Bridget Kelly (born April 8, 1986) is a pop/R&B singer and songwriter from New York City.^[1]

Biography[link]

Early life and career beginnings[link]

She is a graduate from Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in Manhattan.^[1] She is signed to Roc Nation.^[2][3] Kelly has regularly filled in for Alicia Keys when performing the song Empire State of Mind with Jay-Z, including performances on the Friday Night with Jonathan Ross as well as Later...with Jools Holland show,^[4][5] the Coldplay, Viva la Vida tour,^[6] and the 9/11 memorial service.^[3] Kelly also performed with Jay Z during a performance at the MTV Europe Music Awards 2009. She Performed at Coachella Arts & Festival with Jay-Z during Empire State of Mind, as well as Bonnaroo Music Festival in summer 2010. Kelly also performed Empire State of Mind with Jay-Z on Saturday Night Live on May 8, 2010, as well as Rock am Ring on June 4 and T in the Park on June 12, 2010. She subsequently performed with Jay-Z during "Empire State of Mind" at Peace and Love in Borlänge, Sweden. Also at Summer Sonic 2010 in Chiba, Japan in August 2010 at Chiba Marine Stadium. Also at Yankee Stadium, September 13, 2010.

Kelly made her first magazine cover appearance in the September 2010 issue of Honey Magazine. In the interview to go along with the cover shoot, she describes her music as a fusion of R&B, soul and rock with influences coming from Alicia Keys, Alanis Morissette and Pink.

2010-present: First studio album[link]

In late July, Roc Nation stated on the official site that Kelly is closing her album up and the first single will be the Frank Ocean-penned "Thinking About Forever".^[7] An acoustic video of her debut single "Thinking About Forever." was released in August 2011.

Producers such as Frank Ocean, The-Dream, Ne-Yo, James Fauntleroy II, Ryan Leslie, and Shea Taylor have worked on the up and coming album. Prior to the album’s release, Bridget put out the digital EP 'Every Girl' on October 19, 2011.^[8]

Discography[link]

Singles[link]

Collaborations

Music videos[link]

Featured music videos[link]

References[link]

Ryan Leslie
Ryan Leslie on set of the "Good Girl" video in Las Vegas - December 2011
Background information
Birth name	Anthony Ryan Leslie
Born	(1978-09-25) September 25, 1978 (age 33) Washington, D.C.
Genres	R&B, Neo Soul, hip hop
Occupations	Music producer, singer-songwriter, musical arranger, rapper
Instruments	Guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, drums, vocals, trumpet
Years active	2000-present
Labels	NextSelection Lifestyle Group, Casablanca Records, Universal Republic
Associated acts	Cassie, Fabolous, Keri Hilson, Jadakiss, Booba, Jim Jones, LL Cool J, Lloyd Banks, Kanye West
Website	http://www.ryanleslie.com/

Anthony Ryan Leslie, known professionally as Ryan Leslie, (born September 25, 1978) is an 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." He was nominated for a Grammy in 2011.^[1]

Biography[link]

Ryan Leslie was born into a multicultural 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.^{[citation needed]} His parents are Salvation Army officers who frequently relocate for work. Ryan has lived in various states, cities, and countries. At an early age, Leslie taught himself how to play the piano under the guidance of Marc Styles. He developed the ability to recite music, as well as arrange chords to create songs.^[2] At the age of 14, Leslie scored a 1600 on his SATs—a perfect score—while attending Bear Creek High School, in Stockton, CA.^[3] 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 for Stanford. He ultimately decided to attend Harvard College.^[2] At the age of 19, Leslie graduated from Harvard with a degree in Government, concentrating in Political Science and Macroeconomics.^[4] During his commencement ceremonies, Ryan delivered the prestigious Harvard Oration.^[5]

Music[link]

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 of his own. As the semesters progressed, Leslie spent more and more time in the school's studio molding his craft.^[2] He also performed many events around campus and was a part of the school's all male a cappella group The Krokodiloes.^[3] Due to the conflict with music and school, Leslie was put on academic probation three times during his college career.^[2] He has said in many interviews that during those college years, he became accustomed to getting 2 to 3 hours of sleep per night.^[2] To earn disposable income during these years, Leslie sold instrumentals to local artists in the Boston area.^{[citation needed]}

After graduating college, Leslie urged his parents to allow him to go in to the music industry. They told him that he could have a better future considering he graduated from college at the age of 19. Leslie insisted that he was going to pursue his musical interests for two years and if he didn't like it he would stop. Leslie remained in Boston because of its music scene. He took on community service jobs to help support himself and would spend nights in the recording studio working on his music.^[6] 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 more traditional job. For the next several months, Leslie worked towards developing a distinct sound. During this period, Leslie has said that he ate and slept very little.^{[citation needed]} 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. ^[7] 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.^[8]

Under the management of Combs, Leslie worked on various Bad Boy Records 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 Leslie’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, Leslie signed then-aspiring model Cassie Ventura to his imprint, NextSelection in 2005.^[8]

In late 2003, Leslie began recording his debut album entitled Just Right, and released two singles: "The Way That U Move Girl" and "Used 2 Be" (with Fabolous). The album was never officially released due to creative differences between Leslie and his record label.^[9]

Debut album, Transitions, & Leaving Label[link]

Ryan Leslie returned to the studio in 2006 to record a new debut album. The lead single, "Diamond Girl", was released in December 2007.^[10] 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.^[10] Of the two music videos made for the song, the "Making of 'Addiction'" clip became Leslie's most popular video on YouTube, with more than 3.2 million views.

