Bobby Valentino
The artist, John Smith, is a talented musician known for his unique blend of folk and rock music. His soulful lyrics and captivating melodies have earned him a dedicated fan base worldwide. John Smith’s passion for music shines through in every performance, leaving audiences mesmerized by his raw talent and authenticity. With multiple hit singles and critically acclaimed albums, John Smith continues to make waves in the music industry and inspire aspiring musicians everywhere. His live performances are a must-see, showcasing his dynamic stage presence and unmatched musical prowess. John Smith’s music transcends genres, touching the hearts of listeners from all walks of life.
In addition to his music career, John Smith is also a talented songwriter and producer, crafting powerful compositions that resonate with listeners on a deep emotional level. His songwriting reflects his personal experiences and emotions, creating a profound connection with his audience. John Smith’s commitment to authenticity and creativity sets him apart in the music scene, garnering praise from both fans and critics alike. Beyond his musical talents, John Smith is a dedicated philanthropist, using his platform to support various charitable causes and make a positive impact on society. His philanthropic efforts have touched the lives of many, further solidifying his legacy as not just a musician, but also a compassionate humanitarian.
Erica Campbell
Erica Campbell has a remarkable career in the music industry, having released two solo albums and seven albums in collaboration with her sister as part of the dynamic duo “Mary Mary.” Throughout her journey, Campbell has been honored with numerous awards and accolades, including a 2015 Grammy Award for Best Gospel Album for her debut solo album, “Help,” along with eight Stellar Awards. In addition to her musical success, she hosts the popular nationally syndicated radio show “Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell,” broadcasted on weekdays from 6am to 10am EST in approximately 40 markets. Her influence extends beyond borders as she passionately ministers internationally.
Apart from her musical endeavors, Erica Campbell is also an accomplished author, with her book “More Than Pretty: Doing the Soul Work that Uncovers Your True Beauty” currently available. In this empowering book, Campbell addresses women of all diversities, emphasizing that genuine beauty shines from within by embracing the unique individuality that God has created in each person.
Family holds a special place in Erica Campbell’s heart. She is married to the renowned Grammy Award-winning producer and pastor of California Worship Center, Warryn Campbell II. Together, they are blessed with three children — Krista, Warryn III, and Zaya. Among her inspiring music collection is the uplifting track “Positive,” accessible for streaming and digital download. Stay connected with Erica Campbell on social media platforms like Instagram, where she can be found under the username @imEricaCampbell.
Sounds Of Blackness
Sounds of Blackness is a renowned 40-person choir and ten-piece orchestra founded by Russel Knight and led by Gary Hines. They have successfully merged traditional African music with urban soul, establishing themselves as a unique and popular contemporary gospel group. Throughout their illustrious career, Sounds of Blackness has been recognized and honored with numerous prestigious awards from organizations like the Grammies and the NAACP.
The group’s journey began in 1969 at St. Paul, Minnesota’s Macalester College, initiated by Russel Knight, and evolved significantly when Gary Hines assumed the role of musical director in 1971. Under Hines’ leadership, Sounds of Blackness embraced the entirety of Black music, catering to the diverse musical tastes within the community. Their profound dedication to African-American music and social commentary led to the formation of rich, diverse music that celebrates spirituality and human resilience. This visionary approach prompted the group to adopt the name Sounds of Blackness.
Lisa Stansfield
Lisa Stansfield, the remarkable white R&B singer, made her mark in the music industry with her soulful voice and captivating lyrics. She gained widespread recognition with Coldcut’s hit single ‘People Hold On,’ where she showcased her immense talent as a featured vocalist and co-songwriter. Following this success, Lisa’s solo track ‘All Around the World’ topped the charts in multiple countries, solidifying her position as a beloved artist across the globe.
Hailing from Manchester, England, Lisa Stansfield’s musical journey began at a young age, influenced by the soulful tunes she grew up listening to. Her early experiences in the industry, including winning Search for a Star and releasing her first single, laid the foundation for her eventual success. Collaborating with talented artists like Ian Devaney and Andy Morris, Lisa achieved significant milestones with hits like ‘Jackie’ and ‘People Hold On.’ Her albums ‘Affection,’ ‘Real Love,’ and ‘So Natural’ received critical acclaim and commercial success, establishing her as a powerhouse in the music scene.
