Name	Contemporary R&B;
Bgcolor	#0000E9
Color	white
Stylistic origins	Funk – Soul – Pop – Hip hop – R&B; – Electro – Synthpop
Cultural origins	Early 1980s North America; New York City, Los Angeles, Montreal, Atlanta, Chicago, Toronto, Houston
Instruments	Synthesizers – Keyboard – Drum machine – Vocal
Popularity	Moderate since 1980s worldwide, Mainstream in the 2000s especially in the United States
Subgenres	Quiet storm
Fusiongenres	New jack swing – Hip hop soul – Neo soul – 2-step – Rhythm & grime – Crunk & B – Snap & B
Other topics	Musicians }}

Contemporary R&B; (also known as simply R&B;) is a music genre that combines elements of hip hop, soul, R&B; and funk.

Although the abbreviation "R&B;" originates from traditional rhythm and blues music, today the term ''R&B;'' is most often used to describe a style of African-American music originating after the demise of disco in the 1980s. Some sources refer to the style as urban contemporary (the name of the radio format that plays hip hop and contemporary R&B;).

Contemporary R&B; has a polished record production style, drum machine-backed rhythms, an occasional saxophone-laced beat to give a jazz feel (mostly common in contemporary R&B; songs prior to the year 1993), and a smooth, lush style of vocal arrangement. Electronic influences are becoming an increasing trend, and the use of hip hop or dance-inspired beats are typical, although the roughness and grit inherent in hip hop may be reduced and smoothed out. Contemporary R&B; vocalists are often known for their use of melisma, popularized by vocalists such as Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey.

History [link]

1980s [link]

As the disco era came to a close, a new generation of producers began adding synthesizers and slick drum machine beats to African-American music. Michael Jackson was among the first post-disco black musicians to cross over to mainstream audiences. In its early years, mainstream R&B; was very pop-oriented. Notable 1980s R&B; musicians include Luther Vandross, the SOS Band, Mtume, Freddie Jackson, DeBarge, Loose Ends, and Stephanie Mills.

Tina Turner made a comeback during the second half of the 1980s, while Whitney Houston and Janet Jackson broke into the pop music charts with a series of hits. Richard J. Ripani wrote that Janet Jackson's third studio album ''Control'' (1986) was "important to the development of R&B; for a number of reasons", as she and her producers, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, "crafted a new sound that fuses the rhythmic elements of funk and disco, along with heavy doses of synthesizers, percussion, sound effects, and a rap music sensibility." Ripani wrote that "the success of ''Control'' led to the incorporation of stylistic traits of rap over the next few years, and Janet Jackson was to continue to be one of the leaders in that development." That same year, Teddy Riley began producing R&B; recordings that included hip hop influences. This combination of R&B; style and hip hop rhythms was termed ''new jack swing'', and was applied to artists such as Bobby Brown, Keith Sweat, Guy, Jodeci, and Bell Biv DeVoe.

1990s [link]

In contrast to the works of Boyz II Men, Babyface and similar artists, other R&B; artists and groups from this same period began adding even more of a hip-hop sound to their work, like the innovative group Jodeci. The synthesizer-heavy rhythm tracks of new jack swing were replaced by grittier East Coast hip hop-inspired backing tracks, resulting in a genre labeled ''hip hop soul'' by producer Sean Combs who also had mentored group Jodeci in the beginning and helped them with their unique look. The style became less popular by the end of the 1990s, but later experienced a resurgence.

During the mid 1990s, Michael Jackson, R Kelly, Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, Aaliyah, TLC, SWV and Boyz II Men brought contemporary R&B; to the mainstream. Janet Jackson's self-titled fifth studio album ''janet.'' (1993), which came after her historic multi-million dollar contract with Virgin Records, sold over twenty million copies worldwide. Boyz II Men and Carey recorded several ''Billboard'' Hot 100 No. 1 hits, including "One Sweet Day", a collaboration between both acts, which became the longest-running No. 1 hit in Hot 100 history. Carey also released a remix of her 1995 single "Fantasy", with Ol' Dirty Bastard as a feature, a collaboration format that was unheard of at this point. Carey, Boyz II Men and TLC released albums in 1994 and 1995—''Daydream'', ''II'', and ''CrazySexyCool'' respectively — that sold over ten million copies, earning them RIAA diamond status.

In the late 1990s, neo soul, which added 1970s soul influences to the hip hop soul blend, arose, led by artists such as D'Angelo, Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, and Maxwell. Mariah Carey was well known to incorporate her pop, R&B; tunes with hip hop. Hill and Missy Elliott further blurred the line between R&B; and hip hop by recording both styles. Beginning in 1995, the Grammy Awards enacted the Grammy Award for Best R&B; Album, with ''II'' by Boyz II Men becoming the first recipient. The award was later received by TLC for ''CrazySexyCool'' in 1996, Tony Rich for ''Words'' in 1997, Erykah Badu for ''Baduizm'' in 1998 and Lauryn Hill for ''The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill'' in 1999. At the end of 1999, ''Billboard'' magazine ranked Mariah Carey and Janet Jackson as the first and second most successful artists of the 1990s.

2000s–present [link]

By the 2000s, the cross-pollination between R&B; and hip hop had increased. Mainstream modern R&B; has a sound more based on rhythm than hip hop soul had, and lacks the hardcore and soulful urban "grinding" feel on which hip hop soul relied. That rhythmic element descends from new jack swing. R&B; began to focus more on solo artists rather than groups as the 2000s progressed. According to ''Billboard'' magazine, the most commercially successful R&B; acts of the decade were Usher, Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey, Ne-Yo and Rihanna. Other recording artists today have combined traditional R&B; with elements with contemporary pop, pop rock, dance-pop, and electro-pop to create a lighter and more youthful sound.

