 338,000 becoming her highest first week of sales to date. The album went on to be certified platinum by the RIAA in the United States, within only five weeks of its release. It sold over two million copies worldwide. The album's international lead single "Get Up" which features Chamillionaire reached number seven in the United States and gained a platinum accreditation. It reached number five in New Zealand. The song was used for the film Step Up and featured on the film's soundtrack. The album's lead single in the United States, "Promise" reached number eleven on the Billboard Hot 100 and became her third number one single on the Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs chart. "Like a Boy" was released as the second international single which reached within the top twenty in the UK, Finland, France, Ireland, Sweden Switzerland, and also in the United States.

In support of the album, Ciara headlined The Evolution Tour in October 2006. The tour went to seventeen different clubs in cities throughout the United States. In August 2007 she headlined the Screamfest '07 tour with fellow rapper, T.I.. Ciara along with Chris Brown and Akon, was a support act for Rihanna's Good Girl Gone Bad Tour in the United Kingdom. She made guest appearances on singles such as "So What" by Field Mob and also on Tiffany Evans' single "Promise Ring". In addition to her music, Ciara made her acting debut in the MTV Films production All You've Got in May 2006. In the movie she played Becca Whiley, a teenager who is competing in a Volleyball Tournament. Ciara became the face of Jay-Z's Rocawear clothing line and spokesperson for the women campaign entitled "I Will Not Lose", which debuted in the summer of 2007.

2008–09: Fantasy Ride

In October 2008 Ciara was honored as Billboard's "Woman of the Year", because of her success as a recording artist and leadership in embracing the changing music business. In the October issue of Vibe Magazine, Ciara appeared to be naked on the magazine's cover but she has stated that Vibe airbrushed her clothes off to make it appear she was completely nude. Ciara told MTV News she was hurt by the photos and was quite shocked when she finally got her hands on the month's issue. She later confirmed that she was in fact clothed. Although her third album was originally intended for a September 2008 release, Fantasy Ride was released after a number of delays in May 2009. It became Ciara's first top ten album in the UK and Canada. In the United States, Fantasy Ride debuted at number three on the Billboard 200, becoming Ciara's third consecutive album to debut within the top three on the chart.

The album's lead single "Never Ever" which featured Young Jeezy was released in the United States in January 2009 and reached a peak of number nine on the US Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs. The second single "Love Sex Magic" featuring Justin Timberlake successfully became a worldwide hit, reaching within the top ten in eleven countries including the US where it reached a peak of number ten on the Billboard Hot 100. It went on to be certified platinum in Australia and received a gold accreditation in New Zealand. It received a nomination for "Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals" at the 52nd Grammy Awards and also for Best Choreography in a Video at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. In July 2009, Ciara headlined the Jay-Z & Ciara Live tour with Jay-Z. She was also the support act for Britney Spears's Circus tour, where she performed eight nights at London's prestigious O2 Arena during June 2009. Ciara made a guest appearance on Nelly's single "Stepped On My J'z" from his album Brass Knuckles, and also on Enrique Iglesias' international hit single, "Takin' Back My Love", from his Greatest Hits album.

2010–present: Basic Instinct

In February 2010, rapper Ludacris released a remix to his single "How Low" which had Ciara as a featured artist alongside Miami rapper Pitbull. In March 2010 Ciara made a cameo appearance in the music video of Usher's single, "Lil' Freak". Her fourth studio album Basic Instinct was released in December 2010. Ciara told Pete Lewis of Blues & Soul magazine, that the album "is really about her trusting her instinct and going back to the R&B;/urban basics in her music – like where she first started, in the days of "Goodies" and "1, 2 Step". It was executively produced by the singer alongside her A&R; agent Mark Pitts and writing/production duo Tricky Stewart and The-Dream who, also produced records for her previous album, Fantasy Ride. Basic Instinct debuted at number forty-four on the US Billboard 200 chart, with first-week sales of 37,000 copies. Consequently, it marks the first time in Ciara's career that one of her album's has missed the top three, as well as continuing a downward trend in success. On the U.S. R&B;/Hip-Hop Albums chart, the album opened at number eleven, again becoming Ciara's lowest charting album of her career thus far.

"Ride", which features Ludacris, was released as the album's lead single on April 26, 2010. It peaked at number forty-two on the US Billboard Hot 100, number three on the US Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs chart., and achieved minor success in the UK. It became Ciara's twelfth top-ten R&B;/Hip-Hop Airplay and R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs hit. The song won the award for "Best Dance Performance" at the 2010 Soul Train Music Awards. "Gimmie Dat" was released as the third single off the album on November 2, 2010, the follow-up to her minor hit "Speechless". It has reached a current peak of number sixty-seven on the US Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs chart In November 2010 Ciara travelled to Australia to be part of the Summerbeatz tour alongside Flo Rida, Jay Sean, Akon, Travie McCoy and Ja Rule.

Artistry

Music and voice

With the release of her debut single "Goodies", Ciara was referred to as the Princess of Crunk&B;. Allison Stewart of The Washington Post commented that she has a "reedy, agile voice, capable of conveying the only three emotions (sexy, sassy, sad) an R&B; singer needs. Randall Roberts of Los Angeles Times commented that "Ciara has been the most synthetic of the R&B; divas over the past decade, an electro-leaning vocalist whose instrumental palate has heavily favored stark 808 beats, sassy and seductive vocal lines." In reviewing her second album , Jody Rosen of Entertainment Weekly writes "Ciara's comfort with rave-inspired beats sets her apart from Cassie, Amerie, Rihanna, and other would-Beyoncés...[Her] singing is nimble throughout: She whispers, coos, wails, and reels off speedy syncopations worthy of Beyoncé herself." Her third album Fantasy Ride saw the singer showcasing a new pop and dance direction. Bill Lamb of About.com commented that her hit "Love Sex Magic" has a "retro funk guitar feel" to it and that "the song rides a beat that brings simultaneous echoes of 70's R&B; and classic Janet Jackson. Ciara's music is generally contemporary R&B;, but she also incoporates various styles of musical genres including, hip hop, crunk, rap, dance-pop, electro pop and funk into her songs. Critics have described her singles "Goodies", "1, 2 Step", "Get Up" and "Go Girl" as club bangers.

