"Million Bucks" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Maino, taken from his debut studio album, If Tomorrow Comes.... The song, released July 3, 2009, serves as the third single and features vocals and production from Swizz Beatz.

Background[link]

When asked about the record Maino said:^[1]

Music video[link]

A music video was shot in Brooklyn, New York with director Edwin Decena. Rappers Red Cafe, Kayto, Lil Mama, Uncle Murda & Grafh made cameo appearances.^[2] A Behind the scenes preview was released on June 15, 2009.^[3] The video was released July 9th on Maino's Twitter account.^[4]

Chart positions[link]

References[link]

External links[link]

• Maino Ft. Swizz Beatz – Million Bucks Music Video
• Maino Ft. Swizz Beatz – Million Bucks Lyrics

Swizz Beatz
Swizz Beatz at the Hot 97 Summer Jam.
Background information
Birth name	Kasseem Dean
Born	(1978-09-13) September 13, 1978 (age 33) The Bronx, New York, United States
Genres	Hip hop
Occupations	Record producer, rapper, record executive, painter
Instruments	Keyboard, sampler
Years active	1998–present
Labels	Full Surface, Ruff Ryders Indy, Atlantic
Associated acts	Fat Joe, DMX, Eve, Alicia Keys, Jay-Z, The LOX, Kanye West, T.I., Cassidy, Lloyd Banks, Ruff Ryders, Drag-On, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Beyoncé, Drake
Website	http://swizzbeatzonline.com

Kasseem Dean (born September 13, 1978),^[1] better known by his stage name, Swizz Beatz, is an American record producer, DJ, rapper and painter. At the age of 17, he gained attention in the hip-hop world through his friendship with rapper DMX. Grady Spivey and rapper Cassidy helped launch his label Full Surface Records. He is married to R&B superstar Alicia Keys and has one child with her, as well as three other children.

Early life[link]

Dean did not see much of his father, a postal worker, due to his parents' separation in his early life. Dean is of Puerto Rican and African American decent.^{[citation needed]} He was raised by his mother in the South Bronx, where he spent most of his childhood. This was where he first encountered Hip hop and began deejaying. He began deejaying after he got some equipment from his stepfather and his uncles. He later relocated to Atlanta as a teenager due to having too many fights at Harry S. Truman High School; there he started to work for his uncles, Joaquin and Darrin Dean, who were co-CEOs of the Ruff Ryders label. Forgoing the practice of using samples, he mostly used the Korg Trinity and Triton Keyboards and tried to accentuate the performance aspect of his music.

Music career[link]

1998–2002: Music beginnings[link]

With his uncles (Chivon, Dee, and Waah Dean) involved with the Ruff Ryders label, he began to produce tracks at the age of 16. He sold his first beat at 17 which became DMX's hit single "Ruff Ryders' Anthem". In 2001 at the age of 23 he established his own record label, Full Surface, in a joint venture with Clive Davis of J Records.^[2] The first artist signed was Philadelphia-based rapper Cassidy. But it was not until Swizz's first compilation album, 2002's Swizz Beatz Presents G.H.E.T.T.O. Stories, that he started to get noticed for his production style and interesting ideas and Cassidy began to get attention. He released two singles "Guilty" and "Bigger Business", both charted on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and were accompanied by music videos.^[3] Swizz Beatz along with being associated with Ruff Ryders & Roc-A-Fella Records, began to produce for artists from labels such as Elektra Records, Atlantic Records, Epic Records, Def Jam Recordings, and Bad Boy Entertainment and his career largely grew from that point.

[edit] 2006–07: One Man Band Man

In February 2007, the producer mixed the music for design duo Heatherette's Fall 2007 New York Fashion Week runway show.^[4] On August 21, 2007, Swizz Beatz released his second solo album, titled One Man Band Man.^[5] The album sold 45,000 records in its first week^[6] and includes singles "It's Me Bitches" and "Money in the Bank".^[5]

On October 19, 2007, Swizz Beatz launched a contest called "Share the Studio", presented by Music Video 2.0 and The Source magazine. The contest was intended to be a continuation of the work from his debut album.^[7]

In 2007 Swizz Beatz signed longtime friend Drag-On,^[8] legendary Cleveland-based rap group Bone Thugs-n-Harmony,^[9] and former Ruff Ryder member Eve^[10] to his label.