His third single, "How It Was Supposed To Be," also has two music videos: a rock version and a military take on the song, which was Leslie's directorial debut and was co-directed by model Tyson Beckford.^[11] 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 mid 2010) 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 did not 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.

Les Is More[link]

Ryan Leslie announced on Twitter and Facebook in January 2011, that his third album would be released July 4th, 2011. His first official single from the album released was 'Glory', despite the first singles performed being 'Beautiful Lie' and 'Breathe'. However Leslie would later announce on his website and Twitter account that the album has now been pushed back for a release 'This Fall'. On October 11th, he sent an e-mail to his fanbase saying "I promise 'Les Is More' is just a few weeks away.".

Les is More is now a visual album. So far "Glory", "Beautiful Lie", "Good Girl" and "5 Minute Freshen Up" are out on his website. The latter was released on March 20, 2012. "Dress You To Undress You" and "Swiss Francs" are still scheduled for release. Other Tracks Mentioned to be on the album by Leslie via his official Twitter are "Ready or Not" and " Live Good (Rivera Flow) Feat. Raekwon". Leslie has preformed the tracks "Breathe (Feat. Mr Hudson) and "One Lonely Heart" live and said they would be included on Les is More. "Joan Of Arc" was released in Mid-2011 and Leslie stated at that time that it would be included on Les is More.

Ryan Leslie has announced a date for his album "Les Is More" via Twitter. The artist's third album is set to be released on June 5.

Online presence[link]

Leslie’s blog, YouTube channel, MySpace page and most recently Twitter have been the biggest contributors to his growing fanbase.^[12] His videos have become some of the most popular on YouTube, bringing accolades such as "Top 10 Most Subscribed Users".^[2] Leslie also posts videos documenting his interaction with his audience, including giving away free iPods,^[13] backstage passes to his concerts,^[14] and invitations to have dinner with him.^[15] 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 have received from his videos.

Prior to his 2009 MySpace Release concert, Leslie encouraged aspiring musical artists to utilize digital media while marketing themselves.^[16]

NextSelection Lifestyle Group[link]

While working as a producer, Leslie went on to create NextSelection Lifestyle Group, his music-media company he founded with online marketing partner Rasheed Richmond.^[17][18] 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.^[19]

Recently, Ryan signed Krys Ivory as his newest act under NextSelection.^[20] He also signed YouTube star Mia Rose.^[6]

Musical influences[link]

Leslie has stated in many interviews that Stevie Wonder is one of the biggest influences on his music. He attributes Michael Jackson, Prince, Jimi Hendrix, James Brown, VBak, Quincy Jones, The Beatles, Sconch & McGubbs, Tom Waits and D'Angelo as musical heroes as well.^{[citation needed]}

Celebrity[link]

Leslie was named one of "New York's 50 Hottest Bachelors" in 2009 by PageSix Magazine, published by the New York Post.^[21] He is currently romantically linked to Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Model Kenza Fourati.^[22]

Discography[link]

Studio Album[link]

• 2005: Just Right (Unreleased)
• 2007: Used To Be (Mixtape)
• 2009: Ryan Leslie
• 2009: Transition
• 2012: Les Is More

Awards/Nominations[link]

• 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 University^[23]

References[link]

This article may contain inappropriate or misinterpreted citations that do not verify the text. Please help improve this article by checking for inaccuracies. (help, talk, get involved!) (October 2010)

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Ryan Leslie

• Official website
• Ryan Leslie Discography & Production
• French Interview for SoulRnB.com
• Ryan Leslie on Soulrnb.com French Artist Page

"The Christmas Song" (commonly subtitled "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire" or, as it was originally subtitled, "Merry Christmas to You") is a classic Christmas song written in 1944 by musician, composer, and vocalist Mel Tormé (aka The Velvet Fog), and Bob Wells. According to Tormé, the song was written during a blistering hot summer. In an effort to "stay cool by thinking cool", the most-performed (according to BMI) Christmas song was born.

"I saw a spiral pad on his piano with four lines written in pencil", Tormé recalled. "They started, "Chestnuts roasting..., Jack Frost nipping..., Yuletide carols..., Folks dressed up like Eskimos.' Bob (Wells, co-writer) didn't think he was writing a song lyric. He said he thought if he could immerse himself in winter he could cool off. Forty minutes later that song was written. I wrote all the music and some of the lyrics."