Ciara's debut album featured production from Jazze Pha who discovered her. Critics compared the album to the late singer Aaliyah. and said it had qualities of Destiny's Child. She has also taken to sampling songs from other artist such as, Lyn Collins's "Think (About It)" and Rob Base's "It Takes Two" on "Make It Last Forever", and also Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes' "If You Don't Know Me by Now", sampling the chorus of the song onto "Never Ever". The television special helped raise $100 million dollars for cancer research.

In 2009 Ciara signed a multi-million dollar deal with the modeling agency Wilhelmina Models. After signing the deal she has been in many magazine spreads. In addition to that, she also has her eyes set on beginning a new clothing line. In June 2008 she was in talks with the department store Steve & Barry's to create an affordable clothing line. On November 9, 2009 it was announced that Ciara would be modeling in the German edition of "Vogue". During that time, it was also announced that Ciara would be the new face of a major multimedia ad campaign for Verizon's smartphone the LG Chocolate Touch. Ciara filmed a commercial for the campaign, which features her dancing to her 2009 single "Work". In March 2010 it was officially confirmed and announced that Ciara was the spokesperson in the new ad campaign for Adidas Originals. A commercial for the campaign was released the same month, featuring numerous of other celebrities.

Personal life

In 2003, Ciara began dating rapper Bow Wow. They ended their relationship in April 2006.

Discography

Goodies (2004)

(2006)

Fantasy Ride (2009)

Basic Instinct (2010)

Tours

;Headlining

2006: The Evolution Tour

2007: Screamfest '07 (with T.I.)

2009: Jay-Z & Ciara Live (with Jay-Z)

;Supporting act

2005: Harajuku Lovers Tour 2005

2007: Good Girl Gone Bad Tour

2009: The Circus Starring Britney Spears

2010: Summerbeatz

Filmography

See also

List of artists who reached number one in the United States

List of awards and nominations received by Ciara

References

External links

Official website

Category:Ciara Category:1985 births Category:2000s singers Category:2010s singers Category:Actors from Texas Category:American dance musicians Category:American dancers Category:American female singers Category:American film actors Category:American music video directors Category:American pop singers Category:American record producers Category:American rhythm and blues singers Category:English-language singers Category:Grammy Award winners Category:Hip hop singers Category:Living people Category:Musicians from Texas Category:Military brats Category:People from Atlanta, Georgia Category:People from Austin, Texas Category:Sony BMG artists Category:World Music Awards winners

Name	Enrique Iglesias
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Enrique Miguel Iglesias Preysler
Born	May 08, 1975Madrid, Spain
Origin	Miami, Florida, U.S.
Instrument	Vocals, guitar
Genre	Latin pop, R&B;, dance-pop
Occupation	Singer-songwriter, model, actor
Years active	1995–present
Label	Fonovisa, Interscope, Universal Music Latino, Universal Republic
Url

Enrique Miguel Iglesias Preysler (born May 8, 1975), better known as Enrique Iglesias, is a Spanish pop music singer-songwriter.

Iglesias started his musical career on Mexican label Fonovisa. This helped turn him into one of the most popular artists in Latin America and in the Hispanic or Latino market in the United States, and the biggest seller of Spanish language albums for a number of years. Before the turn of the millennium, he made a crossover into the mainstream English language market, signing a unique multi-album deal with Universal Music Group for an unprecedented US$48,000,000, with Universal Music Latino to release his Spanish albums and Interscope to release English albums. In 2010, he parted with Interscope and signed with another Universal Music Group label, Universal Republic.

Iglesias has had four Billboard Hot 100 top five singles including two #1s, and holds the record for producing 21 number 1 Spanish-language singles on the Billboards Hot Latin Tracks. Up until the release of his latest album, Euphoria, in 2010, he had sold over 55 million albums in both English and Spanish.

Early life

Iglesias was born in Madrid, Spain, the third and final child of singer Julio Iglesias and socialite and magazine journalist Isabel Preysler. His mother is a Spanish-Filipino and his father is of Galician Spanish and Jewish ancestry. His parents divorced in 1978, and the following year Julio moved to Miami, Florida, in the U.S. to continue with his musical career.

In 1985, Enrique Iglesias' grandfather, Dr. Julio Iglesias Puga was kidnapped by the terrorist group ETA. For their safety, Enrique and his brother Julio Iglesias Jr. were sent to live with their father in Miami. He also lived in Belgrade, Serbia, for one year with his mother, who worked as a journalist. As his father's career kept him on the road, the young Iglesias was raised by the family nanny. He attended Gulliver Preparatory School and went on to study business at the University of Miami.

Iglesias did not want his father to know about his plans for a musical career and did not want his famous surname to help advance his career. He borrowed money from his family nanny and he recorded a demo cassette tape which consisted of a Spanish song and two English songs. Approaching his father's former publicist, Fernan Martinez, the two promoted the songs under the stage name 'Enrique Martinez' with the backstory of being an unknown singer from Guatemala. Iglesias was signed by a record label called Fonovisa. After dropping out of college, he went to Toronto to record his first album.

Music career

1995–98: Enrique Iglesias and Vivir

On July 12, 1995, Iglesias released his first album titled Enrique Iglesias, a collection of light rock ballads, including such mega-hits as "Si Tú Te Vas", "Experiencia Religiosa", and others. The record sold half a million copies in its first week, a rare accomplishment then for an album recorded in a language other than English.

His song " Por Amarte" was included in Televisa's telenovela Marisol, but with a twist: instead of Por amarte daría mi vida (To love you, I'd give my life), the words were Por amarte Marisol, moriría (To love you, Marisol, I'd die). The CD also yielded Italian and Portuguese editions of the album, with most of the songs translated into those languages.

Five singles released from this album, such as "Por Amarte", "No Llores Por Mí", and "Trapecista" topped the Latin charts. The album went on to win Iglesias a Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Performance.

In 1997, Iglesias' star continued to rise with the release of Vivir (To Live), which put him up with other English language music superstars in sales for that year. The album also included a cover version of the Yazoo song "Only You", translated into Spanish as "Solo en Tí".

Insisting on stadiums, that summer, Enrique, backed by sidemen for Elton John, Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel, played to sold-out audiences in sixteen countries. Beginning the tour in Odessa, Texas the tour went on to three consecutive nights in Mexico's Plaza de Toros, two consecutive nights at Monterrey's Auditorio Coca Cola and two at the Estadio River Plate in Buenos Aires, Argentina to over 130,000 people as well as 19 arenas in the U.S.