[edit] 2008–present: Haute Living

Undaunted by the disappointing sales of his last album, One Man Band Man, Swizz Beatz is working on his second album (his second as an artist, however, it will be the third album he has released). In late 2007 Swizz Beatz confirmed it will be called Life After the Party in an interview with Format Magazine saying^[11]

April 24, 2009 Swizz Beatz did a promo song for Hennessy Black, entitled "When I Step In The Club". A video was made and was directed by Hype Williams.^[12]

In 2010 on his Twitter Swizz Beatz renamed his album three times. He first announced he was calling it King Issues but later on that day settled on The Perception of Greatness,^[13] and on August 23 while in a studio session with Mary J. Blige in New York City, Swizz unveiled his new album title Haute Living, stating that it's the perfect phrase to represent what he's all about.^[14] Swizz Beatz announced while being interviewed on BBC Radio that he was planning to release it on September 13, to coincide with his birth date.^[15] The album will be released under his actual contract with Everest Entertainment/Atlantic/Warner, who signed the rapper in August 2010. Confirmed guest appearances include Bono, Travis Barker, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, Lenny Kravitz, Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige and John Legend.^[16] On February 12, 2010, he and 81 other artists including Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, Jamie Foxx, Will.i.am, and Usher, debuted "We Are the World 25 for Haiti" during the Opening Ceremonies of the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. In 2010, inspired by Kanye West's GOOD Fridays series, Swizz Beatz launched his own series of free weekly mp3s titled Monster Mondays. The first song, "DJ Play that Beat" featuring Estelle, was released on October 25. Other Monster Monday tracks include features from Rakim, Pusha T, DMX, Busta Rhymes and Pharrell.^[17][18]

In 2011, Swizz Beatz won his first Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group with American rapper Jay-Z, for the song "On To The Next One". The first single from Haute Living titled Everyday (Coolin') Produced by Joe Lindsay was released through monstermondays.com on March 28, 2011. The song features Eve.^[19] During an interview with Paper Mag, Swizz Beatz reveals some of the collaborations that will make their way on Haute Living. One of them is called ‘Skyscrapers’ featuring Kanye West and Bono.

^[20]

On May 21, 2011, Swizz Beatz confirmed that Dr. Dre was working on the album with him.^[21]

On March 7, 2012, Swizz Beatz announced that he will be releasing a mixtape featuring the likes of DMX, Nas, Rick Ross, The LOX, ASAP Rocky (who will feature on the first single) amongst many others. Swizz also said he doesn't have a release date for Haute Living claiming he's a "perfectionalist" who is "taking my time to get it right". ^[22] On March 22, 2012, "Street Knock" featuring ASAP Rocky was premiered on "The Angie Martinez Show". The song was produced by AraabMuzik, and will be featured on the mixtape, titled Limitless.^[23]

Producing career[link]

Swizz Beatz produced hit songs for many elite rap, hip-hop soul and R&B, such as DMX ("Party Up (Up in Here)"), Beyoncé ("Check on It", "Ring the Alarm"), T.I. ("Bring 'Em Out"), Styles P ("Good Times"), Cassidy ("Hotel", "I'm a Hustla"), Busta Rhymes ("Touch It") and many more.

In 2003 he began to expand his label; Big Tigger, Keith Sweat, Bounty Killer and Yung Wun were all in talks to signing with Full Surface but in the end only Yung Wun was signed. Yung Wun, whom Swizz took under his wing and was executive producer of his album, The Dirtiest Thirstiest and co-produced the lead single "Tear It Up.^[24][25][26]

In 2009, Swizz Beatz produced many popular singles including "Nasty Girl" by Ludacris featuring Plies, "Who's Real" by Jadakiss featuring OJ da Juiceman, "Million Bucks" by Maino, "Million Dollar Bill" by Whitney Houston, "I Can Transform Ya" by Chris Brown featuring Lil Wayne and "On to the Next One" by Jay-Z .^[2]

Swizz Beatz also was named the first "Producer in Residence" at New York University. This lasted from the 2010-2011 academic year.^[27]

Other ventures[link]

Fashion designer[link]

In 2006 he became a partner involved in the popular clothing company Kidrobot, a creator and retailer of limited-edition art toys and clothing.^[2][28]

Shoe designer[link]

On Twitter in 2010, Swizz Beatz revealed his new sneaker line with Reebok.^[29][30]

Painting[link]

Swizz Beatz not only collects paintings but also paints on his own free time. He donates the money he earns from his paintings to the Children's Cancer & Blood Foundation.^[31]

Brand promoter[link]

Since 2011, Swizz Beatz has been the official face of Lotus cars.