The Nat King Cole Trio first recorded the song early in 1946. At Cole's behest – and over the objections of his label, Capitol Records – a second recording was made the same year utilizing a small string section, this version becoming a massive hit on both the pop and R&B charts. Cole again recorded the song in 1953, using the same arrangement with a full orchestra arranged and conducted by Nelson Riddle, and once more in 1961, in a stereophonic version with orchestra conducted by Ralph Carmichael. Nat King Cole's 1961 version is generally regarded as definitive, and in 2004 was the most loved seasonal song with women aged 30–49,^[1] while Cole's original 1946 recording was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1974.^[2] Mel Tormé recorded the song himself in 1954, and again in 1961, 1966 and 1992.

The Nat King Cole recordings[link]

First recording: Recorded at WMCA Radio Studios, New York City, June 14, 1946. Label credit: The King Cole Trio (Nat King Cole, vocal-pianist; Oscar Moore, guitarist; Johnny Miller, bassist). Not issued until 1989, when it was (accidentally) included on the various-artists compilation Billboard Greatest Christmas Hits (1935–1954) Rhino R1 70637(LP) / R2 70637(CD).

Second recording: Recorded at WMCA Radio Studios, New York City, August 19, 1946. First record issue. Label credit: The King Cole Trio with String Choir (Nat King Cole, vocal-pianist, Oscar Moore, guitarist; Johnny Miller, bassist; Charlie Grean, conductor of 4 string players, a harpist and a drummer) Lacquer disc master #981. Issued November 1946 as Capitol 311 (78rpm). This is featured on a CD called The Holiday Album, which has 1940s Christmas songs recorded by Cole and Bing Crosby. In 2005 Capitol restored and re-released it for the 25 bit re-mastered Cole album "The Christmas Song", which also contains tracks from his 1960 and 1963 holiday albums.

Third recording: Recorded at Capitol Studios, Hollywood, August 24, 1953. This was the song,s first magnetic tape recording. Label credit: The King Cole Trio with String Choir (Actual artists: Nat King Cole, vocal; Nelson Riddle, orchestra conductor) Master #11726, take 11. Issued November 1953 as the "new" Capitol 90036(78rpm) / F90036(45rpm) (Capitol first issued 90036 in 1950 with the second recording). Correct label credit issued on October 18, 1954 as Capitol 2955(78rpm) / F2955(45rpm). Label credit: Nat "King" Cole with Orchestra Conducted by Nelson Riddle. This recording is available on the 1990 CD Cole, Christmas and Kids, as well as the various-artists compilation Casey Kasem Presents All Time Christmas Favorites. It was also included, along with both 1946 recordings, on the 1991 Mosaic Records box set The Complete Capitol Recordings of the Nat King Cole Trio.

Fourth recording: Recorded at Capitol Studios, New York City, March 30, 1961. This rendition, the first recorded in stereo, is widely played on radio stations during the Christmas season, and is probably the most famous version of this song. Label credit: Nat King Cole (Nat King Cole, vocal; Charles Grean and Pete Rugolo, orchestration; Ralph Carmichael, orchestra conductor). The instrumental arrangement is nearly identical with the 1953 version, but the vocals are much deeper and more focused. Originally done for The Nat King Cole Story (a 1961 LP devoted to stereo re-recordings of Cole's earlier hits), this recording was later appended to a reissue of Cole's 1960 holiday album The Magic of Christmas. Retitled The Christmas Song, the album was issued in 1963 as Capitol W-1967(mono) / SW-1967(stereo) and today is in print on compact disc. This recording of "The Christmas Song" is also available on numerous compilation albums. Some are Capitol pop standards Christmas compilations while others are broader-based. It's available on WCBS-FM's Ultimate Christmas Album Volume 3, for example.

There were several covers of Nat Cole's original record in the 1940s. The first of these was said to be by Dick Haymes on the Decca label, but his was released first – not recorded first. The first cover of "The Christmas Song" was performed by pop tenor and bandleader Eddy Howard on Majestic. Howard was a big Cole fan, and also covered Nat's versions of "I Want to Thank Your Folks" and "I Love You for Sentimental Reasons", among others.

Selective list of notable recordings[link]

	"The Christmas Song" by CeCe Peniston noicon Peniston recorded the composition for the Merry Arizona II: Desert Stars Shine at Christmas compilation in 1996.
Problems listening to this file? See media help.

"The Christmas Song" has been covered by numerous artists from a wide variety of genres, including:

• Aaliyah
• Trace Adkins
• Christina Aguilera (#18 in US, #22 in Canada)
• Clay Aiken
• Herb Alpert
• Thomas Anders
• India.Arie and Stevie Wonder (winner of the Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals in 2003)
• Aska
• Babyface
• Tony Bennett
• Polly Bergen (who sang the song on the December 14, 1957 airing of her NBC variety show, The Polly Bergen Show)^[3]
• Justin Bieber and Usher (#58 in US, #59 in Canada)
• Michael Bolton
• Toni Braxton
• Garth Brooks
• James Brown
• Les Brown and his Orchestra (with Doris Day on lead vocal)
• Michael Bublé (his version, bearing close similarities to Celine Dion's recording of the song, reached #6 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart in December 2003.)
• Kenny Burrell
• The Canadian Brass (from their 1985 Christmas album A Canadian Brass Christmas)
• The Carpenters (from their 1978 Christmas album Christmas Portrait)
• Celtic Woman
• Charice
• Chicago
• Christmas Who? (a SpongeBob Christmas special. SpongeBob and Patrick in a Christmas song sing as a lyric "...chestnuts roasting and burns in the third degree" before the ending of their song.)
• Charlotte Church
• Rosemary Clooney
• Natalie Cole
• Bing Crosby
• Danny Davis and the Nashville Brass (1970)
• Sammy Davis, Jr.
• Doris Day (from her 1964 Christmas album The Doris Day Christmas Album)
• Gavin DeGraw
• Celine Dion
• Vanessa Doofenshmirtz (voiced by Olivia Olson on the album Phineas and Ferb Holiday Favorites)
• Bob Dylan
• Gloria Estefan
• Connie Francis
• Aretha Franklin
• Judy Garland, who sang the song in a duet with its composer, Mel Torme, on a Christmas-themed episode of her television show in December 1963.
• Amy Grant (from her 1983 Christmas album A Christmas Album)
• Josh Groban (from his 2007 holiday album, Noël)
• Robert Goulet
• Hampton String Quartet
• Eddie Higgins
• Hootie and the Blowfish
• Whitney Houston
• Ramon "RJ" Jacinto (from his 1988 Christmas album Pasko Na Naman)
• The Jackson 5
• Alan Jackson (from his 2007 Christmas album Let It Be Christmas)
• Joni James (from her 1956 Merry Christmas from Joni). Joni's version alters the lyric: "I'm offering this simple phrase, for kids from one to ninety-two" to "... kids from one to ninety-one".
• Al Jarreau
• Joe
• Wynonna Judd
• Peggy Lee
• Damien Leith (from a special limited Christmas edition of his 2007 album Where We Land)
• The Lettermen
• Lovedrug
• Aimee Mann (from her 2006 album One More Drifter in the Snow)
• Johnny Mathis
• Martina McBride
• Reba McEntire
• Brian McKnight
• *NSYNC
• Ricky Nelson (on the episode of TV's The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet titled "A Busy Christmas")
• Aaron Neville
• New Kids on the Block
• Des O'Connor (from a Tesco Christmas advert)
• Alexander O'Neal
• Olivia Olson (from a 2010 Christmas album Phineas and Ferb: Holiday Favourites)
• The Partridge Family (from their 1971 Christmas album A Partridge Family Christmas Card)
• Les Paul
• CeCe Peniston (from the 1996 Christmas album Merry Arizona II: Desert Stars Shine at Christmas)
• LeAnn Rimes (on her first holiday album What a Wonderful World)
• Raven-Symoné
• Smokey Robinson and The Miracles (from their 1963 Christmas album Christmas with The Miracles)
• Linda Ronstadt (from her 2000 Christmas album A Merry Little Christmas)
• SWV
• Diane Schuur (nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Performance, Female in 1990)
• Neil Sedaka (from his 2008 first-ever holiday album, The Miracle of Christmas)
• Jessica Simpson
• Frank Sinatra (including two recordings: a virtual duet with Nat King Cole, and an actual duet with Bing Crosby)
• Tom Smith (of the Editors) and Agnes Obel (on the 2011 Smith and Burrows album, Funny Looking Angels)
• George Strait
• Donna Summer
• Demi Lovato
• The Supremes (remained unreleased until their 1965 Christmas album, Merry Christmas, was re-released in 1999 with additional tracks)
• Kim Taeyeon (of the South Korean pop group Girls' Generation)
• Take 6
• James Taylor
• Team Rocket (voiced by Rachael Lillis, Eric Stewart and Maddie Blaustein on the album Pokémon Christmas Bash)
• The Temptations
• Mel Tormé – recorded by the writer four times (1954, 1961, 1966 and finally in 1992 as part of his album "Christmas Songs")
• Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons
• Luther Vandross
• Andy Williams
• Stevie Wonder (from his 1967 Christmas album Someday at Christmas)
• Dwight Yoakam
• Ascap entry for song showing numerous other covers

Parodies[link]

• The title of The Simpsons episode "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire" is a parody of the song.
• Bob Rivers parodied the song with his 2000 album, and the title track from said album, "Chipmunks Roasting On an Open Fire".
• Stan Freberg's "Green Chri$tma$" includes several snippets of holiday songs. One segment begins with a sincere-sounding "Chestnuts roasting..." and quickly segués into a mock 1950s radio or TV ad, for a brand of chestnuts, being described as if they were toothpaste or cigarettes.
• Twisted Sister parodied the song in his 2006 album A Twisted Christmas.