Throughout her illustrious career, Lisa Stansfield’s musical evolution continued, with notable projects like ‘Lisa Stansfield’ and ‘Deeper.’ Her versatile voice and timeless sound transcended boundaries, earning her accolades and a dedicated fan base worldwide. From chart-topping singles to soulful ballads, Lisa’s artistry resonates with audiences of all ages, making her a true icon in the realm of R&B music.
Lil Duval
Standup comedian, actor, and occasional recording artist Lil Duval has made appearances on numerous mixtapes and albums since the early 2000s, and during the following decade headlined singles including the 2018 release “Smile (Living My Best Life),” featuring Snoop Dogg. Lil Duval is the stage name of Roland Powell, a native of Florida’s Duval County, more specifically the city of Jacksonville. He got his start in standup in Atlanta, and following a 2001 competition in Oakland gained the support of Cedric the Entertainer. In addition to his on-stage work and a lengthening filmography, including roles in Stomp the Yard 2: Homecoming, Scary Movie 5, and Meet the Blacks, Duval also became a semi-regular presence on rap recordings, with interlude material granted to releases by the likes of Trae tha Truth, Three 6 Mafia, Devin the Dude, and T.I. He appeared in a greater number of videos, including clips for tracks by most of the previously mentioned artists, as well as some by Ludacris, Snoop Dogg, Wale, and E-40. In 2014, Duval started headlining unapologetically irreverent and parodic singles. “What Dat Mouf Do” (featuring Trae), “Drop It Off,” and “I Ain’t Stressing” were issued through 2017. The Midnight Star-sampling “Smile (Living My Best Life)” (with Snoop and Ball Greezy) followed in 2018. ~ Andy Kellman, Rovi
Read MoreDMX
Earl Simmons (December 18, 1970 – April 9, 2021), known professionally as DMX, was an American rapper and actor. He began rapping in the early 1990s and released his debut album It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot in 1998, to both critical acclaim and commercial success, selling 251,000 copies within its first week of release. DMX released his best-selling album, … And Then There Was X, in 1999, which included the hit single “Party Up (Up in Here)”. His 2003 singles “Where the Hood At?” and “X Gon’ Give It to Ya” were also commercially successful. He was the first artist to debut an album at No.1 five times in a row on the Billboard 200 charts. DMX sold over 74 million records worldwide.DMX was featured in films such as Belly, Romeo Must Die, Exit Wounds, Cradle 2 the Grave, and Last Hour. In 2006, he starred in the reality television series DMX: Soul of a Man, which was primarily aired on the BET cable television network. In 2003, he published a book of his memoirs titled E.A.R.L.: The Autobiography of DMX.
Read MoreRose Royce
Rose Royce, the Los Angeles-based group, was formed by Copeland and Garner, along with Moore, Dunn, and other talented musicians. Initially known as Total Concept Unlimited and later as Magic Wand, the group started their journey by auditioning for Edwin Starr and eventually became his backup band. Starr’s association opened doors for the group to collaborate with industry personalities like Motown producer Norman Whitfield. With Whitfield’s guidance, Rose Royce began their debut album production and caught the attention of MCA Records for the Car Wash movie soundtrack.
The release of the Car Wash soundtrack propelled Rose Royce to national recognition with hit singles like ‘Car Wash,’ ‘I Wanna Get Next to You,’ and ‘I’m Going Down.’ Their subsequent albums, including Rose Royce II: In Full Bloom and Rose Royce III: Strikes Again!, continued to showcase their talent with chart-topping singles. Despite some challenges, Rose Royce maintained their popularity, especially in England, where they have become a marquee attraction. Their music legacy is characterized by a string of hits that have left a lasting impact on the music industry.
Barry White
Barry White, a legendary recording artist with a massive, diverse fan base, made an indelible mark in the music industry. His presence was felt on iconic platforms like Soul Train, The Today Show, and even in animated series like The Simpsons. Despite a phase of relative absence from releasing records, Barry White remained active through tours and collaborations, contributing to tracks by Quincy Jones, Regina Belle, and Big Daddy Kane.
Hailing from Galveston, Texas, Barry White’s musical journey began early, singing gospel tunes with his mother and teaching himself to play the piano. Starting at 16, he ventured into the music scene with his first record, laying the foundation for his future endeavors. With a knack for discovering talent, White worked with various labels before embracing his own artistry, eventually becoming the iconic figure known for hits like “I’m Gonna Love You Just a Little More Baby” and the chart-topping “Love’s Theme” with the Love Unlimited Orchestra.