Personal life[link]

In 2000, his first son by Nicole Levy, Prince Nasir was born.^{[citation needed]} In 2004, he married Mashonda, together they have one child, Kasseem Dean Jr. (born 2006). In April 2008, they announced their plans to divorce after four years of marriage. In May 2008 UK singer and producer Jahna Sebastian gave birth to a daughter Nicole, whom Swizz Beatz fathered.^[32] In May 2009, Alicia Keys admitted to having a relationship with Swizz Beatz, while he was still married to his first wife. In May 2010 Beatz confirmed he was engaged to Alicia Keys, and that she was pregnant with Beatz' fourth, and her first child.^[33] During the time of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the couple took part of a union and had the unborn child blessed in a Zulu ceremony, which took place in the Illovo suburb of Johannesburg, South Africa.^[34] Keys and Swizz Beatz held a wedding celebration on the French island of Corsica on July 31, 2010.^[35] Alicia Keys gave birth to their son, Egypt Daoud Ibarr Dean, on October 14, 2010.^[36][37]

Discography[link]

Studio Albums 2007: One Man Band Man 2012: Haute Living Compilation albums 2002: Swizz Beatz Presents G.H.E.T.T.O. Stories Awards and nominations[link] Urban Music Awards 2009, Best Producer (won) Grammy Awards 2010, Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group "On to the Next One" (won) 2010, Best Rap Song "On to the Next One" [Nominated] 2010, Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group "Fancy" [Nominated] References[link] ^ Tweet from Aug. 30, 2011 ^ a b c The Songs of Swizz Beatz ^ DisCogs entry. Swizz Beatz at Discogs. Discogs. Accessed August 23, 2007. ^ "FASHIONWEEK Fall 2007: Follow the Heatherette Brick Road for Fall". FashionTribes. February 8, 2007. http://fashiontribes.typepad.com/main/2007/02/fashionweek_fal_26.html. Retrieved May 17, 2010.  ^ a b "Official Website of Swizz Beatz". http://swizzbeatzonline.com/default.asp. Retrieved May 17, 2010.  ^ "'High School Musical 2' Hangs On Atop Billboard 200". Billboard.com. http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003632746#/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003632746. Retrieved May 17, 2010.  ^ "Swizz Beatz". JPop.com. http://www.jpop.com/Swizz%20Beatz. Retrieved May 17, 2010.  ^ Drag-On Signs With Swizz Beatz's Full Surface Records ^ Swizz Beatz and Bone Thugs-n-Harmony on Strength & Loyalty ^ Eve Signs Joint Venture With Swizz Beatz And Dr. Dre ^ Bun B and Swizz Beatz ^ Hennessy Black Cognac Promotes w/Swizz Beats' When I Step In the Club Video, Up/Down Dance Contest ^ Swizz Beatz Turns To Fans For Album Title, "I'm Done Trying To Name It" ^ Swizz Beatz Renames Third Album 'Haute Living' ^ Horowitz, Steven J. (2011-05-30). "Swizz Beatz Announces "Haute Living" Release Date | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales". HipHop DX. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.15340/title.swizz-beatz-announces-haute-living-release-date. Retrieved 2012-01-22.  ^ Ryon, Sean (2010-11-29). "Swizz Beatz Previews New Album, Introduces New Artist | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales". HipHopDX. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.13165/title.swizz-beatz-previews-new-album-introduces-new-artist/. Retrieved 2011-02-20.  ^ Swizz Beatz Presents Monster Mondays ^ Swizz Beatz Launches Free MP3 Series Monster Mondays ^ "Swizz Beatz Presents Monster Mondays". Monstermondays.com. http://www.monstermondays.com/weektwentytwo.php. Retrieved 2011-05-07.  ^ "Swizz Beatz Reveals Track With Kanye & Bono On ‘Haute Living’ | HipHop-N-More". Hiphop-n-more.com. 2011-04-21. http://hiphop-n-more.com/2011/04/swizz-beatz-reveals-track-with-kanye-bono-on-haute-living/. Retrieved 2011-05-07.  ^ Stacey Anderson. "Swizz Beatz Revealed as Silent Partner, CEO of Megaupload | Music News". Rolling Stone. http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/swizz-beatz-revealed-as-silent-partner-ceo-of-megaupload-20120119. Retrieved 2012-01-22.  ^ Horowitz, Steven J. (2012-03-07). "Swizz Beatz Enlists Nas, DMX, The LOX, Rick Ross & A$AP Rocky For New Mixtape | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales". HipHop DX. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.18935/title.swizz-beatz-enlists-nas-dmx-the-lox-rick-ross-aap-rocky-for-new-mixtape. Retrieved 2012-03-30.  ^ "WORLD PREMIER: *NEW* SWIZZ BEATZ – ‘Street Knock’ Feat. ASAP ROCKY !!!". http://theAngieMartinezShow.com.+2012-03-22. http://theangiemartinezshow.com/2012/03/22/world-premier-new-swizz-beatz-street-knock-feat-asap-rocky/. Retrieved 2012-03-22.  ^ Keith Sweat, Big Tigger & Bounty Killer Join Swizz Beatz's Full Surface Records ^ BET's Big Tigger Says He Hasn't Joined Swizz Beatz's Label ^ Super Producer, SWIZZ BEATZ, Unites with J Records for FULL SURFACE ^ Tanzer, Myles (2010-11-24). "Swizz Beatz Named NYU "Producer in Residence"". NYU Local. http://nyulocal.com/on-campus/2010/11/05/swizz-beatz-named-nyu-producer-in-residence/. Retrieved 2011-02-20.  ^ Kid Robot by Swizz Beats the Monster ^ Swizz Beatz Teams Up With Reebok For Line Of Sneakers ^ Swizz Beatz Collaborates With Reebok For Shoe Design! ^ Swizz Beatz: Pupil of Paint ^ Mashonda-Swizz To Divorce ^ Laudadio, Marisa (May 27, 2010). "Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz Are Engaged – and Expecting!". People. Time. http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20389363,00.html. Retrieved May 27, 2010.  ^ "Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz Receive Zulu Blessing in Africa". Rap-Up. http://www.rap-up.com/2010/06/22/alicia-keys-and-swizz-beatz-receive-zulu-blessing-in-africa/. Retrieved August 2, 2010.  ^ Baertlein, Lisa (August 2, 2010). "Alicia Keys Marries Swizz Beatz". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media. http://www.billboard.com/news/alicia-keys-marries-swizz-beatz-in-france-1004107126.story#/news/alicia-keys-marries-swizz-beatz-in-france-1004107126.story. Retrieved August 2, 2010.  ^ "Pals: Alicia Keys Is Secretly Engaged!". US Magazine. http://www.usmagazine.com/celebritynews/news/pals-alicia-keys-is-secretly-engaged-2010271. Retrieved May 17, 2010.  ^ Greer, Carlos (October 15, 2010). "Alicia Keys Has a Baby Boy". People. People. http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20434638,00.html?xid=rss-topheadlines. Retrieved October 15, 2010.  External links[link] Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Swizz Beatz Official website Swizz Beatz at MTV Interview, HitQuarters Jun 02 v t e Swizz Beatz Discography Production Discography Studio albums One Man Band Man Haute Living Compilation albums G.H.E.T.T.O. Stories Singles "It's Me Bitches" "Money in the Bank" "Everyday (Coolin')" Featured singles "Set It Off" "New York Shit" "We in Here" "Tambourine" "C'mon Baby" "My Drink n My 2 Step" "Watch Ya Mouth" "Blow Ya Mind" "Hi Hater" (Remix) "Swing Ya Rag" "Arab Money" (Remix) "Who's Real" "Million Bucks" "I Do" "I Can Transform Ya" "On to the Next One" "We Are the World 25 for Haiti "Fancy" "Gucci Time" "Start It Up" "Can a Drummer Get Some?" "Ass on the Floor" Other songs "Top Down" "Candy Green" "Where the Cash At?" "So Appalled" Related articles Full Surface Ruff Ryders Cassidy v t e Ruff Ryders Entertainment Artists Cassidy Dame Grease DMX Drag-On Eve Fiend Flashy Jadakiss Jin Larsiny The LOX Sheek Louch Styles P Swizz Beatz Yung Wun Albums Ryde or Die Vol. 1 Ryde or Die Vol. 2 Ryde or Die Vol. 3: In the "R" We Trust Vol. 4: The Redemption Ruff Ryders: Past, Present, Future Persondata Name Beatz, Swizz Alternative names Dean, Kasseemdaoud (birthname) Short description African-American rapper Date of birth September 13, 1978 Place of birth The Bronx, New York, U.S. Date of death Place of death