Three singles released from Vivir ("Enamorado Por Primera Vez", "Sólo en Ti" and "Miente") topped the Latin singles chart as well as those in several Spanish-speaking countries. Along with his father and Luis Miguel, Iglesias was nominated for an American Music Award in the first-ever awarded category of Favorite Latin Artist. It was said beforehand that the elder Iglesias would walk out if he did not win the award. Iglesias lost out to his father, but did perform the song "Lluvia Cae" at the event.

in 1999, his Cosas del Amor tour was sponsored by McDonald's.]]

1998–1999: Cosas del Amor

In 1998, Iglesias released his third album, Cosas del Amor (Things of Love). Taking a more mature musical direction, the album, aided by the popular singles "Esperanza" and "Nunca Te Olvidaré", both of which topped the Latin singles chart, helped cement his status in the Latin music scene.

Iglesias did a short tour of smaller venues to accompany the release of the album, with one show being televised from Acapulco, Mexico. This was followed by a larger world tour of over eighty shows in even bigger venues. The Cosas del Amor Tour was the first ever concert tour sponsored by McDonald's.

He won an American Music Award in the category of Favorite Latin Artist against Ricky Martin and Los Tigres del Norte. The song "Nunca te Olvidaré" was also used as the theme music for a Spanish soap opera of the same name and he sang the song himself on the last episode of the series.

1999–2002: Enrique and Escape

By 1999, Iglesias had begun a successful crossover career into the English language music market. Thanks to other successful crossover acts, most notably that of Ricky Martin and Selena, Latino artists and music had a great surge in popularity in mainstream music. Iglesias' contribution to the soundtrack of Will Smith's movie Wild Wild West, "Bailamos" became a number one hit in the US.

After the success of "Bailamos", several mainstream record labels were eager to sign Enrique. Signing a multi-album deal after weeks of negotiations with Interscope, Iglesias recorded and released his first full CD in English, Enrique. The pop album, with some Latin influences, took two months to complete and contained a duet with Whitney Houston called "Could I Have This Kiss Forever" and a cover of the Bruce Springsteen song "Sad Eyes". The album's third single, "Be With You", became his second number one.

The final single from the album was the song "You're My #1", re-recorded and released in selected territories as a duet with local acts – Alsou in Russia, Sandy & Junior in Brazil and Valen Hsu in Asia.

Iglesias followed up in 2001 with the album Escape. Where most of the Latin crossover acts of the previous year experienced some difficulty matching the record sales of their first English language albums, Iglesias actually went on to sell even more. The album's first single, "Hero", became a number one hit in the United Kingdom, and in many other countries. The entire album was co-written by Iglesias.

Escape is his biggest commercial success to date. The singles "Escape" and "Don't Turn Off The Lights" became radio staples, fairing well and placing highly or topping various charts both in North America and elsewhere. A second edition of the album was released internationally and contained a new version of one of Enrique's favorite tracks, "Maybe", as well as a duet with Lionel Richie called "To Love a Woman".

Iglesias capitalized on the album's success with his "One-Night Stand World Tour" consisting of 50 sold-out shows in 16 countries. Including Radio City Music Hall and three consecutive nights in London's Royal Albert Hall, the tour ended with a big show at Stadium National Lia Manoliu in Bucharest, Romania. The concert launched MTV Romania, with the video for "Love to See You Cry" being the first to be shown on the channel.

The second leg of the tour, "Don't Turn Off The Lights", was completed in the summer of 2002, with two sold-out nights in Madison Square Garden and another two in Mexico's National Auditorium. The tour finished with a single show in the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

2002–03: Quizás

In 2002, Iglesias chose to release a fourth Spanish-language album titled Quizás (Perhaps). A more polished musical production than his previous Spanish albums and containing more introspective songs, the album's title track is a song about the strained relationship Iglesias has with his famous father.

The album debuted at number 12 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, the highest placement of a Spanish language album on the chart at the time. Quizás sold a million copies in a week, making it the fastest-selling album in Spanish in 5 years. The three singles released from the album all ended up topping the Latin chart, giving Iglesias a total of 16 number ones on the chart. He currently holds the record for the most number one singles on Billboard's Latin Chart. His last single from the album, "Para Que la Vida", reached a million spins on U.S. radio, the only Spanish language song to do so.

The video to the song "Quizás" was the first Spanish language music video to be added to the selection on MTV's popular show Total Request Live. Iglesias performed the song on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, becoming the first to sing a Spanish song on the show, and opening doors for other artists such as Ricky Martin, Juanes and Jorge Drexler to perform their Spanish material. Iglesias included songs from Quizás in his "Don't Turn Off the Lights Tour", and the album went on to win a Latin Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album.

2003–06: 7

In 2003, Iglesias released his seventh album, which he called 7, the second to be co-written by Iglesias. Among its more 1980s-inspired material, it features the song "Roamer", which he wrote with his friend and longtime guitarist, Tony Bruno. The CD also contained the song "Be Yourself", a song about independence (the chorus talks about how Iglesias' own parents didn't believe he'd ever succeed in his singing career). The first single was the song "Addicted", and was followed closely by a remix of the song "Not in Love", featuring Kelis.

With this album, Iglesias went on his biggest world tour to date. The highly publicised tour started with twelve shows in the United States ending with Iglesias playing at Houston Rodeo and continued on to several countries, most of which he'd never previously visited playing to sold-out arenas and stadiums in Australia, India, Egypt and Singapore before ending his tour in South Africa.

2007–09: Insomniac and Greatest Hits

on August 29, 2007.]] Iglesias released his new album Insomniac on June 12, 2007. The album was so named due to it being recorded mainly at night. The album contained a more contemporary pop style than that of previous albums. The album's highlights include "Push", with rapper Lil' Wayne, as well as "Ring My Bells", and a cover of Ringside's "Tired of Being Sorry".

The first single Do You Know? (The Ping Pong Song) was released on April 10, 2007. It was the Iglesias's highest charting song on the Hot 100 since "Escape" it was also a it throughout Europe peaking in the top 10 in many countries and the Spanish version entitled "Dímelo" was #1 on Hot Latin Tracks from 12 weeks becoming his second best performing song on that chart.