Footnotes[link]

External links[link]

• Mark Evanier on Tormé and "The Christmas Song"

Frank Ocean
Frank Ocean performing at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in 2012
Background information
Birth name	Christopher Breaux
Also known as	Christopher Francis Ocean, Lonny Breaux, Frank Ocean
Born	(1987-10-28) October 28, 1987 (age 24)[1] New Orleans, Louisiana
Genres	jazz R&B, Neo Soul, Alternative hip hop, hip hop soul[2]
Occupations	Singer-songwriter, rapper, musician, entertainer, vocalist
Instruments	Vocals, Keyboards,
Years active	2007–present
Labels	Odd Future Records, Island Def Jam
Associated acts	OFWGKTA, James Fauntleroy II, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Justin Bieber, Beyonce
Website	frankocean.com

Christopher Francis Ocean (born Christopher Breaux; October 28, 1987), better known by his stage name Frank Ocean, is an American singer-songwriter from New Orleans, Louisiana. Breaux made an early career as a ghost-writer for artists such as Justin Bieber, Bridget Kelly, Aramide Makinde and John Legend. In mid 2010 he became a member of OFWGKTA premiering on Domo Genesis' track, "SteamRoller". In February 2011, he released his debut mixtape Nostalgia, Ultra to critical acclaim. He released two singles; "Novacane" and "Swim Good". Both singles achieved chart success. Ocean went on a 7 show tour through North America and Europe promoting the mixtape. He is currently located in New York City.

The mixtape caught the interest of recording artists such as Kanye West, Beyoncé Knowles and Jay-Z, and he appeared on Watch the Throne. He co-wrote the popular track "Thinking About You" for Bridget Kelly. On January 5, 2012, the BBC announced that he had finished in second place in the BBC's Sound of 2012 poll.^[3] Ocean is currently working on his debut studio album, set to be released in the first half of 2012, while the same year he appeared at Coachella and he is scheduled to appear at Lollapalooza.

Biography[link]

2005–2010: Career beginnings[link]

Frank Ocean began his career with the producer duo The MIDI Mafia. Ocean joined Los Angeles-based hip hop collective OFWGKTA, whom he met through his connections, at the end of 2009.^[4][5] In late 2009, he met Tricky Stewart, who helped Ocean sign a contract with Def Jam Recordings as a solo artist, however, he was initially unable to build a relationship with the company.^[5][6][7] In 2010, he changed his name from Christopher Breaux to Christopher Francis William Ocean via a legal website.^[5]

[edit] 2011–present: Nostalgia, Ultra and debut album

Ocean has written songs for Justin Bieber, John Legend, Brandy,^[5] and Beyoncé Knowles ("I Miss You" from the album 4),^[8][9] Ocean has also worked with Nas^[10] (on whose 10th studio album Ocean is expected to feature, along with fellow Odd Future members Tyler, the Creator and Hodgy Beats)^[11] and Pharrell Williams.^[12] On February 18, 2011, Ocean released his first mixtape, Nostalgia, Ultra, to critical acclaim.^[5][7] His music mostly focuses on interpersonal relationships, personal reflection and social commentary.^[5] NPR's Andrew Noz calls Ocean's songwriting "smart and subtle...setting him apart from the pack."^[13] Rolling Stone magazine's Jonah Weiner calls Ocean a "gifted avant-R&B smoothie".^[14] In an April 2011 interview, Ocean stated that his relationship with Def Jam has strengthened since the release of his mixtape.^[4]

Ocean appeared in Tyler, the Creator's music video for the single "She", from Tyler's second studio album Goblin (2011).^[15][16] Ocean first performed with Odd Future at the Coachella Music & Arts Festival in April 2011, then later joined his OFWGKTA bandmates for the first time on tour from May 12 to May 19, 2011. They toured the eastern seaboard of the United States.^[17] On May 19, 2011 Ocean's record label Def Jam announced its plans to re-release Nostalgia, Ultra as an EP.^[18] The single "Novacane" was released to iTunes on May 31, 2011, and the EP originally was set to be released on July 26, 2011, but through his Tumblr blog on July 24, he stated that it would not be released on that date.^[19][20] In June 2011, Ocean revealed on his Tumblr that he would be working on the upcoming Kanye West and Jay-Z collaborative album, Watch the Throne.^[21] Ocean was ultimately a writer and featured artist on the tracks "No Church in the Wild" and "Made in America".^[22][23] On July 28, 2011 a song titled "Thinking About You"^[24] was leaked on the internet. It was later revealed the song was a reference track and written for Roc Nation artist Bridget Kelly for her debut studio album.^[25] Kelly who has performed an acoustic version of the song, retitled the song "Thinking About Forever".^[26] However, on September 15, 2011, a music video directed by High5Collective for Ocean's version was released, yet the song appeared on Bridget Kelly's debut EP Every Girl.^[27] His debut album is set for a release on Def Jam Records in Spring 2012.^[28] On March 8, 2012, a re-mastered version of "Thinking About You" leaked, intended to be a single.^[29] On April 5, Ocean released the cover art for his upcoming debut studio album's lead single "Thinkin' Bout You", revealing the song would be released to digital retailers on April 10.^[30] "It succinctly defines me as an artist for where I am right now and that was the aim," he said of the follow-up to the acclaimed Nostalgia, Ultra. "It’s about the stories. If I write 14 stories that I love, then the next step is to get the environment of music around it to best envelop the story and all kinds of sonic goodness."^[30]