This article may require cleanup to meet Wikipedia's quality standards. No cleanup reason has been specified. Please help improve this article if you can; the talk page may contain suggestions. (February 2009)

Kidd Kraddick
Birth name	David Peter Cradick[1]
Born	Toledo, Ohio, USA
Show	Kidd Kraddick in the Morning
Station(s)	Syndicated: 75+ affiliates
Time slot	Monday–Friday, 5-10am CST
Country	United States
Website	www.kiddnation.com

Kidd Kraddick is an American radio host. His nationally-syndicated morning radio show, Kidd Kraddick in the Morning, is based in Las Colinas, Texas, in Irving, a suburb of Dallas, and airs throughout the United States, syndicated by Kraddick's company, Yea Network.

Biography[link]

Early life[link]

Kraddick (David Cradick) was born just outside of Toledo, Ohio.^[1] He moved with his family to Winter Park, Florida when he was 4 years old, and began his radio career at the age of 18 on tiny WKXY in Sarasota. Within a year, he had a full time shift on Q105 which featured the original "Zoo" format^{[citation needed]}. He moved to Dallas after brief stints in Los Angeles (KHTZ) and Salt Lake City (KLRZ). Kraddick took over the night shift on the newly formatted top-40 station KEGL (The Eagle) and had a loyal following, His bits included the "Boogie Check", "Sob Story", "Guys Corner" and a segment called, "Make it or Break It" (pitting new songs against each other, competing for future airplay on the station.) Kraddick turned down offers from WLS-Chicago and KIIS-FM in Los Angeles and was promoted to afternoon drive. A short time later, he replaced the recently-terminated Moby (James Carney) on morning drive at KEGL. One notable feature he presented was, "Burn Your Buns," a segment where Kraddick, upon a listener's request, would call a certain boss or relative or friend of the listener, and play a prank with them over the phone. (Kraddick drew the ire of many of those targets over the years, to the point where the segment was discontinued.) In May, 1992, KEGL changed formats from Top 40 pop/rock to Modern Rock. The entire airstaff, including Kraddick, were released. Kraddick briefly filled in at DFW station KLIF-570AM, then was hired in November, 1992, to headline the new airstaff at Top 40 KHKS-106.1 "Kiss-FM" in Dallas-Fort Worth. (The station was a resurrection of Top 40 KTKS-106.1, which left the local airwaves in 1987. 106.1's departing format, Smooth Jazz, relocated to KCDU-107.5 Fort Worth.) By 2003, Premiere Radio Network syndicated Kidd's show to several markets, in mostly medium to small cities across the US, with KHKS becoming the flagship station. In 2006, Kraddick acquired his company, "Yea Networks!", from Clear Channel, but continued syndicating his show using Citadel Broadcasting (Formally ABC Radio Networks). His show is now heard on 115 affiliates across America.

Radio Personality[link]

In the early 1990s, Kraddick launched two radio oriented businesses. A monthly publication for morning personalities called "The Morning Mouth" and a show prep "sharing service" for air personalities called "BitBoard".^[2] Kraddick subsequently sold both entities; BitBoard is now operated by Clear Channel Communications^[3] and The Morning Mouth is owned and operated by Talentmasters in Atlanta, Ga.^[4]

Personal Life[link]

Kraddick is currently single, and was married. He has a daughter, Caroline from his ex-wife.

Kidd Kraddick in the Morning[link]

"Kidd Kraddick in the Morning" was born as a local radio program, and has survived through numerous cast changes. However, the two longest-running cast members are Kellie Rasberry and Big Al Mack.

Kidd Kraddick voices a number of characters on the show. He makes extensive use of voice altering technology in improvising many characters as they come up during show discussions. Besides that, Kraddick regularly lends his vocal talent to the "Mommy Test," in which he plays "Pooladsanj Pooladsanj" (or, "Poo Poo"), the fictional son of Kellie Rasberry. More recently, Kidd is playing "Wally," a self-loving Wal-mart cashier in the new bit "Somebody's Hot for Wally"; he also plays J-Si's wife, Kinsey, the ultimate Valley Girl as well as "Curious Johnny," a rambunctious young boy whose fixation with Kellie Rasberry (Hottie) borders on creepy. The show is broadcast from 6-10am CST on weekday mornings and is nationally syndicated in more than 75 markets.

References[link]

This biographical article needs additional citations for verification. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living persons that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately, especially if potentially libelous or harmful. (December 2008)

Keith Sweat (born July 22, 1961)^[1] is an American R&B/soul, singer-songwriter, record producer, radio personality and an innovator of the New Jack Swing.

Music career[link]

1975-1984: with Jamilah[link]

Sweat started his musical career as a member of a Harlem band called "Jamilah" in 1975. With the help of Jamilah, Sweat was able to hone his craft as a lead singer by performing regionally throughout the tri-State area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. The group was started by bassist Larry Peoples, guitarist Michael Samuels, and drummer Walter Bradley. Additional members of the group included Peter DaCosta (vocals), Joseph McGeachy (sax), Dwight Banks (trumpet), and Kenneth Varner (keyboards).

1984-1987: Stadium Records[link]

After leaving the group in 1984 to aspire for a solo career, he sang at nightclubs throughout New York City and landed a chance to record for the independent label, Stadium Records. Sweat recorded only one tune for Stadium called "My Mind Is Made Up", which was their third ever release, but on Stadium's first release, he is credited as co-writer and co-producer of "You Are The One For Me", the last recording ever made by the group GQ. One of GQ's original members is his uncle, Keith "Sabu" Crier.