Iglesias followed up with the ballad "Somebody's Me", which was released as a single in the American continent. The song was played extensively on AC radio and peaked high on Billboard's Hot AC, where the Spanish version also performed well. In Europe, the second single was "Tired of Being Sorry", which performed well in many countries; he recorded a version of the song with French singer Nâdiya which was #1 in France for one week.

On July 4, Enrique Iglesias became the first Western artist to play a concert in Syria in three decades when he performed for a sold-out crowd of 10,000 in the capital city of Damascus and in the same week performed on Live Earth.

The Insomniac World Tour was launched at the Dome in Johannesburg, South Africa, the same venue he ended his last world Tour and took him to sold out arenas throughout Europe. It was his first arena tour of the UK with him playing venues such as Manchester's MEN Arena and Wembley Arena. The tour ended with Iglesias performing at newly opened L.A. Live. A second leg of the tour has taken him throughout Latin America from Mexico to Argentina.

A solo version of "Push" was added to the soundtrack of the movie Step Up 2 the Streets. The song was regarded as the third single from the album. A music video was shot which features the film's lead actors. Despite never being officially added to radio the song has charted in several countries and is one of his most highly rated songs amongst fans.

Enrique's song "Can You Hear Me" has been chosen as the official song of the UEFA Euro 2008 football tournament. He performed the song live at the June 29, 2008 final in Vienna, Austria. The song featured on a re-issue of the Insomniac album being released in certain countries.

Enrique released a Spanish Greatest Hits album on 25 March 2008 which included his seventeen #1 songs on Hot Latin Tracks chart, plus two new songs. The first single was the song "Dónde Están Corazón", which is written by Argentine star Coti and became Iglesias's 18th #1 single on Billboard's Hot Latin Songs. The album debuted at #1 on Billboard's Latin Album Charts and #18 on Billboards top 200 Album chart. It was Enrique's second Spanish Album to debut in the top 20 Billboards Top 200 Albums (Quizás debuted at 12 in 2002). The album has been recently certified double platinum in the U.S.and in some Latin American countries.

The album's second single Lloro Por Ti had an official remix featuring Wisin y Yandel which also reached #1. Iglesias did a tour of the US. Beginning in Laredo, Texas and ending at the Izod Center in New Jersey he was accompanied though most of the tour with Bachata band Aventura who also performed "Lloro Por Ti" with him at the Premios Juventud.

Iglesias was a surprise performer at the Lo Nuestro Awards, opening the show with a medley of "Dónde Están Corazón" and "Dimelo". He also performed at the Billboard Latin Music Awards, where he received a special award.

After the success of his Spanish Greatest Hits compilation, Iglesias released a compilation of his English language hits on November 11. The album includes "Can You Hear Me" as well two new songs. The first single is entitled "Away" ft Sean Garrett and was followed by "Takin' Back My Love" ft Ciara.

The compilation includes English hit songs such as "Bailamos", "Hero", "Be With You", "Not In Love" and "Escape" which have topped the various Billboard Charts (two of which on Hot 100) as well as songs such as Rhythm Divine, Tired Of Being Sorry and Do You Know (The ping pong song) which have also topped charts in Europe.

After the successful collaboration with Nadiya Iglesias has recorded a second duet with her called "Miss You" which featured on a delux edition of the album.

The album debuted at #3 on The Official Uk Album Chart and sold over 80,000 copies in its first 2 weeks alone.

Enrique was the winner for two World Music Awards in the categories of "World's Best Selling Latin Performer" and "World's Best Selling Spanish Artist", in the ceremony held in Monaco on November 9, 2008.

2010–present: Euphoria

On July 5, 2010, Iglesias released his ninth studio album, Euphoria, his first work to be released under his new label, Universal Republic. The album is Iglesias's first bilingual album with seven original English songs and six original Spanish songs.

Iglesias worked with three producers whom he has worked with before; RedOne, Mark Taylor and Carlos Paucer. The album features collaborations with Akon, Usher, Nicole Scherzinger, Pitbull, Juan Luis Guerra and his third duet with Wisin y Yandel. In a joint venture with Universal Latino Iglesias will release different singles in both languages simultaneously to different formats.

The first English single from the album, "I Like It", which features Cuban rapper Pitbull, was released on May 3, 2010 in the U.S. and became a success, reaching number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. After weeks on the chart, it reached to #1 on the Billboard Hot/Dance Club Play, making it Enrique's 7th number one song on that chart and also making it the male singer with most number-ones tying with Prince & Michael Jackson.

"Cuando Me Enamoro" was released as the lead Spanish single from the album. The song debuted at number 8 and number 25 on U.S Latin Pop Songs and U.S. Hot Latin Songs, respectively. The song became his 25th top 10 single on the U.S. Billboard Hot Latin Songs & after 4 weeks of its release date it became his 21st No.1 song on this chart.

Another English single from the album "Tonight (I'm Lovin' You)" broke into the top 10 on the Billboard charts becoming no 6. on January 7, 2011.

Songwriting, producing, and acting

Iglesias has collaborated with songwriter Guy Chambers to write "Un Nuovo Giorno", the lead single from Andrea Bocelli's first pop album. The song was later translated into English as "First Day of My Life" and recorded by Spice Girl Melanie C. The song has since gone to become a huge hit throughout Europe, and peaked in the number one spot in numerous countries. Iglesias also wrote the single "The Way" for American Idol runner up Clay Aiken. Four songs co-written by Iglesias appear on the UK band The Hollies' current album. Many times Iglesias has said that should he ever retire, he wants to write and produce songs for other artists. In 2010 Idol Allstars 2010 (Swedish Idol Series) released a song "All I Need Is You" co-written by Iglesias with Andreas Carlsson, Kalle Engström and Kristian Lundin. It went straight to I-Tunes #1.

In 2000, Iglesias co-produced an off Broadway musical called Four Guys Named Jose and Una Mujer Named Maria. In the musical, four Americans of Latin heritage possess a common interest in music and meet and decide to put on a show. The show contained many references and allusions to many classic and contemporary Latin and pop songs by the likes of Carmen Miranda, Selena, Richie Valens, Santana, Ricky Martin and Iglesias himself.

Iglesias also developed an interest in acting, starring alongside Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek and Johnny Depp in the Robert Rodriguez film Once Upon a Time in Mexico, in which he played the foul-mouthed gun-wielding Lorenzo. In 2007, he had guest starred in the TV comedy Two and a Half Men as a carpenter/handyman. He says that he would act again if given small roles that he could fit in between his musical commitments.