See also [link]

Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs

References [link]

Category:Rhythm and blues music genres Category:African American music

ca:R&B; Contemporani cs:Contemporary R&B; de:Contemporary R&B; es:R&B; contemporáneo eo:Nuntempa ritmenbluso fa:آر‌اند‌بی معاصر fr:RnB contemporain ko:컨템포러리 알앤비 id:R&B; kontemporer it:Contemporary R&B; mk:Современ Р&Б nl:Urbanpop ja:ブラック・コンテンポラリー pt:R&B; contemporâneo ru:Современный ритм-н-блюз sv:Samtida R&B; th:อาร์แอนด์บีร่วมสมัย uk:Сучасний ритм-енд-блюз yo:Contemporary R&B;

name	Keri Hilson
background	solo_singer
birth name	Keri Lynn Hilson
birth date	December 05, 1982
genre	R&B;, pop
occupation	Singer, songwriter, dancer, actress
years active	2001–present
label	Zone 4, Mosley Music, Interscope
associated acts	The Clutch, Polow da Don, Timbaland, Chris Brown, Akon, Kanye West
website	}}

Keri Lynn Hilson (born December 5, 1982) is an American singer, songwriter and actress. She was born and raised in Decatur, Georgia, and spent most of her youth working with producer Anthony Dent, as a songwriter and background vocalist for several R&B; and hip hop artists. By the age of 14, Hilson had secured a record deal with the girl group D'Signe, who later disbanded. She attended Emory University in Atlanta, while she continued writing songs for artists, including Britney Spears and Mary J. Blige, with the production and songwriting team, The Clutch. In 2006, Hilson signed with American rapper and producer Timbaland's record label, Mosley Music. Her breakthrough came the following year after appearing on Timbaland's single, "The Way I Are", which topped charts around the world.

Hilson's debut studio album, ''In a Perfect World...'', was released in 2009, and debuted at number four on the US ''Billboard'' 200 chart, eventually being certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The album spawned the hit singles, "Knock You Down", "Turnin Me On" and "I Like". It also earned Hilson two Grammy Award nominations for Best New Artist and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "Knock You Down". Her second studio album, ''No Boys Allowed'', was released in 2010 and was considerably less successful than its predecessor; however, it included the hit single, "Pretty Girl Rock". Hilson's achievements include a BET Award, MOBO Award, NAACP Image Award and two Soul Train Music Awards. Apart from her work in music, she has pursued a career in acting. Hilson made her acting debut in the romantic comedy film, ''Think Like a Man'', in 2012.

Biography [link]

1982–2007: Early life and career beginnings [link]

Keri Lynn Hilson was born on December 5, 1982 in Decatur, Georgia. She was raised in an African-American neighborhood and came from a middle class family. Hilson and her siblings did not attend a school within the neighborhood because her parents cared a lot for their education, stating that "they shipped us off for an hour to get to school every day. It was just that important for us to maintain the life that they had created". From the age of 12, Hilson wanted to pursue a musical career, after watching television talent shows, ''Star Search'' and ''Showtime at the Apollo''. Her mother then hired a piano teacher to give her piano lessons; however, Hilson wanted to become a singer and therefore "converted those sessions into vocal lessons, accompanying the teacher on piano". By the age of 14, Hilson had secured a record deal with the girl group D'Signe, who later disbanded.

Hilson spent most of her teenage years working with producer Anthony Dent, as a songwriter and background vocalist for the likes of Usher, Ludacris, Kelly Rowland, Ciara and Polow da Don. After graduating from high school, Hilson attended Emory University in Atlanta for three years and studied a course in theater. She continued working as a songwriter and background vocalist during her schooling years. Hilson eventually stopped working with Dent, and began working more with Polow da Don. She also became a member of the songwriting and production team, The Clutch. Together, they wrote Mary J. Blige's "Take Me as I Am" (2006), Omarion's "Ice Box" (2006), Ciara's "Like a Boy" (2006), The Pussycat Dolls' "Wait a Minute" (2007) and Britney Spears' "Gimme More" (2007). In 2006, Polow introduced Hilson to American rapper and producer Timbaland, who then signed her to his record label, Mosley Music Group. In November 2006, Hilson was featured on American rapper Lloyd Banks' single, "Help", for his album ''Rotten Apple'' (2006).

The following year, Hilson was featured on three singles; in June, on Timbaland's song "The Way I Are", the second single from his album ''Shock Value'' (2007); on Rich Boy's "Good Things" with Polow da Don; and thereafter, in December, on Timbaland's song "Scream" with Nicole Scherzinger, the fifth single from ''Shock Value''. Out of the three singles, "The Way I Are" achieved the most success, topping nine charts around the world.

