Name	Field Mob
Background	group_or_band
Origin	Albany, Georgia, United States
Genre	Southern rap, Hip hop
Years active	2000–present
Label	Southern House (1999–2000)MCA (2000–2003)Geffen (2003–2008)DTP (2005–2008)Nappy Boy (2011–Present)
Url	FieldMob.com
Current members	Shawn JaySmoke

Field Mob is an American Hip-Hop group from Albany, Georgia composed of artists Shawn Timothy Johnson and Darion Crawford better known by their stage names Shawn Jay and Smoke respectively. Field Mob is signed to T-Pain's label Nappy Boy Entertainment.

Biography

Formation

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

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

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

Light Poles and Pine Trees

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

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

Discography

Albums

Singles

Featured appearances

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

2005: "Georgia" collaboration -

2006: "Damn" Shawnna - Block Music

2006: "Ultimate Satisfaction" Ludacris - Release Therapy

References

External links

Official site

Label Website

Official Myspace

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

Name	Jamie Foxx
Caption	Foxx promoting Stealth in July 2005
Birth name	Eric Marlon Bishop
Birth date	December 13, 1967
Birth place	Terrell, Texas, United States
Medium	Stand-up, film, television, music
Nationality	American
Active	1989–present
Genre	Musical comedy, Satire/Political satire, Observational comedy, Character comedy, Blue comedy
Subject	Race relations, racism, African-American culture, pop culture, human sexuality, American politics, current events, self-deprecation
Occupation	Singer, Actor, Rapper, Comedian
Notable work	In Living ColorJamie King on The Jamie Foxx ShowRay Charles in RayCurtis Taylor Jr. in Dreamgirls
Working with	Flo Rida, Kanye West, A-Trak, KiD CuDi
Website	Official site

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

Born in Terrell, Texas, Foxx was abandoned by his parents as an infant and raised by his mother's adoptive parents. He performed well in high school and was awarded with a scholarship to United States International University. In his twenties, Foxx began performing stand-up at comedy clubs, and eventually joined the cast of In Living Color in 1991; this exposure helped him land film roles and star in his own sitcom, The Jamie Foxx Show. He released his debut album, Peep This, in 1994, but he did not gain significant musical success until 2004 when he was featured in Twista's song "Slow Jamz". Also in 2004, Foxx played critically acclaimed roles in the films Collateral and Ray. He released his second album, Unpredictable, in 2005, which was helped by his collaboration on Kanye West's number-one single "Gold Digger". His third album Intuition was released in 2008 and was anchored by the single "Blame It". Foxx released his fourth studio album, Best Night of My Life, in 2010.

Early life

Foxx was born as Eric Marlon Bishop on December 13, 1967, in Terrell, Texas. He is the son of Louise Annette Talley Dixon and Darrell Bishop. Foxx was abandoned seven months after birth, and was subsequently adopted and raised in Terrell by his mother's adoptive parents, Estelle and Mark Talley. Terrell was a racially segregated community at the time. Foxx had a strict Baptist upbringing and began piano lessons at the age of five by his grandmother's orders. As a teenager, he was a part-time pianist and choir leader in Terrell's New Hope Baptist Church. He also sang in a band called Leather and Lace. He has often acknowledged his grandmother's influence in his life as one of the greatest reasons for his success.

Career

Early career and In Living Color

After accepting a girlfriend's dare, Foxx told jokes and did impressions at a comedy club's open mic night in 1989. When he found that female comedians were often called first to perform, he changed his name to Jamie Foxx, feeling that it was an ambiguous enough name to disallow any biases. He chose his surname as a tribute to comedian Redd Foxx. From 1996 to 2001, Foxx starred in his own sitcom The Jamie Foxx Show, and in 1992 he made his film debut.

Film career

.]] Foxx made his film debut in the 1992 comedy Toys. His first dramatic role came in Oliver Stone's 1999 film Any Given Sunday, where he portrayed a hard-partying American football player.

Following these successes, Foxx appeared in Jarhead, Miami Vice, and Dreamgirls, which were box-office hits, and lifted his profile even higher as a bankable star in Hollywood. 2007 brought him the lead role in the film The Kingdom opposite Chris Cooper, Jason Bateman, Jennifer Garner and Ashraf Barhom.

In September 2007, Foxx was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He said, upon receiving the honor, "[it was] one of the most amazing days of my life."

In April 2009, Foxx played the lead role in the dramatic film The Soloist.

In April 2011, Foxx voiced a role in the movie Rio.