He also guest starred as Gael, an Argentinean guitar playing/surfer/massage therapist love interest on the CBS hit TV show How I Met Your Mother.

Iglesias also played the part of an evil Roman emperor in an ambitious TV commercial for Pepsi, which sponsored his last world tour. He starred alongside Britney Spears, Beyoncé and Pink, who turn the tables on him in the commercial. He's also starred in commercials for Doritos and for Viceroy watches.

Personal life

Iglesias started dating tennis star Anna Kournikova in late 2001 (she appeared in his video, "Escape"), and rumors that the couple had secretly married circulated in 2003 and again in 2005. Kournikova herself has consistently refused to directly confirm or deny the status of her personal relationships. But in May 2007, Iglesias was (mistakenly, as he would clarify later) quoted in the New York Sun that he had no intention of marrying Kournikova and settling down because they had split up. The singer would later deny these rumors of "divorce" or simply separation. In June 2008, Iglesias told the Daily Star that he had married Kournikova the previous year and that they are currently separated. Enrique has stated in interviews after that it was simply a joke, and they are still very much together. In an interview with Graham Norton in 2010, Kournikova confirmed that she and Iglesias have been together for over eight years but have no plans to marry in the near future.

Discography

Spanish Studio albums

Enrique Iglesias (1995)

Vivir (1997)

Cosas del Amor (1998)

Quizás (2002)

English studio albums

Enrique (1999)

Escape (2001)

7 (2003)

Insomniac (2007)

Bilingual studio albums

Euphoria (2010)

See also

List of awards and nominations received by Enrique Iglesias

Julio Iglesias

References

External links

Enrique Iglesias Official website

Interscope Records Official Site

Enrique Iglesias on YouTube

Enrique Iglesias profile at NNDB

Category:1975 births Category:1990s singers Category:2000s singers Category:2010s singers Category:English-language singers Category:Expatriates in Serbia Category:Grammy Award winners Category:Living people Category:People of Jewish descent Category:People from Madrid Category:People from Miami, Florida Category:Spanish people of Filipino descent Category:Spanish male singers Category:Spanish-language singers Category:Spanish expatriates Category:Spanish immigrants to the United States Category:University of Miami alumni Category:Enrique Iglesias

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	Petey Pablo
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Moses Barrett III
Born	July 22, 1973
Origin	Greenville, North Carolina
Genre	Southern hip hop, Crunk
Occupation	Rapper
Years active	2001–present
Label	Jive Records, Death Row Records, Carolina Music Group
Url	PeteyPablo.com

Moses Barrett III, known by the stage name Petey Pablo, is an American Southern hip hop artist from Greenville, North Carolina

He is best known for his hit singles "Raise Up" and "Freek-a-Leek", along with rapping on Ciara's Billboard Hot 100 #1 single "Goodies".

Biography

Petey Pablo was arrested in Raleigh, North Carolina for armed robbery in June 1993 and sentenced to 14 years. He also lived in Pasquotank County, North Carolina.

He spent six years in prison and on his release moved to New York City, where he met Black Rob and Busta Rhymes, and, according to legend, was signed by the A&R; director of Jive Records after hearing him rapping in a club bathroom. He appeared as himself in Drumline (2002) (performing "Club Banger", "You Can Find Me", and "Raise Up/I Told Y'All"). The release of his second album, , was delayed until 2004.

Barrett currently resides in the Raleigh suburb Wake Forest, North Carolina, where he is working under his own label: Carolina Music Group, or CMG.

On September 11, 2010, he was arrested at RDU Airport after allegedly trying to carry a 9mm automatic pistol aboard a US Airways flight bound for Los Angeles.

Discography

Albums

References

http://www.postbulletin.com/newsmanager/templates/localnews_story.asp?z=35&a;=465901

http://www.amazon.com/How-Do-You-Know/dp/B002ORTXAK/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid;=1282246839&sr;=301-1 §

http://www.postbulletin.com/entertainment/photo_gallery/image.asp?id=48&imageid;=104474 §

External links

[ Petey Pablo entry] at Allmusic

Category:Living people Category:African American rappers Category:Death Row Records artists Category:Southern hip hop musicians Category:1979 births

Name	Missy Elliott
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Melissa Arnette Elliott
Alias	Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott
Born	July 01, 1971Portsmouth, Virginia, U.S.
Instrument	Vocals
Genre	Hip hop, R&B;, electronic dance music
Occupation	Rapper, singer-songwriter, record producer, actress, dancer, designer
Years active	1991–present
Label	The Goldmind, East West, Elektra, Atlantic, Violator
Url

Melissa Arnette "Missy" Elliott (born July 1, 1971), is an American recording artist, award winning producer, singer-songwriter, dancer, actress and clothing line designer.

With record sales of over seven million in the United States, Elliott is known for a series of hits and diverse music videos, including "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)", "Hot Boyz", "Get Ur Freak On", "One Minute Man", "Work It", "Pass That Dutch", and "Lose Control". She is the only child of mother Patricia, a power-company coordinator, and father Ronnie, a Marine. At the age of four in 1975, she wanted to be a performer, though she knew no one took her seriously, as she was always the . While her father was a Marine, the family lived in Jacksonville, North Carolina, in a mobile home. Elliott enjoyed school for the friendships she formed and had little interest in school work, though an IQ test classified her above average and she was able to jump two years ahead of her class.

Elliott had an abusive father who beat her mother every day and beat Elliott once. At one point, he pulled a gun on them and they were forced outside naked. Elliott refused to stay over at any of her friends' homes for the fear that she would return and find her mother dead. In 1991, Fayze caught the attention of Jodeci member and producer DeVante Swing by performing Jodeci songs a cappella for him backstage after one of his group's concerts. In short order, Fayze moved to New York City and signed to Elektra Records through DeVante's Swing Mob imprint, also renaming the group Sista. Elliott took Mosley — whom DeVante re-christened Timbaland — and their friend Melvin "Magoo" Barcliff along with her.