2008–09: ''In a Perfect World...'' [link]

In 2008, Hilson appeared in the music videos for Usher's single, "Love in This Club", and Ne-Yo's single, "Miss Independent". Her debut studio album, ''In a Perfect World...'', was released on March 24, 2009. The album contained pop-oriented R&B; songs. It was initially planned to be released the previous year; however, the album was delayed several times because Hilson wanted to make sure it came out to her liking, stating "I'm just a perfectionist. I have had many [release dates], but it's all for a good cause. The label wants to make sure the album has its proper release, and I'm thankful for that. Very grateful, even though fans look at it like it's a bad thing." In the US, ''In a Perfect World...'' debuted at number four on the ''Billboard'' 200 chart, and number one on the Top R&B;/Hip-Hop Albums chart, with first-week sales of 94,000 copies. By October 2009, the album was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Its first single, "Energy", released in May 2008, peaked within the top eighty on the US ''Billboard'' Hot 100 chart. It reached the top fifty in the United Kingdom, and peaked the highest in New Zealand at number seven, and was certified gold in the country. Hilson also featured on three singles in 2008; in June, on rapper Nas' song "Hero"; in September, on Kardinal Offishall's "Numba 1 (Tide Is High)"; and thereafter, in October, on Chris Brown's song "Superhuman".

"Return the Favor", featuring Timbaland, served as the second international single from Hilson's ''In a Perfect World...'' album, while "Turnin Me On" featuring Lil Wayne, was released as the second US single. The latter achieved commercial success, reaching number 15 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100, and number two on the Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs chart, eventually being certified platinum in the US. The next single, "Knock You Down" featuring Kanye West and Ne-Yo, achieved more success, reaching number three on the Hot 100 and number one on the Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs chart, eventually being certified two times platinum. The song also reached the top ten in Canada, Ireland, The Netherlands, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. "Make Love", "Slow Dance", and "Change Me" featuring Akon, were released as the album's fourth, fifth and sixth US singles, respectively.

Hilson, along with Gym Class Heroes, Gorilla Zoe and T-Pain, were supporting acts on Lil Wayne's I Am Music Tour in North America. At the 2009 BET Awards, she was nominated in four categories, including Best New Artist, Best Female R&B; Artist, as well as Viewer's Choice and Best Collaboration for "Turnin Me On" with Lil Wayne. She eventually won the Best New Artist category. In 2009, Hilson was featured on five singles; "Number One" with R. Kelly, "She Don't Wanna" with Asher Roth, "Everything, Everyday, Everywhere" with Fabolous, "Medicine" with Plies, and on the remix of Sean Paul's song, "Hold My Hand". Hilson was nominated for Breakthrough Artist and Favorite Soul/R&B; Female Artist at the 2009 American Music Awards, but lost to Beyoncé Knowles. The re-released edition of ''In a Perfect World...'', in January 2010, included the single "I Like", which reached number one in Germany, Poland and Slovakia, and peaked within the top ten in Austria, Norway and Switzerland. At the 52nd Grammy Awards, Hilson was nominated for Best New Artist and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "Knock You Down" with Kanye West and Ne-Yo.

2010–present: ''No Boys Allowed'', acting debut and third studio album [link]

During the first half of 2010, Hilson guest featured on rapper Trina's single, "Million Dollar Girl", and on T.I.'s single, "Got Your Back". In April 2010, it was made known that she had replaced Jennifer Hudson as the new face of the cosmetics and personal care products company, Avon. "Breaking Point" was released as the first single from Hilson's second studio album, ''No Boys Allowed'', in September 2010; it only appeared on the US Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs Chart at number 44. On December 2, 2010, Hilson was among one of the many female artists who performed at the VH1 Divas Salute the Troops concert, where she sang "Turnin Me On", "Knock You Down", "Pretty Girl Rock", and a duet with American country music duo, Sugarland, on the Aretha Franklin song, "Think". ''No Boys Allowed'' was released on December 21, 2010. Described as a "girl power album", ''No Boys Allowed'' was primarily of the R&B; and pop genres. Despite the album's title, Hilson stated "it's not about excluding men. It's more about women understanding that there comes a time in your life when you want a man. A real man. A grown up. Not a boy. And that's not a bad thing." Speaking of the songs on the album, she explained "I write from a female perspective, but I'm also telling men what women are really thinking and feeling about them". In the US, ''No Boys Allowed'' debuted at number 11 on the ''Billboard'' 200, and number seven on the Top R&B;/Hip-Hop Albums chart, with first-week sales of 102,000 copies. Although it sold 8,000 copies more than her debut album, ''In a Perfect World...'', it failed to match that album's debut chart position of number four. As of February 2011, ''No Boys Allowed'' has sold 205,500 copies in the United States.

Hilson achieved success with the album's second single, "Pretty Girl Rock", which reached number 24 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and number four on the Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs Chart, eventually being certified platinum. The single reached the top twenty in Germany and New Zealand, and top thirty in Austria and Slovakia. "One Night Stand" featuring Chris Brown, and "Lose Control (Let Me Down)" featuring Nelly, were released as the album's third and fourth singles, respectively. In 2011, she was featured on British rapper Chipmunk's single "In the Air", for his album ''Transition'' (2011). In April 2011, Hilson, along with many other R&B; and hip hop acts, traveled to Australia to be part of its biggest urban music festival, Supafest. At the 2011 BET Awards, Hilson was nominated for Best Female R&B; Artist and Video of the Year for "Pretty Girl Rock". In July 2011, she was a supporting act on the second leg of Lil Wayne's I Am Still Music Tour in North America, before embarking on her first headlining European tour in October.

During an interview with ''106 & Park'' on October 25, 2011, Hilson revealed that she has already begun recording her third studio album. She explained, "There's some people in the world that aren't gon' like this album coming from me. As I was experiencing the world, there were things that I was also experiencing on a personal front, and in my music it's coming out. There's a specific few people who ain't gon' like to listen to this album. Very emotional, I'll say that." She further explained in an interview with ''The Boombox'' that she's working on a new sound for the album, and described it as a mixture of her first two albums with some surprising elements thrown in. Hilson also said a release date has not been confirmed yet, saying "I just write about my experiences and keep the release dates far, far from me. When I feel that I have [good material] is when I will give it to the label. But I'm not quite there yet. I'm still working." Hilson made her acting debut in the romantic comedy film, ''Think Like a Man'', released on April 20, 2012. She will also star alongside Vin Diesel in the sci-fi action film, ''Riddick'' (2013), but it is unknown what role Hilson will play.