Ocean used the entire melody and chords of The Eagles' song "Hotel California", without permission, on his own song, “American Wedding.” When asked about it, Ocean stated that Eagles band member "Don Henley is apparently intimidated by my rendition of 'Hotel California'. He threatened to sue if I perform it again." In response to Ocean's comments, The Eagles released a statement: “Frank Ocean did not merely 'sample' a portion of the Eagles’ 'Hotel California,' he took the whole master track, plus the song’s existing melody, and replaced the lyrics with his own. This is not creative, let alone 'intimidating.' It’s illegal. For the record, Don Henley has not threatened or instituted any legal action against Frank Ocean, although the Eagles are now considering whether they should.”^[31] In early 2012, a suit was filed against Frank Ocean for the use of Hotel California.

In March 2012, Coldplay announced that Ocean would perform as an opening act for a number of shows on their European tour in July and August 2012.^[32]

Discography[link]

Collaborative albums[link]

• The OF Tape Vol. 2 (2012)

Mixtapes[link]

• Nostalgia, Ultra (2011)

Awards and nominations[link]

References[link]

Tinchy Stryder
Tinchy Stryder at the Glastonbury Festival 2009
Background information
Birth name	Kwasi Danquah III
Born	(1986-09-14) September 14, 1986 (age 25) Accra, Greater Accra, Ghana
Origin	Accra, Greater Accra, Ghana
Genres	Grime, Hiplife, alternative hip hop, alternative rock, electronic
Occupations	Business manager, creative director, music video director, musician
Instruments	Multisyllabic rhymes, vocals, drums, percussion
Years active	1997-present
Labels	Takeover Roc Nation Takeover Entertainment Ltd Universal Island Records
Associated acts	Current: Ruff Sqwad, Jay-Z, Calvin Harris, Burns, N-Dubz, Dappy, Dizzee Rascal Former: Roll Deep, Maniac (more)
Notable instruments
Tablet computer (using REAPER / Cakewalk Sonar)

Kwasi Danquah III ( /ˈkweɪsi/  /dæŋˈkwɑː/ KWAY-see dang-KWAH) (born September 14, 1986),^[1] better known by his pseudonyms Tinchy Stryder and Star in the Hood, is a Ghanaian musician, music executive, A&R executive, and businessman. He is the co-founder and co-chief executive officer (CEO) of Takeover Roc Nation.^[2]

Stryder rose to prominence with the song "Take Me Back" which peaked at number 3 on the UK Singles Chart in January 2009. He then released the song "Number 1", (a collaboration with N-Dubz) which entered the UK chart at number 1 on 26 April 2009.^[1] Stryder later released "Never Leave You" with Amelle Berrabah from girl-group Sugababes which became Stryder's second number 1 on 9 August 2009.^[1]

Stryder has opened other ventures since the beginning of his success. He founded and is the creator of the clothing line Star in the Hood (company). He is also the President and chief executive of Takeover/Cloud 9 (music publishing company through EMI Music Publishing), and he currently serves as the Chairman and A&R executive of Takeover Entertainment Ltd.^[3]

Biography[link]

Early life & Education[link]

Stryder relocated to the United Kingdom from Ghana in 1995, and lived in Bow, East London and attended St Bonaventure's Catholic Comprehensive School in Forest Gate, Newham; he gained a B.A. (Hons) in Digital arts, Moving image and Animation at the University of East London.^[4][5]

1997–2006: Career beginnings, Ruff Sqwad and Roll Deep[link]

Stryder's recordings date back to 1997, he started at the age of 13 in 2000^[6] on UK pirate radio in East London along with Dizzee Rascal and Wiley.^[7] Stryder went on to join the grime collective Ruff Sqwad in 2001 consisting of 5-grime artists, before the group expanded to six in 2004, then finally settling at 7, in 2006. His pseudonym Tinchy Stryder derives from the arcade game Strider which he played when he was young and from the nickname "Tinchy" given to him due to his short stature: his height at 5 ft 1 in (1.55 m) in 2009^[8] then 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) in 2012^[9] making him in 2009 the shortest male artist ever to top the UK Top 40.^[8][10][11]

In 2002, the well-known grime collective Roll Deep of 13-grime artists was formed, and included Stryder and Dizzee Rascal as MCs (Master of Ceremonies). They were making music that was a derivative of UK Garage. For a while there was not even a name for it. The label "grime" was the one that stuck.^[12] While Stryder was a member of Roll Deep, he performed some songs including, "U Were Always" in 2002, which was released years later on Roll Deep's compilations album, Street Anthems in 2009. He also performed on Roll Deep's 2004 mixtape, Creeper Vol. 2. Back then he had a high pitched voice.^[12]