All 20-plus members of the Swing Mob — among them future stars such as Ginuwine, Playa, and Tweet — lived in a single two-story house in New York and were often at work on material both for Jodeci and their own projects. selling 1.5 million copies and 3 million copies worldwide. She remarked, "I can't even explain the pressure. The last album took me a week to record. This one took almost two months…I couldn't rush it the second time because people expect more." Although not released as single and with no video, "Pussycat", peaked at number 77 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album is known as the best selling female rap album ever with 2.1 million copies sold in the United States. In 2003, Under Construction received Grammy nominations for Best Rap Album and Album of the Year.

The New York Times called Under Construction "this year's best hip-hop album."

Under Construction also included a track called "Back In The Day", a nostalgic ode to old school hip hop music and fashion that featured guest vocals from Jay-Z and Tweet. A video was shot and an article on MTV.com was posted, but the video was never released.

Early 2003, Elliott produced the "American Dream Remix" (featuring Tweet's additional vocals) of Madonna's single "American Life". In the summer of 2003, Elliott was the featured rapper on Timbaland & Magoo's long-awaited return single, "Cop That Shit"; the song was a modest hit at urban radio.

For the soundtrack to the Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Beyoncé Knowles movie by the same name, Elliott produced "Fighting Temptation" (featuring herself, Beyoncé, Free and MC Lyte) which reached the number one spot in Japan but failed to chart in the U.S. Hot 100.

This Is Not a Test!

A year after Elliott's most successful album to date was released, Elliott felt pressured by her label to release another album, hoping to capitalize on her recent success. Elliott's singles, "Pass That Dutch" and "I'm Really Hot", from her fifth album, This Is Not a Test! (released November 2003), both rose the urban charts. However, both were not as successful at pop radio in comparison to many of her previous efforts. Elliott has since stated "This Is Not A Test! came out extremely too quickly for me. I didn't want it to come out when it did."

Also in 2003, Elliott was featured on Wyclef Jean's "Party to Damascus" and Ghostface Killah's "Tush" singles, the latter of which became a minor 2004 dance hit, and had a pivotal role in the film Honey, starring Jessica Alba. Gap approached Elliott later in the year to co-star in a commercial with Madonna, which received much media attention. Elliott furthered her relationship with Madonna by performing the controversial 2003 MTV Video Music Awards show opening alongside Madonna, Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera.

In 2004, Elliott was featured on Ciara's hit single "1, 2 Step", with her verse interpolating Teena Marie's single, "Square Biz".

Elliott premiered her own reality show on the UPN Network, The Road to Stardom with Missy Elliott in mid-2005. Although the series never made impressive ratings, it did maintain a solid audience. The winner, Jessica Betts, has yet to release an album or single, which was the prize of the show.

This Is Not A Test sold 143,600 in its first week of being released and sold 690,000 copies in the United States and has been certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

The Cookbook

Following her less than usual sales from her previous album, Elliott wanted to "give people the unexpected" by utilizing producers other than Timbaland and a "more to the center" sound not as far left as her other music.

Block Party

In January 2008, Ching-a-Ling was released as the lead single for the Step Up 2 the Streets soundtrack. Shake Your Pom Pom, produced by Timbaland, is also on the soundtrack. Both songs may appear on Elliott's forthcoming album.

In an interview with Elle Magazine in June 2009, Missy Elliott announced an Autumn 2009 release of Block Party, her seventh studio album, but was later pushed back a 4th time to 2010. She reveals that "there are a lot of great collaborations on the record, but I can only give one away right now, and that's Lil Wayne."

Elliott's seventh studio album will also feature production from Timbaland, Danja, Pharrell Williams, Souldiggaz, T-Pain, Sef Millz & Mista Raja of Coalition Forces and Pointguard.

Missy Elliott hints to Billboard.com that "this album is probably more musical and melodic than my previous ones. A lot of my albums are really hip-hop-driven, with tinges of other music genres. But this album is hip-hop, with a sort of U.K. hip-hop sound to it." When asked why she chose the title "Block Party", she replies that "because there are a lot of dance joints on there. It's one of those albums you can play out in the streets."

On June 7, 2010, Missy Elliott performed at VH1's Hip Hop Honors: The Dirty South to do a tribute to long-time collaborator and friend Timbaland. Her performance included the hits "Get Ur Freak On" and "Work It", both produced by Timbaland.

On August 18, 2010, Missy Elliott revealed via Twitter that she will release "Blow Ya Whistle" as an upcoming single from the long-awaited album.

Missy and Timbaland both hint via their Official Twitter pages (@MissyElliott, @Timbaland007) that 2011 will be the year they release new music.

Biographical film

In 2005, it was announced that there are plans to make a biographical film about the life story of Elliott and is to be shown in theaters. Producers include Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal, and the film is being written and directed by Diane Houston. In mid-June 2007, Elliott said she was still working on the script with Diane Houston in order "to come up with the right stuff 'cause I don’t want it to be watered down. I want it to be raw and uncut the way my life was" Initially, it seemed Timbaland wouldn't be a part of the movie. When Missy asked him, he refused, citing he felt it dramatized his character; "the movie is about her life, her story, that goes deeper than putting me into the movie". However, Timbaland has since stated that he would reconsider if she could get others, including Ginuwine & Magoo to sign on.

Personal life

Elliott has also said that she wants to start a family, but is afraid of labor. She states, "I don't know if I can take that kind of pain [of labor]. Maybe in the year 2020 you could just pop a baby out and it'd be fine. But right now I'd rather just adopt. " In conjunction with her reality show The Road to Stardom, there was a contest for viewers to create a public service ad for the Break the Cycle foundation.

In 2004, Missy Elliott joined forces with MAC Cosmetics to promote their "Viva Glam" campaign. In addition to the ad campaign, Elliott promoted the MAC Viva Glam V lipstick from which 100% of the sale goes to the M.A.C AIDS Fund.

In 2007, Elliott appeared on a ABC's Extreme Makeover and awarded four scholarships for a weight loss program to four underprivileged teens.