Musical style and influences [link]

Hilson's music is generally R&B; and pop. Her debut album, ''In a Perfect World...'', consists of a pop/R&B; style, with elements of electro music. Many of the album's themes deal with relationships, physical attraction and lovemaking. Hilson said, "lyrically it's a very vulnerable album. You know, I definitely didn't want to paint myself as perfect on this project. Instead, I wanted it to be something that was very relatable, especially to women". Her second album, ''No Boys Allowed'', displays a wide variety of styles, including pop, R&B;, hip hop, soul, acoustic, electronic and reggae. Hilson describes the album as "more self assured. It's a lot more aggressive". Kristin Macfarlane of ''The Daily Post'' noted that the album is "pure girl power and about being sexually confident, and confident as a woman; not putting up with crap relationships and getting your way". Hilson sings with "smooth vocals". Following the release of her debut album, Sophie Bruce of BBC Music expressed that, "there's no denying Hilson has a great voice, but it lacks the feisty edge of [Nicole] Scherzinger, [Mary J.] Blige or [Beyoncé] Knowles". Mark Nero of About.com commented, "Keri's voice, while strong, isn't particularly distinctive or memorable". Hilson has stated that her musical influences come from her father's side of the family. In addition, she cites Michael Jackson and Lauryn Hill as inspirations.

Philanthropy [link]

Besides her career in music, Hilson has also been involved with several charities. In January 2010, she teamed up with Akon on the charity single, "Oh Africa". All proceeds of the single benefited underprivileged African youth. The following month, Hilson joined the extended list of artists during the recording session of the single, "We Are the World 25 for Haiti", to benefit victims of the 2010 Haiti earthquake. On May 25, 2010, she performed at the Virginia Stand Up! A Call to Action benefit concert, organized by Chris Brown to help with continued relief efforts in Haiti. On October 21, 2010, Hilson attended Collins Academy High School in Chicago as part of the Get Schooled National Challenge and Tour, a "program aimed at increasing high school and college graduation rates and promoting the importance of education". A year later, she received a Get Schooled Award for her involvement with the program. In 2011, Hilson contributed in the fight against AIDS, by posing in retail-clothing company H&M;'s celebrity-driven collection for Fashion Against AIDS. 25% of all sales from the collection were donated to the Designers Against Aids charity.

In June 2011, Hilson became an ambassador for MTV Staying Alive, a foundation which raises awareness and prevention of HIV and AIDS. In September 2011, she lent her support to US First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! campaign, which aims to combat childhood obesity. She made t-shirts for the campaign that read "Pretty Girls Sweat", and exercised with the young women at The Educational Alliance's Sirovich Senior Center in New York on September 24. During Hilson's visit in Africa in November 2011, she stopped by an orphanage to visit her young fans who had lost their families during the 2010–2011 Ivorian crisis. She gave each orphan a "care" package, which consisted of bookbags, t-shirts, sunglasses, notebooks and an electric keyboard. In April 2012, Hilson teamed up with DoSomething.org to encourage young people to join in the nationwide Epic Book Drive by bringing books to local people in need. In a press release, she stated: "Joining DoSomething.org's newest effort to provide for people in need with Epic Book Drive was the easiest decision ever!. I truly believe providing access to those who want to learn is the key to bettering lives around the country. And helping kids find healthy outlets, such as books, has always been a passion of mine. So my involvement here is a natural fit."

Discography [link]

''In a Perfect World...'' (2009)

''No Boys Allowed'' (2010)

Filmography [link]

''Riddick (film)

+Films	Year	! Title	! Role	! Notes
2012	''Think Like a Man''	Heather
2013	Riddick'' ||

Tours [link]

Headlining

European Tour (2011)

Supporting

I Am Music Tour (2009) (with Lil Wayne)

I Am Still Music Tour (2011) (with Lil Wayne)

Awards and nominations [link]

|- | style="text-align:center;"|2007 |"The Way I Are" (Timbaland featuring D.O.E. and Keri Hilson) |MTV Video Music Award for Monster Single of the Year | |- |rowspan="14" style="text-align:center;"|2009 |rowspan="4"|Herself |American Music Award for Favorite Female R&B;/Soul Artist | |- |American Music Award for Breakthrough Artist | |- |BET Award for Best New Artist | |- |BET Award for Best Female R&B; Artist | |- |rowspan="2"|"Turnin Me On" (with Lil Wayne) |BET Award for Viewer's Choice | |- |BET Award for Best Collaboration | |- |''In a Perfect World...'' |Urban Music Award for Best Album | |- |rowspan="4"|Herself |Urban Music Award for Best Female Act | |- |MOBO Award for Best International Act | |- |MOBO Award for Best R&B;/Soul Act | |- |Soul Train Music Award for Best New Artist | |- |"Turnin Me On" (with Lil Wayne) |Soul Train Music Award for Song of the Year | |- |rowspan="3"|"Knock You Down" (with Kanye West and Ne-Yo) |Soul Train Music Award for Best Collaboration | |- |Soul Train Music Award for Record of the Year | |- |rowspan="4" style="text-align:center;"|2010 |Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration | |- |rowspan="2"|Herself |Grammy Award for Best New Artist | |- |NAACP Image Award for Outstanding New Artist | |- |"Got Your Back" (T.I. featuring Keri Hilson) |Soul Train Music Award for Best Hip-Hop Song | |- |rowspan="4" style="text-align:center;"|2011 |"Pretty Girl Rock" |BET Award for Video of the Year | |- |rowspan="2"|Herself |BET Award for Best Female R&B; Artist | |- |Get Schooled Award | |- |"Pretty Girl Rock" |Soul Train Music Award for Best Dance Performance | |}