[edit] 1987-1988: Make It Last Forever

Later on in 1987, Keith Sweat was discovered by Vincent Davis and offered a recording contract with his label, Vintertainment Records, which was founded in 1983 on the foundations of early Hip-Hop and otherwise best known for releasing Joeski Love's "Pee Wee Dance" in 1985. Vintertainment was distributed by Elektra Records from 1985 until it ceased operations in 1990, in which case Elektra opted to buy Keith's contract outright and have him record directly for the label.^{[citation needed]}. On November 25, 1987, Sweat released his debut solo album Make It Last Forever, which sold three million copies. The biggest hit from this album was the song that inaugurated the New Jack Swing era "I Want Her" (#1 R&B/#5 Pop), which was nominated for the 1989 Soul Train Best R&B/Urban Contemporary Song of the Year award, while the title track from the album hit #2 on the R&B charts.

[edit] 1990-1991: I'll Give All My Love to You

Sweat reached the charts again with his second album I'll Give All My Love to You (1990) which hit #6 on the Billboard 200 chart. The singles released during this period included "(There You Go) Tellin' Me No Again" (from the film New Jack City).

[edit] 1991-1992: Keep It Comin

He released his third album, Keep It Comin' in 1991 which debuted in the top 20 of the album chart. This album, included the songs, "Why Me Baby" (featuring LL Cool J) and "Keep It Comin'". Sweat then moved from New York to Atlanta, where he founded the Keia Records label that would feature Silk & Kut Klose.

[edit] 1994-1997: Get Up on It and Keith Sweat

Sweat released his fourth album Get Up on It in the summer of 1994, and his self-titled fifth album in 1996. Both albums reached the top ten on the Billboard 200. The single co/produced and written by eRiC McCAiNe "Twisted" hit #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and "Nobody" hit #3, which made them Sweat's biggest hits to date. The song "Just A Touch", with Traci Hale providing background vocals, has earned a regular spot on radio playlists^{[citation needed]}. "Just A Touch" was a cover of the 1979 song "Just a Touch of Love" by Slave.

[edit] 1998-1999: Still in the Game

Sweat's sixth album, Still in the Game was released in 1998, hitting #6 on the Billboard 200, and #2 on the R&B/Hip Hop albums chart. It featured the singles "Come and Get With Me" (which featured Snoop Dogg) (#12 Hot 100) and "I'm Not Ready" (#16 Hot 100).

[edit] 2000-2001: Didn't See Me Coming

Sweat's success on the charts started to diminish in 2000, when he released the album Didn't See Me Coming. None of the singles from the album reached the top forty. They were moderate hits on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart^{[citation needed]}.

[edit] 2002: Rebirth

On August 13, 2002, Keith Sweat released his eighth album, Rebirth. The single "One on One" reached #75 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #44 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart.

[edit] 2007-2008: Just Me

His 2008 album Just Me fared better with its first single, "Love U Better (featuring Keyshia Cole)" being played on Urban radio stations for about a year before the album's release^{[citation needed]}.

[edit] 2010-present: Ridin' Solo and current status

Sweat is currently signed to Kedar Records and released his tenth studio album entitled Ridin' Solo on June 22, 2010. The lead single taken from the album is "Test Drive" and featured label-mate Joe.^[2]

Since 2007, Sweat has been the host of a nationally syndicated radio program based upon the Quiet storm format. The Keith Sweat Hotel (known as The Quiet Storm with Keith Sweat on WBLS in New York City) is syndicated through Premiere Radio Networks.^[3]

Protégés[link]

In 1992, Sweat discovered the group Silk, and helped craft their debut album, Lose Control, which hit #7 on the Billboard 200 album chart. The album's single "Freak Me" hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on May 1, 1993. In 1993, Sweat discovered the Atlanta based female R&B group Kut Klose. Sweat also produced the group's debut album Surrender, which produced the their biggest hit single "I Like", peaking to #8 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart. In the fall of 1997, Sweat discovered the group Ol' Skool and helped with their self-titled debut. He was on their biggest single, "Am I Dreaming," which featured R&B group Xscape.

Sweat also formed the R&B supergroup LSG with Gerald Levert and Johnny Gill, and released their self-titled debut Levert.Sweat.Gill in 1997. That album featured "My Body", which became a hit single. The album was certified double platinum and reached #4 on the U.S. Billboard 200.