Stryder's music videos made a number of appearances on the Sky (UK & Ireland), Channel U (now Channel AKA) between 2004–2006 and he also made a number of appearances on BBC Radio 1Xtra taking part in freestyle rap, sometimes joined by his rap crew, (Ruff Sqwad), with whom he released with the studio albums Guns and Roses Volume. 1 in March 2005 and Guns and Roses Volume. 2 in October 2006.^[8]

[edit] 2006-2008: Star in the Hood, Cloud 9 The EP and Tinchy Stryder Vs. Maniac

The debut album by Stryder, Star in the Hood, was released on 13 August 2007 on Takeover Entertainment Ltd. The album spawned two main singles, "Breakaway", which was released on 9 April 2007 and "Something About Your Smile", released on 6 August 2007, with British singer-songwriter, Cylena Cymone. Bonus track "Mainstream Money" was also released as an underground single in November 2007.^[11]

In 2008, Stryder released his debut extended play, Cloud 9 The EP, which was released on 31 March, also on Takeover Entertainment.^[13] This was succeeded by Stryder and grime producer Maniac collaborating on the studio album, Tinchy Stryder Vs. Maniac, which was released on 24 November 2008.^[14] Only one single was released from the album, "Rollin", which was released in October 2008.^[15] This track was also included on Stryder's 2009 second solo studio album, Catch 22, as part of the, Deluxe 2-Disc Edition.

Tinchy also collaborated with Gang Gang Dance on the track Princes which featured on the Saint Dymphna (album) released in October 2008.

[edit] 2008-2010: Hit singles and Catch 22

Tinchy Stryder performing at Ipswich Regent Theatre in Suffolk, UK, April 28, 2009.

Stryder began a partnership with producer/songwriter Fraser T. Smith whom he originally contacted through MySpace and then met while supporting Kano on tour.^[16] According to Smith in an interview with HitQuarters, "Tinchy had no shortage of beats and cool sounding production, but I think he wanted to try and break through into the mainstream, and I had some experience crossing urban over into pop having worked with artists like Kano and Craig David."^[16]

His next single, "Stryderman", became his first single to chart in the UK Singles Chart, peaking at number 73. It was the first single taken from his second album, Catch 22. The second single, "Take Me Back", entered the official UK Singles Chart at 39 on downloads alone,^[17] one day before its official release. The following week the single moved up 36 places to peak position 3.^[18]

On 26 April 2009, Stryder's next single, a collaboration with N-Dubz entitled "Number 1," topped the UK Singles Chart giving Stryder and N-Dubz their first number one single. Stryder's fourth single from Catch 22, "Never Leave You", was released on 3 August 2009 with the album following on 17 August. "Never Leave You" went to Number 1 on the week of its release. Catch 22 debuted at Number 2 on the UK albums chart, only beaten by Calvin Harris. The fifth and final single from Catch 22 is "You're Not Alone," which was released in November 2009 and samples the Olive song of the same name.^[19]

On 20 July 2009, Stryder was part of a line-up at The O2 arena 3D ELEKTRO RAVE 2009, that included Caspa and Rusko, Frankmusik, and High Contrast.^[20]

He also took part in a charity song entitled "I Got Soul", a cover of The Killers' "All These Things That I've Done", which was to raise money for War Child charity. This song was released on 19 October 2009 and peaked at number 10 in the Official UK Charts and 19 on the Irish Singles Chart.

In February 2010, Stryder headline toured for the third time, he invited Example and JME as his supporting acts. The tour was Stryder's second sell-out tour after he toured in 2009 and helped in raising the profile of Example.^[21]

Stryder opened on the pyramid stage at the UK Glastonbury Festival, on Saturday 27 June 2010. He also performed at the O2 Arena, for the Transformation Trust's first birthday alongside The Saturdays and Stacey Solomon.^[22][23]

[edit] 2010-2011: Third Strike

Stryder's third solo studio album, Third Strike was released on Monday 15 November 2010, but it failed to match the UK commercial success of Catch 22.^[24]

Stryder began recording Third Strike shortly after he completed his previous album, he then released a promotional single, "Gangsta?", six month's prior to the release of the studio album. This was followed by Stryder releasing the first official single from it, a year from the day he released his second studio album. He began working with Fraser T. Smith who also worked on his second studio album. Taio Cruz produced the largely, along with Fraser T. Smith. The album title was picked as Stryder thought the album would be a smash hit, so he thought he would rip off the title of Street Fighter III 3rd Strike which was also a massive success. Third Strike features several artists, including Amelle, with whom he collaborated on Catch 22 on the single "Never Leave You" where the pair gained a number one in the UK. The album features Taio Cruz who also featured on the Stryder's last album. The album also features artists affiliated with Roc Nation: Canadian singer Melanie Fiona on "Let It Rain", American singer Alexis Jordan, and American singer Bridget Kelly on "Take The World". The song "Game Over" features six different artists. Eric Turner from the Swedish rock band Street Fighting Man also features on the album.