References[link]

External links[link]

Category:Keri Hilson Category:1982 births Category:Living people Category:African American female singer-songwriters Category:American rhythm and blues singer-songwriters Category:American dance musicians Category:Emory University alumni Category:Interscope Records artists Category:Musicians from Georgia (U.S. state) Category:People from Decatur, Georgia

ar:كيري هيلسون cs:Keri Hilson da:Keri Hilson de:Keri Hilson es:Keri Hilson eo:Keri Hilson fa:کری هیلسون fr:Keri Hilson ko:케리 힐슨 hsb:Keri Hilson hr:Keri Hilson it:Keri Hilson he:קרי הילסון hu:Keri Hilson sw:Keri Hilson lv:Keri Hilsone mk:Кери Хилсон nl:Keri Hilson ja:ケリー・ヒルソン no:Keri Hilson pl:Keri Hilson pt:Keri Hilson ksh:Keri Lynn Hilson ro:Keri Hilson ru:Хилсон, Кери simple:Keri Hilson sr:Keri Hilson fi:Keri Hilson sv:Keri Hilson th:เคอรี ฮิลสัน tr:Keri Hilson zh:凯莉·希尔森

name	Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis
background	non_performing_personnel
birth name	James Harris III and Terry Lewis (respectively)
alias	Jam & Lewis
genre	The Minneapolis SoundPopContemporary R&B;New Jack SwingSoul
occupation	SongwriterMusicianProducer
years active	1982–present
label	Flyte Tyme
associated acts	The TimePrinceJanet JacksonThe SOS BandCherrelleAlexander O'NealMariah CareyMary J BligeNew EditionCaptain RappKaryn White
notable instruments	Roland TR-808Oberheim OB-8Yamaha DX-7Ensoniq Mirage }}

James Samuel "Jimmy Jam" Harris III (born June 6, 1959, Minneapolis, Minnesota) and Terry Steven Lewis (born November 24, 1956, Omaha, Nebraska) are an American R&B; and pop-music songwriting and record production team. They have enjoyed great success since the 1980s with various artists, most notably Janet Jackson.

History[link]

Jimmy Jam is the son of Cornbread Harris, a Minneapolis blues and jazz musician. Jimmy Jam met Lewis in high school in Minneapolis and formed a band called Flyte Tyme, which evolved into the Time. In 1981, they were joined by Morris Day and toured with Prince as his opening act. As members of The Time, they recorded three of the group's four albums (''The Time'', ''What Time Is It?'' and ''Pandemonium''). The first two albums are said to have shaped early 1980s R&B; music (featuring "Cool," "Get it Up," "The Walk," "777-9311," and "Gigolos Get Lonely Too").

In 1982, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis were introduced to the music executive Dina R. Andrews, who was then an employee of Dick Griffey's Solar Records (The Whispers, Shalamar, Lakeside (band), Klymaxx, The Deele, Babyface). The pair asked Andrews to manage them, and through her relationships Andrews first introduced Jam and Lewis to Music Executive Clarance Avant. They produced their first masters for Avant for the SOS Band. Andrews set-up Jam and Lewis's company Flyte Tyme Productions as a business entity, and continued shopping them to her other record executive colleagues. The producers went on to produce several other masters for Avant under Dina Andrews Management for the SOS Band, Cherrelle, Alexander O'Neal and Change. Additionally, Andrews shopped the duo to many of the executives and artists who used their services, such as Klymaxx, Cheryl Lynn (Encore), and executives such as John McClain (Janet Jackson), Clive Davis, Sylvia Rhone, and Warner Chappelle (Rachele Fields).

The pair was fired by Prince from a tour because a blizzard left them unable to rejoin after a short break to produce music for The SOS Band. However, one of the tracks they were producing, "Just Be Good To Me", became a hit and sealed the duo’s reputation, as well as that of the SOS Band. The duo would rejoin The Time for two albums: 1990's ''Pandemonium'' and the recently released ''Condensate'' under the name the Original 7ven.

The duo was noted for early use of the Roland TR-808 drum machine in English-language popular music, which was used in most of its productions. After working with other artists such as Cherrelle and Alexander O'Neal, Jam and Lewis were introduced to Janet Jackson and produced her breakthrough album ''Control'' in 1986, for which the duo won a Grammy Award. Their collaboration on her next album, 1989's ''Rhythm Nation 1814'', proved even more successful as the album became one of the top-selling albums in history with five No.1 hits.

Since that time, they founded a record label, Perspective Records (an A&M;/PolyGram Records-distributed label that has since shut its doors), and worked with artists including TLC, Sounds of Blackness, Yolanda Adams, Jordan Knight, Michael Jackson, Boyz II Men, Usher, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Prince, Spice Girls, Vanessa Williams, George Michael, Melanie B, Rod Stewart, Kelly Price, Gwen Stefani, New Edition, Eric Benet, Pia Zadora, Solo, Morrison Slick (an unreleased cut, slated to appear on Morrison Slick's Flyte Tyme Records debut ''Kiss Da Sky'' came out on little known UK compilation ''Soul & The City''), and The Human League. In 1999, they produced the hit "Open My Heart" by Yolanda Adams which helped her popularity. In 2000, the two were guest performers for J-pop singer and songwriter Hikaru Utada's 'Bohemian Summer' concert tour in Japan.