Discography[link]

• Make It Last Forever (1987), Vintertainment and Elektra Records
• I'll Give All My Love to You (1990), Vintetainment and Elektra Records
• Keep It Comin' (1991), Elektra Records
• Get Up on It (1994), Elektra Records
• Keith Sweat (1996), Elektra Records
• Still in the Game (1998), Elektra Records
• Didn't See Me Coming (2000), Elektra Records and Rhino Entertainment
• Rebirth (2002), Elektra Records
• Just Me (2008), Keia Records and Atco Records
• Ridin' Solo (2010), Kedar Entertainment and Universal Music Group
• Til the Morning (2011), KDS Entertainment, E1 Music and Universal Music Group

Awards and nominations[link]

• American Music Awards
  • 1998, Favorite Male R&B/Soul Artist [Nominated]
  • 1997, Favorite Male R&B/Soul Artist (Winner)
  • 1997, Favorite R&B/Soul Album: Keith Sweat (Nominated)
  • 1991, Favorite R&B/Soul Male Artist (Nominated)

References[link]

External links[link]

• Biography & booking information
• Keith Sweat artist page at VH1.com
• Keith Sweat artist page at Allmusic
• Keith Sweat at Wenig- LaMonica Associates
• Sweathotel
• IMDb.com
• Keith Sweat's 'SoulRnB.com' group (videos, photos, discussions, etc.) (French)
• Keith Sweat 2010 Audio Interview at Soulinterviews.com

This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. It needs additional citations for verification. Tagged since January 2008. It may be in need of reorganization to comply with Wikipedia's layout guidelines. Tagged since June 2008. Its factual accuracy is disputed. Tagged since June 2008. It is written like a personal reflection or essay rather than an encyclopedic description of the subject. Tagged since June 2008.

Lil' Mo
Background information
Born	(1975-11-19) November 19, 1975 (age 36) Long Island, New York, U.S.
Genres	R&B, neo soul, hip hop[1]
Years active	1998–present
Labels	The Inc. (2000-2002) Elektra (2001-2004) Cash Money (2004-2006) H.C.E (2007-present)
Associated acts	Fabolous
Website	http://www.thelilmoshow.com

Cynthia Loving (born November 19, 1975), also known by her stage name Lil' Mo, is an American R&B singer, Washington, D.C. radio personality, songwriter & record producer. She is best known for collaborating with artists such as Ja Rule, Tamar Braxton, Angie Martinez, Sacario, Missy Elliott, Ol' Dirty Bastard and Fabolous, and for her hit single "Superwoman Pt. II".

Early life[link]

Born into a military family, Loving was raised primarily on Long Island, but moved about regularly as her family followed her father's military assignments. Along with her parents, Bishop Jacob and First-Lady Cynthia Loving Sr., she lived in Texas, Atlanta, Georgia, and Fayetteville, North Carolina before settling in Baltimore, Maryland. Dreams of becoming a famous singer began early and she always remained focused on this goal, performing in talent competitions wherever her family would settle.

Music career[link]

Beginnings[link]

Signed with Elektra Records Loving entered the music industry as a protégé of then-labelmate Missy Elliott. Her debut single was entitled "5 Minutes" from the Why Do Fools Fall In Love soundtrack, co-written by Kelly Price. She appeared on tracks for Elliott's Da Real World in 1999. "Hot Boyz" became Loving's breakout appearance. She was featured in the music video for the song's remix alongside guest rappers Nas and Eve, and Elliott subsequently became a trusted adviser and friend. She was featured on rapper Jay-Z's song "Parking Lot Pimpin'" from the 2000 The Dynasty: Roc La Familia album. Not very well known, she was the female voice on the 2000 hit "Wifey" by Next. She has performed with and written songs for many artists including Blackstreet, Next, Bow Wow, Keith Sweat, Changing Faces, Canela Cox, 3LW, Nicole Wray, Mocha and ODB.

Loving's next big exposure came in early 2001, when she was featured on Ja Rule's single "Put It On Me" alongside Ja Rule's Murder Inc. Records labelmate Vita. The single was a hit on both urban and pop radio, and reached number eight on the US pop charts, and more collaborations by Ja Rule and Lil' Mo followed, including "I Cry", which repurposed The O'Jays' 1978 hit "Cry Together". In the Summer of 2002 Loving collaborated with label mates Angie Martinez & Sacario on "If I Could Go".

[edit] Based On A True Story (1999 - 2002)

In 2001, Lil' Mo released her debut album Based On A True Story, on Elektra Records, and had a successful single of her own, "Superwoman (Part II)". The "Part II" remix, featuring hip-hop newcomer Fabolous, was an up-tempo, hip-hop flavored record, using an instrumental track producer DJ Clue had originally intended for M.O.P. reached #9 on the R&B charts.^[2] The video was also a huge hit on MTV2 and BET. The album's second single, "Gangsta", contained a sample of Snoop Dogg's "Gin And Juice", was less successful reaching #57 on the R&B charts.^[2]Her cousin Fabulous was also her adviser.