[edit] 2011-2012: Full Tank

The first single from this forthcoming solo studio album entitled Full Tank is "Spaceship" and it features Dappy from N-Dubz. Stryder performed at the 2011 UEFA Champions League Final in support of the single, making him the first rapper, contemporary artist and singer in history to perform at a UEFA Champions League final.^[25][26] Stryder teamed up with Scottish DJs/producers Calvin Harris and Matt Burns credited as 'BURNS', for the second single from this fourth solo studio album, "Off The Record".^[27] On Thursday, 3 November 2011, Stryder announced in an interview that his new album will be entitled; "Full Tank".^[28] On Tuesday, 3 January 2012, Stryder released the video for the third single from "Full Tank" entitled 'Bright Lights' which features British singer Pixie Lott. There is also another version of the song entitled 'Bright Lights Part II' that is featured on Pixie Lott's second studio album, Young Foolish Happy.^[29]

Other ventures and aspects[link]

Businesses[link]

Kwasi Danquah III
Born	(1986-09-14) September 14, 1986 (age 25) Accra, Greater Accra, Ghana
Residence	Coloane, Macau Labone, Ghana
Nationality	Ghana
Ethnicity	Ghanaian
Citizenship	Republic of Ghana United Kingdom (naturalized 1996)
Alma mater	University of East London
Occupation	Business manager, Creative director
Title	Chairman & Creative director of S.I.T.H (2009–present) CEO & SEVP of Takeover Roc Nation (2010–present) Chairman of Takeover Entertainment (2010–present) President & CEO of Takeover/Cloud 9 (2009–present)

Takeover Entertainment Ltd.

Since 2006, Stryder's music career has been managed by Takeover Entertainment Ltd, comprising Archie Lamb IV and Jack Foster.^[11] Archie Lamb's father is Liberal Democrat MP, Norman Lamb, who has invested in Stryder's music career. Stryder became the company's Chairman and A&R executive in January 2010.^[11]

Star in the Hood (company)

Stryder founded the clothing brand Star in the Hood (company), named after his pseudonym "Star In The Hood", in September 2006, which he also named his first solo studio album.^[11]

Takeover/Cloud 9

In December 2008, Stryder, Archie Lamb IV and Jack Foster the two-man management team behind Stryder’s success, signed a joint venture publishing deal with EMI Music Publishing to create a global publishing company, Takeover/Cloud 9, which will enable Takeover Entertainment to publish the work of Takeover Entertainment's musicians and record producers in partnership with EMI.^[30]

Takeover Roc Nation

In June 2010, Stryder signed a business deal with Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter to ally Stryder's company, Takeover Entertainment Ltd, with Roc Nation LLC.^[11] The new leg of the company is called Takeover Roc Nation.^[2]

Endorsements[link]

Honda Motor Company, Ltd.

On Tuesday, 8 November, 2011, Honda's motorbike division hired Stryder for their pan-European campaign. The campaign featuring Stryder is being supported by Facebook, Inc., and a tie-up with fashion brand GAS in order to push the Vision 50, Honda's 50cc entry level scooter. The Vision 50 was launched on (8 November, 2011) at the EICMA (Milan Motorcycle Show) in Milan, Italy along with six other bike models.^[31][32]

Charitable causes[link]

On Thursday, 4 November 2010, Stryder performed at the O2 Shepherds Bush Empire, along with a couple of musicians and special guests for Alicia Keys' charity, Keep a Child Alive, charity ball. All proceeds from the tickets sales for the event was donated to Alicia Keys’ charity, Keep a Child Alive (KCA).^[33]

Personal life[link]

Stryder revealed in January 2010 that if his music career did not take off he would have become a professional footballer, by stating that: "I was quite athletic, I had to choose between football and music".^[35][36][37] Stryder was originally scheduled to be a professional footballer, being left-footed he played in the striker and second striker positions and was enrolled at the academy of Wimbledon F.C. from 2000–2003 and the youth team of Leyton Orient F.C. from 2003–2006.^[38]

Stryder is known to be a big fan of Manchester United. He has an executive box at Manchester United's football stadium, Old Trafford and considers himself to be their lucky mascot, as he told to Manchester United F.C. footballer and good friend Rio Ferdinand.^[39]

He plays golf in his free time and gives golf lessons to business partner Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter and his wife Beyoncé Knowles.^[40]

Stryder also tries to return to Ghana and visiting his relatives whenever he can, as he can be "normal" there.^[41]

Discography[link]

With Gang Gang Dance

• 2008: Princes on Saint Dymphna (album)

Awards and nominations[link]

• See List of awards and nominations received by Tinchy Stryder

See also[link]

• List of artists who reached number one on the UK Singles Chart

References[link]

External links[link]

	Book: Tinchy Stryder
Wikipedia books are collections of articles that can be downloaded or ordered in print.

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Tinchy Stryder

• Official website
• Tinchy Stryder discography at Discogs
• Tinchy Stryder at MTV
• Tinchy Stryder talks through Jay-Z business deal collected news and commentary at BBC
• MistaJam in conversation with Tinchy Stryder - MUSICIANS' MASTERCLASS 2011 collected video and commentary at BBC