Discography

; Albums

Supa Dupa Fly (1997)

Da Real World (1999)

Miss E... So Addictive (2001)

Under Construction (2002)

This Is Not a Test! (2003)

The Cookbook (2005)

Block Party (2011)

; Tours

Lilith Fair (1998)

Verizon Ladies First Tour (with Beyoncé and Alicia Keys) (2004)

Europe Tour (2010)

; Compilation Albums

Respect M.E. (2006)

; DVDs

Hits of Miss E… The Videos Vol.1 (2001)

Recipe of Hits: Music Video Anthology (2005)

Filmography

Television

{|class="wikitable" style="font-size: 90%;" border="2" cellpadding="4" background: #f9f9f9; |- align="center" ! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Year ! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Title ! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Role ! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Episode |- |1997 |Family Matters |Herself |"Original Gangster Dawg" (season 9, episode 203) |- |1998 |The Wayans Bros. |Herself |- |2003 |Eve |Herself,Guest appearance |"Missy Elliott In The Place" |- |2005 |MTV Cribs |Herself | |- |2005 |The Road to Stardom |Herself | |- |rowspan="2"|2008 |ego trip's Miss Rap Supreme |Herself |Season 1 |- |America's Best Dance Crew |Herself, Guest Judge |"Missy Elliott "Shake Ya Pom Pom" Challenge" (season 2, episode 7) |- |2010 |What Chilli Wants |Herself | |}

Films

{|class="wikitable" style="font-size: 90%;" border="2" cellpadding="4" background: #f9f9f9; |- align="center" ! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Year ! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Film ! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Role |- |2001 |Pootie Tang |Diva |- |2003 |Honey |Herself |- |rowspan="2"|2004 |Fade to Black |Herself |- |Shark Tale |(Singing Voice) |- |2005 |Just for Kicks |Herself |}

See also

List of awards and nominations received by Missy Elliott

Notes

References

External links

Category:1971 births Category:1990s singers Category:2000s singers Category:2010s singers Category:African American actors Category:African American female singer-songwriters Category:African American musicians Category:African American songwriters Category:American dance musicians Category:American female singers Category:American hip hop record producers Category:American rhythm and blues singers Category:Atlantic Records artists Category:Female rappers Category:Grammy Award winners Category:Hip hop singers Category:Living people Category:Participants in American reality television series Category:People from Portsmouth, Virginia Category:Rappers from Virginia Category:Southern hip hop musicians Category:Swing Mob artists Category:Woodrow Wilson High School (Virginia) alumni

Name	Field Mob
Background	group_or_band
Origin	Albany, Georgia, United States
Genre	Southern Rap, Hip hop
Years active	2000–present
Label	Southern House (1999–2000)MCA (2000–2003)Geffen (2003–2008)DTP (2005–2008)
Url	FieldMob.com
Current members	Shawn JaySmoke

Field Mob is an American Hip-Hop group from Albany, Georgia composed of artists Shawn Timothy Johnson and Darion Crawford better known by their stage names Shawn Jay and Smoke respectively.

Biography

Formation

Darion and Shawn grew up on the outskirts of Albany, Georgia a few blocks from each other in a relatively poor neighborhood locally known as "The Field" because of its semi-rural location as compared to the city's public housing. As teenagers attending Monroe Comprehensive High School, Darion observed Shawn and a group of friends holding rap freestyle battles in the schools courtyard, with Shawn being the "reigning champion." Darion decided to challenge Shawn on the idea that "he was just as good" and won. For four weeks afterward, the informal competition continued daily, with the victor alternating between himself and Shawn, and attracting the attention of many other students who came to spectate. Eventually, Shawn offered to form a rap group with Darion, and Field Mob was born.

According to Smoke and Shawn Jay, the origins of the duo's name are twofold. Field is a reference not only to the neighborhood where they grew up, but also an allusion to a slang term for the southern United States. Mob signifies the strength the duo represents- "We’re two people but together we make an army. We’re making a strong statement with two people. We’re a two man army.” Following their debut success, the duo's collaboration was sought after by several well-known regional artists, including Trick Daddy and Big Boi of Outkast, lending further public exposure and notoriety.

However, the situation came to the attention of Disturbing tha Peace CEO Ludacris, who saw untapped potential in the young rappers. After negotiations, which involved relieving them of their old MCA contract, the group was signed to Disturbing tha Peace in August 2005, shortly thereafter appearing on , a collaboration album showcasing the labels new artists. The duo's track Georgia featuring Ludacris and Jamie Foxx became an instant underground hit and the albums top selling single, eventually reaching #39 on the US Billboard 200 and setting the tone for their third album.

Light Poles and Pine Trees

After a postponed 2005 release date, Light Poles and Pine Trees dropped in June 2006 to high acclaim and much fanfare, owing at least partly from an extensive promotional campaign by Disturbing tha Peace and multiple radio promo tracks. This album garnered the pair their biggest hit with its first official single, So What, featuring Ciara and coincidentally also produced by Jazze Pha. This release reached #7 on the US Billboard 200 and #2 on Top R&B;/Hip Hop Albums.

Shawn Jay has entered into a solo contract with parent company Universal Music Group.

Discography

Albums

Singles

Featured appearances

2001: "Jazzy Hoes Part 2" Jermaine Dupri - Instructions

2005: "Georgia" collaboration -

2006: "Damn" Shawnna - Block Music

2006: "Ultimate Satisfaction" Ludacris - Release Therapy

References

External links

Official site

Label Website

Official Myspace

Category:African American musical groups Category:Southern hip hop groups Category:Musical groups from Georgia (U.S. state) Category:People from Albany, Georgia Category:Def Jam Recordings artists

Name	Bow Wow
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Shad Gregory Moss
Born	March 09, 1987 Columbus, Ohio, United States
Genre	Hip hop
Occupation	Rapper, Actor, Singer
Instrument	Vocals
Years active	1993–present
Label	Cash Money Records, Universal Motown
Url

Shad Gregory Moss (born March 9, 1987) is an American rapper, singer and actor.

He released his debut album, Beware of Dog, at age 13, then under the stage name Lil Bow Wow, which was given to him by one of his idols, Snoop Dogg. He carried the stage name with him until his 2003 album, Unleashed, under simply Bow Wow (dropping the "Lil" from the name). Three more albums followed, Wanted in 2005, The Price of Fame in 2006 and New Jack City II in 2009. In 2007, he released the collaboration album Face Off with Omarion.

Bow Wow made his first movie appearance in All About the Benjamins, in 2002 as a cameo. In the same year, Bow Wow made his debut as the lead role in, Like Mike. He later began to undertake lead roles in movies such as, Johnson Family Vacation in 2004, and Roll Bounce, in 2005. He was also played as a supporting role in the film, in 2006. Bow Wow also appeared in an episode of the television series, Entourage.