After a falling out with Ja Rule and Irv Gotti, caused by Loving's accusations that they now favored using new Murder Inc. artist Ashanti for collaborations instead of her, she ended all associations with Murder Inc. in 2002. Since, Ja Rule has taken some shots at former friend, Loving, calling her a "bitch", and crediting himself as the reason why she had any hits. She refused to fire back, calling the whole thing "juvenile."

[edit] Meet the Girl Next Door (2003)

During the mid-2003, Mo appeared on two important singles with Fabolous, who partially had Mo to thank for his own break into the industry, and who has since been more successful on both urban and mainstream charts than Mo herself. Their first duet was "Can't Let You Go", the first single from Fabolous' Street Dreams LP, was one of 2003's biggest rap and mainstream pop hits. The other duet, "4 Ever", the first official single from Lil' Mo's own second album, Meet The Girl Next Door, was a major urban and R&B hit, but did not achieve pop success.

[edit] Pain & Paper (2007)

Under her independent label "Honeychild Entertainment" she finally released a new album, with support from Ike Morris and Morris Management Group. Pain & Paper was released on August 28, 2007 with production from Joey Cutless, Bryan-Michael Cox, Jules "Judah," Mike Moore, Troy Taylor, Adam "Streets" Arwine, Daniel "D-Up" Allen, Wesley "Mister Wes" Toone, among others. Along with recording her new album, Lil' Mo, together with Faith Evans, Fantasia, and R&B-turned-gospel singer Coko (of SWV fame), appeared on the remake of The Clark Sisters' "Endow Me" from Coko's gospel album Grateful, released October 31, 2006. Loving's Pain & Paper was released on August 28, 2007 distributed by Koch Entertainment. The first single off the album is "Sometimes I" featuring rapper Jim Jones). The video was directed by Gabriel E. Hart of Drew Barrymore's "VH-1's Shoot to Kill." She recently announced that her second single is "Lucky Her". She stated that "Lucky Her" is the final single from Pain & Paper. She is currently working on a new album tentatively titled Tattoos & Roses: The Rebellion Against My Pain (confirmed by Lil' Mo herself in an interview), a mixtape, and a reality show for 2008.

2008 - 2010[link]

With Pain & Paper sales at barely below one-hundred thousand, Lil' Mo signed to Global Music Group for a two-album contract. She has said in a recent interview that the album will be a double disc; half of it being a live production. The album is currently titled P.S. I LOVE Me. In a 2010 interview, Mo confirmed that guest appearances on the album would include MC Lyte, Tweet, Fabolous and other performers that she has admired in the music industry. In early 2010, Loving ended her feud with Ja Rule which started in 2001. The album made its release at November 1, 2011.

2011 - present[link]

P.S. I Love Me is the fourth studio album from American recording artist Lil' Mo, released on November 1, 2011 on the Bronx Bridge Entertainment independent label.

Superwoman Lil Mo declares the month of November "Movember" with the release of her forthcoming studio album 'PS I Love Me.' Prior to prepping the release of the album, Lil Mo hosted a radio show in Washington D.C. and insist the album dives into "everything I have been through on my hiatus."

For the second single "I Love Me," Lil Mo brought back long time friend Tweet into the studio for a duet.

'PS, I Love Me' hit stores on November 1, 2011 and will also boast features from Dawn Richard (Danity Kane/Diddy Dirty Money), P.J. Morton and rapper Maino.Till this day.

Personal life[link]

In 2001, she met her first husband, Al Stone, at a Washington, D.C. gas station; she initiated a conversation and asked for his number. He proposed to her in May, and they wed on August 29, 2001, after dating for only 5 months. Just two months later, Loving became pregnant, and on August 19, 2002, she gave birth to a daughter, Heaven Love'on Stone. Her second daughter, God'Iss Love Stone, was born on February 24, 2005. In December 2005, she filed for divorce from Al Stone.

She is currently married to Gospel recording artist Phillip Bryant; the couple welcomed a son, Justin McKenzie Phillip, on January 16, 2009.^[3] She currently lives in Odenton, Maryland. Lil Mo is expecting their second ^{[4] [5]}.

Discography[link]

Albums[link]

Mixtapes[link]

2011: P.S. I Love You

Singles[link]

Guest singles[link]

References[link]

External links[link]

• http://www.thelilmoshow.com