Nate Dogg
Nathaniel Dwayne Hale, known professionally as Nate Dogg, was a talented American singer and rapper who made significant contributions to the music industry. Born on August 19, 1969, Nate Dogg rose to fame for his exceptional guest vocals on numerous popular rap tracks from 1992 to 2007, earning him the title of the “King of Hooks”. His career began in the early 1990s when he co-founded the group 213 with his cousin Snoop Dogg and friend Warren G. One of his breakthrough moments came in 1994 when he featured on Warren G’s hit single “Regulate,” which quickly climbed to number two on the Billboard Hot 100, propelling both artists to stardom.
Nate Dogg’s distinctive deep vocals made him a sought-after artist in the West Coast hip-hop scene, leading to collaborations with industry heavyweights like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Xzibit. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, he expanded his repertoire by working with a diverse range of artists including Eminem, 50 Cent, Fabolous, Mos Def, and Ludacris. Noteworthy chart achievements include 16 appearances on the Billboard Hot 100, with the pinnacle being his number one hit in 2003 on 50 Cent’s “21 Questions.” Additionally, Nate Dogg left his mark on iconic tracks like Dr. Dre’s “The Next Episode” and Eminem’s “‘Till I Collapse.” Apart from his successful collaborations, he released three studio albums and several singles that resonated with fans in the 1990s.
Warren G
The cultural influence of groundbreaking American rapper, record producer, media personality, philanthropist, and entrepreneur WARREN G (born Warren Griffin III) remains as urgent today as his 1994, multi-platinum-selling smash “Regulate.” Recorded with childhood friend and iconic superstar Nate Dogg, the track would define the rap genre and a generation. For three decades, Griffin has sold eight to ten million records worldwide. Today, he is crafting a new narrative, by extending his reach into the culinary arts, inspired by his family history.
Read MoreIce Cube
Ice Cube, a legendary figure in the realm of rap music, stands out as one of the most influential artists in the history of the genre. Renowned for his razor-sharp lyricism, Ice Cube embodies a unique blend of fury and humor in his music. Not only a masterful MC, but also a skilled producer, Ice Cube played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of gangsta rap. His iconic contributions to the groundbreaking group N.W.A, such as penning the classic “Boyz-N-the-Hood” for Eazy-E, marked the inception of his illustrious career. Following the explosive impact of N.W.A’s debut album, Straight Outta Compton, which shook the foundations of mainstream America with tracks like “Fuck tha Police,” Ice Cube embarked on a successful solo journey. Over the years, he crafted a series of acclaimed albums, including the platinum-selling hits AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted, Death Certificate, and The Predator.
Born as O’Shea Jackson and raised in the vibrant streets of South Central Los Angeles, Ice Cube’s journey into the world of music began during his teenage years. Immersed in the b-boy culture, he honed his craft by writing rhymes while studying architectural drafting. Ice Cube’s initial foray into the music scene came through collaborations with artists like Dr. Dre, where he showcased his early recordings. As a founding member of N.W.A, alongside Eazy-E and Dr. Dre, Ice Cube played a key role in revolutionizing rap music. Despite facing controversies and challenges, Ice Cube’s solo career soared to great heights with albums like Death Certificate, known for its political undertones and provocative themes. His relentless pursuit of musical excellence and groundbreaking ventures in film, such as his acting debut in Boyz N the Hood, solidified his status as a multifaceted artist of immense talent and influence.
The evolution of Ice Cube’s career saw him diversify into various creative endeavors, including acting, directing, and producing. His iconic roles in films like Friday and Higher Learning showcased his versatility as an artist. Ice Cube’s musical prowess continued to captivate audiences with albums like Lethal Injection and War & Peace, Vol. 1, each achieving commercial success and critical acclaim. Throughout his illustrious career, Ice Cube maintained a relentless drive for artistic innovation, earning accolades for his thought-provoking lyrics and unwavering authenticity. As he ventured into the realms of filmmaking, Ice Cube’s creative genius continued to shine, leaving an indelible mark on both the music and entertainment industries.
Syleena Johnson
Renowned for her soul-stirring vocals and unwavering dedication to the art of music and entertainment, Syleena Johnson stands as a true powerhouse in the industry. Born into a legacy of rhythm and blues, she emerged as a luminary in her own right, seamlessly blending the timeless essence of soul with contemporary flair.
Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, Syleena Johnson was destined for greatness as the daughter of the legendary blues and soul musician, Syl Johnson. From a young age, she immersed herself in the rich tapestry of music that surrounded her, cultivating a deep passion for storytelling through song.