Music

performing "Gold Digger"]] Foxx began piano lessons at age five. In 1994, Foxx released an album (on the Fox record label) entitled Peep This. His music career shifted into a higher gear when, in 2004, he was featured on rapper Twista's song, "Slow Jamz", which also featured Kanye West. The song reached number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, as well as number three on the UK singles chart. Foxx's second collaboration with Kanye West, "Gold Digger," in which he sang the "I Got a Woman" Ray Charles-influenced hook, went straight to number one on the Billboard Hot 100, and remained there for 10 weeks. In 2005, Foxx was featured on the single "Georgia" by Atlanta rappers Ludacris and Field Mob. The song sampled Ray Charles' hit "Georgia on My Mind."

Foxx released his second studio album, Unpredictable, in December 2005. It debuted at number two, selling 598,000 copies in its first week. The following week, the album rose to number one, selling an additional 200,000 copies. To date, the album has sold 1.98 million copies in the United States, and was certified double Platinum by the RIAA. The album also charted on the UK Albums Chart, where it peaked at number nine. Foxx became the fourth artist to have won an Academy Award for an acting role and to have achieved a number-one record album in the US. (The other three to accomplish this feat were Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and Barbra Streisand.) Foxx's first single from the album, the title track "Unpredictable" (featuring Ludacris), samples "Wildflower" by New Birth. The song peaked inside the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 and also made the UK top 20 singles chart. The second US single from the album was "DJ Play a Love Song," which reunited Foxx with Twista. In the UK, however, the second single was "Extravaganza," which saw Foxx once again collaborate with Kanye West. He was not, however, featured in the song's music video.

At the 2006 Black Entertainment Television (BET) Awards, Foxx won Best Duet/Collaboration with Kanye West for "Gold Digger" and tied with Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You" for Video of the year. On December 8, 2006, Foxx received four Grammy nominations, which included Best R&B; Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for Love Changes featuring Mary J. Blige, Best R&B; Album for Unpredictable, Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for Georgia by Ludacris & Field Mob featuring Jamie Foxx, and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for Unpredictable featuring Ludacris.

On January 22, 2007, Foxx was on Sirius Satellite Radio, announcing his new channel The Foxxhole. The channel features talk-radio programs, stand-up comedy albums, and music primarily by African-American performers, and features much of Foxx's own material as well. The Jamie Foxx Show, Foxx's own talk-radio variety program, airs Friday evenings on The Foxxhole, and features Johnny Mack, Speedy, The Poetess, Lewis Dix, and T.D.P., as his co-hosts. Guests include popular musicians, actors, and fellow comedians.

He recorded a song with country superstars Rascal Flatts entitled "She Goes All the Way" for their album, Still Feels Good. Foxx also performed background vocals for artist/songwriter Tank. He and The-Dream are featured on Plies' "Please Excuse My Hands." He also appeared on the remix of Ne-Yo's "Miss Independent" entitled "She Got Her Own." The track also features Fabolous. Foxx then collaborated with rapper The Game on the track "Around The World."

Foxx released his third album titled Intuition in 2008, featuring such artists as Kanye West, T.I., Lil Wayne, and T-Pain. The album's first single, "Just Like Me" featuring T.I., was promoted by a video directed by Brett Ratner and featuring an appearance by Taraji P. Henson. The second single "Blame It" featured T-Pain and became a top 5 single on the Billboard Hot 100 and a number-one single on the Billboard Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The "Blame It" music video, directed by Hype Williams, features cameo appearances by Forest Whitaker, Samuel L. Jackson, Ron Howard, Quincy Jones, and Jake Gyllenhaal, among others. Foxx was also featured on T.I.'s single "Live in the Sky" from the album King.

On April 6, 2009 Foxx performed the George Strait song "You Look So Good in Love" at the George Strait Artist of the Decade All-Star Concert. Foxx has been a fan of country music for many years.

Jamie Foxx hosted the 2009 BET Awards ceremony on June 28, 2009, which featured several tributes to pop star Michael Jackson, who had died three days prior to the show. Aside from performing "Blame It" with T-Pain and "She Got Her Own" with Ne-Yo and Fabolous, Foxx opened the show with a rendition of Jackson's "Beat It" dance routine and closed the show with a cover of The Jackson 5's "I'll Be There" with Ne-Yo. Foxx stated during the ceremony, "We want to celebrate this black man. He belongs to us and we shared him with everybody else."