Terry Lewis married R&B; singer Karyn White, with whom he had a daughter, Ashley Nicole Lewis. The pair has since divorced. He later married Indira Singh and had two children, Talin and Tierra. Jimmy Jam served as Chairman of the Board of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. He is currently listed as Chairman Emeritus.

In 2005 Jam and Lewis opened their new recording studios in Santa Monica California naming it Flyte Tyme West. In 2006, they won a Grammy for Yolanda Adams' song "Be Blessed", from her 2005 album ''Day By Day''. In 2007, Jam and Lewis produced the two-time Grammy Award winning CD ''Funk This'' for Chaka Khan, which included the Award winning R&B; duet "Disrespectful", with Mary J. Blige.

The production duo recently reunited with The Time at The 50th Grammy Awards on February 10, 2008 in a medley that included the artist Rihanna, and featuring "Jungle Love". In June and July 2008, all of the original members of The Time (Morris Day, Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Jesse Johnson, Jerome Benton, Jellybean Johnson, and Monte Moir) reunited once again for a series of shows at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

Jam and Lewis worked on Ruben Studdard's album, ''Love Is''.

To date, Jam and Lewis have produced 16 Hot 100 #1 singles:

Boyz II Men's "On Bended Knee" & "4 Seasons of Loneliness",

Mariah Carey's "Thank God I Found You" featuring Joe & 98 Degrees,

The Human League's "Human",

Janet Jackson's "When I Think of You", "Miss You Much", "Escapade", "Love Will Never Do (Without You)", "That's the Way Love Goes", "Again", "Together Again", "Doesn't Really Matter" & "All for You",

George Michael's "Monkey",

Usher's "U Remind Me"

Karyn White's "Romantic".

A documentary film called ''Flyte Tyme'' was made recently, which focused on their label and the duo.

Discography[link]

List of songs produced by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis

References[link]

External links[link]

Jimmy Jam biography at Yahoo.com

Terry Lewis biography at Yahoo.com

Flyte Tyme Productions

BBC Interview, May 2005

Le groupe SoulRnB.com consacré à Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis

Njs4ever.com

Category:American rhythm and blues musicians Category:African American musicians Category:American songwriters Category:American record producers Category:Record production teams Category:Musicians from Minnesota Category:Articles about multiple people Category:Living people Category:The Time members Category:Musicians from Omaha, Nebraska Category:Grammy Award winners Category:The SOS Band

cs:Jimmy Jam a Terry Lewis de:Jimmy Jam und Terry Lewis es:Jimmy Jam y Terry Lewis fr:Jimmy Jam et Terry Lewis sw:Jimmy Jam na Terry Lewis hu:Jimmy Jam és Terry Lewis ja:ジャム&ルイス pt:Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis sk:Jimmy Jam a Terry Lewis fi:Jimmy Jam ja Terry Lewis th:จิมมี แจมและเทร์รี ลูอิส tr:Jimmy Jam ve Terry Lewis

name	Selah Sue
background	solo_singer
birth name	Sanne Putseys
birth date	May 03, 1989
origin	Leefdaal, Belgium
genre	Reggae, soul
occupation	Musician
instrument	Guitar, Vocals
website	www.selahsue.com }}

Selah Sue (born Sanne Putseys, 3 May 1989) is a Belgian musician and songwriter.

Her debut album, Selah Sue (2011) was a major success, selling over 400.000 copies in Europe, 200.000 in France alone. Today, she has chart success with the hit singles 'Raggamuffin', 'Crazy Vibes' and 'This World'.

In 2011, Selah Sue won an European Border Breakers Award (EBBA). In January 2012 during the EBBA award ceremony she was presented with the EBBA Public Choice Award.

Background[link]

Sanne Putseys was born in Leuven, but originates from the nearby Belgian town Leefdaal. At the age of fifteen, Sanne Putseys learned to play the acoustic guitar and started to write her own songs as well. When she was seventeen a producer asked her to sing some demo's for him, and then Universal offered her a contract. She refused, because she wanted to sing her own songs. Then, still at age 17, Selah Sue performed as the youngest and only female artist at the open-song contest ''Open Mic-avond'' at ''Het Depot'' in Leuven. Organizer and singer Milow (born Jonathan Vandenbroeck) had noticed her talents and asked her to perform in his supporting programme. Initially, Sanne Putseys managed to work out her musical career path while studying psychology at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven. According to her, studying psychology helped her to understand more about human emotions, which also is something that she has to deal with in her musical activities. Eventually, she continued doing warm-up performances in collaboration with artists such as Jamie Lidell in London and Paris. Furthermore, she played with the Belgian band Novastar at the Paradiso in Amsterdam.

Her first EP was released in 2008, under the title ''Black Part Love''. It contains five songs

From September 2008 until August 2009, Selah Sue received some curricular guidance from the Belgian musical theater Ancienne Belgique. The programme, in which she was involved there, has been set up to support promising artists who aren't associated with any record company or other kinds of managing assistance.

Selah Sue often covers songs of Erykah Badu and The Zutons, but she does appear to assemble a whole range of her own songs. Two of her well-known songs are "Mommy" and "Black part love", both of which are carried out acoustically. She says to be influenced by artists such as Lauryn Hill, M.I.A. and Erykah Badu.