Early life

Bow Wow was born in Columbus, Ohio, the son of Teresa Caldwell and Alfonso Moss. His family are good people and supported him through all his success in music At age three, he became interested in rap. Under the moniker "Kid Gangsta", he began rapping recreationally at age six; he was also a fan of N.W.A at that age. In 1993, he performed at a concert in Los Angeles, and was noticed by rapper Snoop Dogg, who subsequently gave him a stage name, "Bow Wow". Dr. Dre signed Bow Wow to Death Row Records.

As Lil' Bow Wow

Beware of Dog (1998-2001)

In 1998, at the age of eleven, Bow Wow met record producer Jermaine Dupri, who helped shape his career. At the age of 13, in 2000 he debuted with Beware of Dog under the stage name Lil' Bow Wow. Its debut single was "Bounce With Me", which featured girl group Xscape. The album also included "Bow Wow (That's My Name)" featuring Snoop Dogg, which topped the rap chart, In a 2009 interview, the rapper claimed that the album had sold over 3 million copies since its release.

In 2002, his second album Doggy Bag was released with singles "Take Ya Home" which peaked at #1 on the Hot 100 and #1 on the Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs chart, and "Thank You" with Jagged Edge), #1 on the R&B; chart. and was certified platinum.

As Bow Wow

Unleashed (2003-2004)

The first album released under his new moniker was Unleashed in 2003. Its first single was "Let's Get Down," featuring Birdman, the founder of Cash Money Records, which reached #14 on the Hot 100 and #6 on the Hot Rap Tracks charts. The second single was then released, "My Baby", featuring Jagged Edge. Unlike his previous albums, this one was not produced under the mentorship of Jermaine Dupri. "Fresh Azimiz", featured J-Kwon and Jermaine Dupri, followed and peaked at #23 on the Hot 100 and #6 on the Hot Rap Tracks chart. The album was certified platinum.

The Price of Fame & Face Off (2006-2007)

In 2006, The Price of Fame was released with the lead single "Shortie Like Mine", featuring Chris Brown, peaking at #9 on the Hot 100 and #1 on the Hot Rap Tracks. It peaked at #22 on the Hot 100 and #2 on the Rap chart. He released a mixtape title Half Man, Half Dog Vol. 1 that year. Half Man, Half Dog Vol. 2 was released as a sequel to the mixtape in February 2009. New Jack City II, his sixth album, was released in March 2009 and his first album to include a Parental Advisory: Steven Roberts of MTV News observed that this album explored the "the influence of crack cocaine in inner-city communities" and featured such guests as T.I. Three promo singles were released in late 2008: "Marco Polo" featuring Soulja Boy, "Big Girls", and "Roc The Mic". The first official single, "You Can Get It All" featuring Johnta Austin, samples TLC's "Baby-Baby-Baby" and peaked at #55 on the Hot 100 and #9 on the Hot Rap Tracks. and his next album Underrated will be released in early 2011. The first promo single being "For My Hood" featuring DJ Khaled & Sean Kingston. On November 1, 2010 Bow Wow released his first single from the album entitled "Aint Thinkin' Bout You" which featured Chris Brown. The music video was a success on 106 and Park and made the countdown in just 1 day. Two weeks later it peaked number 1 on the chart and remained number 1 for 3 days.

Film career

Bow Wow has had guest appearances on Brandy's TV sitcom, Moesha, as well as The Steve Harvey Show. He made his major acting debut in the film Like Mike which was released on July 3, 2002, in which he starred as a young orphan who gets a shot at playing in the NBA. Before Like Mike he made a cameos in All About The Benjamins, and in "". Bow Wow also co-starred with Cedric the Entertainer, Vanessa L. Williams, and Solange Knowles in Johnson Family Vacation. Since the success of Like Mike, Bow Wow has starred in several Hollywood films, including Roll Bounce, and Hurricane Season. . He has also made guest appearances on Smallville and Ugly Betty. He joined the cast for HBO's fifth season of Entourage as Charlie an up and coming comedian and Eric Murphy's newest client. He starred in a 2010 comedy film, Lottery Ticket, with Ice Cube. He Is currently working on a documentary on his life entitled Who Is Shad Moss? Bow Wow stated that the documentary goes all the way back when he was on Death Row Records he said it will be released in early 2011. Bow Wow has confirmed he will be in the film version of Madea's Big Happy Family.

Discography

Beware of Dog (2000)

Doggy Bag (2001)

Unleashed (2003)

Wanted (2005)

The Price of Fame (2006)

New Jack City II (2009)

Underrated (2011)

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%;" |- bgcolor="#CCCCCC" align="center" !colspan="4" style="background: LightSteelBlue;"|Film |- bgcolor="#CCCCCC" align="center" !Year !Title !Role !Notes |- |2001 | |Jalil |Supporting role |- |rowspan="2"|2002 |All About the Benjamins |Kelly |Cameo |- |Like Mike |Calvin Cambridge |Lead role |- |2004 |Johnson Family Vacation |Divirnius James "D.J." Johnson |Lead role |- |2005 |Roll Bounce |Xavier "X" Smith |Lead role |- |2006 | |Twinkie |Supporting role |- |2009 |Hurricane Season |Gary Davis |Supporting role |- |2010 |Lottery Ticket |Kevin Carson |Lead role |- |2011 |Who Is Shad Moss? |Himself |Biography |- bgcolor="#CCCCCC" align="center" !colspan="4" style="background: LightSteelBlue;"|Television |- bgcolor="#CCCCCC" align="center" !Year !Title !Role !Notes |- |2001 |Moesha |Ray |Episode That's My Mama |- |2006 |Smallville |Baern |Episode "Fallout" |- |rowspan="2"|2008 |Ugly Betty |Himself |Episode "Zero Worship" |- |Entourage |Charlie |Recurring role |}

References

Other Collaborations

Bow Wow was featured in up and coming artist Khleo Thomas's merely reputable mixtape,The World Is A Cartoon in January 2010.

External links

Bow Wow at Ustream

Bow Wow at YouTube

Category:1987 births Category:Living people Category:1990s rappers Category:2000s rappers Category:2010s rappers Category:Actors from Ohio Category:American child actors Category:Cash Money Records artists Category:Death Row Records artists Category:People from Columbus, Ohio Category:Rappers from Ohio Category:So So Def artists