Foxx released his fourth album, Best Night of My Life, on December 21, 2010. The first single is "Winner", featuring Justin Timberlake and T.I.. The second single is "Living Better Now" featuring rapper Rick Ross and the third single is "Fall For Your Type" featuring rapper Drake.

Family

Foxx has a daughter, Corinne Bishop, who was born in 1995. Foxx was spotted with the baby in Miami for New Year's Eve 2010, and it was revealed to be a girl.

Charity work

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

Legal issues

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

Controversy

Miley Cyrus remark

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

Discography

Peep This (1994)

Unpredictable (2005)

Intuition (2008)

Best Night of My Life (2010)

Tours

The Unpredictable Tour (2006)

The Blame It Tour (2009)

Filmography

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

Awards and nominations

Television Awards

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

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

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

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

Music awards

American Music Awards

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

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

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

BET Awards

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

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

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

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

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

Grammy Awards n

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*2009, Outstanding Male Artist (winner)

*2006, Outstanding Male Artist (winner)

MOBO Awards

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

MTV Video Music Awards

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

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

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

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

Soul Train Awards

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

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

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

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

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

Vibe Awards

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

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

Movie/TV Awards

Academy Awards

*2004, Nominated Best Supporting Actor – Collateral

* 2004, Won Best Actor – Ray

BAFTA Awards

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

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

BET Awards

*2006, Nominated Best Actor

*2005, Won Best Actor

Black Movie Awards

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

Black Reel Awards

*2007, Nominated – Best Actor – Dreamgirls

*2005, Won Best Actor, Drama – Ray

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

*2004, Won Best Supporting Actor – Collateral

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

*2002, Won Theatrical – Best Supporting Actor – Ali

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

Blockbuster Entertainment Awards

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

Boston Society of Film Critics Awards

*2004, Won Best Actor – Ray

Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards

*2005, Won Critics Choice Award Best Actor – Ray

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

Florida Film Critics Circle Awards

*2004, Won FFCC Award Best Actor – Ray

Golden Globes

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

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

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

Hollywood Film Festival

*2004, Won Hollywood Breakthrough Award Breakthrough Actor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Independent Spirit Awards

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

Kansas City Film Critics Circle Awards

*2005, Won Best Actor – Ray (2004/I)

Kids' Choice Awards

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

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

Las Vegas Film Critics Society Awards

*2005, Won Sierra Award Best Actor – Ray

London Critics Circle Film Awards

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

MTV Movie Awards

*2005, Nominated Best Male Performance – Ray

*2000, Nominated Breakthrough Male Performance – Any Given Sunday

MovieGuide Awards

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

National Board of Review

*2004, Won Best Actor – Ray

National Society of Film Critics Awards

*2005, Won Best Actor – Ray

Online Film Critics Society Awards

*2005, Nominated Best Actor – Ray

*2004, Won Best Supporting Actor – Collateral

People's Choice Awards

*2008, Nominated Favorite Leading Man

*2006, Nominated Favorite Leading Man

Phoenix Film Critics Society Awards

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

Prism Awards

*2005, Won Performance in a Feature Film – Ray

Satellite Awards

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

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

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

Screen Actors Guild Awards

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

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

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

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

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

Seattle Film Critics Awards

*'''2004, Won Best Actor – Ray

Southeastern Film Critics Association Awards

*2004, Won Best Actor – Ray

TV Land Awards

*2007, Nominated Little Screen/Big Screen Star

*2006, Nominated Little Screen/Big Screen Star

Teen Choice Awards

*2007, Nominated Choice Movie: Liplock – Dreamgirls

*2005, Nominated Choice Movie Actor: Drama – Ray

Vancouver Film Critics Circle

*2005, Won Best Actor – Ray

Washington DC Area Film Critics Association Awards

*2004, Won Best Actor – Ray

*2004, Won Best Supporting Actor – Collateral

Women in Film Crystal + Lucy Award

2005, co-recipient, Crystal Award

See also

List of Black Golden Globe Award winners and nominees

References

External links

Official Jamie Fox Music Site

Category:1967 births Category:2000s singers Category:2010s singers Category:Actors from Texas Category:African American film actors Category:African American comedians Category:American adoptees Category:American male singers Category:American stand-up comedians Category:American television actors Category:American voice actors Category:BAFTA winners (people) Category:Best Actor BAFTA Award winners Category:Best Actor Academy Award winners Category:Best Musical or Comedy Actor Golden Globe (film) winners Category:Living people Category:People from Linden, Texas Category:People from the Dallas – Fort Worth Metroplex Category:African American television actors Category:Grammy Award winners Category:United States International University alumni

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

Ciara Princess Harris (born October 25, 1985), known mononymously as Ciara, is an American singer-songwriter, dancer, actress and fashion model. Born in Austin, Texas, she travelled around the world during her childhood, only to land in Atlanta, Georgia where she met music producer, Jazze Pha. With his help, she was signed to LaFace Records, and has gone on to become a successful artist, having sold more than seven million albums worldwide and had numerous top ten hits.