In 2009, Selah Sue attended the stages of the North Sea Jazz Festival and that of the Lowlands. Additionally, she regularly appears on TV shows such as ''De Wereld Draait Door'' on Dutch television and several other Flemish TV shows.

In 2010, she played most of the biggest festivals in Belgium, including Les Nuits Botanique, Les Ardentes, Dour, Lokerse Feesten, Couleur Café and Pukkelpop. But also outside her native country in big festivals such as Lowlands (Netherlands), Les Eurockéennes de Belfort (France) and Sziget Festival (Hungary). On November 8, 2010 she played a support appearance for Prince on his Sportpaleis concert. She then went on a mostly sold out headlining show in Belgium, France and the Netherlands, presenting her forthcoming debut album.

On March 4, 2011, Selah Sue released her eponymous debut album, called Selah Sue. The album has peaked to number 1 on the Belgium Albums Chart, it has also charted in the Netherlands, France and Switzerland.

Besides several hits singles, such as 'This World' and 'Crazy Vibes', the album also contains a duet with Cee Lo Green, called "Please".

Discography[link]

Studio albums[link]

{|class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" border="1" |- ! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Album Title ! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Album details ! scope="col" colspan="6"| Peak Chart positions ! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Certifications |- ! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:85%;"|BEL (FLA) ! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:85%;"|BEL (WAL) ! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:85%;"|NL ! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:85%;"|FRA ! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:85%;"|POL ! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:85%;"|SWI |- ! scope="row" | ''Selah Sue'' |

Released: 4 March 2011

Label: Because Music

Format: CD, Digital download

| 1 || 1 || 2 || 10 || 49 || 32 |align=left| BEL: 3x Platinum FRA: Platinum |- |}

Extended plays[link]

2008: ''Black Part Love''

2010: ''Raggamuffin''

Singles[link]

{|class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" border="1" ! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Year ! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Single ! scope="col" colspan="5"| Peak chart positions ! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Certifications ! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Album |- ! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:85%;"|BEL (FLA) ! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:85%;"|BEL (WAL) ! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:85%;"|NL ! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:85%;"|FRA ! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:85%;"|SWI |- | 2010 ! scope="row"| "Raggamuffin" | 29 || 16 || 81 || 18 || — | BEL: Gold |rowspan="4"| ''Selah Sue'' |- |rowspan="4"| 2011 ! scope="row"| "Crazy Vibes" | 21 || 26 || 56 || 74 || — | BEL: Gold |- ! scope="row"| "This World" | 2 || 15 || — || 47 || 42 | BEL: Platinum |- ! scope="row"| "Summertime" | 59 || 67 || — || — || — |- ! scope="row"| "Zanna"(Selah Sue & Tom Barman vs. The Subs) | 1 || 29 || 72 || — || — | BEL: Gold | |}

References[link]

External links [link]

Official website

Myspace

Category:1989 births Category:Living people Category:Belgian female singers

de:Selah Sue eo:Selah Sue fr:Selah Sue it:Selah Sue nl:Selah Sue pl:Selah Sue pt:Selah Sue sr:Села Су

name	Musiq Soulchild
background	solo_singer
birth name	Taalib Johnson
alias	Musiq Soulchild
birth date	September 16, 1977
Birth place	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
genre	Contemporary R&B;Neo soul
occupation	Singer-songwriter
years active	2000–present
label	Def Soul (2000–2005)Atlantic (2006–present)
website	www.musiqsoulchild.com
notable instruments	}}

Musiq Soulchild or Musiq (; born Taalib Johnson on September 16, 1977) is a American R&B;/soul singer-songwriter whose style blends contemporary R&B;, soul, funk, alternative, blues, jazz, some gospel influences and hip hop.

Biography[link]

Musiq was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is the oldest of nine children. At an early age, Musiq decided he would drop out of high school, and left home at 17. It was during that time Musiq started to build a reputation for being musically gifted, beat boxing for MC's, free styling on the open mic circuit, scatting at a jazz club, or just performing ''a cappella'' in the streets of Philadelphia, which is where he got the name "Musiq" and later added "Soulchild", which is intended to respect and represent the legacy and traditions of past soul artists. He cites as his inspiration such icons as Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Patti LaBelle, Billie Holiday, Sly & the Family Stone and Ray Charles.

Musiq has also earned award nominations from Moard, BET, ASCAP, BMI, and Soul Train. Musiq Soulchild has had 2 platinum albums, 2 gold albums and 7 hit singles. He has received awards from BillbMTV, American Music Awards, NAACP, and 11 Grammy nominations, including 3 for his 2007 album ''Luvanmusiq''.

Name origin[link]

"There were people who knew of me but they didn't really know me; they just knew me as 'that music dude.' So after getting that so much, I was like 'Just call me Musiq.' It was so fresh to me because if I had to be called anything, I would have wanted to be called Music. That's how much I dug it; when you see me, I want you to automatically think of music." The nickname Soulchild came from two ideas. Musiq quotes it as, "Musiq Soulchild is technically two ideas. 'Musiq' is the front man and 'Soulchild' is the idea behind it. It's basically me as an artist in this generation, representing the traditions and the legacies of the past soul stars."

Career[link]

Musiq Soulchild released his debut album, ''Aijuswanaseing'', in 2000. Its lead single was "Just Friends (Sunny)". Musiq's second single "Love" spent 22 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.

Musiq’s second album, 2002's ''Juslisen'', debuted at number 1 on the Billboard Charts and went platinum. The singles were "Halfcrazy" and "Dontchange".