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

Early life

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

Career

2002–03: Hearsay and record deal

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

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

Ciara: The Evolution became Ciara's first number one album on the US Billboard 200 and second on the Top R&B;/Hip-Hop Albums charts with sales of more than 338,000 becoming her highest first week of sales to date. The album went on to be certified platinum by the RIAA in the United States, within only five weeks of its release, and has sold 1.3 million copies according to Nielsen SoundScan. The song was used for the film Step Up and featured on the film's soundtrack. The album's lead single in the United States, "Promise" reached number eleven on the Billboard Hot 100 and became her third number one single on the Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs chart. "Like a Boy" was released as the second international single which reached within the top twenty in the UK, Finland, France, Ireland, Sweden Switzerland, and also in the United States.

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

2008–09: Fantasy Ride

In October 2008 Ciara was honored as Billboard's "Woman of the Year", because of her success as a recording artist and leadership in embracing the changing music business. In the October issue of Vibe Magazine, Ciara appeared to be naked on the magazine's cover but she has stated that Vibe airbrushed her clothes off to make it appear she was completely nude. Ciara told MTV News she was hurt by the photos and was quite shocked when she finally got her hands on the month's issue. She later confirmed that she was in fact clothed. Although her third album was originally intended for a September 2008 release, Fantasy Ride was released after a number of delays in May 2009. It became Ciara's first top ten album in the UK and Canada. In the United States, Fantasy Ride debuted at number three on the Billboard 200, becoming Ciara's third consecutive album to debut within the top three on the chart; it has sold 193,000 copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan. and received a gold accreditation in New Zealand. It received a nomination for "Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals" at the 52nd Grammy Awards and also for Best Choreography in a Video at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. "Work", the final single, acheived moderate success in international markets. In July 2009, Ciara headlined the Jay-Z & Ciara Live tour with Jay-Z. She was also the support act for Britney Spears's Circus tour, where she performed eight nights at London's prestigious O2 Arena during June 2009. Ciara made a guest appearance on Nelly's single "Stepped On My J'z" from his album Brass Knuckles, and also on Enrique Iglesias' international hit single, "Takin' Back My Love", from his Greatest Hits album.

2010–present: Basic Instinct

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

"Ride", which features Ludacris, was released as the album's lead single on April 26, 2010. It peaked at number forty-two on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, number three on the U.S. Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs chart, and number seventy-five on the UK Singles Chart. It became Ciara's twelfth top-ten R&B;/Hip-Hop Airplay and R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs hit. The song won the award for "Best Dance Performance" at the 2010 Soul Train Music Awards. "Speechless" and "Gimmie Dat" were released as the second and third singles from the album in the fall of 2010,. Both only managed to peak within the lower half of US R&B; charfts. In November 2010 Ciara travelled to Australia to be part of the Summerbeatz tour alongside Flo Rida, Jay Sean, Akon, Travie McCoy and Ja Rule.

In February 2011, following rumors that Ciara had been dropped by Jive Records, she released an official statement to her Facebook page complaining of inadequate promotion and funding from the label. She stated that she received a lack of support from the label, and even paid for the promotion of some singles, such as "Gimmie Dat", herself. The frustration she felt while working with her third and fourth albums led her to request that she be released from her contract. In May 2011, Ciara's page was removed from the Jive Records website,, and her official website Ciaraworld.com was taking down, leading to speculation that she had gotten out of her contract with the label.

Artistry

Music and voice

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

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

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

Personal life

In 2003, Ciara began dating rapper Bow Wow. They ended their relationship in April 2006. In 2011, Ciara confirmed a relationship with basketball player Amar'e Stoudemire.

Discography

Goodies (2004)

(2006)

Fantasy Ride (2009)

Basic Instinct (2010)

Tours

;Headlining

2006: The Evolution Tour

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

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

;Supporting act

2005: Harajuku Lovers Tour 2005

2007: Good Girl Gone Bad Tour

2009: The Circus Starring Britney Spears

2010: Summerbeatz

Filmography

See also

List of artists who reached number one in the United States

List of awards and nominations received by Ciara

References

External links

Official website

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