In 2003, Musiq released his 3rd album, ''Soulstar''. It included the singles "Forthenight" and "Whoknows".

Musiq took a four year break and changed his management to Solqi Management ; as well as his record label from Def Soul to Atlantic Records.

In March 2007, Musiq's released his fourth album ''Luvanmusiq''. Its singles were "B.U.D.D.Y.", "Teachme", and "Makeyouhappy".

His fifth album ''OnMyRadio'' was released on December 2, 2008. The lead single "Radio" was a complete contrast to the usual smooth soul and R&B; Musiq fans were accustomed to. The following singles were the duet ''IfULeave'' featuring Mary J Blige; and the ballad ''SoBeautiful''. "SoBeautiful" marked the first collaboration between Musiq and the producer JR Hutson, after Hutson had spent "about eight months" trying to get Musiq to come by his studio. According to Hutson, the two plan to work together again.

In May 2010, he changed management to Victor Grieg.

His latest album ''Musiqinthemajiq'' was released on May 3, 2011, available on CDs and also as a digital download. The first single is ''Anything'' featuring Swizz Beatz.

Guest appearances[link]

Musiq Soulchild has featured on "Nothing at All" from Carlos Santana's album, ''Shaman''. He has also made guest appearances on rapper Lloyd Banks's album ''Rotten Apple'', Talib Kweli's ''Eardrum'', The Roots's ''Phrenology'', Black Ice's ''The Death of Willie Lynch''. He performed "Reasons" on the tribute album ''Interpretations: Celebrating the Music of Earth, Wind & Fire'' and "Are You Experienced?" on ''Power of Soul: A Tribute to Jimi Hendrix''. Soulchild has also appeared on the soundtrack to Tyler Perry's movie ''Daddy's Little Girls'' and performed with Ice Cube on his 2008 album, ''Raw Footage''. He also lent a song from his latest album ''Luvanmusiq'' to the soundtrack for Perry's later movie ''Why Did I Get Married?''. He then recorded a remake of Arrested Development's song "People Everyday" with British rapper/singer Estelle for the soundtrack to Tyler Perry's ''Meet the Browns'' entitled "People Everyday (Metamorphosis Mix)".

Other interests[link]

Outside of music, he has been featured in television and print ads for McDonald's, Nike, Inc., Coca-Cola, Levi Strauss & Co. and The Gap. He made a special appearance on The CW's #1 comedy ''The Game'' on Monday, October 29, 2007, as well as the UPN sitcom ''All of Us''.

Awards and recognition[link]

He has received awards from ''Billboard'', BET, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, BMI, and Soul Train. Musiq has also been nominated for awards by MTV, The American Music Awards, the NAACP, and has had 11 Grammy nominations.

Personal life[link]

He dated singer Kameelah Williams (of 702) in 2009. They welcomed the birth of their son in August 2009. She is the inspiration for his song "SoBeautiful."

Discography[link]

Studio albums[link]

Title	Details	Peak chartpositions			! width="40"
		''[[Aijuswanaseing">Music recording sales certification
! width="40"	! width="40"
''[[Aijuswanaseing''		* Released: November 14, 2000	Def Soul>Def Soul Recordings	Compact disc>CD	24	2		Recording Industry Association of America>US: Platinum
''Juslisen''		* Released: May 7, 2002	* Label: Def Soul/Def Jam Recordings	* Formats: CD	1	1		* US: Platinum
! scope="row"		* Released: December 9, 2003	* Label: Def Jam Recordings	* Formats: CD	13	3		* US: Gold
''Luvanmusiq''		* Released: March 13, 2007	* Label: Atlantic Records	* Formats: CD, music download	1	1		* US: Gold
''OnMyRadio''		* Released: December 9, 2008	* Label: Atlantic Records	* Formats: CD, music download	11	1
''MusiqInTheMagiq''		* Released: May 3, 2011	* Label: Atlantic Records	* Formats: CD, music download	8	3

Singles[link]

Year	Song	!align="center" valign="top" width="40"	!align="center" valign="top" width="40"	Album
align="left" valign="top"
	align="left" valign="top"
				align="left" rowspan=2
	align="center" valign="top"
	align="left" valign="top"	align="center" valign="top"
		align="center" valign="top"
align="center" valign="top"
		align="center" valign="top"
	align="center" valign="top"

Featured singles[link]

Year	Song	!align="center" valign="top" width="40"	!align="center" valign="top" width="40"	UK	Album
	"Break You Off" (The Roots featuring Musiq Soulchild)				''Phrenology''
		align="center" valign="top"
align="center" valign="top"
align="center" valign="top"
''Raw Footage''
			align="center" valign="top"
''Testimony: Vol. 2, Love & Politics''
		align="center" valign="top"
align="center" valign="top"
align="center" valign="top"
''Floetic Soul''
	align="left" valign="top"	align="center" valign="top"
	align="center" valign="top"
''Black Radio''

References[link]

External links[link]

Official Website

Antigua Music Festival

Musiq Soulchild Black Planet page

Musiq Preps Atlantic Records Debut

Musiq at rnbkings.net

[ Musiq Soulchild's AllMusic page]

Exclusive Musiq Soulchild Interview

Luvanmusiq Album Review

Category:1977 births Category:Living people Category:African American singers Category:American rhythm and blues singers Category:American soul singers Category:Neo soul singers Category:Musicians from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Category:American Christians Category:Atlantic Records artists

de:Musiq Soulchild fr:Musiq Soulchild it:Musiq Soulchild pt:Musiq Soulchild fi:Musiq Soulchild tr:Musiq Soulchild